Weekly Loves #12

My makeup seems to be naturally transitioning into a more spring-like look. A bit more glowing, a bit more colourful. I have been loving switching up my lips my blush to create new looks and discovering new favourites...

Urban Decay Naked Palette, probably the most famous palette of all time has been a real winner in my eyes. I am a huge fan of two-colour-smokey-eyes and have been using Naked across the lid with Hustle through the crease and beneath my lower lashes every single day this week. Ok, so this may not be the most colourful concoction but I think it is one that would be universally pleasing to everyone. Simple, yet effective.  

Benefit Hoola is a relatively recent addition to my collection. This week it came out to play, giving me more defined cheek bones and just generally bronzing up my look. If like me - you're a pale girl, this shade is perfect for you. An ashy toned, with no red undertones. The formula of this blends beautifully to create a natural looking glow. 

My skin seems to be going through a dry phase again but have no fear, Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask is here! Easily one of my favourite products, this helps to hydrate and refresh my skin. I have been using this almost every night to put some life back into my skin and I am happy to say it is looking brighter and more plump again. I adore the apricot scent of this, so does my dog - she is always trying to lick kiss it off.

A new favourite in my collection and one that I think will be getting a lot of love in the coming months is the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Audacious. A bright orange shade that it perfect for when the sun is shining. This applies so easily, although the finish is matte the formula is really hydrating and nourishing. 

How is your makeup changing for spring?

The Not-So Impulsive Haul

Last week I shared with you my quick, 'grab as much as I possibly can in a short amount of time' haul. I did as said and took another shopping trip, this time with a specific list of products that I needed. Ok, not so much needed but products that I didn't want to be without...

As usual, Boots was where most of the damage took place. Having used up multiple minis of Benefit They're Real mascara, I thought it was about time to bite the bullet and purchase a full-sized one. This is the most I have ever spent on a mascara, but after going without it for two weeks and regretting not having one every morning when doing my makeup I think this is money well spent. 

The only thing that I really need from this haul was the Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub. My previous exfoliator had run out a month or so ago and my leg-shaving routine just wasn't the same with out one. I chose this as it was one of the only S&G scrubs that I haven't had before. I am still yet to use this but I have to mention how incredible this smells - I can't even begin to describe it.

With my holiday coming up and some stretch marks that I would like less visible, I picked up the Palmers Massage Lotion for Stretch Marks. I am also using Bio-Oil in rotation with this. I'm not expecting miracles but a little difference would be nice. 

I am not really loving my nail polish collection at the moment, which may seem a strange to non-beauty obsessives, but if you're like me you will get it. My tastes have changed quite dramatically over the past year or so and I feel that I need to adapt my nail colours to suit. I picked up the Mama Knows Best Duo by Essie to give a little re-vamp to my stash. The colours Lilacism and Peach Daiquiri are perfect for spring.

When a MAC collection comes out, MSFs are my weakness. Perfect Topping from the current Fantasy of Flowers collection, wasn't one that I wanted to miss out on. The soft peach shade with veins of champagne and lilac running through makes for one of the prettiest products I have seen. The high volume of shimmer, makes this just that bit more mesmerizing. 

What have you been buying lately?

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne

I have previously mentioned my recent love for Jo Malone - a brand that oozes luxury. From the products to the packaging, Jo Malone has truly got me hook, line and sinker. The newest addition to my line up, was a very well hinted for Valentines Day present last month...

Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne falls into the 'fruity' category. Not your typical sweet, fruity scent this perfume has more of a green base which comes from the mixed notes of bay leaves and cedar wood. Combined with the top note of blackberry, this makes for what I like to call my 'grown up' scent as it is much more sophisticated then anything else I own. Although this would make a great evening perfume, I love to wear this during the day as it has a crisp and fresh edge to it making it perfect for spring.

This is very powerful scent, meaning that a little goes a very long way. I have come up with an application routine; two spritzes on my wrist which I then press against the other one, three sprays onto the front of the neck/chest area (one from each side and then one in the middle), followed by one spritz to the nape of my neck. I find that by doing this my perfume lasts all day, ensures that the scent is not too strong and it makes the bottle last longer. 

What is your favourite Jo Malone product?

Weekly Loves #11

Now that the sun is shining and the temperature is rising I have been sorting through my stash for some more spring appropriate shades. This week saw me switch my berry and plum hues for peaches and pinks in the form of some old favourites, it also saw a couple of new favourites too...

When it comes to summer, I like to have a glowing base. I have been using the Origins VitaZing Moisturizer most days this week to create a healthy looking glow, with out being over the top. With a sheer tint, this product helps to even out my skin tone whilst giving my the effect of a few hours sunbathing. I mostly use this under my foundation but I can also get away with just using this for coverage. A full-sized purchase will need to made soon. 

