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?