2017 FAVOURITE FAVOURITES | PART 2

*this post contains affiliate links and/or press samples

If we can all just overlook my New Year 'announcements' about my posting schedule and indeed the lack of any posts since that very announcement and instead dive into Part 2 of my yearly favourites. Yes it may be woefully overdue but it is (April!) favourites time.

Once again my review of 2017 favourites features items that were very much staples throughout the year. Everyone approaches their yearly favourites different whether only speaking of new releases from that year or items that featured in monthly favourites. For my review I like to reference the products that were picked up repeatedly, not just over one or two months but over the course of that year.

All that said my first two favourites were a 2017 release, They're Real Double The Lip from Benefit*. A quirky innovative product that features a teardrop shaped bullet in two complimenting shades. The darker tip provides your liner and the fuller end fills in your lip. Admittedly I haven't paid much attention to the application process and it's been the shades Revved Up Red and Nude Scandal that I've enjoyed. Revved Up Red is the perfect everyday red shade, not too bright but enough pigment to have my favoured red lip in evidence. The 'USP' of this release was it's method of tilting the lip bullet to apply your lip liner and then using the fuller part to fill the lip. For me I tend to just apply in one go and find it works well enough although as wear has applied the teardrop shaped has rounded so even if I were to use the application method (and indeed my application is reason enough for the shape to change) it wouldn't quite work. And more sadly as I reached for Revved Up Red last week the bullet, which is thinner than your regular lipstick actually snapped leaving me devastated. Now I'm slightly torn with whether to replace or rely on the other 3973729576 red lipsticks I own!

Another favourite which is reached for when the Autumn season arrives but is still being reached for as recently as last week is Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Plum Rose. This Milani lipstick feels oddly nostalgic in so much as it feels like the traditional lipsticks I knew and loved in my younger years. The packaging isn't anything special and the lipstick formula is rich and creamy. Not matte, not a liquid lipstick just a good old lipstick. The shade Plum Rose is described as a rich mauve but on the pink end of the scale. You're wearing lipstick but its an obvious subtle shade which I find more wearable than a nude.

When I did want a nude it was Burts Bees Lip Shimmer in Peony I'd reach for. I think I saw this on Alessandra Steinherr and was instantly taken with it as if I'm wearing a nude lip I like a pink tone. On that note Mac Syrup has been another and longterm favourite and recently repurchased. Both shades are easy wearable Pinks. The cliched 'your lips but better'  and really I'm inclined to abandon any other nude shades and stick with these. Burts Bees as the name suggests has a shimmer whereas Mac Syrup whilst a lustre is more subtle. Both these shades compliment the rare occasions I wear a heavier eye look or more likely the days I wanted to wear lipstick but didn't want the full impact of a red or similar.

The final in the lip pick for 2017 is a strange one because its a favourite on one hand and troublesome on the other. To explain the Clarins Lip Comfort Oil hit the beauty scene and everyone was in raptures and I was somewhat bemused at 'how good could it really be'. I then received a sample and first couple of uses I felt that it was nice but still didn't join the bandwagon. As I'm in the continued state of wanting to use what I have before I'm able to purchase others I had this sitting atop my dressing table and would apply as part of my morning and evening skincare regimes and watched my lips transform from a dry mess that I finally saw what everyone was raving about.

So impressed was I that I decided to purchase in it's full size, picking Red Berry to add a tint to my lips and I once again swayed from loving and hating the product in equal measure. I certainly found Red Berry stickier than the one I'd previously used and in part due to my lip colour found it didn't so much as add any colour apart from some pooling around my lip line. I also wasn't a fan of the large sized applicator, prefer a more traditional size, the larger seeming to make far too much mess and cause wastage. I still found the quality of the product itself and the benefits to my lips outweighed any of my gripes and I would buy again, just perhaps in the traditional 'shade'.

Perhaps my stand out product of 2017 and even into 2018 has been Milani's Luminiso Blush. A cult blogger favourite that I've myself mentioned many times on these pages it's a fail safe blush which accompanies any make up look. On appearance it's a peach shade but leans enough to the pink to make it a colour I enjoy to wear. There is a shimmer but not sparkle that suit my mature skin and it's pigmented enough to make a statement without being overbearing. On my trip to the US last year I picked up a replacement as unfortunately the product outlasted the packaging and it was making transporting it cumbersome and I didn't want to find myself in a situation where it became damaged and I was left without.

