Monthly Beauty Favourites | July 2016

Each month I refer to the list I’ve made over the weeks or take a look around my bathroom at what products I’ve enjoyed and will make ‘the favourites post’. July was easy and I’d go so far to say that most of the products are not simply ‘favourites’ they are ones I am loving and still using well into August. In fact I'm so late posting this by the unwritten blogger rules for monthly favourites I could've renamed this 'August Favourites' and it would have happily applied.

First up has to be Estee LauderBronze Goddess perfume which I picked up in my last trip through Duty Free. Yes it’s all the clichés, ‘Summer in a bottle’ and oh so basic but I’m ok with that because I’ve been spraying this with abandon and enjoying every second. My only concern at this point is that I won’t be able to justify packing such a weighty bottle when I travel to Italy at the end of the month. Once again I make the plea that next Summer they’ll release a travel friendly purse spray.

The next item I’m expressing my love for is the Lorac Pro Palette 3 which I realise I’m not quite sharing with you beyond its outer packaging. The Lorac Pro Palettes are much coveted for their buttery eyeshadows and inability to get hold of them in the UK. Even if you're lucky to visit the USA their locations are not found in the usual tourist destinations or in shopping malls so they can be rather coveted. Luckily for me I have a friend living in the US who was able to place the order for me and send it over when it went on early release at Ulta. In short this is the expected Lorac Pro Palette formula of eight shimmers and eight mattes that are pigmented and a joy to apply. Whilst on first appearance I was left thinking this was a little boring and bland compared to Palettes 2 and 3 I’ve been using this frequently and loving what I come up with. The shades are fabulous for the time of year and I’m keen to take on holiday and view in the sunshine. Shades of brown and rose golds make for a pleasing neutral eyeshadow look that you can deepen as you see fit. I am often overwhelmed when I open eyeshadow palettes and unsure where to start but this offering inspires confidence rather fear.

Paired with my Lorac Pro Palette has been Benefits Air Patrol which is a sample size I think I received through the post during one of their promotions. We all know that Benefit are renowned for their press packages bloggers receive but I have to say I'm more impressed that whenever new products are launched there are an abundance of samples available to try whether from counters, applying online or as freebies with magazines.

I'm picky with my eye primers and usually find I'm let down, but not by Benefit Air Patrol Eye Primer I'm pleased to say. Whilst I expect Lorac eyeshadows to stick around longer than most I have tried this with others in my collection and it's done it's job well. I'll be popping this small tube aside so it can accompany me on holiday next month. 

Without sounding like I’m hard to please and despite being a fan of La Roche Posay when their infamous Serozinc* finally launched into the UK I was bemused at what made fans practically swim the channel to get hold of a can. Essentially a facial mist toner, yet featuring Zinc Sulphate (the key ingredient) I found it didn’t do anything particularly amazing for me and it fell to the back of the drawer. As I work through my stash I pulled it out to show it a little love and it has ticked a box quite nicely.

Serozinc is part of the Effaclar range and is designed to target oily, blemish prone skin of which I don’t really have so is perhaps why it never set of any sparks for me. But one of its other qualities is that it can be used either as a toner or to mattify skin. This element is what has been working for me. I always claim my skin becomes oily in warmer months and that is true but it would seem the skincare I’m using at the moment is making it less so, Serozinc being one of those products.  

Whilst talking skincare it seems appropriate to mention another aimed at oily skin, Caudalie VinosourceMoisturising Sorbet*. Unlike Bronze Goddess this moisturiser is travel friendly in its pretty pink tube and I’ve been reaching for it daily. Whilst I like a lighter moisturiser in the Summer to avoid additional oiliness I still need to ensure my skin is hydrated and this is a moisturiser that ticks both boxes. 

Caudalie have a whole Vinosource range 'powered by the grape' and you'll see some sample tubes of the serum popping up in my empties post this month. Caudalie say that this cream will turn into a patch of water on contact with the skin and soothes, moisturises and strengthens. I'm not sure about the 'patch of water' claims but I can agree with the later. It is a gel-cream formula which is light enough at this time of year without compromising hydration. Skin looks fresh and dewy and I've found my foundations sit nicely on top and I look than I might feel.