As much as I love a dewy and illuminated look, my large pores are always an issue. Benefit POREfessional Primer has been getting a lot of love lately, as always , to help disguise the look of my pores and create a silky base on which to apply my foundation.

The old favourite that I mentioned earlier is Benefit CORALista Blush. This is easily the most perfect coral shade out there, I mean it is right there in the name after all. As with all of the boxed blushes by Benefit, the packaging is also worth a mention - colourful and vibrant, this is one that will stand out in your Muji drawers. It also has an amazing scent. 

To apply this I have been loving the Real Techniques Multitask Brush. This brush is true to its name and can be used for practically anything, however my favourite use for it is blush. Perfectly shaped to apply product to the apples of your cheeks and blend. If you haven't got this in your collection, then you need it. 

I won't be going into too much detail as I will be doing a full review soon but I couldn't do my weekly loves with out including the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. I cannot get over how amazing this stuff is and I always look forward to using it each evening. 

What have you been loving this month?

The Impulsive Haul

After what seemed like a life time between paydays, I knew I needed a little bit of a splurge. My mental list of things that I needed to buy disappeared and I was faced with endless amounts of makeup and beauty products *dream* and a time limit of twenty-five minuets, this is what I ended up with...

Every beauty blogger goes a little crazy when Boots have 3for2, I am no different. Although my local store seemed to be a little bare, I was finally able to purchase the Revlon Colour Burst Matte Balms. Possibly the most spoke about product of 2014, I picked up the shade Audacious; a bright orange and Elusive; a muted pink. Although I am still yet to give them a proper run for their money, they already have a thumbs up from me. 

With a craving for a pale pink polish and a 'love at first sight' moment, I added the Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate Nail Polish in New Romantic to my collection. Not only is the name sweet as can be, the shade is beautifully feminine and chic and the same time. 

Having seen the the Clarins Daily Energizer Cream pop up on a few blogs lately, I knew that it would be right up my street. A radiance boosting cream, targeted at younger skin and filled with Vitamin C... this has become my new AM  moisturizer and so far, I am loving it. 

With my fingers secretly crossed, I asked whether they happened to have the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm in stock and done a little hop, skip and a jump when I was handed one. I have been trying to get my hands on this for months now after hearing such amazing things, I don't want to say too much just yet but this stuff is ah-mazing.

Does anyone else find themselves unable to walk past a MAC counter? I have to walk through them. I also have to stop at the lipstick stand, every single time. This passing saw the purchase of Peach Blossom. An unbeatable natural pink shade with hues of peach, perfect for spring. 

I also picked up the MAC Brow Pencil in Lingering. I was recommended this after saying 'I want to try a brow pencil, I don't have one, nor have I ever used one', so far I like it but I don't love it. I think I need a little more practice...

I think another shopping trip is in order, to get the things that I 'need' of course.

Weekly Loves #10

With the sun now shining and my spring clean very much under way, I am feeling like a new person. Motivation to actually get things done has finally hit me. Funny how nice weather can change your mood so much, isn't it? There has been so many products that I have loved this week that it was hard to narrow it down to just these five...

When I have a long day ahead of me, whether it be at work or just getting my to-do list done I always reach for the Clarins Pore Minimizing Serum. Light weight and green in colour, this  product helps to disguise my over-sized pores and help to reduce the redness in my cheeks. I also find that my makeup lasts so much longer when using this serum in the morning to the point where I don't need any touch ups throughout the day.

My MAC palette has also been getting a lot of love this week. Naked Lunch across the lid with a little bit of Phloof! patted in the center, Nylon in the tear duct area paired with winged eyeliner has been giving me the perfect bright-eyed, summery look. I have been doing this most days as it is quick and simple, yet effective. I can see this being my go-to look for most of spring. 

The Real Techniques Buffing Brush has always been a winner in my eyes but this week I have really noticed just how amazing it is. My foundation looks perfectly blended into my skin, as does my concealer - no brush lines or patches, just a perfectly applied base which I put down to this magic brush. This is also the perfect brush for cream blushes. 

After a mini breakout this week I having been hitting my tube Origins Out of Trouble Mask pretty hard. Having applied this every other night my breakout is finally on it's way out. I absolutely love this stuff for clearing up blemishes, I use this every other day when trying to clear a breakout or once a week to maintain clear skin. If your skin has a tendency to misbehave, you need this.

To conceal my spots this week I have been loving the Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer. Used under foundation, this has been giving that extra bit of coverage that I need to hid my blemishes the best I can. I do find this to be a little too drying to use on top of my foundation but works perfectly when used underneath.

