Elemental Herbology Facial Glow

Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette

I seem to have turned into a real eyeshadow palette hoarder, a recent-ish addition to my collection is the Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow Palette. To me it's definitely not an everyday palette, it's more something I get out when I want more of a 'statement eye'. In all honesty, I've only worn it a handful of times in the past couple of months that I've owned it and as you can see in the picture above, a few of the shades are still untouched. This always seems to happen when I get two new eyeshadow palettes around the same time! (The other is the Marc Jacobs Palette which I reviewed here, I've been wearing that one constantly!)

All of that said, I'm still glad I got it! It's just such a unique palette. Used dry the shadows are really pretty but nothing massively out of the ordinary, but used wet they really come into their own. They turn into what I can only describe as liquid metal and deposit a level of pigment that I've never achieved with other shadows. The finish really is beautiful too, super high shine that leaves lids with a 'wet look'. Now you know why I haven't been whipping it out everyday! 

Unfortunately I found it really difficult to capture any good wet/dry swatches on camera, it just wasn't doing them any justice so I'm planning on using them in a video soon so keep your eyes peeled if you want to see it in action! 

What do you think of this eyeshadow palette?

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Sunday Skin Prep

I've mentioned many times here on my blog that I love a good at home spa session, most of the time it's about relaxing but today it's all about prepping my skin for the week ahead. I always do some kind of a face mask once or twice a week but today I've decided to go for two in a row as well as a good cleansing balm to get the glow back into my skin.

To start I'll use the Georgia Louise Cleanse + Heal Duo Balm, I take my time massaging it into a dry face for a good 5 to 10 minutes. Not something I have time to do everyday but when I do I really see a difference in my skin. When I'm done massaging I run a flannel under warm water, wring it out and remove the balm while gently buffing the skin to exfoliate it.

Next up is the Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask which is seriously good, it really deserves a full review here on the blog. It's clay based, so draws impurities out of the skin but still leaves it feeling soft and nourished. You do have to leave this one on for about half an hour but the results are seriously worth it. It's just so brightening. 

I then finish off with the Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Moisturising Cream Mask, which smells lovely and gives my skin an intense hydration boost. I usually use it in place of a night cream and leave it on over night. Whenever I use it I wake up to plump and dewy looking skin, not a dehydration line in sight!

What are your favourite masks?

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Lightweight Summer Base

I've been switching up my base products a lot more recently, with lightweight, tinted moisturisers coming into the rotation a bit more in favour of my usual foundations. It's as a result of two things, the weather, which has finally warmed up properly, meaning the last thing I want is a face caked in foundation. Secondly, my skin has been looking a lot better recently (fingers crossed it stays that way!) I haven't had a breakout in quite a while and the pigmentation I have from old ones are fading rapidly thanks to my arsenal of skincare products.

I mentioned the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer in my Everyday Spring Makeup Video but since then I've switched to their Radiance Bronze version, which is a much better fit for my skintone as well as giving me a sun kissed summery glow. I've been applying it all over with my fingers and then following with the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser in Annapurna which gives a decent amount of coverage, enough to even out the skin. It does still leave the darker pigmentation marks and the dark circles under my eyes visible so to conceal those I go in with the MAC Select Cover Up in NC45 which looks very natural and skin-like. Not the highest coverage concealer in town but it definitely packs enough pigment to cover my everyday needs! 

What base products have you been using recently?

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Mani Monday - Essie Tart Deco

Yep, another Essie polish, this time in the shade Tart Deco. I've been wearing this one constantly since I got it a couple of months ago, both on my fingers and toes. It's just the perfect summery shade that manages to cheer me up a bit when I look down at my nails. As always with Essie, both the formula and brush are on point. Long lasting, shiny and easy to apply. 

What have you been wearing on your nails recently?

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Laura Mercier Face Illuminator - Indiscretion

Considering how much I love highlighters, I really don't have that many. I struggle to find ones that work well on my skintone, they're often too pink, too light or both. So on the rare occasion that I do spot one I like the look of, I snap it up at record speed.

That's exactly what happened with the Laura Mercier Face Illuminator in Indiscretion, which is by far the stand out product from their limited edition summer collection. It's warm and golden in tone and is just pigmented enough to give a sheer wash of glow to the skin. The shimmer particles are very fine, not at all chunky and glittery, which is another box ticked of my highlighter criteria checklist!

