2017 FAVOURITE FAVOURITES | PART 1

Today's review of favourite make up products from 2017 is quite interesting as 2017 was very different for my due to spending half of the year not working and the other half finding my feet in my job and getting back into waking to an alarm and getting myself into the office on time.

For those reasons the type of make up products I was using varied more than they would usually depending on what I might be doing beyond the routine of 'office make up' and also the fact I spent much of the time putting myself on a spending ban of sorts and committing myself to using the products that I actually owned or decluttering them.

I also looked back on my 2016 Favourites (Part 1 and Part 2) and there were one or two duplicates so rather than repeat them here I'll be doing a 'Where Are They Now' post next week so please look out for that.

I tried one or two new primers in 2017 including GOSH Primer Plus and Lottie London Insta Filter Power Eraser Stick but it's Benefit Porefessional I've returned to for the most part of the year. Whilst I know many aren't a fan due to it's silicone texture it's one I find that works best for me and smooths out the appearance of my pores before applying foundation. In the latter months I've been using this combined with a small sample of Wet n Wild Focus Photo Primer which despite being the Matte Version feels hydrating to my skin and gives the boost of moisture I need as my skin leads to dry at this time of year. I'm still keeping to my 'spending ban' in 2018, certainly until I visit the US again in April, but Benefits new release, Porefessional Pearl Primer may be the product to break it.

As I mentioned above my make up choices changed whilst I wasn't working and none more so than with the products I'd reach for as my base. When working full time of a weekend I will happily pop to the supermarket without a stitch on but whilst I was 'unemployed' I found my errand running and the fact I had some time on my hands did call for a little more coverage but certainly not one that would be too heavy and unnecessary. As part of my decluttering I decided to return to ByTerry Light Expert Click Brush* which if you refer to my initial review will possibly shudder at how old.

I had actually purchased this product in its original version and was then invited to it's relaunch event but due to the products light coverage it wasn't a product I would reach for day to day when working and again as I've said at a weekend I tend to be make up free but that meant it was the perfect product for those days when I wanted 'that help'. Interestingly the more I've used it on those days of 'unemployment' I've reached for it even on days in the office when I just wasn't interested in bothering with make up but didn't want to scare anyone! It really does give a velvety look and feel to the skin and if you want to fool people into think you're fresh faced this is the product to look at.

I'm torn between suggesting it's overpriced at £48 and then looking at the product I have left to use (just under half) and acknowledging it's had some very regular usage over the past year (in fact it was my base of choice for this past weekend celebrating New Year with friends at an AirBnb) and last such a long time when you consider it made an appear in March 2017's favourites post.

Last month I hit publish on a blog post featuring some new favourites under £6, one of which was The Ordinary Coverage Foundation, and if I had indeed published a December Favourites this would have been in it. Since I purchased it has been my go to foundation for daily use and looks natural with a medium coverage. It doesn't particularly last long after a day in the office so for those evenings I'm heading out, or indeed when I was running around London all day on job interviews or more recently when I knew I'm heading out for Christmas drinks I'll apply Chanel Le Teint Ultra Tenue Ultrawear Flawless Foundation, one of Chanels fuller coverage and long lasting foundations. For this reason it's not something I want to wear every day nor take the time to apply it as easily as I can the two previous products I've mentioned (those work well just using fingers) but it's my go to since they reformulated Make Up Forevers HD Foundation which was my original holy grail.

Finally are two products that I didn't instinctively think to include because I've allocated them in my own filters as 'Summer products' and certainly two that work as a duo, Bare Minerals Foundation in shade Medium Beige and B. Pro Contour Stick* in Universal Shade.

Bare Minerals Foundation is an old favourite with the B. Contour Stick being a new introduction this year. I favour the contour shade rather than the highlight and like that it is thinner than other contour sticks I've used in the past so ideal especially for contouring the nose. Applied first I then blend with the mineral foundation and it creates the perfect coverage and base for warmer days - it's just unfortunate I find it cumbersome of travelling with.

That brings part one to a close, what favourite products featured in your 2017 round up?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Products I Used Up | April 2017

I have a mixed bag of empties from last month to share with you, including many that were a number of products all waiting to have their final dregs used up and had been hanging round longer than necessary. The first such products were the PRO:VOKE Liquid Blonde Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner* which prevent any colour build up from those of us who like a little helping hand to have our hair looking sun kissed.

