Holiday Beauty Heroes

You may have noticed my absence over the past few weeks. My holiday came around sooner than I expected and I hadn't planned any posts in advance (bad blogger, I know), so you can consider this my 'Weekly Loves' #21 through to #25. Now it is fair to say that my beauty stash which traveled with me was a little extensive, the handful of products shown above were the ones that I reached for most days and couldn't have been with out.

As for skin care, I really took it down to the bare minimum. It may have included two cleansers, but it was still the minimum. The Liz Earle C&P is no stranger to A Day in Beauty and it is the longest remaining staple product to my skincare line up. I used this as my AM and PM cleanser as it is a great all rounder. I could have easily used this to remove my barely-there makeup as well, but I did have my beloved Clinique balm for that. I also narrowed down my moisturizers and brought Origins GinZing along for the ride. Usually just for the mornings, I found this hydrating and light enough to use for the evenings as well, plus the citrus scent just screams summer holiday. Also, the fact that it comes in a plastic tub makes it weight-allowance friendly. 

I mentioned my makeup was barely-there. I meant this literally. I wore makeup three times throughout the whole of the two weeks and even then it was only for a few hours in the evening - that is what holidays are for... right?  The Bourjois CC Cream was the perfect match for the hot weather. Light and dewy but still with a good amount of build-able coverage. This applies and blends easily for a natrual looking base. My love for the Dior Creme De Rose Balm has been well documented over the months and it was at the top of my list of products to bring. Where ever I went, this went - hand luggage, pool, beach, day trips, shopping, water park... every where. My lips stayed perfectly hydrated and plump, with a beautiful soft pink tint that this gives.

My hair was my main area of concern. Having spent the past three years growing it and getting to a healthy state, I didn't want it to get damaged by the heat or chlorine. I purchased the Redken After-Sun Mask specifically for this purpose. I used this whenever I washed my hair in place of a normal conditioner. I definitely think that this made a huge difference as my hair was, for the most part, in good condition. I can't really say that this worked differently to any other mask but it conditioned my hair, stopping it from becoming too dry and unmanageable so it is a winner in my eyes. I also brought along a sample of the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer - the product that wowed me the most. After a couple of days in and out of the pool, tied up on the top of my head with out being brushed, my hair was in a bit of a mess (yep, that's an understatement). I slathered this on, tied my hair up and slept it in over night and some sort of miracle happened. I washed my hair the next day to find there wasn't any knots or tangles and my hair felt nicer than it ever had before. This is a product I now, never want to be with out and I plan on buying a huge tub of it when payday rolls around. 

As for the most important staples for a holiday - perfume and nail polish... One is an old favourite and one is a new favourite. Essie Fiji adorned my nails on both my fingers and toes and made for the perfect holiday shade. A milky-pink nude that looks fabulous with a tan. This is a universally flattering shade that every one will love, as I have done for years. I wanted a new fragrance for my holiday, something fitting that would always remind of mine and my boyfriends first holiday together. With my ever growing Jo Malone obsession, I opted for their Nectarine Blossom & Honey Cologne. A very fruity scent, with sweet yet almost warm notes running through. This is the perfect summer perfume, weather you're going abroad or staying at home. 

What are your holiday beauty heroes? 

April 2014 Favourites

This past month, it has really started to fell like spring. The nights are getting lighter, the days longer and not to the mention to ever so slight warmth in the air. Today a bring you my select few products that have really stood out to me over the recent weeks...

I love my Clarisonic month in, month out, but this month I switched the basic head for the Deep Pore Brush Head and that is when things changed. I did go through a mini 'purging' phase but it only lasted a week or two, however since then my skin looks much clearer and brighter and I have noticed a difference in the size of my pores. This is a pricey investment, but I wouldn't want to be without it.

Every month a new Essie polish steals my heart. April's Essie Polish Award goes to Lilacism - the perfect spring shade. Soft, feminine and oh so cute.

Illuminating powders are now my thing. Once upon a time I wouldn't give them the time of day but they are now a firm fixture in my makeup routine. I go through stages of which I love the most, and this month the crown definitely goes to the Bourjois Java Rice Powder. A translucent powder that gives your skin a photo-shopped effect.

Newest to the skin care line up is the infamous Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. I have been using this most evenings lately and although it is too early to say about any definite results, I love how it makes my skin feel. I wake up with clear, plump and just generally happy skin. 

Not technically a beauty product, but it is a beautiful product in my eyes is the Jo Malone Sweet Almond & Macaroon Candle. Easily the most delicious, 'good enough to eat', candle I have ever come across. If you like cherry bakewell and all things sweet, then you will like this.

What have you been loving this month?

Weekly Loves #16 & #17

I hold my hands up. I've been a bad blogger. Lack of motivation had me a little down about most things including my little old blog, but I'm back and hopefully in full swing. After a week off work, I have discovered a few new favourite products and one of which I am very surprised about...

