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?

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If You Buy One Thing This Month....Clarins Radiance - Plus Golden Glow Booster

I must confess that I am in no way a fake tan connoisseur. 

I have tried a few brands here and there but I find fake tanning such a faff, it's such a mission in itself and I really don't enjoy smelling like a foot for eight hours in order to have what will inevitably be a patchy fake tan.

I love being brown and when I tan naturally I can achieve a nice golden glow but I find sunbathing quite boring and I don't want unnecessary skin damage. 

The facial version of this glow booster came out last year and I was intrigued to say the least but it was such a tiny little bottle and as much as I love a golden complexion, it's my pasty neon white legs that I am more concerned about. I want to be tanned head to toe. 

The moment this little guy came out I picked it up and I am so over the moon with it. Finally something that works beautifully and doesn't smell! 

I have had this for 3 weeks now and I have used it probably 4 times a week and I am nearly half way through. I am using quite a lot each time so I am sure you can stretch it out more. 

My justification is that when I have bought previous tans such as the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze, I can get about 5/6 applications out of it and the result is never right anyway. This may be double the price but you get a hell of a lot more use out of it. 

My favorite thing about this is that I can mix it with whatever body lotion I like and then the fake tan takes that smell on. So I have fake tanned smelling of Chanel Chance or Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir- which is infinitely nicer than smelling like a foot. 

My skin is left feeling super moisturized and brown. Seriously, what a win Clarins.

Well done.

As for-mentioned, I have super white legs and it is hard to achieve colour on them so I use a squirt of my body cream and tap in 3 drops of the glow booster (the base of the bottle has a little button that you press which gently releases the tan- brilliant as well so you don't waste anything) that usually covers over my knees and then I go in with another 3 drops for the rest of my legs and bum. 

It is up to you how brown you want to be- I wouldn't recommend going in immediately with ten drops as you will get through it very quickly and it might look a bit overwhelming. 

Start off with a couple of drops and see how you like the results and take it from there. 

The ratio I go by is three drops to one dollop of body cream and then I go to bed and I wake up with a lovely glow.

Also not a mark on the bed sheets. 

I have used this during the day and sometimes after a good few hours I can smell a very faint hint of fake tan- but it's so faint it could never put me off. 

Every few nights I add a couple of drops to my facial moisturizer so my face gets a bit of glow too. 

It's just never patchy or streaky and I don't end up with the tell tale orange palms. I dont know how it works so seamlessly, I just know that it does.

Make sure you wash your hands properly after application just in case.

 Honestly people give this a go, when this runs out I will pick up another. It works so well for me I know I will always have one in my stash.

I have just got my hands on the new St Tropez in Shower Tan- purely because I am so intrigued to see if or how it works, but I doubt it will come close to this.

Watch this space.

Also just a note-  I am lead to believe that the face version has the exact same ingredients- so it is makes more economical sense to pick up this body version as it's twice the size.

It doesn't cling to dry skin nor does it dry the skin out.   

If you are going to buy one thing this month, make it this. 

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June Skincare Favorites

June has been a very good month for skincare! I have discovered a few new lovely things with a couple of repurchases thrown in for good measure. 

La Roche-Posay Serozinc : I know, I know, this is probably the most blogged about skincare item and chances are you are quite sick of reading reviews- but it has been a fave of mine so I had to add it in.

This is a repurchase and it is something quite lovely.

This toner only contains three ingredients; water, sodium chloride and zinc. I appreciate the simplicity and the lack of astringents, but it is the Zinc that is the hard worker here.

This is meant for oily/blemish prone skin, which I have not but it still works for me.

When I am having a dry skin day I go for my hydrating toners, but during the summer months when I am naturally sweating more, I end up with a few little bumps under the skin- the product really helps rid me of some of them. It's brilliant and now more widely accessible to us Brits in larger Boots stores.

Caudalie Premier Cru the Elixir : I had never heard of this facial oil until I was given a sample at Space Nk. Face oils are my thing so I was keen to try but I hadn't read any reviews so I had no exceptions or any clue what it was really meant to do.

Let me tell you, this oil brings the hydration and the glow. It's gorgeous, a full review is on it's way.

Orico Streetwise Coco Spritz : I have been on the look out for a hydrating toner for a while. I do love my Body Shop Vitamin E facial mist but I just get through it so rapidly and I wanted to try something new.

This is gorgeous- totally Amelia Liana inspired- she is one of my biggest enablers and when she compared it to the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary mist but twenty quid cheaper, I was keen.

It is lovely, again stay tuned for a full review.

