Monthly Beauty Favourites | March 2017

Before I jetted off to St Lucia I found myself reaching for a small handful of products as I dashed about prepping for my trip to the Caribbean that I'm sharing with you today. First is an oldie, that having scanned my blog pages I'm somewhat horrified to discover is nearly three years old.

The Clarins Bronzing Duo was one my first blogger inspired purchases and one I reached for and used frequently. In fact I was so overjoyed when I hit pan that I repurchased during a duty free visit yet I still haven't managed to use up completely. That said it may be time to pop this in the empties pile and crack open the new one.

The Clarins Bronzing Duo is as the name suggests complementing lighter and darker shades. I either swirl across the pan using both shades or if I'm feeling attentive use the darker for some basic contouring; the former is my usual preference. Its a gorgeous finely milled powder that adds some much needed warmth to the skin and is perfect for those days when I'm not looking to be too exact with application.

A similar product, and again one I'm using for quick and simple make up looks is the Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Rose Champagne. This is another double duty product, allowing a flush of colour to the cheeks and enough of a shimmer to act as a subtle highlighter without needing additional products. If I'm just looking to bronze and add a red lip this is the perfect addition to my line up.

Wading through products trying to decide what is to be used or passed over I found the Laura Geller Pout Perfection Lip Liner in Cabernet and its become a firm favourite, even joining me on holiday. The shade is a pink, not nude enough for such looks, but coloured just right if you want to make more of an impact without going all out fuchsia. It's a lovely liner that feels creamy to apply thanks to Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil. I'll definitely check out more shades from Laura Geller's Lip Liner collection.

I first received the By Terry Light Expert Click Brush* a year ago and it had fallen to the back of a draw till a recent rummage and I dug out thinking it would be perfect for my current preference of light coverage bases. I don't know if I had simply forgot how lovely this product was or it was the fact it meets my current needs but I'm reaching for this often and enjoying the coverage it provides.

You can read my initial review to find out more but what I can tell you now is that you simply click the brush and four drops of product are released into the brush and you then buff into skin; its actually a great product for travelling and I only left it behind because the shade is too light.

It's such a light feeling product that blends beautifully into the skin and feels like satin and with my Clarins Bronzer and Rose Champagne it's a perfect combo that's quick and easy to apply. Whilst the colour range is small they have added another three shades to the line up so if you can find a good fit it's one to try.

Finally is another hit from Palmer's, the Raw Shea Body Lotion* containing raw, natural Shea Butter which has been sustainably sourced in Africa. I favour the pump dispenser, I find I'm more likely to apply a body lotion if I can pump the product out and I wanted to ensure skin was moisturised in advance of hitting the St Lucian beaches.

I did expect this to heavier than it is, and I mean that in a positive way. If I've bothered to apply body lotion I certainly don't want to hang around waiting for it to dry or spending what feels like hours rubbing into skin. The scent is enjoyable and combining Shea Butter, Marula, Oatmeal, Grapeseed Oil and Vitamin E, all ingredients that help to seal in moisture and calm any irritation.

It's a simple no nonsense product that keeps my skin feeling great and for a few pounds. Also shout out to Raw Shea Hand Cream* which again, I expected and does feel thick on application but is rubbed in quickly and easily and has been placed by sofa at home for reapplying as I need - and no tackiness which I appreciate.

What products have you loved this month?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Sephora Beauty Haul

When I visit the US I must admit I'm more drawn to the budget end and much prefer browsing the aisles of the drugstores than Sephora. I don't know if it's the fact that we can buy the products online now or it's simply cheaper in Walgreens or CVS but nonetheless I still managed to come home from Florida with a few higher end purchases. And yes for the eagle eyed there are two items that were purchased outside of Sephora.

On my last trip to the US I picked up a smaller Z Palette from Sephora which you can read about in this post. It was much handier for travelling so I decided to get a larger size with a view to future trips and perhaps decanting some of my single products into the palette to make storage easier. Recently I've been going through my make up stash for this purpose and I'm even thinking of moving my Mac Eyeshadows out of their Mac Palette as Z Palettes really do afford much more room.

Next on my list was a Beauty Blender, something I'd never been tempted by before but there is only so many times you can watch a YouTube video of one in use before you need to try it for yourself. I went for the Limited Edition Red Carpet version for something different. As such a fan of red and hoping perhaps it might be more forgiving when in use I've still been too 'scared' to try it out but I'll report back when I have.

Another product I'd yet to give in to the hype was the Sephora Lip Stains of course choosing 01 Red as my starting point. It's recent appearance in my February Favourites tells you I was a fool for waiting so long to try. I've never found a lip product with the staying power of these and can't wait to add more to my collection next time I visit a Sephora.

