July Favourites

 So August is here and it’s time for another monthly favourites! July was a busy month for me as I graduated from university, moved back home and spent a week in Germany. This month has flown by and I’ve barely had time to stop and catch my breath! Because of moving home I haven’t really switched up my makeup products and have been sticking to a lot of the same products which you saw in my last monthly favourites, but I have discovered a few new products this month too which I’ve really been enjoying using.

There haven’t been many new makeup loves this month. I’ve moved away from the BB creams and have gone back to my Clinique Moisture Surge tinted moisturiser. I love the light consistency of this tinted moisturiser and it really does moisturise my skin well. For mascara I’ve been wearing my MAC Dazzle lash mascara. I bought this when I was in Vietnam last summer as my lash tint had worn away and I hate how light my natural lashes are. MAC was a familiar brand to me and I bought it without really thinking. Initially I didn’t like the formulation as it was very wet and just clumped my lashes into one big clump so it’s been sat in the back of a draw. At the beginning of the month I thought I would give it another try. Once the mascara had dried out a bit it applied so much better and it now makes my lashes look really good! Lastly for makeup is a new product and it one of the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic. I bought this to wear for my graduation as I didn’t want to have to keep applying lipstick throughout the day. This definitely lived up to the job and I now reach for it on an almost daily basis.

For my nails I am currently obsessed with French manicures. I love how simple and polished it makes my nails look. To create this I have been using Essie Mademoiselle and Rimmel Tip Whitener, which together make the perfect French manicure. At the beginning of the month I ran out of nail varnish remover, so went out with the intention of picking up the new Bourjois miracle nail varnish remover, but it was out of stock. Instead I saw this little tub of Pretty Quick Instant nail polish remover which retails for around half the price of the Bourjois one. I love this little pot and it makes removing nail varnish so quick and easy!

This month I have been completely in love with the Burberry Body fragrance. This is just a free sample I got through Facebook, quite a few months ago now but this month I have been reaching for it almost every day. I’m going to be sad when this runs out as a full sized bottle is so expensive so I’m just going to enjoy it whilst it lasts!

Finally for body and skin care items I have been loving my Body Shop Warming Mineral Face Mask. When applied to the face it really warms up and I find after using it my skin feels so much softer and that it really helps to calm down any breakouts. Lastly is the Lush Lovely Jubblies breast cream. This is supposed to be a firming cream and can be applied all over the body (not just the breasts!). I find that it works really well under the eyes if I’ve not had enough sleep and I’m looking a bit puffy. I love the scent of this and how soft it leaves my skin afterwards, it’s very hydrating but doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy or waxy which I love.

So that’s it for my July favourites. Have you tried any of these products and what have you been enjoying this past month?

Love

R xxx

June (and May) Favourites

The past two months have been pretty hectic with exams and preparing to move so sorry my monthly favourites post is so late. However I really wanted to get it out there and share everything I’ve enjoyed as I’ve found some real gems. I missed out on telling you about my May monthly favourites and so June’s is a bumper issue for you. 

The past few months have been fairly low maintenance when it comes to hair and makeup with lots of neutral, easy eye makeup and beach wavey hair. I’ve found my Nature Republic by Rose BB cream has been wonderful for those hot humid days we had here in the UK at the end of both May and June. It’s perfect for those easy days when you just can’t be bothered with the old primer, foundation routine and want something a bit lighter and a bit fuss free. To add a bit of extra colour to the cheeks I’ve been reaching for NYX blush in angel which is the perfect natural dusky pink colour.

 At the end of May I purchased the Louise Young LY24A fine eyeliner brush. This brush is amazing and makes putting on gel eyeliner a dream! I’ve toned down my eyeliner a bit going back to brown for summer and so have been using my Elizabeth Arden gel eyeliner. When I’m not reaching for the gel liner I’ve been using my Stila Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Moray which adds a touch of colour to my eyes without smudging throughout the day. 