Clarins Radiance Plus Body Golden Glow Booster : I am sorry to be so annoying today- but a review is also on the way for this one! Just a quick spoiler- I don't think I will be without this product from now on. I have never found a fake tan that I actually liked. This is fab.

Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche Body Lotion : This is the body cream that I have been adding the Clarins Booster to.

I have had this cream for some time but I am so bad at moisturizing my body- truth me told I am intrinsically lazy but due to the Clarins only working as a mixer, it has forced me into moisturizing and I love it! I am going to try my utmost to stick to my new routine.

I finished the perfume version some time ago, it's a real favorite with woody,citrus and floral notes- it's pretty but not headachey. I am not a huge floral girl but due to the top notes being citrus and woody, it gives it a bit for depth.

I tend to think that the that fragrance brands that release body lotions tend to be mediocre creams with the scent just shot through- this is not the case here.

This cream is deeply hydrating leaving skin silky soft whilst absorbing quickly.

Another plus is that mixing this with the Clarins gives you a fake tan that smells like Chanel. I'm sorry but that's the dream right? No horrid biscuity smell here.

The scent also lingers or a while, just lovely.

Egyptian Magic : This is another product I hadn't heard anything about but upon receiving a sample from Space NK I become hooked and was desperate to pick up the full size after it was finished.

Review soon.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads : This is another repurchase.

I ran out of these a couple of months ago and didn't really realize how much I was missing them!

These pads are pre-soaked with acids (Lactic and Glycolic) and after cleansing I wipe both sides all over my face in circular motions. I leave it for a couple of minutes and then go in with my facial mist.

I use these in the evening, usually 3/4 times a week and they do a lovely job of exfoliating the skin, leaving it brighter and smoother- it does help with those little milia bumps you get under the skin.

Exfoliating is also very important as it helps whatever serums/oils you put on after be more easily absorbed.

This is my favorite exfoliator but I don't like over using it. It is gentle, you don't really get any stingyness with this and I find 3/4 times a week more than enough to keep my skin looking fresh. It is not necessary for me to use this daily as it's a bit too much exfoliation for my skin.

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Quick, Prettyfying Make Up

Is prettyfying a word? For the sake of this blog post, we'll just say it is.

If you're reading this, I'm guessing you're also a lover of all things beauty.

I love the creativity, the new products or rocking a kinda weird kooky look and making it wearable, but there are times when I just want to use products that are more 'prettyfying'.

You know, just adds to your natural beauty- I find these products make me look healthy and natural, in a quick and easy way.

Lets start in order of application:

Dior Glow Maximizer : Like name like nature. I don't use this all the time, but when I do, I use it all over my face like a primer and it adds such luminosity.

When you see it swatched it literally looks like a liquid highlighter- which it can be used as, but under make up it just brightens up my face. 

Lovely.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua : I have already talked about this product so I wont bang on, but it is one of my favorite bases- light, natural, glowy but not overly so and it feels very comfortable on the skin.

No caking, no sitting in pores, its beaut.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer : This is probably the best concealer I have, read a full review here.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder : I'm so glad I managed to take a picture of this as I've just hit pan. 

I was never into powders up until trying this.

I have dry skin so the idea of setting my make up with powder just feels kinda gross to me...but I thought I would invest in a high end powder and I really like it! I use this every day to set my concealer under my eyes and to be honest ever since I started doing that I cant fathom that I didn't before.

It mattifies the slight sheen from my concealer so hence makes it look like I have added a hint more coverage. I use it down the side of my nose and it does mattify were shine isn't wanted, but it is never cakey. 

It is very important to add this step here as I am using a lot of glowy products, so this is needed to take any of the shine away from unflattering areas, for example the nose/forehead etc.

Benefit Brow-Zing : As you can see- I have hit pan here! As I have used it daily for over a year, I think I am doing pretty well. The little brushes are very useful, I use the angled brush for the wax and then with the flat brush add the powder- you end up with lovely, natural looking brows.

I need quite a bit of brow help so I never go without this.

I cannot stand blocky/harsh eyebrows- this does not produce them.

Benefit Gimme Brown : I use this everyday to set my brows, read a full review here

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curlers : Because I have the worlds straightest lashes.

Nars Eyeliner in Via Veneto : I use black eyeliner EVERYDAY- it is a non negotiable.

However, I only use it to tightline- if you don't know what that means, I just line my upper water line.

After I've curled my lashes so the curlers don't rub it off, I just add this and it helps to thicken up my super fine lashes. If you haven't tried before- it may feel weird, but give it a go. I guarantee you will be amazed by how much more defined your eyes look, in the most subtle way.