I didn't really need a new mascara but I think the fact I wasn't finding much else to excite me on my Sephora shopping trip explains why Tarte Lights Camera Lashes ended up in my basket. I remembered this as a great mascara when I'd tried in the past and whilst it's available from QVC in the UK the dollars burning a hole in my pocket drew me in.

Moving on from Sephora I decided to have a trip to Ulta. I'd researched in advance and discovered that there was a branch in Florida a short walk from the mall I was visiting and I quite enjoyed the quiet stroll over there to browse the beauty mecca. As it happened once again, and I blame my tired feet I couldn't find much that made me want to part with my cash but I did track down the cult product from Laura Geller, her Baked Gelato Swirl Illuninator in Gilded Honey. I'm having something of a moment with highlighter and Gilded Honey is a current favourite and worthy of the hype in my eyes.

Feeling slightly despondent with the lack of excitement on my trip I found myself in Mac, somewhere I rarely browse or seek out beauty products on this type of shopping trip. Aimlessly swatching the Faerie Whispers collection I was drawn to the Foiled Shadows and their metallic finish. Fly by Twilight a silver looked amazing under the lights and I decided to treat myself to something that wouldn't get regular wear but would look fabulous for the right occasion.

As I draw to the end of this post I notice there was a lot of metallic and red in there, clearly an unexpected theme to my shopping trip.

BEAUTY EMPTIES | April 2015

Pixi Glow Tonic link

I'm not entirely sure why it took my so long to use this bottle of Pixi Glow Tonic as I used it on a fairly regular basis. As you can see it's even in the old style pump bottle. I do remember on purchasing it initially I wasn't particularly overwhelmed but due to it's age I don't feel it'd be fair to pass any comment and with it's affordable price I would repurchase again and give it another shot. 

Lush Popcorn Lip Scrub link

Another product that has been in my collection for a ridiculously long time is the famous lip scrub from Lush in the popcorn scent. I originally reviewed this in 2013 here and whilst I did enjoy using the product I wasn't diligent enough with it's application and it is now in a dried up state so it's time to add a new one into my shopping basket. 

COLAB Dry Shampoo Extreme Volume in RIO link

I'm slightly dubious of the influx of products released by YouTubers and the flood of positive reviews and whilst many are not really targeted for me I had to swallow my words when I tried the COLAB Extreme Volume dry shampoo. I picked up the smaller size on a trip to Superdrug thinking it'd be ideal to tackle those hand luggage woes of mine (read about them here). I must concede that this is a great product that I love and have subsequently purchased the full size. I don't use this as a dry shampoo as I'm happy with Batiste for that purpose but as a product to give volume and texture to my hair this is perfect. 

L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray - Supreme Hold link

I'm not really a hairspray user, only if I've had my hair 'properly' style or worn up but it's always handy to have a trusty can of Elnett in my arsenal. I've tried the Bumble & Bumble Thickening Hairspray and it's just too wet for me and often ruins any style I've had or destroy any volume whereas Elnett keeps things in place without leaving things crispy. Definitely much add to my repurchase list. 

Laura Geller GlamLash Mascara link

Another product that made the empties pile this month is the famous GlamLash mascara from Laura Geller. I really enjoyed this mascara and would definitely repurchase. It did everything it said it would, lengthening, volumising and separating lashes, I always felt a little special wearing this and felt it finished off my simple eye make up looks but adding a little drama. 

Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspiun Finish link

I have gone through about three cans of Bumble & Bumbles wonderful Dryspun finish and repurchased every time but our happy journey may be at an end having discovered COLAB as mentioned above. These products work for me in a very similar fashion and if I can find one for a fraction of a cost then it's a win win. 

Lush Aquatic Toothy Tabs link

As I've mentioned often I'm taking a concerted effort to use products I have hence why you're seeing a lot of 'old' products starting to make their appearance in these posts. Another is the Lush Toothy Tabs which have been used for all my travels since their early review in 2013 here. Whilst I love this product I hate the taste of these and even Ben was horrified when I made him try one in Edinburgh. I would repurchase but need to find the right 'taste' for me. 

Bath & Bodyworks Wild Madagascar Vanilla EDP link

This was a new fragrance release when I was in BBW during one of my US trips and I fully intended to include in my giveaway. Cheekily after testing I decided I liked it too much and kept it for myself. It was the perfect Winter scent and had a spiciness to it which stopped it from being sickly sweet. 

Simple Kind to Skin+ Illuminating Radiance Cream link

This was a sample I used on one of my nights away and I enjoyed using it. It certainly added radiance after a night out and gave my skin the boost it needed that I could head home with a pounding head but looking more awake than I felt.