On the lids I’ve been reaching for my Soap and Glory Lid Stuff palette in What’s Nude pretty much constantly after leaving it neglected in the stash for quite a few months. I’ve developed a bit of an obsession for matte eyeshadows and this palette really hits the spot, especially for a neutrals lover like me! To complete my eyes I’ve been reaching for the Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara which stays put all day and makes my lashes look so thick and long. 

At the end of the day I like nothing more than removing my makeup with a Kleenex cleansing tissue soaked in Bioderma. The tissues are so soft and the Bioderma removes my makeup so well that I’m sure I will never be returning to face wipes again. I’ve also been loving using sheet masks every couple of weeks which leave my skin feeling very refreshed and hydrated, and making me look rather ghastly in the process!

I’ve developed a deep love for Steam Cream. So much so that I’ve used an entire little tin of this super nourishing, super hydrating moisturiser for face body and hands. It’s currently on sale on ASOS for £9 and I’m tempted to pick some up. Especially as the packaging is so pretty!

After watching Anna’s video on her favourite spring polishes I had to pick up Essie's Absolutely Shore and I’m so glad I did. It’s such a beautiful mint green colour and Essie polishes have such great formulation so this is a definite winner for me. Unfortnately this is not pictured above as I left it at my parents but I think it’s going to get its own little post very soon! I also love my Oriental Princess cuticle cream which has really helped to transform my dry cuticles over the past few months. 

For my hair I’ve been loving the beachy look which I’ve been achieving by running a 10p sized piece of Schwarzkopf Osis Loopy Form Curl Cream through the ends of my hair when wet and then plaiting my hair into pigtails. I leave this for a few hours then undo the pigtails et voila beachy hair which lasts until my next wash.

So that’s everything I’ve been loving the past couple of months.  What have been your favourites recently?

Love 

R xxx

April Favourites

Hi everyone!

I can’t believe how quickly this year is going. April has flown by and now my birthday is just around the corner and I only have 4 more weeks left of my degree. In April I discovered a few new pieces which I’ve really been enjoying using. So here’s everything I’ve enjoyed this month:

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

While Boots were having their 3 for 2 offer I picked up quite a few of these brushes. This is definitely one of the stars and makes applying foundation so much easier to create such a flawless base. It is also super soft and feels amazing against the skin. I love it and can’t imaging using anything else for applying my foundation now.

Revlon Lip Butters in Sugar Frosting and Candy Apple

I’ve never really been a lip product person, but these have definitely sparked an interest. I love the feel of these on the lips and the colour pay off these have. I’ve been reaching for Sugar Frosting on an almost daily basis to add a pretty pearly sheen.

No 7 Vital Enlightening Highlighter Power

Highlighter is one of those products which I’ve never owned until now as I’ve never had the desire to. However I had a No 7 voucher and this looked so pretty so I thought I would give it a shot. I’m a complete highlighter convert now and love the natural glow this gives so much that I’ve been reaching for this every day.

The Balm Frat Boy Blush

I received this is my first Carmine box back in October. I had used it every now and again but it wasn’t until this month that I’ve been reaching for it on a regular basis. This blush is beautifully pigmented, giving a matte pinky coral flush to the cheeks, and lasts really well too. Plus the retro packaging is really fun.

Nature Republic By Flower BB Cream

Jeannette sent this to me after her trip to Korea and I was so excited to receive this in my package. This BB cream has a gorgeous rose scent, applies wonderfully with a fairly good amount of coverage. I’ve been reaching for this a lot, particularly on days when I don’t want a full face of makeup. I think I will reaching for this when (or if) the warmer weather appears over standard foundation.

Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner

I have a whole new skincare routine thanks to the lovely ladies in Lush and I have been so impressed with this toner. I love this toner, it leaves my skin feeling refreshed without drying it out. I’ll keep my comments short as I’m planning on doing a full review of this soon so look out for that!

The Body Shop Jasmine and Frangipani Body, Room and Linen Spray

I’m a bit obsessed with scented candles, room sprays, incense sticks, basically anything that will leave my room smelling good. This is the newest spray I’ve added to my collection and has such a fresh floral scent. I love spraying it on my bed sheets before I go to bed at night.