I'm having a 'can't be bothered' with my nails moment since discovering a new nail salon had opened locally. Instead of giving myself at home manicures I've been enjoying the luxury of letting the professionals do their work. Unfortunately those professionals ticked me off about the state of my cuticles and how dry they are, which considering how much hand cream I apply throughout the day means I needed to give them some extra attention. Buried deep in a draw somewhere was OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to save the day. Luckily I had a couple of bottles so one sits in my bedside draw and another in my 'sofa beauty draw' so that I can tick the job off my list at least once a day. I really must find another to leave on my desk at work.

Finally the Beauty Blender, a product I've been scared of for so long but now I've finally faced my fear and used mine there is no going back. During multiple trips to the US I'd always bypassed the Beauty Blender. Despite the rave reviews I didn't think it was for me, wasn't sure how to use it and still had the voice in the back of my head telling me to 'put that cosmetic sponge down'.

Of course this beauty sponge is very different to the ones I remember and it applies foundation fabulously. As I put make up on in my bedroom I was concerned about the dampening element but I've been using my Pixi Hydration Mist for the job and it works perfectly. I feel somewhere between silly and a MUA pro as I bounce foundation into my skin but it's worth the effort. I was concerned that applying my foundation would take longer with the Beauty Blender, and admittedly it does take a little longer and not something I reach for if I'm in a rush but it's a matter of an extra couple of minutes.

Whilst I love the flawless finish of my foundation, concealer too blenders so nicely with the Beauty Blender. The only area I'm finding fiddly and I was to resort to blending rather than bouncing is around the jawline and down the neck as it feels unnatural but practice makes perfect. I've already talked to friends about how they must get one a Beauty Blender and if you've not tried one yet I think you should too!

What have you been enjoying recently?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Review

Dark spots can occur at any time of for a number of reason, sun exposure, ageing or even from pregnancy and Caudalie have discovered that after loss of body tone and facial sagging, dark spots are the third cause for concern for women. Even more interesting is that many women do not even what has caused them.

Over ten years ago now Caudalie launched the Vinoperfect Complexion Correcting Radiance Serum* to provide a solution to these dark spots. Containing Viniferine, a pure product of the grapevine, this natural active ingredient is designed to bring our your skins radiance and correct dark spots and the Vinoperfect serum is a number one best seller.

So how does your serum work? First Viniferine enables the production of tyrosinase, that will regulate your melanin production. Next you're given a boost of radiance and clarity by promotion of microcirculation. Melanin synthesis is limited by anti-inflammatory activity and finally antioxidant activity protects your skin from UV radiation.

All this from one light and milky serum. It is a none greasy formula although during the Summer months I did find it a little too heavy for day wear and a little more radiant than I bargained for which is a shame as the zesty lemon scent was the perfect wake up.

I only have one small dark spot which I was able to observe as I used this serum and it certainly was diminished as I would use. In fact now it's barely visible. For me this isn't a product that falls into the 'need' category and it proves a little pricey for a luminous appearance, especially as I found it too heavy by day but if my dark spot situation were to worsen it's definitely a serum I'd reach for.

Do you suffer from dark spots?

*This post contains press samples

Winter Sun Protection

Whilst the UK weather hasn't exactly been too kind and temperatures are certainly on the chillier side it is half term and I'm sure there are some of you heading off for some Winter sun.  Today I'm giving you the line up of sun protection I used on my trips to Dubai and Ibiza and I can even claims they're almost 'Halloween themed' due to their pumpkin colours. I'm quite sure I'm the first person to head out to the Ushuaia Beach Hotel's pool area armed with a bunch of products and their camera, I certainly gathered some strange looks rearranging the bottles around the pool.

Riemann P20 Once A Day Sun Protection Spray* is the well know once a day sun protection spray which I mentioned briefly in one of my Ibiza posts. Recommended by dermatologists containing both UVA and UVB filters will provide sun protection for up to 10 hours. Of course I'd urge anyone to be cautious with these claims and whilst it's 'water resistant' do use your common sense depending on the climate you're in.

I love the spray bottle as I've mentioned in my previous post and it's non-greasy formula for when you haven't got any helpers around to help you reach those back areas. I liked this for the days in Ibiza when I went to visit my parents for a wander around the resort of just taking a walk into the town and wouldn't be conscious of reapplications.

