MONTHLY BEAUTY FAVOURITES | September 2017

It feels longer than the couple of months its been since I last hit publish on a blog post and despite the impromptu break I have still been photographing and testing products 'behind the scenes' so I have plenty to hit publish on over the coming weeks. A good place to start is always by sharing my recent favourites and the first is a welcome return to reading. 

During my redundancy period reading certainly fell to the wayside without a regular commute and any journeys I did make were typically spent on my phone scrolling through social media or indeed preparing for job interviews. As the commute is now once again part of my daily routine books are making a reappearance although it's been a slow start with a couple of books that I just couldn't find myself reaching for until I picked up Beauty by Louise Mensch who you may know as Louise Bagshawe. The story of Dina Kane and her rise to power, dragging herself up from poverty and battling old adversaries. This is simply chick lit with a darker edge, enough to keep me interested rather than a basic boy meets girl tale and the story of Dina making her way in the beauty industry was enjoyable and I was keen to keep turning the pages despite knowing how it was likely to end. As a read to remind me of the enjoyment reading brings me this was it and my only criticism was the somewhat eye rolling description of Dina being such beauty and therefore allowing her such success or opportunity which added less weight to the additional struggle and hard work she was shown as putting in to build her success. 

Along with reading I've slipped back into old skincare habits but a few gems from Aldi are helping me get back on track and the Lacura Caviar 3 Minute Mask is one that also works to combat my excuse of not having enough time. I don't particularly enjoy the process of face masks despite acknowledging the benefits. Clay masks are great for congested skin but so messy and sheet masks similarly so whilst requiring a stance to ensure the mask doesn't slip and so on the excuses continues. The Caviar range from Aldi has already made waves over the years for it's comparisons to the uber expensive and luxurious La Prairie range and whilst I can fully understand the realities of skincare product duping is not really possible in the same way make up can be I do find that I can get on very well with some budget alternatives. For £6.99 the Lacura Caviar 3 Minute Mask is formulated to remove dead skin cells with caviar extract to moisturise your skin. If I've been slack with my regime, perhaps from one too many late nights a quick boost from the mask does the trick and even if your skin is tip top then using this before nights out and applying layers of make up ensures that you're looking your best.

I was very excited to receive a bottle of Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Foundation* although you would think that for my years of blogging and the beauty products that have passed through my hands I would be less prone to making assumptions or judgements about products before I have so much as swatched on my hand, let alone tried on my skin. I presumed that this foundation would be heavy but it is anything but. As it's blurb will tell you on the website it is a 'youth promoting skincare and foundation in one' and Joan Collins is known for looking fabulous as a mature woman so clearly paid great attention to working on a foundation that fellow older ladies would enjoy. 

Containing hyaluronic acid to moisturise your skin and ensure that it aids the base in which you're applying the foundation I found the finish quite flawless and radiant as it suggests. I would refer to this as a medium coverage foundation but you could easily build it up should you require although I prefer the coverage it provides as often the heavier coverage I reach for the more suffocated my skin feels and makes my fine lines more evident. It is very similar in formula to Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation.  

I must also give top marks to the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty website for assisting with the shade of foundation you will need. I was able to pick, nervously, the shade I thought would suit for me based on their recommendations and it was perfect for me. They give guidance on your undertones and the like rather than simple listing shade numbers or names - we all know how those shade names can vary brand to brand.

To prep my skin for the aforementioned foundation I have been loving GOSH Primer Plus+ Skin Adaptor* which is sold as a primer which will enhance any skin tone. Before I continue I did see this in action an event with GOSH and some of the women of colour commented that it was a little ashy so that's something to bear in mind although for my pink undertoned skin I have been able to work well with it. It's quite different to other primers I've used as it doesn't have that silicone feel to it when applied, nor does it feel fluid and hydrating as it's quite a dry formula. That said on the days when I lean towards oilier skin but it does even my skintone out and create a smoother appearing canvas for me to layer make up on. 

Finally has been to remove that wonderful foundation I've been using Elemis Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil. I had this travel sized bottle in my ready to go bag of travel minis but as I continue to work through my stash I decided to dig this out and try out and very pleased I have. It's a beautifully smelling thick cleansing oil which melts away make up without leaving my skin crying out for moisture. I don't wear particularly heavy make up and will remove the bulk of any eye make up with a micellar water before I use the cleansing oil as my first cleanse but I find there is no leftover dirt and it is all removed with this first cleanse. I've mentioned how I can be lax with my skincare regime but using this product gives me an extra incentive to head to the bathroom sink and kick things off.