Finally it's my mascara favourite, all from L'Oreal who have become, if not always been my go to brand for mascara and last years picks were; Volume Million So Couture, False Lash Sculpt and Lash Paradise. Volume Million and False Lash Sculpt were a duo I enjoyed together, the former a fave alone for simple looks. The favourite for long volumised lashes was Lash Paradise and I agree with all the rave reviews but for the fact on me it does have some fall out but there are few mascaras that I don't suffer that fate with.

Sorry this post took so long for me to hit publish on and indeed I do hope I can pick up with some more regularly blogging in coming weeks - I've missed it.

My Make Up Declutter

I appreciate it's the height of 'first world problems' and a rather nice problem to have but one of the 'downsides' as a beauty blogger is quite simply the sheer abundance of products that we own. Over recent months I've tried to take a step back from making unnecessary purchases, accepting press samples I do not need and instead focus on working my way through my collection using what I have or decluttering things I do not love or have need for. I've rather enjoyed the process and enjoyed using products to their end rather than constant chopping and changing, reigniting my love for products once forgotten and finding I'm able to gather more thoughts on the products I do or not like. Today's post is sharing some of those products that haven't quite made the cut this month. 

First is L'Oreal Paris Infalliable Total Cover Foundation which despite my claims that I am not making any unnecessary purchases shows I am still prone to be swept up by some new releases because I have no need for more foundation. As is often the case this was first released in the US and unclear whether it would indeed hit UK shores I was able to ask a friend to pick it up for me. This was way back in December yet it's only recent months I've been reaching it for and I do not like it at all. Having such love for L'Oreal Infalliable Pro-Matte Foundation I expected that it would be a case of loving what I presumed what just be a fuller coverage version. Yes it is fuller coverage but far too much for my skin which felt suffocated whilst wearing. It did nothing for my mature skin and instead highlighted every line on my face so it's certainly not something I would reach for. I actually felt like I was wearing a mask that would crack and was literally itching at my face wanting to remove it.

An old favourite is Vivienne Westwood Boudoir Perfume that was my holy grail scent of old. In recent years I do not wear very often because it is a strong and heavy scent not suitable for day, or certainly work. As such the bottle has languished on my vanity unused and as part of my declutter I reached for it and realised that either the scent is perhaps too strong for me or quite simply I left it unloved too long and it's gone off. It was sad to part with a scent that brings back so many memories - good and bad - and I can remember when my mum purchased for me when it was only available exclusively in Harrods many years ago. 

Dr Lipp's Nipple Balm for Lips - yes that is its name - was one of the products I first purchased having moved into beauty blogging and saw appearing on various other blogs and YouTube channels. I was never particularly enamoured but what for me is simply a thick balm. Designed as one of those versatile products, original as the name suggested for the nipples of breastfeeding women but not is hailed to tackle any irritation from dry cuticles to lips and even babies bottoms. Interestingly I'm currently using a pot of Carmex that I prefer in the tube yet in this instance the tube was troublesome due to being such a thick formula. I actually had some success for Dr Lipp having left on the windowsill by accident one particularly sunny day so it had melted and dispensed with ease. That said life is too short to be fighting with a product I don't particularly enjoy using.

I purchased Make Up Revolution Vivid Baked Highlighter in Pink Lights over 2 years ago and I've rarely reached for it if at all. I prefer either a pigmented pink that works as a blush or at champagne or gold highlighter. This is just too cool toned and a bit 'out there' for me as beautiful as it is. Time to pass it on.

Like many other bloggers I loved the Sephora Lip Creams when they were first released and wore often but there is no denying that if wearing on a long day they are very drying and reapplication does bode for a clean lip look. I was always conscious of this so in latter months found myself reaching for it less and less, even when I was working through my lip collection. Finally taking the plunge I didn't make it 5 minutes from leaving home before noticing any moisture being sucked from lips and decided it was time to move on to other products such as the L'Oreal Lip Paints which are a far creamier and less drying. 