The Breath Co Oral Rinse* link
Originally reviewed in this post I was surprised how much I enjoyed using a mouth wash as it's not something that's ever been part of my routine. I have subsequently repurchased the toothpaste having missed it and finding it more palatable than other toothpaste brands. I haven't rushed to repurchase this but I think it's definitely something I should reconsider as it's worth the extra step.

Simple Kind to Skin Facial Cleansing Wipes link
I've featured the Simple wipes in my empties post before as the handy 7's pack is ideal for unexpected overnight stays. Without my regular skincare line up and wanting to do the least in simply removing make up for one night I don't find that these wipes leave my skin dry and make me feel almost saintly for making the effort!

What have you been using up this month?

*PR Sample

March 2015 Beauty Favourites

No the title is not a typo, this is indeed my March Favourites. Whilst I appreciate we're approaching April Favourites time and that will be following as I forgot to hit publish on this post I thought I would get it up quickly. It's also worth noting that I could've passed these off as my April favourites as all items are still very much featuring in my daily make up bag.

Rodial Instaglam Contouring Powder* link
First up we have the rather pricey but rather lovely Rodial Contouring Powder. I was gifted this after attending an event on how to contour like a Khardashian and I've been using this pretty regularly since along with my trusty Nars Ita brush. Whether I am as gifted as the Khardashians remains to be seen but nonetheless I'm finding this a very natural and easy product to use. Cooler toned than my other favourite product for contouring Sephora's Bronzing Powder in Los Cabos this feels dare I say more 'natural'. I use with a light hand day to day but build up when seeking an evening look. You can see it in action here and any other recent selfies!

Scrunchie Primark
My friend threatened to disown me when I told her about my love for my new Primark scrunchie. And despite laughing to myself remember that Sex in the City episode featuring much discussion about scrunchie I can't help but love it. During a shopping trip one evening and battling the crowds in Primark I needed something to tie my hair up. Rather than buy one of their packs of hairbands which I'd need to attack with my teeth to remove packaging I went for the easy accessible scrunchie instead. The joy of the scrunchie is that my hair doesn't feel to tight when piled on top of my head and nor does it take the usual effort and untangling normal hairbands require. Would I wear it out of the house again, probably not but am I looking for different colours and patterned ones to wear on holiday round the pool? Maybe….

Mac Lipstick in Red Balloon
I should apologise from the off for featuring a Mac Lipstick that was part of the limited edition Playland Collection (which you can read about here) and you can no longer get your hands on. I can  soften the blow by directing you to Temptalia's dupes page for some alternatives that I'm pretty pleased to see because when this runs out I'll be devastated. Despite the name this is most certainly not a red lipstick. It is pink. It's a bright pink but not too garish to be worn by day and as we've entered Spring and I've said goodbye to my berries this has been found on my lips many a day.

Laura Geller Baked Brûlée Blush in Apple Custard link
Another product that is perfect for entering Spring is the Apple Custard from the Baked Brûlée Collection. Laura Geller does fantastic baked powder products which I have used on and off over the years. This blush is a marbling of pink and bronze which adds a subtle highlight to the cheeks. I like to wear either on it's own for a subtle day look or over other pink blushes to add a little glimmer to the cheeks. You can read more about my Laura Geller make up collection in this post.

Japonesque Velvet Touch Eyeshadow Duo S2* link
I received this eyeshadow duo in a goodie bag last Summer and whilst it was pretty too look at I wasn't in any rush to try it. A decision I am since regretting as this handy duo has remained in my make up bag since I first picked it up. Both colours are highly pigmented eyeshadows that look lovely as a duo for a simple look with my regular red lipstick or combined with others to create a smokier eye. I also rely on the darker brown for using as eyeliner and if I'm in a pinch I can even do my brows.
The image above unfortunately doesn't show the beauty of the packaging so look out for an Instagram post today showcasing it. Each product you buy from Japonesque will be individual due to the gel pigments they swirl together which will continue to flow and blend before setting. For us beauty packaging fiends this is something worth having.

So there you have my March favourites, give it a day or two and you'll find out what I have actually loved this month.

*PR Sample

It's Not You It's Me

Nars Laguna Bronzer / Orgasm Blush Duo link
Laura Geller Eyeshadow link

No one likes to hear those five words 'It's not you, it's me' but unfortunately they are the most appropriate for the products I'm going to talk about today, and I'm sure in the case of the Nars' duo that will be surprising to some.