Also- if you want to wear make up at school and you aren't allowed/your male  and you want to wear a bit of make up but not have it look obvious- try this as well.

This Nars one is quite new to me, a full review is on its way.

Benefit They're Real : You can see I'm having a bit of a Benefit moment!

Read the full review here. 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon : When I'm trying to do pretty in a hurry I use this after my mascara. Why you ask?

Because I'm messy.

Pretty much everytime I use mascara I end up with a little bit of smudging just behind my lashes- not like eye liner, no just a smudge and it really annoys me.

I often can't be bothered to wipe it off as that can make the matter worse, so I swipe the tiniest, lightest line behind my eyelashes and then blend with a finger.

It hides the smudge and leaves me with subtle, shimmery bronze lids.

For a swatch, click here. 

L-R: Mary Lou-Manizer, Pink Coral, Dior Glow Maximiser, Clarins Lip Perfector 

Bobbi Brown Pink Coral Blush : Read a full review here

The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer : Use this with caution! This is very easy to over do, but I like to use a fan brush and sweep this beautiful champagne highlighter on the tops of my cheekbones, round of sides of my eyebrows in a C-shape and the cupids bow.

If you use a light hand you will look gorgeous and glowy- and you have already helped yourself out by using a matte blush so things don't get OTT.

This product is so damn smooth and buttery I just kept touching it when I first got it.

It is a stunner, but be careful otherwise it will look incredibly obvious.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Balm Perfector in Rose: I'm sorry you can barely see the swatch on my arm- it is a very transparent colour that just adds the slightest hint of pink.

I love lipsticks- but can take time to apply/can be high maintenance. I LOVE lip liners as well but when I just don't have time or patience I put a bit of this on and it makes my lips look moisturized and just healthy.

I think I might prefer the lip gloss version but I am yet to make up my mind on that...

It's just a nice hint of pink that you can apply as you're leaving the house.

This may seem like a lot of steps but trust me- I can do this pretty quickly!

Do you have any tips on hour to be pretty in a hurry?

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Clarins Does Summer : Aquatic Treasures

Here we have the new Clarins Ombre Iridescent Aquatic Cream to Powder Shadows in Aquatic Rose and Aquatic Grey.

These are brand new and limited edition, so if you like the look of these- you need to pick them up sooner rather than later!

I have seen a third shade online called Aquatic Green- but I didn't see it in boots and as I have the new Charlotte Tilbury cream shadow in Cleopatra I don't feel I have missed out too much!

These two little pots are gorgeous and due to their cream to powder texture, they are unlike the creams I already have and also very easy to work with. 

A finger or a flat shader brush (like a Mac 239) will both perform the same job well. 

First, we have Aquatic Rose :

This is so not normally something I would be interested in, its undeniably pretty, but I tend to go for slightly deeper, warmer colours, but it was love at first swatch.

It is a beautiful pale rose gold and it's just so fresh and clean looking. 

I wore this all over the lid, but it also looks lovely on the inner corners.

Here it is all over the lid:

I only have a touch on here, but you can see it can be worn as a sheer wash of colour that's very day time appropriate. 

It can be built up more, it is pigmented but it's never going to be in your face.

I know I will get a lot of use out of this and the texture is smooth and dreamy.

Aquatic Grey : 

This is a iridescent grey shade with a blue tinge.

I also love this shade, but what I love most about these two shades is that they are different to what one tends to expect to see from summer collections.

It becomes the norm to expect a lot of bronzey/gold/warm shades, which I do enjoy but it all gets a bit samey, I really welcome the inclusion of these cooler shades.

I wore the rose shade all over the lid and the grey blended out into the crease and it looked so fresh and young whilst managing to still look summery!

Having warmer bronzed skin and cooler eyes is such a beautiful combination.

These blend very well together and due to their cream to powder formula, you don't have that worry of furiously blending out the shadow in the fear it will set too fast and look blotchy. 

Bottom Line : I really like these. 

If you are interested in getting a couple of bits from the summer collection, I would definitely give these a swatch and see what you think.

They blend very well and I do think it is an interesting combination that is rarely seen this time of year.

Something about the combo just works...I wore the grey all over the lid as well without the rose and I did like it, but I prefer adding the rose. It's just more unique.

When I added the grey to my lower lash line it did add a nice faint glimmer of blue and it's so pretty!

I have mostly normal lids but I always wear an eye primer and I did have good wear out of these.
These are very long lasting- they didn't fade on me at all, but by the 8 hour mark there was minor, minor creasing.

If you like the look of these- they are limited edition so get them before they're gone!

They are £19 each, get them here 

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