OPI Face and Body Shimmer is a product I'm once again ashamed to admit the age of and it's clearly only had sporadic use over the years. This is a very glittery product but not in an offensive way, but does mean choosing the appropriate occasion is key. I took this to St Lucia with me on holiday and love a dusting on the shoulders but decided that was where it should stay and instead I can use one of the many highlighters in my collection.

The final product in today's post is the Real Techniques Buffing Brush a long term favourite of mine and well used. Recently I've been enjoying Beauty Blenders and Oval Brushes for foundation application and seeing my Real Techniques brush looking wearing from such use and cleaning I decided to throw it out and purchase myself a new one in the future. 

I'm really enjoying relieving myself of the excess products in my collection and hope to keep continuing to do so. Are you a beauty hoarder or have you joined the current craze for decluttering your stash?

*this post contains press samples and/or affiliate links

Products I Used Up | June 2017

No, it's not a typo these are last months empties and very soon you'll have this months and a flurry of empties posts since I found a whole bag filled with my 'beauty trash' of products I've yet photographed and shared with you. If in any doubt my mission to work through the products I have before repurchasing is going well.

First we step into the bathroom and finally I have finished my Champney's Citrus Blush Shower Mousse*. I say finally only because I feel like I have been using this product, admittedly off and on, for years! This is a product I would repurchase and it's perfect for this time of year and unlike any product I've used before. If you're bored of the usual gels, then I'd say give this a try for a more luxurious shower companion. 

When I first started using wash products for 'the intimate area' I thought it would be too much bother swapping between that and a regular shower gel but it's become something I don't even realise I'm doing now. Soft & Gentle Daily Wash* is less intrusive than the more well known offering Femfresh in large part because it's less 'obvious' in the bathroom. If you're a little shy about these matters then this is the product to use. I would repurchase, although it was Femfresh I did this month only because it was on offer and cheaper.

Another month, another stick of Sure Maximum Protection and this month a small mini that I have been carrying around in my handbag to ensure that I'm not 'that commuter' on the London Underground. I think we know the answer is a resounding yes to repurchasing.

As I had a spring clean of my bathroom I was amazed how much shampoo and conditioner I had in half used states so it's been my mission to ensure that they make there way to these posts. Last month it was TIGI S Factor that I finally said goodbye to. You can read my original review of the range to find out more but the only reason I wouldn't repurchase is the packaging - no one wants to fight with a shampoo morning when they just get out of bed.

I've moved onto salt sprays in recent weeks but prior to that I was using Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Texture Spray*. This is more subtle than a salt spray but still adds some texture and better suited to cooler weather if hair is already a little dry and brittle. You can read my review of the Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion range here. 

I've found that since returning to work I'm more active in applying hand cream once again and one I have used is Crabtree & Evelyn Pomegranate. This style of tube is one of my favorites as it's both small without lacking on product. I loved the scent of this as it was sweet and perfect for the Summer without being overpowering. 

The first three products that I used up last month you will note from my St Lucia Skincare regime and they are favourites. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic is a long term favourite and I absolutely love it in the spritzer version. Again I'm trying to use the toners that still sit in my stash but I will certainly repurchase again in the future. Liz Earle Eyebright I'm not so sure about repurchasing. I do love it, it's fantastic when eyes are particularly suffering due to hayfever but it's a product I forget to reach for or think about it so it goes a little unloved. I think I'll see whether it's missed.

A product that is missed is the B. Effective Stubborn Make Up Remover*. I thought this was just a nice product and happily returned to the Garnier Micellar Water once it was used up but I'm not enjoying it so much and missing the former.  The B. Make Up Remover is a bi-phase solution and I find it gentler on my eyes which is what I use micellar waters and the like for. I'll definitely be repurchasing this again in the future.

Ren Glycolactic Mask I have little to say about unfortunately as I think it sat on my shelf too long and when I have attempted to use it the smell is a little off so into the bin it goes. Let me know if you've used before and whether it's something I need to seek out in the future.

Janjira Illuminating Day Cream* is a product from the stash sitting half used that needed to be used up. The packing for this product is sleek and lux and I like the pump dispenser to avoid product finding it's way under my nails. It's a nice light moisturiser to use in the warmer months when my skin is oiler and sits at a mid range price point of £24 I would think about repurchasing if there wasn't so many other offerings on the high street that I'm keen to try. Or more importantly a basket filled with moisturisers I need to use up first.

