January 2014 Favourites

I originally titled this 'January 2013 Favourites', it seems that it is still taking me a little while to adjust to the whole 2014 thing... However, with the new year in full swing now and some of my new years resolutions needing to be refreshed I can safely say that it has been a good month product-wise. 

I said at the beginning of the year that I wanted to step up my skincare game and that I have done with the biggest change being the addition of the Clarisonic Mia 2 to my line up. Something I have wanted for a while, I have been using this most evenings to thoroughly cleanse my skin and although I haven't gone through the dreaded 'purging' phase with this, yet , my skin is looking more clear and healthy. 

My cleanser of choice to use with this has been Origins Zero Oil Cleanser. This is a gel textured product with a refreshing minty scent, which has been working wonders to deep clean my skin and help to control my ever so slightly oily skin.

Fragrance wise, I haven't been able to get enough of Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede - so much so that I am already nearly half way through. A fresh, yet floral scent that just oozes femininity and receives compliments one after another. I really need to limit myself with this perfume but a full sized bottle will definitely be in order. 

Seche Vite is a favourite of mine every single month of the year, but with a very full work schedule this month I have really appreciated the lasting power is gives to my nail polishes. Some chips have appeared - that's retail for you, but nothing that has had me reaching for the bottle every couple of nights.

I also mentioned at the start of the year how I aimed to switch up my makeup products, so this month I am bringing you one old love and two new ones. Benefit POREfessional Primer is a product that I have used for a while now and wouldn't ever want to be with out. It helps in disguising my pores, gives an almost silk like texture to my skin and therefore creating the perfect base and gets makeup to stay put all day. What more could you want?

Probably the most loved product from the whole of January has to be the Dior Creme De Rose Lip Balm. A wonder product in my eyes, this little rose scented pot has made my lips softer than ever and has given them the more plump look that I have always wanted. 

The Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder has given my more rounder-face the definition it deserves. With only the tiniest amount of this super pigmented, ashy shade I have been given cheekbones - and great ones at that. This has also allowed me to have the slimmer nose I have begged my parents for... makeup can do wonders! 

What have been your top picks from this month? 

Dior Creme De Rose Balm

Until recently, I was never a lip balm girl. Yes, I owned one or two but I didn't see much of a difference when using one. However then came along the Maybelline Baby Lips, followed by the KORRES Lip Butters and then the addiction started...

My obsession quickly took a turn to the more luxurious of balms and made me purchase the Dior Creme De Rose. Well loved with in the beauty community, this little pot of goodness has changed the condition of my lips and has set the standard for all future lips balms. With a delicate rose scent and almost undetectable pink hue, I have found my lips to be softer, more plump and just generally nicer. This balm melts on to the lips, with out any stickiness and it is still noticeable a few hours later. I like to use this last thing before I go to sleep so that it can work it's magic over night. I also apply this when getting ready in the morning to hydrate my lips throughout the day and prep them for lipstick. 

I think a little mention should be given for the classicly feminine design. Simple, white and chic, this has me swooning every time I reach for it. And although this isn't exactly budget-friendly, I wouldn't want to be with out this product - ever! 

Have you tried a more luxe lip balm?

Weekly Loves #4

When I have a pretty busy week like I had this week, I usually stick to products that I know I love and that I know work for me, however some how all of my favourites from this week are relatively new to me...

I have had the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette in my possession since it was release last month and I have only just got around to using it. Normally a neutrals girl, I was worried that the rose tones of this palettes wouldn't work for me but I absolutely love them! They are like nothing else I own in my collection and I find it so easy to pick out colours that compliment one another to create a subtle smokey eye - my go to look! 

You probably know by now that I have large pores, and I hate them. So I will try pretty much anything to help hide them. I picked up the Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Serum with by Boots points and I love the effect it has on my skin. This has quickly become my go to morning serum when I know that I will be facing a long day as it works to disguise my pores, along with some other trusting products.

Newest to my makeup stash is the Seventeen Phwoarr Paint. A concealer said to give some higher end brands a run for their money, this super pigmented concealer covers almost everything. I found it a little drying when used on top of my foundation so I have been using this under foundation to reduce the look of my very  dark circles. 