I picked up the Nars Blush and Bronze Duo from Sephora last year as both had been on my list to try due to numerous posts from fellow bloggers of the holy grail status of Laguna Bronzer and Orgasm Blusher. This nifty duo was the perfect way to give them a try. It shouldn't be too much of a surprise that I wasn't a fan of the Orgasm Blush as I didn't have much love for the drugstore dupe, Sleek Rose Gold either. I'm not a fan of blushes that are too shimmery as they quite frankly do little for my older skin or appearance of my pores. Nars Orgasm was slightly better than it's drugstore equivalent and it didn't look dreadful on me but it was just never something I would reach for out of choice. 

Likewise with Nars Laguna I just didn't find it the amazing product that is so highly spoke of. Yes it was ok but it wasn't something I'd choose over my other offerings. Combine the two products being of blah status to me it was often left languishing in the back of my make up drawers. This past week I've brought it to the forefront in an effort to use on a daily basis and there's just no enjoyment for me and as I mentioned in yesterday's empties post it's time to pair back the stash and use the products I do use (of which there are still too many).  Not to fear it has gone to a friend who is a fan of these two Nars products and that's good enough for me.

I revisited my Laura Geller make up collection in this post and two particular old favourites were Pink Icing and Devils Food eyeshadows. Pink Icing was used in it's entirety from the duo and I'd subsequently repurchased a full size but as the make up collection grew they were forgotten. I tend to lean more towards palettes these days rather than singular eyeshadows, especially as I put my make up on during my train journey to work. For this reason I'm less likely to gather together multiple eyeshadows for the look I want and instead reach for the palette that has everything I need in one place so it's time for these to go on to a new home.

Are there any products you have in your collection that you feel like this about?

My Primer Collection

I can't quite make my mind up about Primers. As you can see I have a small collection but I can't quite decide whether they actually serve any purpose so last week I put them to the test to see whether they are worth my time and gave any support to the super sweaty weather we're having.

Laura Geller Spackle Supercharged Fortified Under Make Up Primer* 
I've used Laura Geller products on and off for years thanks to her home on QVC but strangely enough Spackle was something that only came into my possession following a blog event. Compared to a lot of primers this is a rather hefty tube and of course comes with the extra roller tip for cooling. I don't really get this addition if I'm honesty, it makes things rather messy and who has the time to sit there rolling their face in the mornings when priming? That aside the texture of this product is nice in that it's a gel and has less of the silcone-y feel from many others. I asked a friend at the end of the day whether she could see any difference in my make up and she did point out the correct side but admitted there was only a slight difference and that was because she was looking for it.

Garnier 5sec Perfect Blur 
I was interested in trying this product on it's release and luckily it came into my hands via a friend who had brought it and wasn't a fan. I find this comparible to Benefits poreFessional in texture although it seems more greasy. It certainly smooths out imperfections and provides a nice base for make up but you are almost aware of it on your skin. A mention also must be given to it's 'squirty cream' distribution from the bottle. I'm sure I've sprayed more of this product on my mirror than on my hands/face.

Max Factor Face Finity All Day Primer* 
Having used a different primer every day last week whilst preparing for this post I think this is a close favourite to Benefits thePOREfessional. It feels more like a light serum going onto the skin rather than the other primers I've tried in the past. I found little wear to my primed side of the face and it certainly added longevity to my make up even after last weeks hotter than Ibiza days.

Benefit thePOREfessional Primer 
I've learned to live with the fact I have pores that no one else pays any attention and there's little I can do about them but I originally purchased these product with unrealistic expectations that it would change my life and make them invisible to the eye. Whilst that would a stretch too far this is a fantastic primer to blur out the perfections and the longevity it gives my make up is outstanding. Benefits thePOREfessional is my go to primer for nights out and as I near the end of this tube it's definitely going to be one I repurchase.

Murad Hybrids Skin Perfecting Primer* 
Murad's skin perfecting primer is another hit for me. Similar to Benefit Murad had a slight colour to this product which for the braver amongst us might just give a sufficient base to start their day. I still applied my usual BB cream but as I was happy to walk to the station with only a covering of this before I had time to apply a full base. Again I found that make up had good longevity if not much different from my unprimed side.

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer 
For some reason I've yet to try the Hourglass Primer despite owning it since I purchased the Hourglass Ambient Light Palette in Las Vegas last year. Maybe I'm worried I'll like it too much and have to pay the price - literally. So this is on my yet to try list and I will report back whether it's a hit or miss.

So after that mini testing session what are my thoughts on primers? If I'm honest I'm still not completely swayed but there are a couple in my arsenal which I'll continue using. I think I'm happy with the actual 'priming' aspect rather than expecting it aid my make up up staying on my face hour after hour.

What are your thoughts on primers, are they are faff or something you couldn't live without?

*this post contains press samples