Finally is Perricone Md Blue Plasma Cleansing Treatment which I used as a second cleanse. This was an interesting product to use as my second cleanse as it's not one you use to wash off and it's somewhere between a liquid and gel that is nice to apply but I think I prefer my wash products and certainly those which aren't so expensive.

I was gutted when my travel sized Mac Fix+ came to an end and I had hoped to refill from my larger bottle but the cap has beaten me. For now I've got a couple of other fixing sprays I'd like to use first but I will be repurchasing soon as I love having this in my handbag to freshen up make up if I'm heading out after work.

As part of my declutter process I'm trying to be more diligent at discarding mascaras when they have been in use for some months and it's been a success. I don't wish to tempt fate but I've not had what was a sporadic but frequent eye infection since I've been adopting this tactic. Last months mascara empties were two from Chanel, the Le Volume Mascara and the L'Oreal Superstar. Interestingly I had the smaller travel sizes of the Chanel Le Volume and loved it but once I'd purchased full size I was less impressed and actually found it disappointing and with fall out. The L'Oreal Superstar Mascara I enjoyed and would repurchase but mindful of it's something of a faff applying the primer first and it's quite large and bulky packaging for a mascara.

Wet n Wild Illumi-Naughty Highlighting and Concealing Pen is a great concealer perfect for the better days when you've had a good nights sleep, or at least want to fake having had one. It's not a must have in that I would seek it out from a UK seller but if I come across it when I'm in the US later this year I'm sure I'll throw one into my basket.

Finally a perfume that I enjoyed but didn't love, YSL Black Opium. It's a strong heady scent with a slight sweetness so it's perfect for Summer evenings.

What products have you been using up recently?

*this post contains press samples and / or 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

New In | May 2017

Without sound cliched one of the great things about blogging is not so much the 'free stuff' (because nothing is ever 'free') but the introduction to brands that you may not have been aware of or discovered otherwise. This month one such product was YOPE Verbana Natural Liquid Soap*.

I hate the dry feeling after washing hands and I'm always reaching for my hand cream to relieve that feeling so a liquid hand soap isn't something that would typically excite me despite a bottle of 'something' always sitting by the kitchen and bathroom sinks but YOPE has impressed me.

Firstly I love the scent of Verbena, a citrus that makes it perfect for me to freshen hands after the task I hate most, washing up although it was how my hands feel after using. In fact after the first time I used it I was waylaid by my laptop before sitting on sofa where I would usually reach for my hand cream and as I was typing away I suddenly realised that I had indeed not felt the urgent need to rehydrate my hands.

Housed in a hefty 500ml pump bottle with cute imagery you'll find 90% of the ingredients are natural, free from parabens, silicones but does include Vitamin B5 and allantoin which will soothe irritation and makes it great for sensitive skins, or indeed those who find they're washing there hands often.

UK reality starts are giving Kylie Jenner a run for their money with the release of make up products, one of those being Chloe Ferry of Geordie Shore range. In addition to sunglasses and eyelashes is a range of Matte Lip Glosses and I was recently able to sample the By Chloe Ferry Matte Lip Gloss* in shade Rose. When I hear gloss I think of something sticky and what I would shy away from and I would argue this is more akin to a liquid lipstick but it doesn't feel as drying and far more comfortable to wear. The shade Rose is great and perfect for Summer. For me it's a little to on the bright and almost neon side for regular wear, I wish I was returning to Ibiza in the Summer as I could see this being a staple and it'll certainly make an appearance over weekends but not quite suitable for the office. I'm quite keen to hit purchase on the shade Rouge, you know I love my red lip products and having recently decided the Sephora Lip Creams are not something I can wear this would be a great alternative.

Last month a new skincare brand hit QVC, The Hero Project* and I was sent a couple of testers from them to try out, one in particular The Hero Project Glow Drops* I am loving and interestingly it was the product I was less keen to try, the other being The Hero Project Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost*.