What products have you been enjoying recently?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

July 2015 Favourites

A late appearance for July's favourites but before illness struck here is what topped the list for the month.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil Spray*
It's no secret that I'm more partial to the snooze button than leaping out of bed in the mornings and this leads to some speedy running around to catch my train to work. If ever there is a step to skip in my routine then it will be body lotion which isn't always ideal, especially if my legs are out for all to see.

Thankfully Palmer's new oil spray is perfect for quick application. I literally can spray this liberally like I would a body spray, sometimes giving a cursory rub in but often just leaving it to do it's work and off I go.

Whilst not greasy this is more oily as it's name would suggest but than I would have expected from this type of product. I say this as a compliment as I expected to spray and that was that. Instead I would find that my legs were suitably softened well after the working day is done.

As you can see I'm using the rosehip fragrance which was more for testing purposes expecting to not like it and concentrate on the familar Coconut one but I've rather enjoyed it's floral scent - quite unlike me!

Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner
Carrying on the theme of lazy last minute routines, since my holidays I've got into a habit of allowing my hair to dry naturally. I find when doing this, best results come from using my Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner to give me a tousled beachy look, that I can even get away with in the office. I do throw in a few spritzs of the Surf Spray too and this trio is definitely one I would always travel with for ease.

Of course as one would expect from this sort of range it can leave your hair a little dry but as a greasy haired suffer this isn't actually an issue I have a problem with. I think it's time to commit to full sizes of these beauties.

Essence get BIG! lashes triple black mascara
I picked up the get BIG! lashes mascara whilst on holiday in June and it became a firm favourite in my make up bag through July. For my make up look that month I was very much about my NYX Coral Red Lipstick and less going on in the eye area. When I say less going on, of course I don't mean in the lashes area and found that some liner and the Essence mascara created just the right look adding volume and length. I'm definitely a big fan of the Essence mascara range and will be looking at adding more to my collection. See the rest of my Essence haul here.

Elemis Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm
The Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm was a product I came across well before beauty blogging was a thing on Florence and Mary. I think it was on its initial release it that they gave it away as a magazine freebie and such was my love back then that I purchased in full size. As time has gone on clearly beauty blogging has taken over and other products have been introduced into my routine. The poor Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm has somehow been relegated to the back of a drawer, until now.

With strobing all the rage this is the perfect moisturiser to start adding the glow. My routine has been applying the flash balm, followed by my base of choice mixed with Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector. It can be quite a drying product so I do find it's better suited to my Summer skin, or certainly when more on the oily side but otherwise it's a lovely product to use. I also find it makes a perfect primer so I can skip that step when using.

Sleek Creme to Powder Blush, Crimson*
I'm a big fan of Sleek Blushers and am partial to a cream variety so when Sleek released their cream to powder version I was pleased to receive a couple to try. I am not afraid of a red blush and like to wear them with my red lip but I will admit to being a little apprehensive when I saw Crimson in the pan - perhaps it would be more suited to Autumn?

Casting fears aside I tried it and it was love at first sight and sat firmly in my make up bag for the longest time. As we've come to expect from Sleek these blushes are heavily pigmented that just a mere dab of colour on the cheeks is needed and easily blends without fingers making it perfect for on the go application.

Crimson adds a pinky red flush to my cheeks that makes me look wide awake even if I don't feel like and like I've spent a day in the open air. The soft texture blends into a powdery effect which when used with a brush makes for an even better appearance. They actually remind me very much of Chanel's Cream Blush range which makes them a big hit in my eye.

For only £5.99 you can't go wrong especially with its new 'sleek' (sorry, I couldn't resist!) Nars-esq packaging. Why pay more?

What has made your favourites this month?

*This post contains press samples.

Skincare Empties | July 2015

Some may have noticed that things became a little quiet and haphazard on Florence and Mary the past two weeks. Unfortunately I have been unwell with flu which completely wiped me out and left me unable to do anything blog related, I couldn't even muster the energy for a Tweet. Thankfully I'm now feeling fighting fit so it's time for some catching up to do, starting with some skincare empties.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I raved about the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads in both my May Favourites and my holiday skincare regime posts. I really enjoyed using these pads and found them quick and easy to use whilst actually feeling their effects working as well as seeing it. I was keen to repurchase immediately after noticing that the stack of pre-soaked pads were dwindling but decided to give the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Pads a try when they were on offer. I plan to do a comparison post of the two shortly so I won't go into too much detail but thus far the Nip+Fab pads are falling a little short.

