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

My St Lucia Make Up Routine

I'd be embarrassed to show how much make up I actually took to St Lucia and instead am sharing some of the highlights and the products I reached for most during my holiday. Starting with my first dabble with the Lottie London brand and the Insta Filter Power Eraser Stick*.

This was the first time I've used a Pore Eraser Stick so I was unsure what to expect having used only 'cream' products in the past but I was really impressed with how much I enjoyed using it. It was so easy to use, simply apply the product from the stick directly to skin and then blend out with fingers. Used in conjunction with my favourite foundation, L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation it created such a flawless finish. In fact one night as we arrived home and reviewed the evenings photos I commented on how shiny my face was in comparison to previous nights and then I remembered it was because I'd forgotten to apply the Lottie London pore eraser on that occasion.

Sticking with the 'base family' my concealer of choice was Wet n Wild Illumi-Naughty Highlighting and Concealing Pen, the very cheap 'interpretation' of the YSL Touche Eclat which I did have in mind to purchase in Duty Free yet decided to stick with it's poor packaging imitation. This highlighting and concealing pen is great for just a few dollars and I'm currently debating as it appears to be making it's way into the empties pile is it something I 'must' purchase when I'm in the US at the end of the year. It's a very light concealer so definitely not one for concealing very dark circles but one assumes on holiday you're better rested than any other time. The highlighting aspects are exceptional and it really does brighten up under the eye, in fact as my face became more tanner during my trip I had to abandon using this as it was just a little too light for me.

It's no surprise that Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer was my bronzer of choice. I dabble with contouring but certainly not on holiday and prefer instead to simply bronze up the face hoping that 'beach glow' is already doing it's thing. I find when using this bronzer more than any other I'm less inclined to feel the need for contour even back home in the less beachy conditions.

An old favourite from Milani has climbed back to the top since my return, the blogger favourite Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso. I tend to lean towards pink blush tones rather than peaches but Luminoso has managed to steal my heart. I'm always conscious that too much blush will interfere with my red lip of choice but Luminoso managed to balance that hint of colour without overpowering. Due to its sheen if you're happy with only a subtle highlight you might be happy that this provides just enough.  

I was on holiday so I wanted a little more glow and despite it's un-travel-friendly size I took the Wet n Wild To Reflect Shimmer Palette in Boozy Brunch (formerly part of the Fergie collection) as it's been a favourite leading up to the holiday. Before I go on I must say much of this make up has made up that which I've reached for on days when I've applied make up whilst at home, other than switching products in out as I'm trying to declutter before I head back to work and daily make up wearing. On that note I have to say for those Champagne Pop lovers I prefer this highlighter. It doesn't pack as much of a punch but I find this blends into the skin and suits my mature skin much more than the Becca classic. The pink and gold swirled together really does create a beautiful rose gold highlight that will compliment many make up looks. And if you want more glow keep piling it on.

Moving onto the eyes which I will always admit are not my strongest area for make up application and skill and certainly not an area I want to experiment with on holiday. My trusty Lorac Pro 3 Palette was my staple but I mixed things up with one or two of my favoured L'Oreal Infalliable Eyeshadows. Of course Amber Rush was there but it was Golden Emerald which was the shade I enjoyed reaching for having a bit of fun with, if you can wear green eyeshadow on holiday when can you wear it. As we know these have all but disappeared in the UK so I'm hoping I can stock up some more in Florida when I visit in November.

I was sent Joan Collins Class Act Mascara* prior to my trip and thought that would be perfect conditions to test out. Sadly it's not something, and I have persevered since returning, that has worked out for me. Aesthetically I love everything about it, the gorgeous, weighty gold packaging, the thick brush and indeed the appearance of the mascara on my eye lashes. Unfortunately this is such a wet mascara and the minute I apply it is all over my eyes. Hours later I'm spending half the evening removing fall. I had hoped perhaps the heat was adding to these woes but it has continued on my return and I've had one or two near misses as I tried to make it work and I almost went into interviews with panda eyes. On a positive my mum has popped midway through drafting today's post and quite unplanned thanked me for the mascara I had given her, indeed the Joan Collins Class Act one. For her it is working a treat and she said how full her lashes look wearing it so it would seem what didn't work for me works for her and may do for others.