Starting with the Glow Drops which is your typical facial oil to brighten your complexion thanks to Vitamin C but I wasn't excited enough to swap it out for the current products in my rotation but it was their recommendation to apply before make up that made me take the plunge and since then there has been no going back. I applied on my skin after moisturising and was impressed with how my skin literally 'glowed' but not in that usual way other oils can. I was interested to see how my foundation would apply and sit on top of the Glow Drops and it complimented my favoured L'Oreal Infallible Matte Foundation wonderfully and if you're smarting the L'Oreal Pro-Glow Foundation has not yet reached the UK shores this is a great way to create for yourself. If you have dry or mature skin this is a great way to regain that glow and it's priced at £20 which makes it one of the most affordable products of it's time.

As I alluded to The Hero Project Hyasoft Instant Moisure Boost made less of an impact on me, although a small sample isn't always enough to give a full impression or review. It's similar in consistency to Pixi's H20 Skindrink Hydration Gel, which I favour although I've had more opportunity to put to the test and you will pay about £10 more so it will depend on your budget.

Finally is a repurchase of the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper, a product I favour for quick and easy brows on a day to day basis. I find the brush is the right size for me to work with and it dispenses enough product to fill my brows without overloading them. I do find that this new product provides more colour and hold at it's early stage and as someone who plays with their eye brows do suffer some piling until it dries out a little but nonetheless it's a product that I appreciate the price and finish off when I'm not interested in using products to give a finer finish.

What new products have you been trying out this month? Do any of these spark your interest?

*this post contains press samples and / or 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

Monthly Beauty Favourites | April 2017

The 1st of May - how did that happen? I'm unsure where the year is going and I know things have been quiet on Florence and Mary as I run the gauntlet of job hunting and appear to spend more time attending meetings in London than I did whilst actually employed - the job hunt is a job in itself.

Today I'm sharing one or two products that hit 'favourites status' whilst I've been darting about London starting with a duo from Chanel. Chanel Mademoiselle is one of my favourite scents from Chanel although towards the latter end of last year it had become one I was bored with as others took precedence. The love has been reignited recently as I'm able to enjoy more leisurely baths and showers in the morning and reach for Chanel Mademoiselle Shower Gel.

I'm not someone who will 'keep things for best' but at over £30 this is not a shower gel to reach for bleary eyed in the mornings before rushing out the door and spending a day stuck in an office. As my days have involved more time in the mornings to pamper and then heading out for job interviews and my preference to use up the products I own, and this is woefully old (you may remember it came to Dubai for me over 2 years ago!!) meant it needed to be used.

Interestingly despite it's age the scent is still as I would expect and I try to concentrate on using on my upper body so that the scent lingers and can then be layered with my perfume, of course Coco Mademoiselle which I'm using in the Twist & Spray travel edition.

I've talked about the Twist & Spray from Chanel many times and my only criticism is that you cannot buy the refills separately, although the outer cases can become a little tired as it rolls around the handbag so it is nice to purchase a new set. I know rollerball scents are favourites by many for handbags and one of the reasons people wish for Sephora to hit our UK shores but I much prefer a spray perfume and as a smoker it's ideal to freshen up before I attend my interviews.

From Chanel to the high street and two more affordable favourites, starting with a surprise find from ALDI. ALDI have received a positive reputation for their skincare and there are many fans around although my only dabble had been with their 'Creme De La Mer Dupes' the Caviar Night and Day creams which I didn't enjoy so much.

Despite this during a weekend shop and in the need for a new eye cream to use in the morning I noticed the Lacura Expert Eye Gel and thought for a few pounds it was worth a try. As the name suggests it's a gel formula, which whilst it feels slightly tacky on application it is only momentary and sits nicely on the skin.

Designed to offer hydration and reduce fine lines and wrinkles I've found it the perfect eye cream to use in the mornings. I may not be having to wake early morning to an alarm at the moment I do still suffer from dark circles from sleepless nights and anything to help make my fine lines look improved I'm on board with.

Often I can find some eye creams a little too heavy for day whereas this is light and perfect for what I hope is warmer weather on the horizon. I've also found my concealer is sitting better on my eyes when I've used the Lacura Eye Gel and lasts longer than usual - I'm keen to put it to the test after a full day in the office which I hope is on the cards soon. A successful experience with Lacura, my only complaint is the pot, I must prefer a tube or pump, especially right now when my nails are well overdue filing down but otherwise when I'm in the market for a new serum I may well check out the one from Lacura Expert one.