I already foresee this becoming a summer makeup favourite! I'm currently working on a FOTD post so make sure you check back next week if you want to see it in action! 

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Zelens PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads

I love a good chemical exfoliant, I have done ever since I stopped using scrubs a few years ago, they're much gentler on the skin yet still get the job done without damaging any delicate areas. I genuinely think they're better for everyone. That said, they're not all created equal, I've definitely tried some that are better than others. The Zelens PHA+ Bio Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads are up there as one of my favourites, they're great for all skin types, even those who are very sensitive. 

So why do I love them so much? Well, because they're so much more than just a exfoliating pad. They also hydrate the skin and contain antioxidants which protect skin from environmental damage. So they leave the skin feeling very comfortable rather than tight and stripped of moisture. They also contain two of my favourite ingredients, Lactic and Salicylic acid, both exfoliating acids that just seem to work very well on my skin. Salicylic acid is particularly good for those who are prone to blocked pores and blackheads and Lactic is great for brightening and fading pigmentation. They also contain PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) which are the next generation of exfoliating acids, which is where the hydrating and antioxidant properties come from. 

The directions advise that you use them twice per day but I just use them once or twice per week, I find that's enough for my skin as I tend to also use an exfoliating mask a couple of times a week. Obviously you can tailor how often you use them to your skin's needs, more blemish prone skins would definitely benefit from using them more often, as would those who want to see results a bit quicker.

At £65 for a pot of 50 pads they're not exactly cheap but in my opinion they're definitely worth the splurge. If like me you only use them once or twice a week they'll last you at least 6 months. They're definitely a product I'll repurchase again and again, my skin has definitely been brighter and smoother since I started using them!

What do you use to exfoliate?

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Sunday Spatime!

I love having a bit of at home spa time on a sunday evening, or on any other evening for that matter! It always involves a lovely smelling bath, sometimes a face mask and a few other bits and bobs depending on how I'm feeling. I thought it would be a good idea to share what I'm using here on the blog and make it a bit of a feature as I always seem to use a different combination of products. Today it's all about relaxing and getting my self set up for a busy week back at work tomorrow. So here's what I'll be using!

Kiehl's Lavender Foaming Relaxing Bath with Sea Salt and Aloe Vera

I adore the scent of lavender and to me, this really captures that true lavender scent. It's so calming and relaxing and it creates lots of lovely bubbles in the bath. That said, the formula does contain sulphates so it isn't the kindest to skin, it can leave it feeling a bit on the dry side but it's nothing a bit of body oil can't solve!

Elemental Herbology Facial Glow

I love a good face mask and this one is a firm favourite for when my skin needs a 'quick fix'. It contains AHAs so it gently exfoliates the skin leaving it feeling soft, clean and bright. It just seems to work every single time, and the best part? You only have to leave it on for 4 minutes!

Caudalie Divine Oil

I've loved this stuff ever since I discovered it a few years ago and I don't think I'll stop using it anytime soon! It truly is an amazing product that I reach for again and again. It's a body oil that glides on really easily and sinks in very quickly. It never leaves a greasy residue on the skin and it smells seriously amazing. I also find it leaves my skin feeling noticeably smoother for a good couple of days after I've used it, which is surprising considering I always moisturise my body everyday anyway.

Nude Pro Genius Oil

What can I say? I love oils! For the face as well as for the body. They may take it little bit of extra time to work into the skin but in my opinion they are well and truly worth it. I've only used this facial oil a few times but so far I absolutely love it, it sinks into the skin really easily and a tiny bit goes a very, very long way. I'll report back with a full review once I've been using it a bit longer!

What beauty products do you use to relax?

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Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con Palette - The Starlet

So if you watched my recent haul video (see here) you'll know that I bought the Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con Palette in 'The Starlet', it wasn't the cheapest of items but I really am glad I got it. The shades are unlike any other in my collection, the pigmentation and quality of the shadows is excellent and don't even get me started on the packaging! 

