Products I loved in May

May has been a great month for trying out new beauty products and I've come across some different bits and pieces that I really love!  

First up, we have Ginvera Green Tea BB cream (£20).  I adore this BB cream; the formula is light and not at all greasy but provides good coverage that lasts pretty much all day.  It blends effortlessly into the skin and is a great base for the summer - it's not too heavy at all but is good enough to hide blemishes or any other problem areas.  I love it!

Omorovicza thermal cleansing balm (£46).  This amazing cleansing balm arrived in May's Look Fantastic beauty box and in my opinion, it's outstanding.  It's a soft, black mud balm that cleanses the skin beautifully without stripping or drying it out.  It removes all traces of make up and leaves the skin feeling soft and radiant.  I've been using it once a week as a pampering treat and it really calms my moody skin down a lot.  The only downside is the price - £46 would really be stretching my budget.

Autograph twist up cheek blusher (£9.50) I've never bought any Marks and Spencer's beauty products before but I was gifted a voucher and thought it was the perfect opportunity to try it out.  I decided on the Soft Coral shade of their twist up blusher and the colour is so summery.  It's so easy to apply, I swipe a layer of the colour across my cheeks and it blends in to leave a soft orangey/pink shade.  The formula is creamy without being too intense and gives your cheeks a pop of colour.  

Kiehl's Hydro-pumping re-texturizing serum concentrate (£40) I was given a sample of this serum ages ago but didn't think much of it as I didn't want to include yet another product in my skincare routine.  I have since caved and given it a try and now I really want to use it every day!  This snappily named (!) serum is applied after toning and before moisturising and works to balance the skin out, great for problem  combination skin like mine.  The serum is silky smooth that is quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving any greasy residue.  It helps to rehydrate the drier patches on my face and helps to clear up any blemishes too.  Again, the only downside is the price - I'd struggle to justify another £40 when I'm saving for Florida - I'm desperately on the lookout for a good quality dupe!    

Finally, Mac lipstick - Lustering (£15.50).  I love this shade of Mac lipstick - they describe it as an outspoken pink.  For me, there really isn't any comparison when it comes to lipsticks, Mac win for the quality of their product and the price is okay.  This shade is bold without being too in your face and I like wearing it with natural eyes and summery cheeks.  

Which products have you liked using last month? 

Products I loved in March

March has been a month of troublesome skin for me so I've been on the look out for skin rescuers and also I've come to re-appreciate some of my old favourites!  

Korres Laurel and Echinacea Shampoo (£10) Korres is a brand that I've come to really like over the past few months and as the winter weather and heating has played havoc with my unnecessarily sensitive scalp, I thought I'd give their dry scalp shampoo a go.  My scalp can get really dry, itchy and often bleeds due to the the cold weather or as a response to daily stress and it's something that can get me down.  I've used the shampoo on every other wash and I noticed pretty much an immediate difference.  After about two weeks, my scalp has calmed down a lot.  I'd definitely recommend this!

Monu Illuminating Primer (£27.95) This little beauty came in my Look Fantastic beauty box in February and I simply love it.  It illuminates the skin and I often prefer to wear it on it's own rather than underneath foundation, just to even out my complexion and my skin a bit of extra oomph.  It's quite thick so you need to make sure you've blended it in well but you don't need much product for an all over glow.  My only complaint is the price tag; as much as I love it, £28 is a little too much for my to spend on a primer at the moment. 

Benefit Roller Lash (£19.50) Oh Roller Lash, how I love thee.  For me, Roller Lash is the perfect mascara for every day wear.  A couple of layers of this and my eyelashes are lifted and curled enough to make me look awake early in the morning.  Ever since I bought this in February, I haven't looked back and it will take an exceptional mascara to replace this in my make up bag!

Lush Grease Lightning (£6.40) As I mentioned earlier, my skin has been particularly problematic this month and this spot treatment from Lush has helped to reduce the redness and dry spots out.  It's a lovely mixture of tea tree and witch hazel, which Lush recommend you apply as you feel the spot appearing.  It's a bargain at just over six quid; spots really knock my self confidence (I'm too old for them!) and I will do practically anything to help them be on their way. 

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil (£36.00) This product is one that I really can't imagine myself ever not using now.  I have used this oil every night since October and it really helps skin to retain it's moisture and rejuvenate it over night.  I apply a few drops after I have toned and smooth it into the skin, it has a subtle lavender fragrance which is perfect pre-bed!  It helps to clear up spots and my skin feels softer, smoother and generally a bit more pampered.  And it gets to feel like that every day.  Hurrah!

What products did you enjoy using in March?

Seven Deadly Sins Tag

I spotted this tag over on Natalie's blog and thought it looked fun.  I'm probably guilty of a lot more than these seven beauty sins though! 

Greed: What’s your most inexpensive beauty item? What is the most expensive?

My most inexperience items are probably my brushes.  I can't even remember when I got them but I'm pretty sure they were standard Superdrug brushes.  I am looking into investing in a new blusher brush, I just haven't got round it to yet.  As for my most expensive item, my Urban Decay palettes probably cost the most in one go.  