Finally another day, another red lip favourtie, L'Oreal Lip Paint Matte in Red Actually. This was an impulse purchase of sorts at the airport when I was heading to St Lucia and realised that I hadn't added a trusty red lip to my hand luggage bag. Fearing arrival in St Lucia without such a product was the perfect excuse to try out the new matte lip product from L'Oreal.

The lip paint was worn often during my trip and has been my go to lip product of choice since my return. If I'm wearing a lipstick it's been this one and it might just be my favourite matte lip product I've used. In comparison to the Sephora Lip Creams which I find dry my lips terribly if I wear for too long or the Chanel not so matte, matte lip paints which are prone to smudging the L'Oreal Lip paint sits comfortably in the middle.

An almost true red but with an orange hue that makes it perfect for Summer the creamy formula glides onto the lips with no smudging and stays put. It's not a flat or perhaps true matte but I find it more wearable on me. It's very similar to the Maybelline Color Jolts but L'Oreal just pip the post for it's doe foot applicator which has a curve which allows it to sit on the lip comfortably for easy application. If you haven't tried the new L'Oreal Lip Paints do check them out and find a shade for you.

What have you been loving this month?

*this post contains affiliate links

Products I Used Up | March 2017

A small handful of products were used up during March prior to leaving for my holiday that I have t share with you today, starting with a product that made an appearance in both April 2016 and my end of year of favourites. That product is the L'Oreal Brow Artiste Plumper in Medium which I will definitely be repurchasing. I've probably dragged out use of this product longer than necessary and naturally found that the coverage became lighter in the latter months of use. It seems to last longer than Maybelline BrowDrama and I find the smaller wand easy to work with.

I was surprised how quickly I went through L'Or Des Pharaons Face and Body Mist* since it's appearance in my Thirty Plus Skincare post and as I said in that post it was a lovely product to use, what product with 'nanoclusters of gold' wouldn't be but for around the £40 mark I'm looking for something more.

I've become a big fan of Imperial Leather in recent months, especially their Sweets range of which I've tried a number of the scents (my favourite is the Banana) but today it's the Imperial Leather Shower Cream in Sherbet Lemon that's found it's way into the empties pile. This is probably my second favourite and once I've completed my 'mission' to use up the numerous half used products in my bathroom I will be repurchasing. They have also brought out a Marshmallow Bath Cream
in the range to compliment so I'm hoping they add the other scents although following a tip from Caroline I did test this out as a bubble bath and it worked quite well so perhaps I won't need two separate products.

Another disappointment was the Zoella Fizz Bar. I appreciate I'm probably not the target audience and I think I pinched this to try from a stash of products I was gifting the teen daughters of friends I know. I am partial on occasion to bath bombs and the like but I found this, used with and without bubble baths didn't add anything but grit to my bath water.

Soap & Glory Orangeasm was limited edition and unfortunately no longer available which is a shame because it's a nice, more subtle scent to their sweet and citrus to Sugar Crush. I paired this with the orange scented Patisserie de Ban products I was enjoying recently which made for a great combination. Never fear all of the Soap & Glory scrubs are great but if you favour the tube style of dispenser then try Scrub of Your Life.

Keep an eye out as there will be a holiday installment of products I used up coming up soon.

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Monthly Beauty Favourites | February 2017

It has been far too long since I've typed up a favourites post for one reason and another but the past couple of weeks I've found myself repeatedly reaching for the same products and thinking 'oh I must put that in this months favourites' and so here it is.

Starting with the KYPRIS Cleanser Concentrate* which I have been using morning and night and who wouldn't with such a high end, luxurious and costly cleanser. As I shared in my original review of the KYPRIS range I don't think I would justify repurchasing at £50 but if I had a spare 'pink one' as my SIL and I call them laying around I might just treat myself. In the morning it's lovely to refresh and awaken the skin and of an evening as my second cleanse my skin feels clean and looks radiant.