Riemann P20 can usually be found in Duty Free too so handy to pick up at the airport rather than taking up valuable space in your case.

It's well known by now what a fan I am of La Roche Posay so it's no surprises that their Anthelios Sun Care range is a big hit with me. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Comfort Protective Oil* is a thick consistency but not too greasy. My biggest complaint is with the nozzle of the bottle which dispenses a stream rather than Vichy's version which is in a more mangeable spray. Of course being an oil there was some greasiness to it but not unpleasantly so and it was perfect level of protection and oil for sitting in the sun.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Tinted Fluid* was my preference to the thicker Comfort SPF for the face I had also used during my holidays. The lighter fluid as it's name suggests didn't feel as suffocating on the skin.

Both La Roche-Posay products felt like they were traditional and familar products but with the added experience of a skincare line.

My favourite products were from Vichy. I loved the Vichy Ideal Soleil Suncare Oil* and it had a shimmer to it which made it perfect for Ibiza's club nights which started before the sun went down. As mentioned the spray nozzle gave a lighter application and gave me more ease of application. And for the face Vichy Ideal Soleil Tinted Velvety BB Cream* was perfect for a lunch in the sun providing a radiant coverage to sunkissed skin.

Finally is Caudalie Radiance Tinted Moisturiser* which is more of a make up product than SPF and it's a product I've still worn as recent as this month. This is generally the product I wore throughout Summer when I wanted to allow my skin to breathe but with a little more coverage than the Vichy offering. This is definitely a staple to my base draw and one I will reach for frequently even as we enter Winter.

What are your favourite sun protection products?

*This post contains press samples

Summer Holiday Essentials

Two holidays and sunshine in the UK here's the line up of must have items you need whilst enjoying or suffering (for us underground commuters) warm weather.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser*
Having made an appearance in my June Favourites post it's no surprises I'm highlighting this as a Summer must have. In fairness whilst I'm a big fan of the Caudalie tinted moisturiser and it is my current favourite it's symbolic of all lighter bases. Other favourites of mine include the Erborian BB Creme and Manuka Doctors ApiRefine CC Cream. No one wants to feel suffocated by their base at this time of year or certainly not on holiday and these lighter choices are the way to go.

Benefit The Porefessional
A primer is a must have whilst the sweat is on and if you're not against those with a silicone feel Benefit's Porefessional is the way to go. I have used other primers in the past but this remains my favourite and will be repurchased. I wouldn't go so far as to say that it makes pores disappear, as we all know that's not really possibly but I do find it gives me a smooth base to being applying my make up.

Percy & Reed Eau My Goodness Shine & Fragrance Spray*
This is a complete vanity product which I'm sure some will look at and ask themselves, Fragrance for the hair? Is this a step to far. I'm not going to disagree but I have to say I really enjoyed using this on my holidays particularly during the day. This would be when I'd pull hair up on to my head without washing and sitting round the pool I wouldn't be using perfume so a spray of Eau My Goodness would help me feel like I wasn't a completely mess.

Scissors
Random it may be but scissors are an absolutely necessity for me, and I don't mean fiddly little nail scissors either. From cutting tags off clothes to getting into difficult packaging a 'proper' pair of scissors always accompany me on holiday and this pair sits in my dressing table to be used as needed.

John Frieda Beach Blonde Range
Firstly I'm not blonde so anyone put off of using this range for that reason, cast your doubts aside. I'd seen the Beach Blonde range popping up on blogs of late and was intrigued how the Beach Blonde Sea Waves Salt Spray would fair against my favourite Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray. I have to say it's a pretty good and more affordable competitor - and the smell is holiday in a bottle. For coconut lovers this is one for you. I'm really into letting my hair dry naturally at the moment and a few sprays of this and I'm left with gently tousled hair that's office as well as beach ready.

I'm less enamoured with the Beach Blonde Cool Dip Purifying Shampoo and Beach Blonde Smooth Seas Detangling Conditioner although that isn't to say they're not good products. I rarely get excited about a shampoo and conditioner unless they leave with me with big bouncy hair and the these two products are designed to cleanse your hair and as such this can often leave things a little flat and therefore a frown on my face. This aside I realise the importance of using these two products when hair is piled with products, exposed to the sun and pool water and for that purpose they leave hair clean and in a far better condition.