Last but not least is NARS Gaiety Blush. This is the oldest out of this selection of products as I have had it for a couple of months now, but it has really stood out to me this week. Very much a summer shade, this super bright pink blush has been brightening up my complexion throughout the week. With just the tiniest amount placed on the apples of my cheeks this blush has given my appearance a much more 'awake' look, despite my lack of sleeping. 

What products, that are new to you, have you been loving this week? 

TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes 'Resurrection' Shampoo & Conditioner

After years of mistreating my hair, I now do the best I can to keep it in tip, top condition. I have tried a lot  of different hair care products in the past, some came and went, some are still in my life to this day but there is one range in particular that now receive holy grail status...

TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes 'Resurrection' Shampoo & Conditioner are a winning duo in my eyes. These have been in my life now for almost three years, that's a long relationship to have with some hair products but I can safely say that I do not seeing it ending anytime soon. I originally bought these in the hope of resurrecting  my dry, brittle and very damaged hair and with continuous use over a few months my hair finally felt like hair again. Specifically designed to treat the most damaged of hair, this shampoo and conditioner which is packed with moisture will work wonders on all hair types, from the driest of them all to the healthiest. My hair is in the best condition it has ever been and I still love to use these at least once a week to keep my hair feeling and looking it's best. The strawberry scent, makes them just that little bit more enjoyable to use. Although I make sure to use these a minimum of once a week, these are also my go to products if there is an occasion where I want my hair to look particularly healthy and glossy.  

The Urban Antidotes range by TIGI Bed Head is designed to bring your hair from the worst condition possible, to the best. With 'damage levels' ranging from three to one, you can work your way through the resurrection and recovery products until you're ready for level one, re-energize. I would really recommend this duo if your hair is dry or damaged... or if you just want your hair to look and feel healthy, silky and soft.

What are your holy grail shampoo and conditioner? 

Recent Repurchases #1

When you're a beauty addict, repurchases are a big thing. The chances are your stash is over flowing as it is and you have 101 alternatives, so when you immediately buy a product that you have just used up you know you have something special. However, if you repurchase it before  you have used it up then it is love...

This was the case with the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. After four months of using it once, maybe twice a day, I was coming to the end of the tub and I couldn't bare to think about not having another to replace it. This has made such a difference to my skin and it feels more plump and nourished every day, I know that this is a little pricey but I can honestly say that it is worth every single penny. 

My love for Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is a long affair. I have been using this for at least three years now and I haven't been with out one in my stash since. If you want a 'covers all, lasts all day' foundation then look no further. This is my everyday foundation, especially if I have a long day ahead, however if I'm just running some errands then I like to mix it with the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation so it is a little lighter on the skin and it lasts longer! 

A more recent addition to my skincare routine is a chemical exfoliant which came in the form of Clarins Gentle Exfoliator. This product became a part of a two step toning regime that brightened the appearance of my skin whilst helping keep blemishes at bay. I also found that the redness in my cheeks was reduced with use of this product, I like to use this two to three times a week when my skin needs a little pick me up. 

My last two repurchases are from Origins, shocking. Something I have spoke of many times before is the United State Balancing Toner which I use every morning and most evenings. Before using this product my skin was very much a combination of oily and dry patches but with use of this balancing toner my skin is very much normal. This is my third, possible fourth, bottle and I can't see myself ever being with out it. 

The Origins Make A Difference Plus+ Moisturiser was far from an immediate repurchase. I used this about eighteen months ago but found it a little OTT for my skin as I was going through a very oily stage. However, over the past month or so I noticed my skin to be getting dry in places and this was the first product that popped into my head - and I have to say I made a very good choice. This is the most hydrating moisturizer that I have tried and it is one that I would recommend for dry skin, or if you just fancy a little hydration boost, use this a couple times a week! 

What are your most recent repurchases?

Weekly Loves #3

This week I took the time to try out some new makeup and different ways of applying it, nothing revolutionary just ways that I hadn't tried before and I have to say I have loved the results. So this week there a couple of old favourites mixed with a couple new ones...