I hadn't reached for this duo for some time as I'd been testing other products but having left some time between appointments with my colourist as I waited for the start of my new job I was keen to ensure the blonde tones that were growing out were still looked after. I still have other products from the PRO:VOKE brand sitting in my bathroom but I will happily repurchase any of them when the time comes.

Radox has received so many mentions throughout the years on Florence and Mary, most often in these types of posts. Whether it's shower gel or bubble baths you will quite often find a bottle sitting in my bathroom in one for or another. My favourite is the 'For Men' (why?) Muscle Therapy Bath Soak, which despite my eye roll at it's name, I do indeed love for it's 'manly scent' a mix of peppercorns and ginseng. I feel that it holds it's own for filling my bathroom with any of it's high end competitors and for just £1 I will happily repurchase for many more years to come. That said stay tuned as I'm testing one or two other brands at bath time I'll be sharing with you in coming posts.

Another favourite is Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Hand Cream* which smells amazing and I can guarantee whenever I apply someone in close proximity will comment and ask 'what the lovely smell is'. This is a hand cream I will definitely repurchase, in fact I'd purchase any of the products from the Fleur de Figuier quite happily. This handy size is perfect for throwing in my handbag and adds another layer of fragrance if you're missing your perfume.

I decided to pack Champneys Heavenly Days Sleep Pillow Mist* for my holiday to St Lucia and on my return carried the habit of spritzing my pillows before bed until the bottle made it's way into my empties bag. More costly than the Ragdale Hall Pillow Spray I have repurchased many times I expected to continue as I was. In fact I've found that the Champney's Pillow Mist is perhaps worth the higher price tag as I've found myself missing it and the Ragdale Hall offering a little too overpowering and synthetic for my liking. It's currently buy one, get one half price so it seems like a good time to make the investment.

Moving onto skincare and the vials of KYPRIS' serums and oils I was sent to review back in February. As I said in my initial review depending on your needs and more importantly if you have the budget the various offerings were a pleasure to use. My favourite was the pictured Moonlight Catalyst and I found it complimented my skin.

The next two products, Sarah Chapman Skinesis Intense Hydrating Booster and Bobbi Brown Hydrating Gel Cream were as you can see only samples so I have no lengthy time period with which they were tested for review but I both found them enjoyable to use. Sarah Chapman is a brand I'm keen to explore more and I used the Hydration Booster during my flight to St Lucia and I'm happy that I look far more refreshed than I felt and that my skin benefited from it's use. Bobbi Brown is better known for her make up than skincare but I found this Gel Cream sample in my stash and decided to use post my holiday to ensure I didn't suffer from skin drying out as my tan faded. It's certainly lightweight on the skin and make up, as I would expect, sat nicely on top but I don't feel a need to buy full size, nor able to say don't because I only received a couple of uses from the small size.

Interestingly as I went back to some earlier posts featuring Radox and labelled them appropriately I saw that the YesTo Cucumber Facial Wipes* featured way back in 2014 and as I said then they were a perfect flight accompaniment which was indeed their purpose in 2017. Whilst I didn't wear any make up on my outbound flight by the time I was ready settle down for my a film and post-lunch snooze I wanted to freshen up and the YesTo wipes were perfect for that, and saved the day when my friend, jealous of my in-flight pamper routine was disappointed she had worn make up and I was able to say 'I have just the thing'. I know wipes aren't the best thing for our skin but they are 'allowed' on flights and whilst I wouldn't rely on them as part of my cleansing regime I will certainly ensure a stash is available for when needed in a pinch or on my next flight.