Wrath: What item do you have a love/hate relationship with?

Foundation!  I love the way foundation makes my skin look when I do it properly - especially with Benefit's hello flawless foundation - but I hate the hassle of putting it on, it not being blended properly into my jawline, getting it on my clothes, washing it all off etc.  So yeah, pretty love/hate and I, more often than not, forego wearing foundation and just cover up blemishes and dark circles with a bit of concealer. 

Gluttony: What brand takes up most of your collection?

Probably Benefit.  I adore Benefit's range and I gravitate towards most of their products.  I tend to buy MAC lipsticks though and I really want to invest in another NARS blush. 

Sloth: What product do you neglect the most due to laziness?

Foundation, again.  For the aforementioned reasons! 

Pride: What product gives you the most confidence?

Probably mascara  If I were only to use one product, it'd be mascara; it's quick, easy, and makes me look awake! 

Lust: Which item is top of your beauty wish list?

Oohh a toughie!  The only thing that comes to mind is the Cinderella range at MAC but I was at work when they released it online and missed out, and when we visited MAC yesterday in Norwich, they didn't have anything either! 

Envy: Which make-up product/look is great on others but not on you?

Dark lipsticks.  I love the way dark, statement lips look but I'd never have the confidence to pull it off!  In fact, I wish I felt confident enough to wear lipstick all the time but it's something I love, but shy away from.  

Well, that was fun!

Happy Sunday y'all. 

Products I've loved in February

I don't often do beauty posts but February has been an adventurous month for me beauty-wise!  First of all, I had my amazing Benefit make-up lesson and secondly, I got my first ever beauty box!  I've been lusting over beauty boxes for so long but never could decide which one to subscribe to, so fortunately, as a treat, I got given the Look Fantastic beauty box and I loved it.  It made me so happy that I've decided to go for it again this month and I can't wait for it to drop through my letter box.  

Anyway, without further ado, here are the products I've been loving in February.

Benefit's watt's up (£24.50):  watt's up is a beautiful, champagne highlighter than glides on silky smooth and blends into a soft finish.  I love this highlighter; I previously used High Beam but I think I prefer watt's up, it really peps up my skin and gives that fresh faced glow (which I need in the morning!).

Estée Lauder Double Wear concealer (£21.50):  Again, another product that I thank my lucky stars I can use in the morning.  I have to get up stupidly early and this concealer hides my dark circles and any other blemishes that I need to cover up.  I usually just whack this on and don't worry about any foundation, it's a good enough standalone product.

Moroccan Oil (£31.95):  One thing I do love is hair oil.  I used to religiously use Macademia Oil - it works wonders for my hair - but it's a bit out of my budget at the moment.  This little gem arrived in my Look Fantastic beauty box and it's been so good to pamper my hair again.  I rub a ten pence size of oil into my hands and then run it through washed hair.  It leaves my hair soft, manageable and feeling great.

Simple revitalising eye roll on (£5.49): Another eye pep upper! One quick swipe of this under my eyes relieves my tired eyes almost instantly.  I tend to use it more often when I have my contact lens in as they can make my eyes feel very tired.  It's good for when I'm dashing around and only have a few seconds to wake my self up again.

Lush butterbear (£2.65): I actually got this bath bomb before Christmas but only just got round to taking a bath!  I think butterbear was a Christmas thing and Butterball has the same fragrance and oils.  I used it after having an extremely stressful and emotionally draining day and it was the perfect way to unwind for twenty minutes.

Have you used any products you loved last month?

Benefit Make Up Lesson

I was lucky enough to receive a Benefit Make Up lesson for Christmas and since then, I have been bursting with excitement waiting for the day to arrive.  On Friday, the day finally came around and Dena and I made our way to the Benefit global flagship boutique on Carnaby Street, in London.

Benefit is a brand that I have loved since I pretty much got into make-up and I still covet their new (and old!) products so stepping into this boutique was like a little paradise.  As soon as we stepped inside, we were welcomed by the friendly Benebabes.  First up on my pampering agenda was an eyebrow arch and tint.  Although I've visited a Benefit Brow Bar many times, I'd never had my eyebrows tinted.  Tahlia, who was looking after me, was very helpful and friendly and reassured me that the eyebrow tint would just enhance and give my brows extra definition. I love the Benefit brow arch as they always take into account what you want and don't want and tell you what will make a difference.  The wax and tint was painless, quick, and really enjoyable as we were able to have a giggle with Tahlia, who was very lovely and funny and I loved the tint as well!  The difference is subtle but it really does help to define your brows.  

After that, we were taken downstairs into the Champagne Bar area.  As this was a Red Letter Day experience, we had exclusive use of this space, and I imagine it would be a great environment for an occasion where you want to have a pampering.  There were booths looking over the bar and the make up table and it had the usual 50s vibe that Benefit has going on.  I was brought over a lovely cold glass of Rosé champagne and Kara, the make up artist, chatted with me about what I wanted to have done, what make up I liked etc.