Something I have loved for well over a year now is Essie Fiji. This colour is pure perfection if you like a feminine, yet sophisticated manicure as it the softest of pink shade that makes your tips look super polished. 

Another old-ish favourite is Benefit They're Real Mascara. It is no secret that I am a lover of lashes - the bigger the better if you ask me. So when I discovered They're Real I was over the moon, I know some people don't like this mascara but it works wonders for me and gives the longest fullest lashes I have ever seen (well, without false ones!).

On to the new discoveries. Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder is quite well known in the beauty world for defining cheek bones on the roundest of faces and I have to say that this didn't disappoint. With only the tiniest amount blended through the hollows of your cheeks you are left with the most natural looking contour and cheek bones to kill! 

The newest of the bunch and probably my favourite thing so far of 2014 is the Soap & Glory Supercat Liquid Liner. Usually a gel eyeliner girl at heart, I have been using this liquid liner almost every day as a quicker alternative to getting the winged eyeliner that I love. 

This week has a pretty good one makeup-wise. How has your's been? 

Real Techniques Sam's Picks Collection

I think it is safe to say that the Real Techniques makeup brushes dominate every beauty lover's collection. Not only are they created by Pixiwoo which is a good enough reason by itself to go out and purchase them, they are also of amazing quality and even better value for money. Along side the permanent range of tools that are available, every so often a limited edition set is released which means it has to be added to my collection. 

The latest Real Techniques Sam's Picks collection was one that really caught my attention. Made up of two already-firm favourites, two brushes that I had been eyeing up and an exclusive to this set there was no doubt that I needed it. The Multi-Task Brush was one that I had wanted for a while, this is the perfect brush for blush, all over powder application and even highlighting your cheek bones. The Setting Brush is the other one that I had been lusting after, perfect for applying a setting powder post-makeup this brush is small enough to be precise with application but also big enough to get the job done quickly! 

The Buffing Brush is already a staple in my brush collection but you can never have too much of a good thing. This brush does all of the hard work when it comes to blending out foundation and it is a fab one to use with cream blush too. The Pointed Foundation Brush is the least loved from this collection however it is great for applying face masks! Exclusive to this set is the Essential Crease Brush, this has become one of my favourite brushes as it makes applying eye shadow through the crease a breeze, blending as it goes. Finally in this set is the Fine Liner Brush. If you are an eyeliner lover like me, you need this in your life - It is the perfect size to create a feline flick with ease.

It goes with out saying that the Real Techniques brushes are incredibly soft, easy to clean and will last you a while should you look after them properly. They are also made from synthetic materials and are therefore cruelty free.

What are your favourite Real Techniques brushes? 

Empties #3

It has been a while since my last empties post, three months to be exact. So I thought it was about time to dig out all of my used up products to show you, now there is more than what is shown here but since they are just multiple cans of dry shampoo and shower gel I thought I would leave them out.

Let's start with skincare... The Origins United State Balancing Toner is my go to toner for the mornings and most evenings as it helps greatly in keeping any oil at bay throughout the day and I think this may be my second or third bottle! This is a toner I would recommend if you have normal/combination skin as it helps to even out both dry and oily patches. To go alongside this toner I like to use the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Brightening Toner, this is the only exfoliating toner that I have tried but I love the stuff! This is the first bottle that I have used up and it didn't take me long to repurchase. 

Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish is a product that I have been using for years now and I wouldn't want to be with out it in my collection, ever. Another favourite cleanser of mine is the infamous Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, this luxurious balm works wonders at removing makeup and giving you soft, plump skin.

It's not very often that I use up makeup. Why? I don't know, I use enough of the stuff! However I have managed to finish two products that have been getting a lot of attention recently. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation is a holy grail product of mine as it covers every imperfection, giving you a flawless base. 

Although you don't need a powder to go with this, I have fallen head over heels for the Bourjois Java Rice Powder. An illuminating powder that when applied gives an almost airbrushed effect to your complexion while still brightening up your makeup look. 