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
I was pleased to receive a small travel sized edition of this setting spray many moons ago and was pleased to give it a try. Whilst I used to use for nights I rarely picked up on a daily basis so I never quite got to grips with it's worth. It really stood the test of time in Dubai when I experienced heat like no other. I couldn't believe how well using this setting spray kept things in place (with of course my primer and trusty Chanel Les Beiges powder). As such I repurchased prior to heading off to Ibiza and am using daily for work and finding my make up is staying in place far longer than it ever had. This is very much becoming a daily essential.

What products must you have to hand throughout the Summer?

June 2015 Favourites

Whilst I'm not one to apologise unnecessarily, for those readers who are dubious about about favourites posts which feature numerous PR samples I'm afraid this is one. Sometimes that's just how things work out and I think it would be 'shadier' to include/exclude things to make the post more palatable for some. This month it just so happens the things that have reached 'favourite level' are those I have been sent.

Enough with the disclaimers, let's get to the products.

Sure Maximum Protection Deodorant, Sports Strength*
Regular readers will see Sure Maximum Protection pop up in numerous posts. It's my holy grail. Other deodorants are tried and tested but nothing beats this formula. Strong enough to fight sweat yet mild enough for daily use. I find that applying this at night also helps at the moment whilst things are very hot and humid.

Sure have just launched two new variations, Stress Control and Sport Strength. Whilst I'm not the sportiest of people I thought it was just the thing for my recent trip to Ibiza. Despite having recently holidayed in Dubai I still found Ibiza's temperatures scorching.

I must confess that despite the Citrusy fragrance of the Sports Strength and calming lavender of the Stress Control (my favourited choice for evenings) I don't find the scents too overwhelming or noticeable at times if ever so they work for both men and women.

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Eau de Parfum*
This is quite possibly my favourite perfume of the moment, the older more seductive sister of the Fleur de Figuier Eau Fraiche spray. As a lover of strong scents I often struggle at this time of year to find something that balances my preferences without clashing. Fleur de Figuier Eau de Parfum is just the thing. Light enough to be worn by day but with enough of a punch to transfer to night it's the perfect everyday perfume for me. Mandarin top notes, violet wood at it's heart and base notes of Patchoiuli make a warm musky scent. I shall smell of little else this Summer.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, Opal*
I have had the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector hiding in the back of my draw forever, far to scared to even tackle it. With strobing all the rage right now it is timely that my curiosity got the better of me and I've been enjoying experimenting with this ridiculously huge bottle of cream highlighter.

Winner of the InStyle awards for 'best illuminator' I can completely see why. A small, and I mean very small pump of this product is still more than needed to add the necessary illumination to the face. I'm yet to brave an all over/under base look but on the instructed spots, cheekbones, down the nose etc this is gorgeous.

As mentioned a light hand is needed but a few dabs create a gorgeous glow that any strobe queen would be proud of.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Tinted Moisturiser, Medium*
I recently attended a Caudalie Event on the Vinoperfect range and came home with a tube of the Radiance Tinted Moisturiser to try. It accompanied my on my recent trip to Ibiza and it's since been the base I've turned to on my return.

Oil-free and with SPF20 it was perfect for days out on my holiday whilst working equally well to protect from the sun during my commute to work yet with a light enough base to not melt off during the horrendous Central Line journey.

Whilst this is lightweight base it has enough coverage for minimal imperfections and I've found less need to turn to concealer of late which is great when I'm keen to wear as little make up as possible.

MyChelle Pure Harmony Mist*
At this time of year who doesn't love a good mist and MyChelle's Pure Harmony Mist has been a welcome refresher on some humid evenings. A rejuvenating mist due to the combination of Longevicell and Blue Lotus, improve skin radiance. Any irritations are calmed, a blessing due to hayfever allergies and fighting any damage it's the boost needed.

This is quite a strong mist so I'm cautious when using during the day but of an evening it's found a home on my coffee table and reached for throughout the evening.

Philosophy Purity One-step Facial Cleanser
This appeared once again in my holiday skincare regime whilst in Ibiza and I really enjoy using it. It's a fantastic and simple cleanser yet quite effective. On holiday I don't want to let my skincare regimes slip but equally I don't want to use anything that's too time consuming. Philosophy's One-Step Cleanser is just the thing for removing any SPFs and make up of an evening to avoid break outs.