As you'll see in my empties post, yes there's one of those returning next week too, I used a mascara that hasn't agreed with me and I was glad to have InstaNaturals Eye Gel* to hand from my trip to Center Parcs. As I explained in that post I was indifferent to this eye gel as I like an eye cream to treat the area I identify most as 'showing my age' but when I was suffering some sensitivity and need something soothing and cooling this product was fantastic. As I suggested it'll certainly come in handy once hayfever season hits.

Moving on to some base favourites and the DHC Quick Film Smoother* which I have been using a primer to soften the appearance of my fine lines. This is a light gel like cream, the type of which I've been enjoying lately as I've found that since I'm not back and forth on the London Underground every day my skin is thanking me for it and more country air than from the London streets. You'll recognise hyaluronic acid but it also contains egg shell membrane (!) which apparently act to firm - who knew. My test with a primer is if I put it on and am almost, I say almost, apprehensive to put on foundation as I think my skin is looking so good without it. Often primers can feel heavy due to silicone and the like but this is so light yet works at plumping the skin that it's a worthy addition to the make up bag.

I'm rather excited that I have been enjoying IXXI Skin Enhancing Daily Defence Care Light Elixir* and found the Medium tint version in my stash as I will definitely be taking this along to St Lucia with me at the end of the month. It is the perfect base when you want a natural 'no make up' look but without being too natural. This will be perfect for the evenings we have a chef preparing our dinner (yes really, this holiday will be the dream!) and know there will plenty of photos taken but I'm reluctant to pile on too much make up and want to enjoy the tan forming.

I know I'm becoming something of a bore talking about the L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows but I really really love them. I picked up Iced Latte when I was in Vegas last year and on a friends recent trip to the US I asked her to pick up Eternal Sunshine for me. I think I just need to accept the fact that when I hit the drugstores in Orlando come my November trip I will be buying them all. Iced Latte is a pale champagne shade and Eternal Sunshine is a pale gold that you can build up nicely. On the nights out I've had since Christmas I've always reached for one or the other of these as they're such a quick and easy product to use and look like I've spent far longer on my eye make up. Usually I'm conscious of creasing or wearing metallics and shimmer on my 'older eyelids' but these are so forgiving. And pair them with the DHC Gel Pencil Eyeliner* in brown and I'm good to go. I actually had this eyeliner in situ to photograph when I was getting ready to head out the other evening and so returned to an old favourite, the Chanel Kohl Eyeliner in Brown and was disappointed with the effects. The DHC eyeliner will be a staple going forward.

I am surrounded at home by lip balms, forever reaching for one out of my bedside draw or the box I keep next to my sofa filled with my beauty treats. Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Creamy Coconut Flipbalm* is the one by my bedside and the one that always makes me smile since I heard someone refer to it as looking like a brussel sprout. Of course similarities will be drawn to EOS Lip Balms understandably so but for me, aesthetics aside that is where the similarity ends as I'm not a fan of EOS balms, actually casting one aside as I wasn't finding it worked for me. My bedroom is very cold so I find the balm stays solid but still warms onto the lip and glides on easily keeping my lips hydrated and of course there is the scent and faint taste of coconut that we know and love Palmer's for. Interestingly whilst it's sat in my warmer lounge during photography and drafting this post it has become softer and has more slip so I guess depend on your surroundings will depend on how it works for you. Either way it's a product I love to reach for.

Now my lips are hydrated I able to add some colour and that is from the new Benefit lip releases. It's no surprise that Revved Up Red* appears here but I've had equal love for Nude Scandal*.  If you read my initial review the concept is a liner and lipstick in one. You tilt the bullet and apply the liner and then fill in with the wider end, flipping to do the bottom lip. I do find this is a little bit of a gimmick and whilst it works I'm not diligent enough to make sure I  follow 'correct practice' every application and you will find the liner end wears down quicker thus becoming harder to make a definitive line for me I'm happy enough applying as a regular lipstick. I'm currently in the midst of interviewing and am not prepared to abandon my signature red lip but do acknowledge perhaps toning down and this is the perfect shade to feel like myself without being too OTT. And the nude, well as I said I'm not one for being completely happy with a nude lip but Nude Scandal looks fabulous and works great when I'm wearing my L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows and need to pair down the lip colour or if I'm going out for a meal and don't want the hassle of reapplying a red lip.