I have quite an extensive amount of hair care products, especially shampoo and conditioner. So it is really something when I manage to use one up. I discovered the L'Oreal EverRiche Range a couple of months ago and I have absolutely loved using them. I still have some of the shampoo left, however the conditioner is long gone!

What have you used up lately? 

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

It is no secret that I am a perfume girl at heart, I currently have over ten in collection and love each and every one of them. I usually opt for quite 'girlie' scents, something quite sweet and fruity. However, the game changed when I was introduced to Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne. 

I find this to be a much more intense scent than most perfumes and rather than a blend of many, this has a few distinctive notes. Peony & Blush Suede is a very feminine, yet sophisticated fragrance. Although this is quite subtle on the skin, I find that you do not need many spritzes in the morning for this to make a lasting impression throughout the day. This would undoubtedly be categorized as floral due to the heart note being peony, however there is also a very fresh feel coming through from the notes of red apple. There is also a base note of suede which adds a slight musky tone. This seems to have all my attention lately and I find my self reaching for this for this day and night, any excuse to wear it if I'm honest! 

For me, presentation is everything. If something has a nice design or comes packaged nicely the chances are I will be coming back for more, and Jo Malone definitely delivers in this area. Each item is presented in a cardboard box, cream and black in colour with a bow tied around it which is then placed in a bag, stuffed with tissue paper and again tied with a bow. Although this is something I would expect from a high end brand, it really adds to the shopping experience as a whole, making everything a little more special. 

With a newly opened Jo Malone boutique where I live I find myself spending a lot of time having a wonder around and spraying all of the different scents. Blackberry & Bay and Nectarine Blossom & Honey are next on my list.

Have you tried anything from Jo Malone?

Weekly Loves #2

This week has been the most relaxing one for quite a few months, if you work in retail you will know that the Christmas/sale period is pretty manic so it has been nice to have a few lazy days here and there. I kept everything pretty minimal makeup-wise, but managed to rediscover an old favourite...

The Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush was my go to foundation brush a couple of years back, but with my buffing brush dirty and the fact that I was being a little lazy I fell back in love with this. It applies foundation beautifully for an even finish, whilst still giving really good coverage. 

Making a statement in my makeup collection is the Dior Creme De Rose. I have been using this each morning and night for the past week and absolutely adore everything about it. Plump and soft lips? Check!

Something that has been neglected in my stash is the TIGI Bed Head Candy Fixations Glaze Haze, a bit of a mouthful but an amazing product! I have been using this post-styling to keep frizz at bay and to give a glossy shine to my hair - this works at it's best with curly hair. 

The Origins Zero Oil Cleanser is the newest in my skincare line up which I purchased to use alongside my Clarisonic. This has been working wonders for cleaning out my skin while keeping any oiliness on the down low, I also love the minty scent that is oh so refreshing. 

How did your week shape up?

Benefit POREfessional Primer

A couple of years a go I was certain that primers were a gimmick and didn't actually have any effect on your makeup or it's staying power. However, there is now not a day that goes by with out me applying one, so let me introduce you to my favourite of them all... Benefit POREfessional Primer. 

This oil-free, skin-coloured balm is a wonder product those of us with over-sized pores. Once applied, this products becomes translucent meaning that it is prefect for any skin tone. Although the POREfessional Primer is meant to be used in a way that targets your more troublesome areas, I like to apply the tiniest amount all over my face and then go in with a little bit extra where my pores are more of an issue - mainly the center of my face, my nose and chin. 

I find that by doing this you are not only left with the perfect base to work with as your pores are minimized but also you are left with an almost silk like texture to your skin which helps foundation to glide on effortlessly. This is the primer that I reach for if I need my makeup to last all day as I find that I don't even need as little as a mid-day top up and I happy with the fact that I know my makeup is going to look the same leaving the house in the morning as it does coming home in the evening. I should also mention that you need the smallest amount of this product, so it is going to last you absolutely ages! 

This is a primer that you are able to use over your makeup, simply by patting it on lightly and then gently blending in. Personally I don't like to use it in this was and keep the application strictly pre-makeup, however POREfessional's sister; Agent Zero Shine looks right up my street. 