I'll start with the oldest of the bunch, the Clarins Graphic Expression Face & Blush Powder. The perfect hue for that natural peachy flush which goes with every single makeup look from natural to the most extreme. I have been wearing this every day for the past couple of weeks for that spring-time glow, despite the wet weather.

Essie Peach Daiquiri just screams summer. A vibrant pink/orange/red, it's a bit hard to describe but it is beautiful and it looks just as great on your fingers as it does your toes. 

Clarins Daily Energizer Cream is my current moisturizer of choice for the AM. A thick textured cream with a zesty orange scent. This provides just the right amount of hydration for my normal/combination skin, leaving it smooth and plump for the day ahead. 

Now for the one that surprised me... the Bourjois CC Cream. Originally purchased for my up and coming holiday, I have completely fallen for this product to the point where I now pick it above my beloved Double Wear and Silk Creme foundations for everyday wear. Usually an avid full-coverage kind of girl this evens out my complexion perfectly whilst adding a glow to my complexion. 

What products have surprised you lately? 

Weekly Loves #15

The weeks are just flying by at the minute. There still aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done, but the lighter evenings are putting me in better spirits. This week, I bring you mostly new favourites, with one staple product for good measure...

After having a quick peep through my stash earlier in the week a discovered an unused tube of Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion and thought I had better test it out. This is a super nourishing and hydrating cream, not too thick in consistency so a little can go a long way but thick enough that you really notice a difference. It is so lightly scented that it is almost non-existent which is a nice change to my usual sweet and fruity taste. 

A recent shopping trip saw the purchase of the REN Invisible Pores Detox Mask. A clay mask, my favourite,  that aims to purify and deep clean the skin whilst promoting cell renewal and decreasing the size of pores. Now, it is far too early to say for sure... but I'm pretty sure this is going to be a winner. 

On said shopping trip I also picked up the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, something which I have been meaning to buy for a while now. I have only used this a handful of times, but the difference in my nails and cuticles already is amazing. Subtly scented and easy to use, this has become a firm fixture in my beauty regime. 

As for the old favourite... This week I have really fallen in love with my MAC brow palette. Although this holds Omega, I always reach for Charcoal Brown to fill in, define and shape my brows. I would really recommend these eyeshadows, in particular these shades, if you have light - medium brown hair. It is so easy to apply using an angled brush as you have full control, a mix of both shades also looks great.

What new products are you loving this week?

March 2014 Favourites

Yep, I'm a little late to this last months favourites party. March was a bit hectic and all over the place, hence the quick but effective products that make up this months round-up. I always found myself looking for the simpler option that would cut down the time it took to do my routine so that I could have that extra five minutes of sleep.

The Clinique Take The Day Off Balm has to be my number one product from March. A miracle product that makes taking makeup off a dream, even stubborn mascara. Scentless and hard it texture, this balm melts into an oil which it turn melts off your makeup. 

Talking of stubborn mascara, Benefit They're Real has become a holy grail product of mine. No other mascara gives me lashes like this does. Long, full and blacker than black this mascara has compliments pouring in. I have been popping on a couple coats of this stuff most days and just leaving my eyes at that. This stays all day long, but it can be a pain to remove - unless you have the Clinique balm in your stash that is.

Another no-faff product comes in the form of the Jemma Kidd All Over Radiance Creme. Simply patted onto the tops of my cheeks using my ring finger, this makes for the perfect dewy glow to see in spring. Unfortunately this is no longer available, but I would love to know if there is any dupes out there?

Soap & Glory Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub has been my favourite shower companion this month, not only does this smell delicious, even good enough to eat,  it works amazingly to buff away dead skin, leaving a soft and silk-like feel to your skin.

Anytime that my skin has started to play up over the past year, it has been due to the fact that I have ran out of the REN Clear Calm3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser. A clay based cleanser that I use only in the morning to help keep oil at bay during the day. I find that this really helps to purify my skin and keep it clear, it also works wonders for maintaining good skin. 

Another product that I always reach for when my skin is misbehaving is the Origins Out of Trouble Mask. A 10 minute solution to spots and blemishes, I use this every other night whilst having a breakout or once to twice a week when I'm not. 

Better late than never, eh? What products did you love last month?

Weekly Loves #13 & #14

Life has taken over the past couple of weeks, hence the lack posts (and by 'lack' I mean zero). I haven't had much time to do anything, falling asleep at 7pm most nights hasn't helped either. But with my YouTube subscriptions brimming with new videos to watch and a countless amount of posts to read on Bloglovin', I have finally set aside some down time - just me and my laptop. Oh and a little doggy. 

Vera Wang Princess has been my go to perfume for the past couple of weeks. Vanilla based, this scent also has sweet and fruity notes to it. With quite a distinctive, powerful smell, I find that this lasts for up to eight hours on the skin but it will need topping up if you are going from day to night. This is definitely an everyday scent rather than a evening one but it is perfect if, like me, you like your perfumes sweet and fruity. 

Up until a couple of days ago I didn't really get along with the Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover, it just never lived up to the hype. In a bid to get my moneys worth I tried using it with out a cotton pad and applied with my fingers. Now, I'm still not amazed by it but it definitely worked a lot better at breaking down my eye makeup so that it was easier to remove with a cleanser. 