Has the nice weather given you a little extra happiness this week?

February 2014 Favourites

I know it is a bit cliche to say but seriously, how is it March all ready? After a bit of a whirl-wind month with lots of things going on I have discovered some amazing new and old products, even some life changing ones. Now that may be a tad dramatic, but it is true...

This month saw the return of the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in my collection. After living with out it for a couple of months, it was greatly missed. I have been using this every single day this month, the smallest amount gives me the perfected, natural looking base I strive for - along with a bit of concealer of course. 

Another old favourite that has made a return to my daily-makeup rota has been the Le Blush Creme De Chanel, in the shade Inspiration to be exact. A soft pale pink, that accompanies my pale skin perfectly and is super easy to blend. This also works great with any makeup look, just to add a flush of colour to your cheeks.

With February seeing in Valentines Day, it was only right that the best shade of red, in my opinion, made it into this months favourites. Essie A-List polish is a true red shade, not too bright nor too dark, just red. 

Speaking of Valentines Day... I was lucky enough to receive Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay Cologne. A deep fruity scent with fresh, almost crisp notes makes this perfume one that I cannot stay away from. Possibly a new contender for my favourite scent, I am having to ration myself so I don't use it up too quickly.

The Pai Rosehip Oil is the newest addition into my skin care routine, and something I was definitely missing. Applied after serum, I have found this to brighten up my skin whilst adding some much needed hydration. It is still early days yet but so far I very impressed with this little bottle of goodness.

If you have quite fine hair like I do, you know how much of a struggle it is to add some volume to it. The Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray has been welcomed with open arms into my styling routine, especially where curls are involved. A few sprays throughout my hair and it has almost doubled in size, with a slight hairspray-like hold my hair has the volume I have always wanted and it lasts throughout the day. 

Now onto that life saving product I was talking about... the Unite 7 Seconds Conditioner. A leave in conditioning spray that works wonders for knotty hair. In only a few spritzes this stuff makes combing through unmanageable hair a breeze, how? I'm not quite sure, but this stuff is a hero product in my eyes and don't ever want to be without it. 

What have been your favourite products from the past month? 

Unite 7 Seconds Conditioner

I have spoke about my quest for nicer, healthier hair many times before and I finally feel as though I am getting somewhere with it. With a slightly excessive hair care stash that is taking over my bathroom and dressing table I thought I would share with you probably my favourite product of them all...

The Unite 7 Seconds Conditioner is a leave in conditioning treatment that works wonders on tangled hair. Once washed and towel-tried, my hair has a big issue with knots so much so that my Tangle Teezer usually ends up full of my hair - gross, but true. Having always been doubtful of 'detangling sprays' I wasn't expecting much from this well-hyped product. With only a few spritzes of this subtly, sweet scented product throughout the lengths of my hair and then left for a few seconds, or 7 if you like,  my hair put up much less of a fuss to being brushed. I was able to comb through my hair with such ease that a huge smile came across my face - I had found the answers to all my hair woes. Obviously not every single knot and tangle had gone but I was still completely wowed by the results.

Now onto all added extras... This product is Paraben free, a UV and thermal protector, helps colour treated hair by locking in the colour and works to build up the hair's strength as it is filled with protein and moisturizers. There isn't anything that it doesn't do. I now look forward to washing my hair and being able to use this miracle product as it has completely changed the way my hair feels and behaves, I really couldn't recommend this any more.

What is your favourite hair product? 

Weekly Loves #9

After a crazy busy week at work combined with a lack of sleeping meant I went a little under the radar on the blogging front, however I am back in full force and armed with a plan (let's hope I can stick to this one) to bring you the products that have stood out to me the most this week...

I have to admit that my Revlon Lip Butters do go a little unloved in my stash however, with a craving for peachy-nude lip I popped on the shade Juicy Papaya and then fell in love. A true peach shade with a nude base, this makes for the perfect everyday lip - especially with spring approaching. The formula of these are also super nourishing and hydrating so are great if your lips are a little on the drier side of things. 

Another makeup product that I have been loving this week is MAC Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish. I have been using this as an all over, setting powder to bring a natural glow to my complexion. I always make sure to use a light hand when applying this other wise you can end up looking like a Cullen. 

This week I have really been seeing the effects of using a more hydrating toner, mine is in the form of the Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner. A lightly scented product that can either be spray directly on to the skin or applied via a cotton pad - my preferred method. This has been helping me battle my dry skin, while adding a refreshing step to my skin care routine. 

Along side this, I have been loving the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner, a chemical exfoliator that has been a part of my collection for almost a year now. I like to use this every other night as part of my double-toning step to help brighten up my skin and prevent any breakouts. 

How did your week shape up product-wise?