Decleor Aromessence Neroli Oil Serum

I have no idea where this Decleor serum came from or why I decided to throw a small size into my routine, maybe during my travels. I do know that I enjoyed using it. Decleor products remind me of old school, traditional beauty. When I was into beauty and skincare in simple terms and before I entered into the whole beauty blogging arena. The scent of this serum takes me back to mini breaks with friends where we treated ourselves to pricey facials and there was something very comforting about using this as part of my evening regime. It's a thick oil with a heavy scent that will not be too everyones tastes but as mentioned for me it put me right into relaxation mode which is just what I want of an evening. It was certainly oily but not unpleasantly so and felt like it was going to work on my skin and was a lifesaver when skin was particularly dehydrated or dull. I would definitely look to repurchase in full size despite it's hefty price tag. 

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Serum*

I love Vichy serums but I appear to go through them like water. Maybe not so surprising since Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Serum is of a watery nature due to Vichy Thermal Spa Water in this product and said to keep continuously hydrated.

My skin is often dehydrated due to smoking, my lack of water intake (why are 8 glasses of wine easier to drink that 8 glasses of water?) and various other elements but I found that this serum would battle against these well and skin would look as if I was living a completely clean healthy lifestyle. 

I'm currently trying another similar hydrating serum so I'm keep to see how it fares against Vichy a brand I can always rely on. 

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+*

Another serum in my stash and one that is New Zealands best seller. As oils and serums go this was another that I preferred for nighttime as I preferred allowing it too sink into the skin and go to work whereas mornings are more of a rushed affair. My skins appearance in the morning was definitely brighter. You can read more in my review here. 

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

A dry skin saviour and a handy size for travel it's a perfect night time treat. A light oil that offers hydration and makes skin looks brighter come morning. I'd definitely repurchase this in a full size for my Winter skincare regime or when skin needs some extra attention. Definitely worth trying if you have dry skin. You may enjoy my other post on Facial Oil Favourites. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balms are pretty much a staple in blogger skincare regimes but I must confess my experiences are limited and I've yet to feel it necessary to explore them in great detail. My mum loves Elemis and when I spotted the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm in her cupboard I asked to give it a try. I would argue this is very familar balm texture and it wasn't exactly pleasant to use. There was quite a waxy scent to the balm and I didn't enjoy the process of scooping from the tub and applying on to my skin. I also feel like I'm tugging at my skin rather than massaging due to it's thick texture. These little niggles aside it was a good product and certainly ensured any make up was removed from skin and there was no dryness to speak of after it's use and skin enjoyed the effects of using it. Whilst I wouldn't necessarily repurchase where I to see it on offer and/or needed a cleansing balm in my routine I wouldn't be against reusing.

A-Derma Rheaclam Soothing Eye Contour*

I can't get excited about eye creams despite my eyes being my 'problem area' with dark circles and the fine lines associated with being the wrong side of 30. Of course I use them regularly and I don't see them getting worse so it stands to reason the creams I'm using are doing their work. 

Hydrating Rhealba Oat seedling extract makes this the perfect eye cream for mornings, especially after my much mentioned late nights. 

StriVectin SD Eye Concentrate*

As mentioned in my holiday skincare regime this eye cream is never ending. I long became bored of using it but stubbornness and intrigue at how long it would actually last meant I kept using it. If you're looking for an eye cream that is cost effective this is the one. Finances aside this is a product that stakes its claims on results rather than fancy packaging. Scientific in its investigations with a no no-nonsense approach this is an eye cream that works for me. Tackling eye wrinkles (check!) and crows feet it's a great formula for use day or night. 

Ole Henriksen Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths

Ole Henriksen Cleaning Cloths are something of a blogging favourite. Despite jumping on the bandwagon I've not been overally impressed. Despite lazy attitudes to skincare in the past I've never been one for facial wipes. Yes they've had and still can have a place for late nights or short breaks but I'd rather go in with a simple facial wash that takes little more than time than using a wipe with better results.

So back to Ole Henriksen and the Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths. I picked this pack with botanical AHAs and Eucalptus to exfoliate, clarify and refine pores (in addition to the popular Clean Truth version) thinking they would be ideal for those aforementioned evenings when I didn't want to go into a full regime. Unfortunately the cloths are harsh due to their textured material and just too bumpy that I really felt like I was stripping my skin. Lack of enjoyment at using them meant they have actually dried up before I was able to use the pack in it's entirety.  