What is your favourite primer?

Best of Beauty 2013

2013 was an amazing year beauty-wise. I discovered so many products and brands that I know will remain in my collection for years to come, and some that I don't know how I survived with out them before. I think it is safe to say that Origins was the brand that most stood out to me over the past year and if you haven't already tried their products, go and do so right now - I promise that you will not be disappointed. 

Makeup.

This was a year of firsts for me when it came to makeup as I found myself falling for products that I thought I wouldn't even like. The Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation (review) was one of my favourite discoveries. Usually I am a matte girl, but this foundation gives an luminous glow to the skin that I found myself lusting after, the best bit about this product is the amazing coverage it gives but still with a gorgeous natural finish.  To go with my cravings for a glowing complexion, I tried out the Bourjois Java Rice Powder (review), a illuminating translucent powder that not only gives the skin a radiant look but also makes your skin looks almost airbrushed and flawless. Another first for me was cream blushes, something a matte-finish lover doesn't tend to go for, but with my quest for radiance, and the hype that surrounded them, the Chanel Le Blush Creme De Chanel (review) also won my heart. These give a bright pop of colour to any makeup look, while still looking natural and dewy. After months of wanting them, I finally purchased some of the KORRES Lip Butters (review), not usually one for lip balms, these tinted, non-sticky pots of loveliness are amazing that get used on a daily basis.

Skincare.

It's no secret that I love skincare and for me, cleansing is the most important step. The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm (review) has changed the way I cleanse my skin every night. It removes every last trace of my makeup while still nourishing the skin, it is a little on the pricey side of things but this luxury product is worth every penny. It was unintentional that three of four of my skincare favourites were by Origins, but I really do love that brand. The Out of Trouble Mask (review) is a life saver if you have skin prone to blemishes and breakouts, it not only prevents them with continual use but also helps to get-rid of them when you have a break out. This product is probably the best discovery of 2013 and I will not be with out one in my stash, and one as a back-up. Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight (review) is a wonderful product that I would recommend to anyone who wants to put a little dose of hydration into your skin for a plump and glowing complexion. 2013 was the year that I discovered serums and my top pick from the bunch has to be the Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright (review). I mentioned before my journey to getting radiant skin and this brightening serum does the job perfectly, I noticed such a difference in the appearance of my skin form the first use and I like to use this whenever my skin is in the need for a little pick me up. 

Hair.

I have spent the past two years trying to get my hair in much healthier condition after destroying it with bleach during my 'experimental' phase. My hair care routine is now almost as complex as my skincare one, but I love each and every step! One thing that has definitely helped my hair this year is discovering dry shampoo, in particular the Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo. I used to wash, blow dry and style my hair every single day, but now I can happily go one to two days in between washes which has changed the condition of my hair to no end. Less heat is always better for hair, plus this product gives huge amounts of volume. The L'Oreal Mythic Oil is a step that I never miss out of my hair care routine. I apply this pre-blow dry to smooth over and tame any frizz. I find this really helps in whatever style I decide to have my hair, whether it be curly or straight. The Redken Extreme range are probably my favourite hair products of 2013, especially the Extreme Strength Builder Mask (review). I use this once a week alongside the shampoo to give my hair the most deep conditioning treatment for silky smooth locks, with continuous use I have found this to re-build my hairs strength that has been broken down due to heat and dying. 

Other.

One other product that has stood out to me over the past twelve months has to be the infamous Seche Vite top coat. This stuff adds a super shiny gloss effect to your nails and drys in about a minuet, which is fab for those late night nail painting sessions. 

This is just a small selection of my favourite products throughout 2013, the products that stood out to me the most, the creme de la creme if you will. Other wise we could have been here for hours. What were your favourite products from the last year? 

Shu Uemera Eyelash Curlers

Eyelash curlers have always been a part of my routine. My lashes are generally quite long and full as they have been since I was little but I have found that using eyelash curlers just opens up your eyes, giving you a bright-eyed more awake look. A necessity for early mornings. 