I'm very keen to continue using now I'm home and will certainly be investigating purchasing a full size - whilst keeping this mini for decanting purposes.

What have been your favourite products this month?

*PR Sample

May 2015 Beauty Favourites

This months favourites are very much those I discovered, rediscovered or just enjoyed whilst on holiday in Dubai.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid
Despite appearing in my 2014 Foundation Favourites post I haven't used Chanel Les Beiges for some time. Anticipating the Dubai heat I thought there would be evenings I'd prefer this than Make Up Forevers HD Foundation so took it away with me. As expected I ended up casting aside the heavier coverage and it was this I wore every evening. This was the perfect base for my lightly toasted skin which was in the best condition it has been for some time. As such I am forgoing all other base products and packing this for my next trip to Ibiza.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder
My holy grail product was bound to appear in a favourites post sooner or later and it really proved it's worth in the heat of Dubai. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder is always in my handbag and will always accompany me on nights out but its more as a back up and lipstick touch ups. Despite everyone telling me that the air conditioning would protect from the heat that wasn't always the case. With a camera at every opportunity and Ben's love of the flash I need regular powder applications to try and battle the shine.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick, 01 Le Rouge*
It's well documented how much I love a red lipstick and I certainly have a new favourite from the YSL Rouge Pur Couture Range. Part of a World Duty Free Limited Edition set I couldn't be more impressed with the formula of these lipsticks. As I mentioned in my previous posts the formula is deliciously creamy and long lasting.

Benefit The POREfessional Primer
Once again I reference the excessive heat in Dubai as a reason that primer was a must have during my trip. The combination of Benefit's POREfessional and Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder ensured that at the end of the evening my make up wasn't sitting down my face. Whilst I know not everyone loves the silicone formula of this primer I have no issue with it and it feels like it's creating the base for my make up to be applied to. Once again this is a must have for me on my next trip and throughout Summer that I'll be picked up a replacement in Duty Free as my current tube is nearing the end of it's life.

Tom Ford Lipstick, Flamingo
I purchased the appropriately named Flamingo lipstick from Tom Ford when I was in LA and it's been a constant in my make up arsenal ever since. It's pretty much the closest I get to a nude lip. Of course it isn't a nude lip at all, it's very much pink but a soft enough pink that it goes with anything yet bright enough that I feel like I have something on my lips. Due to the clothing choices I made on my holidays I had to steer away from my regular reds more often than usual and as such it was Flamingo that came to my aid.

Caudalie Divine Legs
I have had Caudalie Divine Legs for years and it has remained untouched. Another of those 'the beauty blogger made me do it' purchases I was alway petrified of it. For some reason I decided to take it on holiday despite it's un-travel-friendly glass bottle thinking that with some colour on my usually pasty pins I would be a little braver. I'm not very good with tanning products or even this style of tint and always worry about streaks and then seem to rub the product to such a degree it disappears from sight. The first time I used it I panicked and was not a fan but as I'd deemed it worthy of space in my luggage and I persevered and found I rather enjoyed the additional sheen and colour it added to my legs (and arms). I applied with a mitt to avoid messing with my hands and do find this darker than I thought although I was very pale before so it's one to be cautious with. Once again I liked it so much that I will take it to Ibiza to ensure I get maximum usage.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
The First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads received a glowing review in my holiday skincare post and for that reason they of course could not be omitted from this months favourites. Back from my holidays I had decided to use other products and save these to take away with me again being so travel friendly and my skin has not thanked me for it. They are currently being pulled from my half packed suitcase to rectify the situation.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Fluid*
I intended to publish a blog post on La Roche-Posay's Anthelios range during my holiday but unfortunately too many cocktails and lazy days on the beach allowed my schedule to go awry. I still intend to publish that post but in advance I thought I'd share the love in particular for the Ultra-Light Fluid. I actually arrived in Dubai armed with all manner of La Roche-Posays Anthelios skincare range which we all shared between us. As I've said my skin was in great condition and that might not have been the case had I been doing what many women do and using the SPF's for the body on their face or even worse forgoing it at all. It speaks highly of the Anthelios range that I didn't suffer any break outs from this light weight formula.

So that's this months favourites, hopefully you will find some of these useful for any forthcoming holidays you may have coming up. Spot anything you think you need?

