January Favourites

It's favourites time again, but for the first time ever, I'm going to talk you through them in a video. I'm so excited to now be doing my favourites posts as videos so I hope you enjoy watching them as much as I enjoyed filming them! You can also check out my last video, my Morning Skincare Routine, here and don't forget to subscribe to my channel over on YouTube!

Products mentioned:

Nars Narssist Palette

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in Chained

MAC Select Cover Up in NC45

Nars Multiple in South Beach

By Terry Baume de Rose Nutri-Couleur in 3. Cherry Bomb and 4.Bloom Berry

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella

Soap & Glory Archery Pencil in Hot Chocolate 

Aurelia Miracle Cleanser

Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me and Other Concerns by Mindy Kaling

Top 5 Skincare Discoveries of 2014

I've discovered quite a few products in 2014 that I absolutely love, particularly skincare so I thought I'd share 5 of my favourites with you today and let you know why I love them so much! 

1. The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (full review here)

I absolutely love this oil, it's so effective at removing makeup, cleansing the skin and leaving it feeling soft and plump. It's just as good as some high end oils which is great because not only is it half the price, it also contains double the quantity!

2. Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream (full review here)

From the budget to the not-so-budget! This one certainly isn't cheap but is most definitely worth it. It's hands down the best night cream I've ever used. It manages to deliver a huge amount of moisture to the skin but still sinks in easily. The consistency is just great and it smells good too. 

3. Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask (full review here)

Whenever my skin feels a bit dull or grotty I reach for this. It's a clay based mask which unclogs pores, contains fruit acids to brighten and exfoliate and manuka honey to moisturise. It's a great all rounder that I'd recommend to everyone. 

4. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ (full reviews here and here)

I don't get very many spots but I like to keep this to hand for when I do. A small amount applied to any areas with spots, clogged pores or blackheads help get skin back to normal in record time. The face wash and toner from the range are pretty good too, I spoke more about them here.

5. Indeedlabs Pepta-Bright (full review here)

If you're wondering why this one isn't in the main picture it's because I ran out of it a while ago and threw away the tube! The only reason why I haven't repurchased it yet is because I already had another serum in my stocks that I thought I'd use first. Anyway, onto the product. It has what indeed labs describe as a cream-serum formula which I'd definitely agree with, it's surprisingly moisturising for a serum and oily skin types can probably get away with using it on its own. The reason why I love it so much is because it's absolutely phenomenal at getting rid of pigmentation. Whether it's hormonal, from sun damage or as in my case, old acne scarring. By the time I came to the end of the tube my pigmentation was almost all gone!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about my favourite skincare discoveries from 2014, what were yours? 

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Current Favourites

As you've probably noticed, I've been a bit late getting together my november favourites. I thought about scrapping the post all together but then decided last minute to rename it 'current favourites' instead! Here's what I've been loving.

I still can't believe it's taken me so long to get a tangle teezer. I got mine about a month ago and it has quickly become an essential. I'm starting to wonder what I ever did without it! 

I've noticed that my skin has become a lot drier in the last few weeks because of the horribly cold weather so I've had to take my skincare up a notch. I've been using The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (full review here) both in the morning and evening rather than just in the evening as I had been doing previously. I've also been using the Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil (full review here) every night and on no makeup days. I've found that using more oil has been amazingly helpful with keeping moisture in my skin and keeping dry patches at bay. 

Another skincare love is the Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Tonic, an amazingly hydrating spritz on 'toner' that I've been using both morning and night post cleanse. It has a lovely subtle scent of roses thanks to the rose water it contains and is a great product to stop skin from getting dehydrated. Full review coming soon! 

I've been keeping things pretty simple on the makeup front recently. I recently bought the Estee Lauder Pure Colour Shadow Paint in Chained and I've been wearing it almost everyday since. It's a great everyday shade that is so quick and easy to apply. 

Another recent purchase is the Smashbox Full Exposer Mascara, I wasn't completely sold on it when I first started using it as it was a bit wet but now that I'm a couple of weeks in and it's dried out a bit I absolutely love it. It adds lots of volume and length and is quickly becoming one of my favourite ever mascaras. 

What beauty products have you been loving recently?

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October Favourites

There are only a few new products that I've been loving this month, the others are mostly rediscovered old favourites. I've been trying to take really good care of my skin recently. I find the change in the weather at this time of year always wrecks havoc on my skin so I've been attempting to keep any dryness, dehydration and sensitivity at bay.

I've been continuing to use my Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream which you can see my full review of here. I still think it's the best night cream I've ever tried, plus I opened this tub mid june and still have a fair bit left. I've also added Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil into my routine, it's a lovely facial oil that I've been using a few times a week, either on at home, no makeup days or in the evenings. A full review is in the works!