As I said in the video, I went into Sephora expecting the come out with 'The Lolita' palette but when I saw and swatched it I felt that I already had all of the shades in my collection, it was also a bit cool toned for my liking so I went for this one instead. That warm toned coppery shade is what drew my eye to the palette, but I quickly realised I loved all of the shades. 

My favourites from the palette are the copper, the slightly green toned gold, the dark brown and the dark grey. The formulas are really buttery, have amazing colour payoff and best of all they don't fall down onto your face! A real pet hate of mine as I always forget to start with my eyes when using darker shades. 

My one criticism of the palette would be that there aren't individual shade names, not that that's particularly important, I guess it would just be helpful for the sake of blogging/youtube! I put together a few of my favourite looks from the palette to show you what they look like on but of course the possibilities are endless. Please excuse my rather frizzy looking hair! 

Champagne shade - on the brow bone and in the inner corners.

Copper shade - all over the lid

Dark brown shade - Outer corners, in the crease and on the lower lash line

Champagne shade - on the brow bone and in the inner corners

Green/Gold - all over the lid

Champagne shade - on the brow bone and in the inner corners

Dark grey shade - all over the lid

Dark brown - In the outer corners, in the crease and along the lower lash line.

What do you think of these looks? Which is your favourite? Let me know in the comments!

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Everyday Spring Makeup

All products mentioned are listed in the description box on youtube. Thank you for watching!

Current Cleansing Heroes

You've probably noticed that I've been a bit absent from the blog recently, but what can I say? Sometimes life just gets in the way and things are just too busy. Anyway, I'm back now with a fresh mind and a long list of blog post ides for the upcoming weeks so I thought I'd get stuck right in and talk about a couple of cleansers I've been using constantly and loving.

The first is from super clean skincare brand Nude and it's their Perfect Cleansing Oil for Face and Eyes, this one is my first stop in the evenings, particularly if I've been wearing makeup. I just massage a couple of pumps into dry skin, it completely breaks down all makeup, including mascara. I then splash my face with water and the rich oil turns into a milk and rinses away, taking the makeup with it. It contains lots of natural, skin nourishing ingredients and my skin always feels healthier after using it. 

The second in my rotation is Aurelia's Miracle Cleanser, another cleanser packed full of great ingredients from an all clean and natural brand. This one contains lots of essential oils like camomile, rosemary and bergamot which, as well as doing great things for the skin, smell absolutely amazing. This one is my go to first thing in the morning as well as in the evening as a second cleanse after the nude one. I just scoop a bit out, massage it all over my face, inhale the lovely scent, then remove it with a flannel. 

The two work in combination with each other brilliantly well and my face feels baby soft after I use them. I'm already onto my second pot of Aurelia and the Nude cleansing oil will also definitely be repurchased when it runs out!

What cleansers have you been using recently?

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Lee Stafford My Big Fat Tong

I've never really been one for hair curlers, I've always preferred to just use my straighteners to create a relaxed, wavy look. That is, until I tried these, the 'My Big Fat Tong' by Lee Stafford. It's amazingly ease to use, heats up quickly and is great for creating more of a retro curl look. 

After blowdrying my hair I just divided it into sections and curled it around the barrel, I set the look with a bit of hairspray and the curls lasted a good few days! It's definitely a look I'll go back to again and again when I want to feel a bit dressed up!

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Evening Skincare Routine

I made a video all about my morning skincare routine a while ago and here I am with the promised Evening Skincare Routine to carry on from where I last left off. I hope you enjoy watching it, all products are linked over on on youtube, don't forget to like and subscribe if you haven't already!

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Cold Weather Skin Saviours

If ever there's a time when my skin feels a bit dry, dehydrated and lacklustre it's at this time of year. The bitingly cold weather and central heating are recking havoc on my skin not to mention the after effects of one too many late nights in December. My skin has a tendency to get very sensitive in the cold but over the last few years I've managed to come up with an arsenal of products to keep it in tip top condition. 

Cleansing is so important in the cold, anything foaming will just strip the small amount of moisture there is in the skin. I've been using the Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil in the evenings and the Aurelia Miracle Cleanser in the mornings and as a second cleanse at night. The combination of the two have left my skin feeling fresh and clean but still plumped up, nourished and soft. 