What skincare favourites have you used up recently?

*PR Sample

Beauty Empties | January 2015

My mission to use up items from my stash continues with earnest in 2015 if no more because I like nothing more than writing my monthly empties post. So here is the first for the year

Bayliss & Harding French Lavender Relaxing Bath Foam link
Despite it's Molton Brown inspired packaging this is proof you get what you pay for. A pleasant enough product that had some scent to it there was no way it compared to more higher end products nor my favoured Radox which was promptly repurchased. Sometimes it's good to try something new, in this case it sadly wasn't the case.

Victoria Secrets Tweezers link
I picked these tweezers up solely because they have 'my name' emblazoned on them. They did the job for a small while but I believe I have used them for other means other than beauty purposes and they have bent so no longer able to function for purpose. I'll stick to my trusty Tweezerman.

Maybelline BROWdrama Sculpting Mascara link
I love the Maybelline BROWdrama for day to day use when I just can't be bothered to faff with eyebrows. A quick swipe of this sculpting mascara for brows and I'm ready to go. When I finished this I decided to see if I could manage without it, using the Rimmel Brow The Way but it just doesn't compare. I like the Rimmel version but it requires more thought and effort to work with so Maybelline's BROWdrama has been promptly repurchased.
You can see my original review of Maybelline BROWdrama here.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Shampoo & Conditioner link
John Frieda is a brand whose shampoos I love and can rely on and I have used, empties and repurchased many times. I currently have a large stash of shampoos and conditioners that I want to use up before I repurchase these but repurchase I will.

Sure Maximum Protection link
Shock horror, an empties post featuring Sure Maximum Protection. I've blogged about this product many times and it's a product I can rely. I'm actually using another deodorant at the moment and it's not quite acting as I would like so it's time to return to this trusty product.

Ragdale Hall Relax Restful Pillow & Body Mist link
I had long been intrigued by the rave reviews of This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray but at £16 I couldn't quite justify the purchase. I was overjoyed to spot a similar product in good old Marks and Spencer for a more purse friendly £5 and begun to love the ritual of spraying my pillows and the top of the duvet where I would snuggle and tuck myself at bedtime. There was some panic when it seemed to disappear from the M&S shelves and websites but I'm pleased to see it's been given a refresh and has once again appeared online along with a hand cream I have my eye on. Hopefully they will also return the Bath Essence which I enjoyed using.
You can see my original review of Ragdale Hall Pillow Mist here.

Jo Malone Pomengranite Noir Body Cream link
This small 15ml jar which appeared in my December Favourites was never going to last long but I throughly enjoyed using it. Would I repurchase the full size, maybe if I had some spare cash lying around but the reality is that I'm slack enough with body cream that the high street alternatives work just as well.

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream link
This tube of foot cream used to sit on my coffee table at home alongside my other beauty bits that were to encourage me to pamper whilst I was in the couch potato zone. This is a nice cream, I could rub into my feet without fearing when I walked across the room I'd slip over. I would repurchase in a treat/money no object fashion but with so many cheaper alternatives available on the high street I might just try something else first.

Sephora Pomegranite Mask link
I had seen the new Sephora sheet mask range pop up on a few American blogs and YouTube channels so picked up one whilst in Vegas last year. I went for the Pomegranate Mask which was 'anti-fatigue and energising' which I thought was great for my jetlag. Obviously so fatigued was I that I couldn't even put a sheet mask across my face so instead I used this the night before my friends wedding. This was a great affordable product and I'd definitely try a few more from the range next time in the vicinity of a Sephora.

Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit link
Another December Favourite made it's way into my empties post and this is a sad one for me. The end of a perfume that I loved and is no longer available. Once again Jo Malone - please re-release this one for me. This is the perfect Christmas fragrance and one I will miss this year. Original post can be read here.

Murad Essential-C Cleanser* link
I initially tried out this cleanser back in June (you can read about it in this post) and then cast it aside for other products. I recently dug it out as part of my use up what I have and now I've finished I'm regretting not adding it to my travel bag for any trips away when it's smaller size and reliability can be called upon. This is another of those I would repurchase but it's a pricey option and I know I can rely upon cheaper alternatives.

What products have you said goodbye to this month?

*PR Sample

Top Three Foot Creams for Spring

2013 was the year I made hand cream a part of my everyday routine.
2014 will be the year the same is said for foot cream.