Makeup wise I've been keeping things relatively simple. I've been favouring a winged, liquid liner over eyeshadow as it's quicker and easier for me to apply and doesn't involve too much thought first thing in the morning. The Avon Super Extend Liquid Liner has been my weapon of choice as it's so easy to use. It has a felt tip style applicator and is pigmented enough to look jet black in one swipe. 

I've also got back into using my Bobbi Brown Corrector in Dark Peach to cover dark circles, again because it's so easy to use. I usually just pat it onto any dark areas with my finger and blend. My lips have been feeling a little bit on the dry side but I've not wanted to compromise on wearing colour so the By Terry Baume de Rose Nutri-Couleur in Cherry Bomb has come in handy. It's a super moisturising, rose scented lip balm with a red tint to it. I love the shade and the sheer finish means I can apply it without a mirror!

What have you been loving this month?

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September Favourites

The products I've been loving the most this month, alongside old favourites, are all relatively new additions to my stash. For skincare I've been loving IndeedLabs Pepta-Bright, I don't think a single skincare product has ever made more of a difference to my skin. It really is the best product for fading marks and evening out skin tone. Another skincare product I've been loving is the Good Things Manuka Honey Radiance Face Mask, you can see my full review on it here. It's a great 3-in-1, it draws out impurities, exfoliates and hydrates skin and has quickly become my go to mask. I've been using it about twice a week and my skin has been feeling really fresh!

With makeup it's been all about complexion this month. I always think if you get your complexion looking good the rest doesn't really matter too much! I've been using the Revlon Photoready Skinlights Face Illuminator in Bronze Light under foundation to give my skin a bit more of a glow and the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Caramel (full review here) under my eyes and on any blemishes. It's heavy enough in coverage to cover anything but still manages to feel really lightweight on the skin. My new favourite concealer for sure! I've been using the Real Techniques Large Shading Brush to buff it into the skin and I find this works really well, it blends the product right in and looks so natural. 

What have you been loving this month?

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August Favourites

I really can't believe it's the end of august already! Where has the summer gone? Here are the products I've been loving this month.

REN Clarimatte Clarifying Toner

I've been using this all month and so far I love it. It's an exfoliating toner that contains glycolic acid but is still gentle enough to use everyday. Plus it smells like lavender so it's a pleasure to use.

Dior Lip Glow

By far my favourite lip balm, for the actual product as well as the pretty packaging! It leaves lips feeling incredibly soft, isn't at all sticky and gives lips a flattering pink tint.

The Body Shop Aloe Eye Defence

I went back to using this eye cream after finishing off another one and I'm so glad I did. It's really lightweight, sinks into the skin easily and works well under makeup. It's also particularly great for those with sensitive skin around the eyes. Full review here.

Delarom Acquaconfort Cream

Although it can be used day or night, I've been using this just in the daytime. It's light yet moisturising and sinks into the skin quickly. A great no-fuss face cream. Full review here.

The Body Shop Vineyard Peach Body Butter

My favourite TBS body butter to date, and that's saying something as I've tried a lot of them. It's very thick, almost solid in consistency and does take a bit of working into the skin but the results are well worth it. Plus it smells delicious!

What products have you been loving this month?

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July Favourites

I seem to have a huge amount of favourites this month, not sure how that happened! Here's what I've been loving.

Nip+Fab Yoga Blend Body Lotion - Full review here

Smells amazing, sinks in quickly and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. It's very rare that a body lotion makes a difference to my skin as I use them all the time but this one definitely has!

Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil - Full review here

I've been using this on my post surgery scars as often as I remember. I'm not sure wether it's helping fade them or not but no harm in trying! Another product that smells good and leaves my skin feeling soft.

Dior Nail Varnish Tie & Dye - See it on my nails here

A bright orangey red that's been on my nails almost non stop. Plus it has a great glossy, long-lasting formula and an easy to use brush. 

The Body Shop Silky Camomile Cleansing Oil - Full review here

This stuff is amazing at removing makeup quickly and easily. It goes on as an oil, breaks down makeup and completely rises of on contact with water. It also leaves my skin feeling nice and soft, I think I'll be repurchasing this one for years to come!

Lee Stafford ARGANOIL from Morocco Nourishing Miracle Oil - Full review here

Having dry and frizz prone hair means hair oils are my number one styling product. This one moisturises hair making it easier to blow-dry, adds shine and controls frizz. It's also much cheaper than a lot of the others, definitely a winner! 

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti - See it on me here

I'm a huge fan of the lip butters and this is the shade I've been reaching for the most recently. It's a moisturising lip balm/lipstick hybrid that adds a tint of colour with one layer and can be built up for a stronger look. 

MUA Undressed Palette

I've had this palette for quite a long time but had completely forgotten about it until I rediscovered it recently. I've been particularly loving shade 6 & 7. I'll be doing a full review of this palette soon so make sure you keep an eye out if you're interested!

Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream - Full review here

If I had to pick one favourite to rule all favourites this would be it. By far the best night cream I've ever tried, I've been using it for about 6 weeks and my skin feels softer and looks plumper and more even. It's also quite rich but sinks in really easily, a quality I always love in a product!

What have you been loving this month?

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May Favourites

May has been a bit of a horrible month for me as I've been ill for the last 2 weeks. When I'm ill anything even vaguely resembling a beauty or skincare routine goes out the window. Instead, I've been reaching for Lemsip, Strepsils and lots and lots of tea! That said, there are a few products that I was loving before I was ill as well as some really quick and easy to use ones!

First up is the Avon Ideal Flawless CC Cream, I've recently switched from wearing foundation to something a bit lighter on a day to day basis and I'm loving it. It's incredibly lightweight, blends really easily and has SPF50 as an added bonus! Expect a full review coming soon!

I have fallen head over heels for the formula of the Barry M Gelly Shine Nail Paints, particularly the shade Blueberry which I've been wearing on my toes non stop for the last couple of months as well as on my fingers for most of that time too!

I've been wearing my hair au naturel as of late thanks to a combo of 2 products, both from Lee Stafford. The first is the Argan Oil Curl Creme (full review here) which I've been working into just washed hair while its still wet. I then leave it to air dry and it's leaves me with perfectly formed curls. For next day frizz touch ups I've been spraying in some Argan oil Anti-Frizz Serum Spray which revives curls and leaves everything looking a bit smoother and glossier. 

Having a cold meant dry skin and lots of hot baths! I added a small scoop of coconut oil to my baths, not only is the fragrance amazing but it also meant I didn't have to faff around with body lotion afterwards. 

Aside from cleansing, the only thing I've been putting on my skin for the last 2 weeks is the Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil (full review here). I've been using it in the mornings and evenings and it's done my skin a world of good. I actually think my skin looks better now than before I was ill!

The last thing I've been loving is The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Lip Butter, it's been helping to moisturise my dry lips and it tastes smells delicious!

What products have you been loving this month?

April Favourites

This month's favourites are a combination of new discoveries and golden oldies. The first product I've been loving is the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water which I spoke about in more detail a few days ago here. It's a brilliant makeup remover that removes even mascara in a single swipe, doesn't irritate the skin at all and just feels like water. I'm converted.

Next is the long since discontinued Sweet Lemon Shower Gel from The Body Shop (full review here) it has the most delicious, citrusy scent that has been extremely uplifting on these dull spring mornings. I really hope they bring this scent back!

Soap & Glory Hand Food is by far my favourite hand cream of all time, it's extremely moisturising yet non greasy and sinks into the skin straight away. It also smells really good, I stocked up this month while it was on 3 for 2, you can see my full review here.

I'm not usually one for primers but the Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch has surprised me, I seem to me using it more and more often. It feels velvety on the skin, makes sure that makeup lasts all day and keeps and oiliness at bay. Full review here.  

The concealer that I've been reaching for pretty much daily as of late is the Clinique Even Better Concealer in Honeycomb. It a shade lighter than my skin tone so I've been using it under the eyes to hide dark circles and brighten up my face. It's really high coverage but also really blendable. Full review here. 

I'm not an everyday eyeshadow wearer but the Avon SuperShock Vivid Liquid Eyeshadow is so easy to use! Mine's in the shade Chromed Cocoa. I just shake it, dab a bit onto my eyelid with the applicator and then blend it in with my finger. It sets and just doesn't budge. 

What products have you been loving this month?  

March (+February) Favourites

Last month I missed out on doing my favourites post so this month I thought I'd bung the two in together. That means these products have been extra loved as I had to do a bit of narrowing down in order to fit them into one post.

First up is the Charles Worthington Salon at Home Moisture Seal range, I picked up the Shampoo, Masque and Leave in Conditioner a while ago in Boots when they were on 3 for 2 and I've been seriously impressed. Being someone who usually uses high end hair products I usually find drugstore ones to be a bit thin end up using half the bottle  in one go, not with these. The shampoo(full review here) lathers up well and leaves hair feeling clean but not stripped of all moisture. The masque (full review here) has a really thick consistency, so a little goes a long way. I leave it in for about 10 mins and it leaves hair feeling super soft. The Leave in Conditioner (full review here) has a really light gel like texture that still manages to inject a good dose of hydration into the hair. It also makes an amazing detangler! 

For fragrance I've been spritzing on Avon Amour Eau de Parfum. It's a lovely light and delicate spring scent with white floral heart notes and citrus top notes. I've been using it so much lately that it's nearly all gone! 

I've recently incorporated La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ into my skincare routine and so far I'm amazed by the results! I've found it's really been helping to unclog pores and speed up the healing process on spots. I'll be doing a full, in-depth review once I've been using it a bit longer so look out for that if you're interested. 