The Clarins Special Eye Contour Balm is one I seem to come back to every winter, I spoke about it more in my Morning Skincare Routine Video which you can see here. It's rich and moisturising but still sinks in easily and sits well under makeup. I've also upped my usage of Time Bomb's Youth Juice Secret Oil from a couple of times a week to 3 or 4, I've also been piling it on on at-home, no makeup days. It too sinks in easily and the lovely scent makes it such a pleasure to use. 

I generally moisturise my body all year round but in winter I love an oil or a super rich body butter. The Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter is so thick it's almost solid, it takes a bit of rubbing in to get it to sink in but boy is it worth it! I've been quickly working my way through this deluxe sample tube but a full size purchase may be in order! 

Two things I definitely couldn't forgo are hand cream and lip balm, Soap & Glory Hand Food is everyones favourite for a reason, it smells lovely, is lastingly moisturising and most importantly doesn't leave a reside on the hands. The Body Shop's Coconut Lip Butter is thick and moisturising enough to heal even the most cracked lips but unfortunately does leave a bit of a pale cast on the lips. For that reason, I reserve it for overnight use and I always have super soft lips come morning!

What are your favourite cold weather products?

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#ManiMonday

When the Essie stand beckoned me the other day, I decided to go for a nudey pink shade that I could wear anytime, with anything, without really thinking about it. I spent a few minutes holding the shades against my hand to see which best suited my skintone and decided to go for this one, called Not Just A Pretty Face. 

It's such a lovely, barely there shade that somehow just looks incredibly polished and chic. I know I'll be reaching for it over other polishes constantly so if you don't see another #ManiMonday post for a while, you know why! 

I find that Essie polishes are the best in terms of formula and ease of application. I'm definitely glad I added to my collection with this one!

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Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede

I'm definitely not one for having a 'signature scent', life is too short and I'm far too fickle. But if ever I was to have one, Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede would be a serious contender. 

It's no secret I love peonies, I even named my blog after them, but of all the peony based fragrances I've come across, this is by far my favourite. It has that beautiful floral fullness of fresh summer peonies which when combined with the suede note suddenly feels more sophisticated. The top note of  crispy red apples gives it a lightness and freshness that makes it feel exceptionally modern. Not something easily done with a peony based fragrance. 

I've been wearing this fragrance almost non stop since I got it, I find the scent so addictive that I spend most of the day sniffing my wrist when I wear it (much to my hubby's amusement). It's definitely a fragrance I'll be repurchasing again and again in years to come. 

What is your current favourite fragrance?

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Video: Morning Skincare Routine

Exciting news! I filmed my first ever video for the blog, I decided to talk about my Morning Skincare Routine and did mini reviews of the products I'm using along the way. I'll be filming my Evening Skincare Routine soon too so stay tuned for that one!

I really enjoyed the experience of filming and editing this video so I really hope you like it. I have a whole list of others I'd like to film but if there's anything in particular you'd like to see me do let me know! I'm so excited about this new venture and can't wait to get stuck in!

Products Mentioned;

Elemental Herbology Delicate Cleanse

Rodial Dragon's Blood Hylauronic Tonic

Clarins Special Eye Contour Balm (full review here, it's an oldie!)

Elemental Herbology Cell Food

Delarom Acquaconfort Cream (full review here)

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturiser SPF30

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#Mani Monday

Come the new year, I like to pack away my festive, sparkly nail varnishes and dust off my nudes and neutrals. As you can see, this time I couldn't quite completely let go so I decided to go for a compromise. I guess I just needed one last fix! 

I went for one of my favourite nudes, Lower Sloane Street by Nails Inc on all my nails then layered up Avon Colour Trend in Rose Golden onto my ring finger in an ombre effect. I love the effect of an accent nail and it's the perfect look to transition me from party season into the new year!

What have you been wearing on your nails lately?

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Nars Narsissist Palette

I think it's safe to say I'm late to the party on this one, the Nars Narsissist Palette came out around this time last year and I knew I instantly wanted it. I'm ummed and ahhed over wether to buy it as it was so expensive and of course being limited edition it quickly sold out. I instantly regretted not buying it and felt a little sad every time I saw it pop up on a blog with rave reviews. Sad, I know. But all was not lost as I was lucky enough to receive it for my birthday in december. Obviously, I was over the moon even though it wasn't a surprise and I've been using it non stop ever since. If you missed out on it too I'd recommend keeping your eye open on ASOS and Urban Retreat, the come back in stock every now and then only to disappear again at the blink of an eye. 