For the longest time I just used a £1 pair from Primark, they were cheap and done the job. However, I always had the Shu Uemera Eyelash Curlers in the back of my mind. A cult favourite in the beauty industry, for both beauty admirers and professionals - they are probably one of the most spoke about tools out there, and with good reason. Never before have I managed a curl like these give, and with such ease. With a couple of effortless pumps to each eye you are left with gorgeous fluttering lashes that last the whole day. The design of these curlers allows you to get right down to the bottom of your lashes, meaning your lashes look even longer and more curled than I have found to get with any other lash curlers. 

All in all, these more than live up to the hype that surrounds them and I wouldn't ever want to be with out them. Big statement, I know! Are eyelash curlers a part of your everyday routine? 

Weekly Loves #1

Monthly favorites are my favourite posts, both to read to and to write. They are also the main cause of my very extensive wish list. So I thought why not make them a bit more regular - daily would have been too much so I settled with weekly. So welcome to my Weekly Loves! It should also help with one of my new years resolutions which is to start switching up my everyday products. 

The Bourjois Healthy Mix Radiance Reveal Foundation was a close companion of mine over the summer months and I now find myself reaching for this most mornings to mix with my beloved Double Wear. Going half and half with these two foundations gives my complexion a lovely healthy glow and despite it being full coverage, it looks perfectly natural. 

Also to give my skin a bit of a boost in the glow department I have been loving the Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight Mask. A firm favourite in my skincare stash, this has been out shining all of my other products by turning my dull, dry skin into a hydrated and glowing (plus much easier to work with) base. 

Besides trying for a more summery base, I am still in love with the plum hues that coincides with the colder weather. Being the only blush that is not pink, peach or a combination of them both in my collection, MAC Azalea Blossom blush has been getting a lot of attention recently. The purple half of this blush accompanies a berry-toned makeup look beautifully... not to mention how pretty it looks in the pan?

To go along side this I have kept things simple - lip-wise, meaning that the KORRES Lip Butter in Jasmine has been my best friend. 

Just as it did last year, Christmas 2013 saw Essie Leading Lady adorning my nails right up until the new year. This is a pretty special polish, not just for the festive feeling it brings but the red glitter that runs throughout always has compliments rolling in. Unless something better comes along, I predict this may be my Christmas manicure of 2014 as well. 

What have you been loving this week? 

Essie Wiked

I have declared my love for Essie before... the names, the formula, the bottles - I love it all, so I won't ramble on too much. I am one of those people who like to switch up their chosen polish to suit the season, and this pick from Essie has winter written all over it.

Essie Wiked is the sister to After School Boy Blazer but with a red hue, rather than blue. It has that whole duochrome thing going on where it looks burgundy in some lights and black in others, so if you are looking for something on the vampy side - this one may be for you.

Another winner from Essie. What is your favourite shade?

2014 Beauty Resolutions

Like many of you, I have set myself some goals for the coming year. Some are more of your typical 'eat better, lose weight' kinda ones, some are more on the boring side of things like 'save money, don't buy unnecessary things' but today I thought I would share with you my beauty related resolutions. That way you can help to keep me on track...

01. Back to Basics

I want/need to get on board with the things that we are expected to do; eat five pieces of fruit and veg, drink two liters of water and get eight hours of sleep per day because we all know that this benefits us inside and out. 

02. Up My Skincare Game

It's no secret that I am a lover of skincare. However, since slacking on my skincare over December my skin is looking worse and worse so I plan on correcting this asap. I'm also now the owner of a Clarisonic so I need to put this to good use. 

03. Switch It Up! 

More often than not, I get stuck in rut when it comes to my makeup. Not in a negative way but I tend to find a look that I like so I do it every. single. day. Meaning that everything else in my collection goes unloved, but I am planning of changing this and trying to use at least two different products a week. 

04. Get Organised

This is more on the blogging side, but beauty and blogging go hand in hand for me. I will aiming to post four times a week and to do this I need to plan way in advance for up coming posts. I already have a few in the works but if there is anything that you would like to see from A Day in Beauty in 2014 - just let me know! 

What are your new year resolutions?