I've also been using Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel in the mornings, it's a very lightweight gel that moisturises the skin and feels nice and fresh. I sits really well under makeup too which is great. (full review here)

What products have you been loving this month?

January Favourites

The miserable weather as of late has meant one thing, more hot baths to soothe dry winter skin and cold toes! Here are some of the products I've been loving this month.

The Boots Extracts range has been a brilliant discovery I've been using the Cocoa Butter Sugar Scrub (full review here) and Body Butter (full review here) non stop since I got them, in fact I'm already nearly halfway through both! The Scrub has a really tightly packed consistency that really gives skin a good scrub leaving it feeling super smooth. The body butter somehow manages to be really thick and creamy but still sinks in really quickly leaving skin feeling supple and nourished.

I've been burning my Milk Bath Remedy Candle in Coconut Milk constantly in the evenings, it fills the room with a lovely relaxing scent and it a cozy ambience. Full review here.

Boots Coconut Body Oil has been an absolute life saver this month with my skin being in the condition it's in. My eyelids have been dry and sore and my skin has been feeling super sensitive. I've been using this to remove makeup, as a facial oil, a hair treatment and adding a scoop into the bath! I wrote a post all about different ways to use it here.

I fallen back in love with my favourite lipgloss lately, it's the Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss in 56 Imaginaire. It's just the easies colour to wear, I even apply it without a mirror. A flatters all warm toned peachy pink. 

December Favourites

As most of my beauty goodies are still packed away in boxes, I ended up keeping things pretty simple in december. 

The rainy, windy weather has really been playing havoc on my hair and Kerastase Nutritive Oleo-Relax Slim is about the only thing that's been able to keep it in check. A pea sized amount worked into lengths and ends smoothes out frizz and tames excess volume.

Seeing as I ran out of my usual eyebrow pencil and broke my spoolie in quick succession, I decided to pick up this Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Brown as it has a convenient little brush on the lid. I love a good multifunctional product! 

I know I said I've been keeping things pretty low key lately but what would Christmas and New Year's Eve have been without a little glitter? My weapon of choice was Essie Beyond Cosy, a super sparkly silver and gold glitter hybrid that just screams Christmas. Not sure I'll be able to wait till next december to wear this again!

My skin always takes a turn for the worse during the winter months, especially around my eyes, where skin starts to feel sore and parched. The Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil has been doing wonders to keep it at bay, and it boasts some pretty impressive ingredients, enough to rival some of it's much more expensive alternatives. Expect a rave coming soon!

I've been using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Lotion Micro-Exfoliant twice a day for a good few weeks now and so far I'm pretty pleased with the results. It's a toner containing chemical exfoliants which you simple swipe on with a cotton pad. Much gentler on the skin than scrubbing away at the skin with a harsh grainy product but delivers the same smooth results.

The Fragrance I've been wearing pretty much exclusively throughout december is Avon Far Away Exotic, it's a warm but fruity fragrance that's very easy to wear. I can definitely see it becoming a long term favourite that I'll be reaching for all year.

What products have you enjoyed using in December?

November Favourites

This month I've been continuing to love most of the products I featured in last month's favourites post, obviously I didn't want to repeat myself so here are a few other things I've been loving!

I've been absolutely loving my Caudalie Grape Water (full review), as the weather gets colder, my skin gets dryer and this has been a great life saver. It's great if you need a boost of moisture over the top of makeup.

My absolute worst spot for winter dry skin is around my eyes, they start to feel sensative and uncomfortable and the Clarins Special Eye Contour Balm is the only eye cream that seems to nip it in the bud. I usually just use this as night but when my eyes are extra dry I use it in the day as well. 

A rushed morning where makeup was done in the car and mascara was forgotten lead to the purchase of Miss Sporty Fabulous Lash Xtra Black Lash Building Mascara, and I'm so glad because I love it. It's not the quickest to use but it's really buildable and gives great separation. Plus it's cheap as chips. (full review)

Avon Advance Techniques Nourishing Argan Oil Leave in Treatment has been used non stop since I bought it. It tames frizz and moisturises hair in one step. I use it pre blow dry or just on the ends as a touch up. (full review)

I've been continuing to love both my Avon 8 in 1 eye palette and MUA Undressed Palette this month, often being a bit bolder with a bronze or chocolate smokey eye. My Natural Collection Lipstick in Rose Bud has been a perfect partner to that, it pulls the whole look together really nicely without making it look over done. Definitely a 'my lips but better' type shade.

Last up is Avon Rare Gold Eau De Parfum, I bought this a few winters ago and everytime the weather gets colder I seem to pull it out and fall in love with it all over again. It's a very warm, rich grown up scent that smells much more expensive than it is! Keep your eyes peeled for a full review coming soon! 

What have you been loving this month?