However, me being me and although I love make up, am generally clueless, I left it up to her with only minimal guidance.  I explained that I liked the smoky eye look but more on the natural than dramatic side.  Kara seemed to understand my vague instructions and got to work!  She used the products that I already owned, liked and that worked for me whilst introducing me to a few others that I wouldn't necessarily think to pick up.  

As a base, Kara used Porefessional and then Boing concealer to hide my reddish eyebrow areas!  Then, she used Hello Flawless! Foundation - a foundation that I love, it seems to agree with my combination, blemish-prone, sensitive skin.  Next up, my eyes.  the smokin' eyes palette was on my lust list for a while and I received it at Christmas but only used it a couple of times since I didn't feel entirely confident, but Kara was happy to talk me through the techniques and tips of applying the shadow.  

For my cheeks, Kara used Watt's Up to highlight my cheekbones and then Sugarbomb blush, and finally Hoola for a little contouring.  We had a chat about contouring and what would be the best thing for my lifestyle and personality, and didn't do anything that wouldn't suit me, as a person, which I think was great; instead of piling on any old thing just because it looked amazing.

Benefit isn't a brand that I tend to associate with lip products and I was pleasantly surprised with the look that Kara used.  It was just a sweep of the oldie but goodie, Benetint and followed by the Benetint balm to give the lips and extra pop of colour. 

Finally, she applied the They're Real! eyeliner (again, which I love) and a couple of sweeps of the new Roller Lash.  I love Roller Lash; it's a great every day mascara that can be built up for an evening look.  I think that I even prefer it to They're Real!

... and after!

Before...

In the experience, a giftcard was included and Kara helped me to pick the products that I would use and again, fit into my lifestyle.  She was very honest and helpful with any questions I had and was in no way pushy or forceful with a hard sell.  She filled my bag with lots of extra testers and goodies which I look forward to trying!

Overall, the day was such a perfect and unforgettable experience; the Benebabes were friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable.  I felt truly spoiled and the day has reaffirmed everything I loved about the brand in the first place.  I would not hesitate to recommend this experience and I really hope I can go back and try out the other treatments that they offer at the Carnaby Street store!  

Have you ever tried any Benefit treatments?

 

  

Beauty products I can't live without in Mexico

In Mexico, my beauty needs are quite different to when I'm in the UK. I'm not particularly high maintenance when it comes to make up, but here, between the heat, pollution, and tiring life style that I have, I need products that I can rely on and that do their job well. So here are my tried and tested favourite products.

The sun is pretty strong here and my British skin burns super easily; Most days in Guadalajara the UV rating is 11, so I need to protect my skin from the harmful rays. Nothing says tourist more than lobster red sun burn too and I like to try and blend in as much as I can! I use Soltan factor 30 on a daily basis, even if I'm working at school, because I have found that even being in the sun sans sun cream for 20 minutes leads to sun burn. This cream is also great because it has a built in insect repellent....

Which leads me to me my Jungle Formula Maximum Protection. Mosquito bites are the bane of my life and I cannot stand itching all the time. Although this part of Mexico is malaria free, there is the risk of dengue fever which can make you very sick. The Jungle Formula spray is pretty potent but it provides up to ten hours protection and I have found it to be much more reliable than just citronella. 

Benefit's Erase Paste is my morning saviour! I am not a morning person at all and the Erase Paste is one of my go to beauty products to help give me that fresh faced glow. I love the coverage and blendability of this product; it provides a good coverage without being heavy and it's so easy to blend in. I don't wear foundation or even much concealer here as my skin feels suffocated in the heat, so this high lighting concealer gives me a little bit of brightness when I am tired. 

Another highlighting product I love is Benefit's High Beam. Again, it is one of the products I use to make me look fresh faced and awake when I feel anything but that! I blend a small amount of this beautiful pearly pink highlighter into my cheek bones and brow bones for an immediate pick me up. It gives a little shimmer to the skin without being too glittery. My bottle has lasted me forever too. Great value for money.

I only really wear a lip stick during the day to give my face a little pop of colour, and my favourite is MAC's Chatterbox. A beautiful creamy lipstick in a bright but pastel pink: it has good staying power and is subtle enough for day wear but with more of a punch than a nude shade. 

Living in Mexico's second biggest city means that there is a lot of air pollution and this can have a real dulling effect on skin.  My skin is also really sensitive to any kind of change and often has break outs, even though overall, it's quite dry. I love The Body Shop's sumptuous chamomile cleansing butter.  I use this in the evening to rid my skin of make up and daily dirt and grime. It's simply wonderful! It's a pleasure to apply and easy to wash off; I wash it off when I jump in the shower. Afterwards, my skin feels clean, looks bright and clear, and isn't tight at all. The Body Shop is easy to find here in Mexico too and is reasonably priced so it's a clear winner for me. 

Finally, as I said, the heat can have a real drying effect of the skin and it's important to keep it moisturised and hydrated. My current favourite is a Neutrogena body lotion: it was actually in the Hilton in Florida but we loved it so much we brought all the miniatures back to Mexico to use! It's a lightweight cream but hydrates the skin well. It also has a delicious fresh and clean smell. I really hope I can find it back in England!