So here is everything that I’ve loved in the month of April. Do you share any of my favourites or have any suggestions for products for me to try out in May?

Love R xxx

March Favourites

Hi everyone!

I really enjoy putting these monthly favourite posts together, even if they are a bit late! They are some of my favourite posts to read and I really enjoy sharing everything that I’ve been using for the month. Towards the end of March I really started to get in the mood for spring and this has definitely been reflected in my choice of nail varnish. This month has also been focused on trying to get my skin back in good condition. I went through a bit of a rubbish skin phase towards the end of February and start of March and I found some products which have really helped. So lets show you everything:

 

Revlon Top Speed Nail Varnish in Cloud and Rimmel Lasting Finish Nail Varnish in Misty Jade

I’ve really been loving pastel shades this month as they really remind me of spring. Both of these varnishes are really long wearing and have great formulation. They are both opaque in just two coats. I’ve been looking into getting some more pastel shades so if you have any recommendations then let me know!

MAC Eyeshadows in Ricepaper and Outre

I have been wearing these eyeshadows a lot this month, with Ricepaper all over the lid and then Outre through the crease. I love how well these colours work together and the bright shimmery golden effect it gives to the eye.

Sigma E40

I bought this brush back at Christmas but just couldn’t get used to it and thought it was too big. However I’ve managed to get the hang of it and have been enjoying using it to put colour through the crease. I’ve been reaching for it over my E30 pencil brush and have been loving the effect it gives.

Cowshed Grumpy Cow Uplifting Body Lotion

My sister is a Cowshed junkie and she gave me this body lotion to try. First of all it smells amazing! It has a sweet grapefruit scent and I adore grapefruit so this is perfect for me. It sinks well into the skin without being greasy. It’s the kind of body lotion that means you don’t need to wear perfume and I find myself catching the scent throughout the day. I think I may have become a Cowshed junkie too and I can’t wait to try out more from the Grumpy Cow range.

Lancome Bi-Facile and Eau Micellaire Douceur

I bought a Lancome Primer and Foundation at the start of February and received these as a free gift. I ran out of face wipes – the usual way in which I remove my makeup at the end of the day – and decided to give these ago. I’m hooked. I don’t think I will go back to face wipes now. They remove my makeup so well, without smearing it all over my face, and, since using these, my skin has been so much better. I really want to try Bioderma after I use these up. If you just use face wipes to remove your makeup then I suggest you give a micellular solution a try as the difference is amazing!

Lush Grease Lightning Cleanser

As I mentioned I was going through a bit of a rubbish skin phase, so I decided to try a spot treatment to help with all the blemishes. I have to say this has really helped. You just need to dab it on the offending area and it helps to soothe and heal the area. I wouldn’t say that it causes blemishes to disappear overnight but it definitely helps them heal faster, without drying out the skin. Definitely worth a try if you’re going through a bad skin phase.

Lush Pow Wow Lip Scrub

I’ve been using this 3 or 4 times a week to keep my lips soft and smooth. I think my favourite thing about this is the popping candy, which for me the novelty will never get old. I’m such a big kid! This can be a little messy to use but I love it.

Sweet Vegan Marshmallows

Something I bit different from the makeup and skincare but I’ve really been enjoying these marshmallows. I’m vegetarian and have been for the past 9 years. I love marshmallows and hate the way it’s really difficult to find veggie friendly ones. Sweet Vegan has been my answer to this craving and since they had a special March deal where you received 15% off your order I went for a bit of a splurge. I’ve given them to my meat eating friends and most of them have commented on how much nicer they are than regular marshmallows, so they must be good! They are a bit pricey, especially when you take postage into account, and they do take a little while to be delivered as they are handmade but if you’re on the hunt for veggie marshmallows then I highly recommend them. You can order them online here.

So that’s it for the Month of March. What were your favourites for March?

R xxx