If you're a keen reader of beauty blogs, as most people who read my blog seem to be, you've probably already read multiple lists of the shades names and seen multiple arms covered in swatches so I won't make you sit through it again. Instead I thought I'd give a shout out to a couple of my favourite shades/combination of shades.

1. First up is Fez (top row, middle), my absolute favourite of the palette. I love this one simply washed all over the lid with nothing but a few coats of mascara. It looks simple, understated but like you've put in a bit of an effort. 

2. Fez on the lid, Mekong (middle row, right) on the outer corners and a little bit under the lower lash line with a touch of All About Eve (top left) under the brow bone and in the inner corners.

3. Mekong all over the lid with Coconut Grove (top row, right) in the crease is my go-to combo for a dark, smoky evening look. It's a great way of glaming up my makeup really quickly.

4. Bali (top row, 2nd from right) and Coconut Grove work really well for me as brow shades and of course Pandora (bottom right) is great as an eyeliner.

I've only used the other shades a couple of times so far so I'm still experimenting with them. I'm thinking of putting together a post with a few pictures of me wearing my favourite looks but I thought I needed a bit more time to experiment first! It is in the works though so keep your eyes peeled!

Do you have the Nars Narsissist Palette? What is your favourite shade or combination?

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Favourite Eyeshadow Brushes

I promised an edit of my favourite eyeshadow brushes here on the blog a while ago but for some reason it was a post that I kept putting off. I think I felt I should wait until I had all the brushes I wanted but then I realised that I'm actually quite happy with the ones I've got. You'll probably be quite surprised to see that this edit does not feature a MAC 217! I know, shocker! I just never got round to getting it as I have a few quite similar brushes that work well for me. That said, I'm sure I'll end up picking it up at some point! Anyway, here are my favourites and what I use them for!

(Clockwise from top left)

1. Real Techniques Accent Brush (available as part of the Eye Starter Kit)

This brush is great for precision application. I use it mainly for an inner corner highlight or to apply shadow under the lash line for when I want a bit of subtle definition. 

2. Nars #40 Eye Shadow Brush

This brush has had a makeover since I got my hands on it but the newer version is essentially the same brush with a nicer handle. It's the biggest eye brush I have and I think it's great at blending and softening out edges. I never actually ever put any eyeshadow on it! I just use it clean to make sure there are no harsh lines and everything looks well blended out.

3. Space Nk Eyeshadow Brush

This flat number is great for packing on colour, particularly high shimmer shadows, pigments and even cream shadows. 

4. Nars #43 Wide Contour Eyeshadow Brush 

A recent purchase that is very quickly becoming my favourite and most used. It's just so easy to use, works with so many different eye shapes and makes eyeshadow application unbelievably quick. In my opinion this is a seriously underrated brush! I use it to apply shadow all over the lid and the outer corner, it hugs the eye contour really well and does all the work for you.

5. Kiko 207 Blending and Contouring Brush

I don't use this one quite as often as the others but I love it all the same. It's great for applying lots of shadow under the lower lash line for a grungy, smoky look or for getting really precise definition in the crease. Both looks I love but don't wear that often.

6. Sephora Pro Blending Brush #27 

I love sephora makeup brushes, I think they're great quality for their price range. This one is a great all rounder, at a push I can do my entire eye make up with just this, for that reason it's usually the one that makes the cut when I'm travelling. It's similar to the MAC 217 but a bit bigger and fluffier, the hairs aren't as tightly packed. I use it to apply shadow to the lid, in the crease, blend out and to add a brow bone highlight. As I said, it does a bit of everything.

7. Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush (available as part of the Eye Started Kit)

Another great does-a-bit-of-everything brush. Similar to the sephora one but smaller and more densely packed. I tend to use this one if I want to build up more pigment and it's probably my favourite for blending shadow into the crease or for creating a smoky eye. 

With these brushes I pretty much have all my eyeshadow needs covered, I hope this post was useful to you if you're on the hunt for some new brushes. What is your favourite eyeshadow brush?

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