A product that I amazed by though is the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. I have had this sample for a few months now and on a whim decided to give it a go, I fell in love instantly. It gave the most perfect, satin-like base to apply my makeup, my skin was glowing, my pores were reduced and my makeup looked flawless. I cannot get over what a miracle worker this product is and after seeing the price of the full sized bottle, I just wish I didn't like it as much. 

An old favourite of mine is the Batiste XXL Dry Shampoo. I may have mentioned this before, but I have really been loving this for the volume it gives to my hair. Not to mention the fact I can go two days between washing my hair, because it is becoming quite a chore. 

I found the BECCA Mineral Blush in Flowerchild in the depths of my stash a couple of weeks ago and have been wearing it ever since. Highly pigmented, yet lightweight this blush has been giving my complexion a spring like glow. A coral based pink with a hint of shimmer that immediately brightens up your look whilst still looking natural and lasting throughout the day. 

What have you been loving over the past couple of weeks? 

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?

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? 

Weekly Loves #8

After a pretty hectic week and an even more hectic week approaching I am having a relaxing weekend. All-day pajama sessions, blankets and Friends on my TV means I can get on with some well overdue blogging so today I bring you a round of my favourite products from the past week...

An oldie, but a goodie is the Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara. A staple in my collection for quite a few months now, this has made it's way back into my everyday routine. Long, full lashes that stay put all day without 'printing' on to my brow bone - always a winner in my book. The tapered shape to this brush makes it super easy to reach the smaller lashes in to corner of your eyes and helps to coat your bottom lashes.

Another staple in my stash that has received a lot of love this week is the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer. Perfect for creating a glowing base, this bronze coloured product helps to illuminate the skin whilst making the staying power of your makeup an all-day affair. This works perfectly paired with the foundation from last week's post.

With my quest for nice hair continuing, I have been trialing out lots of new products. Over the past few days I have fallen in love with the effects of the Redken All Soft Supple Touch Spray. With a delicate coconut scent, this product gives you incredibly soft hair in only a few spritzes. I have also found this to help tame my frizzy ends, making my hair generally in much nicer condition. 

As I have mentioned in the past, this year I am trying to switch up my makeup looks and products. My NARS One Night Stand has gone a little unloved recently, however this week I rediscovered the shade Goulue (bottom right). A plum shade, that works great with a simple makeup look. I have been using this most days to add a bit of warmth to my complexion, while looking like I have a natural flush to my cheeks. I have also been loving using Laguna again from this palette as well.

What have you rediscovered in your collection lately? 

Weekly Loves #7

Another week, another round up of my favourite products to show you. This week I have been searching through my stash to discover some forgotten gems and some new loves...

Having recently brought the Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation back into my life, it has won my heart all over again. With a luminous, yet semi-matte finish and a thick, yet light weight texture this foundation gives great coverage with only the tiniest amount. Less really is more when it comes to this foundation... 

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders were a product I had disliked upon first use. However this week they have truly come to light in my eyes, bringing a brightening effect to my complexion whilst blurring over imperfections. Not to be used with a heavy hand, these powders set your makeup in place for the day and bring a natural glow on even the dullest of days.

Newest kid on the block, Pai Rosehip Oil has been taking center stage this week in my skincare line up. Being the only oil in my collection, this doesn't have a lot of competition but the immediate results of this have wowed me. With only 4-5 drops each evening my skin is looking brighter and more healthy as each day goes by.

Mac Plumful Lipstick has been my go to bold lip, when I don't want a bold lip. A sheer plum shade with slightly red undertones makes this the perfect choice for a subtle bold look during the winter season. It adds enough drama to your look so that you feel just that little bit more 'done up', without having to worry about the whole 'lipstick on your teeth' scenario. 

What did you love this week?

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint

You probably know by now that I like a flawless base, and massive lashes. So aside from a full coverage foundation I need a concealer that is able to cancel out any unwanted pigmentation - read: dark circles. My beloved Collection concealer, you know the one, has always been a part of my routine so I thought it was about time to bring some competition into the mix...

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint, aka the dupe of Benefit Boi-ing, is said to be a heavy duty concealer. With only a small amount, this creamy textured concealer helps to cover dark circles and although it is targeted at under neath your eyes, this works wonders on hiding any blemishes on the skin as well. Creamy to apply but with a powder finish, I found that this concealer clung to dry patches that I didn't even know I had and creased beneath my eye when using it post-foundation. I also find the shade range to be quite disappointing, the shade 'fair' just isn't fair enough for my skin tone. However, I have found a way to get this to work for me. Applied pre-foundation to my dark circles and any redness, this product works great as a part of a team alongside my foundation and another concealer in helping me achieve my coveted flawless base. 

My Collection concealer may remain unrivaled but this little pot is great to have to your collection if like a full-coverage long lasting concealer and can find a way to combat any dryness. 

What is your favourite concealer? 

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? 

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?