Two very sad additions to the empties bag were a vial of my Chanel Coco Mademoiselle perfume and L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation, both having holy grail status. Spoiler alert the final vial from my Chanel travel set will also be making it's way into my empties next month and I will be using as an incentive to use up many of the other perfumes in my collection. Coco Mademoiselle was always my favourite perfume, and I'm sure it's one I'll continue to repurchase although I like to change with my moods these days rather than adopting the 'signature scent' approach. And on the note of Chanel, you'll see Suddenly, Lidl's interpretation of the scent which I don't think is too bad. Of course for about £4 you cannot expect much but I used to have it sitting on my desk at work to touch up perfume when I felt I needed a refresh for the journey home but rather not waste the 'real thing'. On the note of the Lidl scents I picked up the Chanel No 5 dupe for my mum recently as I was more impressed with that. I actually sprayed in the store on entering, carried on with my shopping and kept getting a whiff of 'my mum' that I had to buy for her to try.

Back to my favourite foundation, which despite a back up in situ and numerous other foundations to pick from I am still squeezing every last drop out of this tube. I wear the US version and find the coverage flawless and one that will last well for me throughout the day, even tested yesterday for my first day back to work.

Another old office favourite was the Maybelline Lips in Cherry. Purchased as it compliments my often worn red lips whilst allowing added moisture. This has been repurchased and is waiting for the appropriate moment to be added to my new office stash.

Final word goes to the pricey but fabulous By Terry Terrybly Growth Booster Mascara* which became a regular after it accompanied me to Center Parcs. The brush is big, thick and coats lashes that boosts volume that as I type this I want to hit buy now as I realise I'm missing it.

What products have you used up this month you wish you hadn't?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

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

All New By Terry Light-Expert Click Brush

Before I 'officially' started beauty blogging I walked into Space NK and sought help. Having hit my thirties and begun watching YouTube videos I suddenly decided I needed to step things up a notch in the foundation department. Two products were applied on either side of my face and I went away, asking colleagues which looked better and returned to purchase By Terry's Light Expert.

Fast forward to a few months ago and I headed to Space NK once again for the relaunch of the By Terry Light Expert Click Brush*. By Terry aim to produce products for a 'radiant and flawless complexion' and the Click Brush certainly helps achieve radiance and more on the flawless element later. Did you know Terry de Gunzurg is responsible for the famous YSL Touche Eclat?

The Light Expert Click Brush is designed to highlight, touch-up, blend and sculpt which are some pretty big claims and I think honestly you will be pushed to achieve all of these factors with one single brush, it would very much depending on your own skintone and the colour choice you make. Darker skins will struggle to find a match from the six colour line up.

Having used the original version I was able to offer some comparisons and firstly is the brush. The click button at the bottom of the tube is there, thankfully larger than before allow it to stand up, and will dispense four dots of 'correcting light prisms', 'camouflage micro-pigments' and 'mineral powders' through the newly designed kabuki brush. This is an improvement I much preferred. I have never enjoyed the paintbrush style for foundations and the short hairs allow you to buff the product into the skin. Whilst the brush is an improvement I still found that I had to go in with my fingers to blend it properly and imagine if you were looking to build up for a fuller coverage then your foundation brush preference would need to be used.

The product feels like velvet on the skin and leaves a radiant satin finish. I looked in the mirror and felt flawless but in a different way from my usual bases, it was like my natural skin had been photoshopped. In fact I wore this at the weekend when popping out with my mum, hair was tided back, I had only the By Terry Light Expert and some mascara and mum commented how good my skin looked. I didn't really want to admit I actually had some help.

You'll most definitely get a light coverage with the product, and it will feel as if you're not wearing anything on your skin but it will not conceal any major dark circles or blemishes. Of course you can go in with your usual concealing products and pile on bronzers and the like but I enjoyed the faux appearance of this amazing skin day and found it perfect for my weekends when I tend to potter around home or run errands and don't want the fuss of a full made up face.

Aside from being such a beautiful product the best thing for me is that you can now reveal how much product remains. There's nothing I hate more than being unable to see when I'm nearing the end of my favourite beauty products and this was something that concerned me with the original version. Obviously as you can see from the photos I still have the original but it's some years old and I have no idea whether I'm scrapping the bottom of the tube or not. You can also clean the brush of the new version which is another great improvement.

This is a wonderful product and one I'd urge the natural bases lovers to try although there is the downside that it doesn't come cheap. This revolutionary click brush retails at £48 which is a high price to pay for flawless skin but with it's new improvements is certainly worth it compared to its earlier version.

Would you like to try the By Terry Light Expert Click Brush?

*This post contains press samples