Whilst I love a pedicure and always ensure there's a splash of red across my toes due to the mutterings of some guy friends many years ago where they judged women who didn't take care of their feet I'm somewhat lax in applying foot creams.

There's no reason for its exclusion from my beauty regimes other than laziness and it's time to take care of my feet after their ability to keep me in heels on a daily basis. I now have three foot creams floating around the house, all different textures depending on my needs.

Elemis 'treat your feet' Foot Cream 
This is what I'd call the 'traditional' type of foot cream and was a gift from mum when I told her about my 2014 foot resolutions. Out of the three products I'm going to talk about today this is the pampering one, the one that sits alongside my hand cream in my lounge ready to pop on when the mood takes me as I'm sitting watching the latest episode of The Khardashians. My feet are left moisturised thanks to shea butter ingredients and a beautiful scent of eucalyptus and lemon oils perfect for this time of year.

Lotil Footcream*
Thanks to the familiar marzipan scent of Lotil cream (read my review here) their foot cream offering has helped with daily application. This whooping 114ml tub sits in my bedside drawer and is popped on when I climb into bed. I've become quite taken with a soothing foot massage at the end of a hard day. Thicker than the Elemis cream but yet light weight enough that it massages into the hard skinned areas nicely my feet feel soft and pleasantly scented.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Foot Magic
The final product on my list is by Palmer's and this is my heavy duty offering containing natural emollients such as cocoa and mango butters to help even the roughest skin. We've all had those major shopping sessions which we return to and our feet have paid the price. Rest assured slather this, this is the tricky bit because the only texture I can liken it too is a very thick petroleum jelly type substance, so slather that all over you feet and then pop on some cotton socks and let it work it's 'foot magic' overnight. I adore the scent of peppermint and in the morning your feet won't even show the signs of a major hiking session.

So they are my current three picks to get my feet tip top for Summer. Don't forget to leave your recommendations and any tips you have for keeping the spring in your step.

*this post contains press samples

Sleep at Christmas

Christmas can be a stressful time whether it's attending numerous parties or writing a million Christmas cards and wrapping presents so I thought I'd put together a few night time treats that I use to help aid my slumber as I'm not a great sleeper at the best of times.

1. Elemis Quiet Mind Relaxing Bath Elixor link
This was a gift for my birthday and swiftly became part of my evening bath time routine so much so it'll be popping up in Decembers empties post. I love adding anything to my bath that fills the whole room with it's scent and this certainly does the trick containing one of my favourite scents of eucalyptus. I'm not certain I take time to breathe deeply to release the days tension and enjoy an aroma of peach and serenity as I'm usually watching YouTube videos whilst in the bath but I do take the time to relax.

2. L'Occitane Lavande Organic Shower Cream link
L'Occitane's Lavande range has had a bit of a revamp since I received my bottle of Shower Cream. This and the hand cream which I'll get to in a moment are my least favourite products. I've discovered in using this that I'm fussy about the strength of the lavender strength and this was just a bit too floral for my liking. I also didn't especially enjoy using the cream or find it anything special but it was quite an old bottle so perhaps I can blame it on that?

3. Ragdale Hall Relax Restful Pillow Mist link
I picked up Ragdale Hall's Pillow Mist on a complete whim when I believe I was throwing a strop walking through Marks & Spencer Beauty Hall (reason for the strop unknown!). I liked the idea of spritzing this on my pillow before bed and I wasn't let down. The lavender scent from this I love and there's nothing better than snuggling into bed and hugging a cushion. If I had to give you one top tip for a last minute Christmas gift for any female friends or family this would be it - for £5 you can't go wrong.

4. Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate link
This isn't the first time I've mentioned Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate as it's one of my favourite skincare items I've discovered on my travels. I was nervous on purchasing as it's not the cheapest of products but my bottle is lasting FOREVER so cost per use is minimal and it's worth every penny in my opinion. I hate using anything on my skin that makes me feel greasy and this oil does nothing my leave my skin soft, supply and hydrated - perfect for tired looking skin. And it smells fantastic!

5. L'Occitane Lavande Hand Cream link
I'm usually a number one fan of L'Occitane hand creams but this is my least favourite. As with the shower cream I'm not too fond of the scent and this is the 'wettest' of their hand cream formulas I've used. To be honest as I'm typing this I think 2014 is the time to move on to something else and say goodbye to this product.

So there you have a few of my festive sleep aids, let me know what helps you get to sleep at this busy time of year.