July Favourites

July Favourites

I only have four favourites for you this month as July has been one or sorting through and testing products. Obviously there are some highlights from there but also it's meant that reaching for the same thing repeatedly has been limited.

That said this month my morning shower has been given a tropical burst with Radox Mango Mayhem* shower gel. Whilst I love my L'Occitane Almond Oil it's a killer to any self tanning I may have done the night before and sometimes you just need a little fruitiness in your mornings. The mango scent is so refreshing especially after a long humid nights under the duvet and I can also recommend giving the Passionfruit version a whirl.

Two favourites from Maybelline this month which I had to consciously remove from my make up bag to give other blushes their face time were the Master Glaze Blush Stick in Coral Sheen and Master Hi-Light in Coral. First I swipe the blush stick across my cheeks and then I add the Hi-lighting Blush which works both to set and highlight the cheeks. The look is perfect and I will be adding the pink-rose version of the blush to my US shopping list. You can read a full review of the blush sticks in this post.

My final favourite is the popular Caudalie Divine Legs tinted body lotion. I have had this in my collection for a ridiculously long time and always been scared of it. Finally I took the plunge one risky morning after forgetting to tan the night before and shocked at the sight of my pasty pins. This is so easy to use and gives a subtle colour to the skin whilst moisturising them and giving a lovely shine and a scent I adore. I have applied this with both hands and mitt but prefer the mitt for keeping the hands in check. For a lazy girl like me who can't always be fussed with overnight tanning this is a god send.

What have been your favourites this month?

August Pay Day Haul

This month's pay day haul was specialised around a masked ball that I was due to attend on the following weekend and a desire to try out this tutorial from Pixiwoo.

Firstly I jumped online and ordered the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette from Cult Beauty. A much raved about product I was intrigued to try and I'm pleased to say I'm in love. This pencil is a breeze to apply and is far easier to grab than my previously used Mac Charcoal Brown Shadow and brush.

Next there was a trip to Space NK for a threading appointment which of course allowed for the opportunity to spend some cold hard cash. Bloggers seem to opt for the Xen Tan Absolute Luxe which I was going to try but after seeing the price tag and remembering that it was Deep Bronze Luxe cheaper that a friend had applied on me previously I thought I'd stick with that option. Caudalie Divine Legs has been on my wish list for sometime and just in case the Xen Tan experiment went awry I decided to have that on standby (thankfully it wasn't necessary!). As I would be wearing my Cinderella sandals  my feet need some sprucing up with Margaret Dabbs Exfoliating Foot Mousse. I'm a bit on the fence with this product. It was a completely blogger brain washed purchase and I think I could've got the same results from a cheaper product and to be quite honest, it doesn't even smell very nice.

From Superdrug I picked up some goodies from Sleek, their Contour Kit and Luminous Pressed Powder and onto Mac for some new brushes to add to my collection; the 239 and 210. Unfortunately Painterly Paint Pot was out of stock so it was over to Boots and the suggested alternative, Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit. The Boots haul didn't end there of course. Whilst I've been avoiding acrylic nails and doing my best to get my nails into an acceptable state without some Impress Nails they wouldn't be up to scratch for a black tie function. Unfortunately whilst initially thrilled with the results, simple to apply etc the thumb nail didn't last the night (thank god for the eyelash glue in my bag) and by day 2 the remaining nails were rising up and my hair was getting caught up in them and all sorts that I pulled them off. I was pleased with how easy they were to remove and whilst I wasn't wowed I would use this product again for a one night occasion.

Barry M Dazzle Dust and Bumble & Bumble Finishing Spray were the final products, the latter being a product my mum and I had seen on a recent shopping trip.  Thinking it was only £6.50 we both picked one up and decided against them when they were rung up at £10. Then we spent the whole shopping trip admiring our hair with it's finish that we had to return and buy them. I thought it would be perfect for my up do at the masked ball yet completely forgot to add a spritz when I left the hairdressers, typical.

A slight cheat to the haul is the Garnier Perfect Blur as my friend passed this over to me as she wasn't a fan. I've yet to try myself but I'll keep you posted on my findings.

Now it's time to halt the spending as I'm off to Las Vegas next month and I need all my cash to go wild in Sephora!