Lip products are those that I typically over pack for holiday, especially when I consistently reach for a red lip. The first was one you'll have seen in my monthly favourites, the L'Oreal Lip Paint in Red Actually which I picked up at the airport - because of course I didn't have enough packed already. I've eyed up other shades but nothing has particularly jumped out but I'm thinking of taking another look at Red Fiction which I believe is more of a true red and think it could be a big hit.

Ciate London score top marks for the packaging of their Pretty Stix Lipstick* which I was able to try in bright shades Me Me Me and First Love. I'm not too much of a bright pink wearer, in fact I'm currently decluttering those I own but Me Me Me has earned a place in my collection. These are like the more sophisticated older sister of the Maybelline Baby Lips. The pigmentation is that of a regular lipstick but thanks to Brazilian Murumuru Butter you're receiving the moisturising properties of a balm. They are slick and shine so make a great day to night option for the Summer.

As keen as I'm to try the Ciate London Pretty Stix in the nude shades it was the Benefit They're Real Double the Lip in Nude Scandal* that performed the job in St Lucia. On the nights when I dabbled with my L'Oreal Infallible Green eyeshadow it was this lip shade I reached for. The more I use the new lip release from Benefit the less I 'get' the whole double shade combo but that doesn't mean I love them any the less and this still remains one of my favourite nude shades.

By day I didn't want to worry about lipstick smudges whilst exploring St Lucia but I still wanted a little something for those all important selfies. Joan Collins Glorious Gloss in Piper* provided enough of a pink tint without looking like I'd packed on the make up. I'm not usually one for glosses, as a smoker if they're too sticky its a no no but I was found this was creamy rather than sticky whilst still giving the gloss finish.

Finally a couple of brushes I'll give a mention to for their cute but functional travel friendly size. The Sephora Mini Multitasker Brush has accompanied me on many holidays and works a dream for apply foundation. I love my beauty blender but I find it a tad cumbersome for travel.

QVS is a new brand that I can't help confusing with the well known shopping channel. I was sent a selection of brushes from their range and you'll see one or two others popping up in future posts but today it's the Flat Top Blusher and Blender Brush* which I'm singing the praises of. I used this with the aforementioned Milani blush and despite typically using rounded brushes for blusher found that I could work well with it and it's been packed into my travel bag for future trips.

As I say this list wasn't exhaustive but these were the 'favourites' if you like and certainly products I've lazily reached for since my return knowing the results work for me.

Do you overpack make up on your holidays?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Christmas Gifts from Joan Collins Timeless Beauty

Joan Collins oozes glamour and sophistication and if you want to channel a bit of that for yourself, friend or family member this Christmas look no further than the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty range.

One of the most popular products from the outstanding line is the 'paparazzi ready' Compact Duo Powder and Lipstick* which literally has Joan Collins stamped all over it. A luxurious gold compact which houses a Meticulous Face Powder and your favourite Divine Lips lipstick from the Joan Collins Timeless Beauty range - you pick your shade at purchase but any lipstick from Joan can be used - ready for those all important touch ups on the go whether it's a day of meetings or another Christmas party.

The face powder is gorgeous, silky, smooth and could easily replace my love for Chanel Les Beiges and the fact it keeps a lipstick to hand and can easily be slipped into my handbag makes it well worth the £34 price tag. My only criticism is that you only have the neutral shade available in the Compact Duo (from what I've seen) and although it works perfectly well for powdering my nose when I'm on the go I would be concerned in the Summer when tanned and it'd be needed even more. There is something quite 'fancy' about pulling out the compact and touching up my make up.

I received the Divine Lips Lipstick* in shade Lady Joan and again was taken with the luxury gold packaging, reminiscent of Charlotte Tilbury for a cheaper price. The shade Lady Joan is a raspberry pink with a sheen, but extremely pigmented. Perfect for the time of year if you're looking for something other than red to wear. The lipsticks are creamy and I was impressed with how long they lasted - almost no need for touching up.

I was also able to try the the Glorious Gloss* in shade Piper which is more pigmented than I expected, creamy but not sticky and one I have been reaching for on a regularly basis and my first foray into Joan Collins Timeless Beauty has been a positive experience and I can't wait to try more.

If you're a fan of Hollywood glamour you'll want to think about adding some items to your Christmas list.

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links