July Beauty and Skincare Favorites

It's that time again! Time to have a little look at what I've been loving in the month of July...

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm in Rose : This is so darn easy to wear which is why it has been my grab and go through the busy month of July. I've nearly finished it which is pretty unusual for a hoarder like myself.

If you are familiar with the Instant Light Glosses, then you will recognize the same caramel/vanilla scent. It's delicious.

This is such an easy little hand bag balm, it imparts a gentle glossy pink to the lips that is low maintenance but just helps polish off any look.

These are very comfortable and moisturizing but I believe it contains mineral oil which would explain why in the long run it can make my lips feel a little dry. However that does not deter me, I just make sure to use my trusty Nuxe Rev De Miel before bed.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon : For some reason it has taken my light years to write this review, but it will be up tomorrow.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow : I have had this since Christmas but as of late I have found it hard to go without.

It has a beautiful, delicate rose scent which is in no way over powering or irritating, but it the effect this gives that keeps me coming back for more. I seem to be working my way through this quite slowly though so that's good.

This is the only primer I have that actually adds a level of hydration. I love any kind of radiance primer for example the Dior Glow Maximiser, but although that does bring the glow, it doesn't feel that beneficial to my skin. Wonderglow just feels like another layer of moisturizer and as a dry skin girl, that helps.

It adds such a gorgeous, healthy golden sheen to the skin. It perks up my complexion especially if I am tired and/or hungover. Foundation sits beautifully on top as well.

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Nectar : I've now hit pan on this little guy! Although it looks small it has actually lasted me ages. I love this, it adds a very lovely pink dewiness to the cheeks and due to the teeny little size it is very travel friendly so it was the only blush I took with me when I went away. Also no brushes needed which makes life even easier.

For a full review with swatches, click here.

Sarah Chapman Rapid Radiance Cleanser : I finally tried something from Sarah Chapman! I normally prefer a balm cleanser, but as I already have my much loved Oskia Renassiance Cleansing Gel in my cabinet, I thought I would try this.

This is a clay based cleanser- which is not something I would really go for as I have dry skin, but this has actually worked wonders and I really missed it when I went away. I think that's always a good indiction of how much a product actually works for you.

I don't find this works well as an evening cleanser as I tend to prefer something more heavy duty to remove any remaining scraps of make up , but in the morning this is lovely.

I dispense two pumps onto my hands and rub onto my dry skin. I can imagine oily skin folk would love this but it also works for me as I feel like during the warmer months I can wake up feeling a little more greasy than usual and this makes me feel refreshed and balanced again.

You can also use this as a two minute radiance booster.

This cream cleanser is packed full of goodies such as Lactic Acid (great for dehydrated skins) and Salicylic Acid (your best friend if your skin is looking congested or dull)

I have found over the course or using this every morning my skin is looking brighter and healthier. I really look forward to using this in the AM.

Bumble and Bumble Pret a Powder : This little travel size has not left my handbag all month. I am still in love with it, for a full review, click here.

This Works Perfect Skin Miracle : This is a tinted moisturizer, but not in the way you might expect as it doesn't add any coverage.

This cream smells like cake, which is slightly odd but pleasant and is a dark mustard/gold in colour.

When dispensed into your hand it is mildly alarming, but when you rub it in it just adds a gently warmth to the complexion also whilst giving you a dose of hyluronic acid.

On good skin days I have just been wearing this with a touch of concealer on my dark circles.

Smashbox Contour Stick : I have been loving this all month. This comes in a set of three - a cool contour, warm bronzer and a matte cream highlight.

I have been using all three but the contour shade has definitely seen the most love. The texture is so creamy and blendable it is a cinch to use. I love it, for a full review click here.

Charlotte Tilbury Swish and Pop Blush in First Love : Shock horror, another CT product!

I love this warm peachy blush, on days when I haven't been wearing the Liz Earle blush. I actually bough this a few months ago but I was so in love with Love Glow which I still am, but during the warmer months this has been everything.

It's a good one and a full review is on its way!

What have been your favorites of the month?

Read more »

Finally a Volumising Product that Delivers...

I had all but given up on anything that could bring volume and life to my flat straight hair until I picked this up on a whim in Boots a couple of weeks ago.

I have seen rave reviews on this but it ever appealed to me. The Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder is, as you guessed it, a powder and I found the idea of pouring powder in my hair kind of gross and unappealing.

I can't stand super powdery dry shampoos so I thought this would be somewhat similar to them if not worse, but my curiosity got the better of me so I picked up the mini bottle.

This is the best volumising product I have ever tried. 

My hair is straight and quite fine but I have a hell of a lot of it, and its long as well so whenever I have used products like this in the past- whether it be a spray or a mousse, it will look great for about ten minutes and then literally my hair falls leaving it more limp than before as it is weighed down by extra product.

I had pretty much sworn off these kind of products as they just made my hair feel dirty and I can't be doing with that, especially as washing my hair is really not my favorite pass time.

This little guy has been used almost daily and I am addicted, when it runs out a full size purchase is happening.

My hair is at its flattest after it was been washed as it's just so silky.

What I do is, wait for my hair to fully dry (I never even use a hair dryer...I think I use it once a year, I just can't be bothered) then I section my hair on both sides of my parting and put a little bit of powder on both sides and also I part under my hair at the back and then I rub my hands quite vigorously through it for a couple of seconds.

I honestly thought I would be left with white powder all over my dark brown hair, but no! It totally disappears! It does have dry shampooing qualities so I can use it on third day hair, but my favorite way is after I have just washed my hair so it has some movement and body to it. 

It also smells lovely. Kinda like honeysuckle.

It doesn't weigh my hair down, make my hair look crispy or make me look like I have dandruff.

I have made the mistake of over using it and then things can get a bit heavy, but just a couple of taps into the roots and I am the owner of hair that looks much thicker and bouncier. 

Thank you B and B for restoring my faith in volumsing products. 

Read more »