I'm still yet to hit the nail salon and as such am enjoying relying on my false nails from Rosie Bea and Primark when I want to hide my stubby broken nails. Yes most of these nail kits come with glue and whilst I can work with them I've been using Elegant Touch Brush on Nail Glue for ease - especially as I'm often applying whilst I wait for my taxi to arrive.

First use of a regular nail glue bottle is no problem, second use chances are you're hunting for a pin or similar to clear the blockages and allow the glue to flow. No such problem with the brush on glue which you literally paint on like nail polish. This is genius and is a favourite of both mine and my mums who has just picked up her on bottle.

And finally we are ending with a product which I'm sure will amuse, Bush Oil* which yes is as it sounds, an oil designed to groom your intimate hair area. You simply warm of a few drops of this 100% natural Bush Oil into your hands and then massage through 'your bush' providing an instant sheen.

Now I don't think it's necessary for us to discuss the look we're going for down there but just let it be known that thanks to the likes of Vitamin E, making it a great moisturiser for hair and skin and it's lack of colourants, soap or parabens you can use Bush Oil for a closer shave and it will soften hair follicles for a less painful wax - not that I can vouch for that as I'm too scared to let a waxer go down there (or allow the lengthy growth period!). I can vouch that as a moisturiser of sorts for this area when shaving or using hair removal creams and the likes this is a fabulous product.

If you're into multi use products you can of course use this on cuticles or dry skin and it really does smell lovely, but Bush Oil are clear to let you know that this is a beauty product and not a sex aid and should be fitted into your routine like body lotion. And fear not men, there is a Bush Oil for you too.

What has been on your favourites list this month? Would you be tempted with Bush Oil?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Minimal Effort Make Up

I alluded to the fact earlier this week that I've been changing my make up habits recently due to my time at home following my redundancy. Whilst I'd often spend times at the weekend make up free because I've now find myself heading out perhaps for a coffee with friends and wanting to look like I've made some effort but not needing to go all out on make up. I appreciate that there are a number of products in this line up and it's by no means a no make up make up but its essentially the bare minimum effort I can make and look like I've made one.

Starting with the base and not wanting to waste my favourite foundations on a few hours wear and preferring not to pile on the slap there have been three products I've tested recently. First is the new to me brand and product IXXI Skin Enhancing Daily Defence Care Light Elixir* which is similar in design as La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Unifant* in that both products are designed to even skin tone whilst offering skincare benefits. Where the Unifant from La Roche Posay is a lighter coverage I'm surprised at the extremely and almost flawless finish IXXI gives me that it has become my preference. The La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Unifant has been saved for the real 'no make up days' and I've found myself throwing IXXI into my make up bag for overnight stays when I need make up the next day but simply for heading home.

The disappointing product has been the Physicians Formula Mineral Wear All in 1 ABC Cushion Foundation which I have since passed onto a friend to try out.  Whilst it does offer many of the qualities that Physicians Formula suggest; flawless skin-perfecting effects, blurring fine lines and the like unfortunately whilst I didn't think my skin was too dry of late it clung to any hint of dryness especially around my nose. I tried on a couple of occasions, using heavy duty moisturisers to combat any dryness and hydrate the skin but this cushion foundation sought them out so it was the oilier skin friend that has benefitted.

I've fallen a little out of love with the Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer in recent times just from boredom more than any faults. It's a light coverage so works better with the heavier coverage from IXXI or on nights I've had a good nights sleep. It doesn't crease nor settle in fine lines and it's sponge applicator makes it easy to apply and blend with fingers which is great when in a hurry.

Sometimes I might reach for a dusting of a bronzer but usually I rely on a little blush and to compliment the red lip I'll get to later is the Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Rose Champagne. I picked this up in Las Vegas last year and it must of been on my radar for some reason or another. The first couple of times I used it I found it a little understated as a blush being a very pale dusty rose with a slight shimmer. I was almost ready to move it into the pile to pass on when I started developing this quick and easy look and tried it one last time and found I enjoyed it with this look. It's a blush you won't necessarily need a highlighter for, certainly for a shopping trip or drive home from a mini break but in the right light there is a shimmer there.

Brows are simply brushed over with a product such as the Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Mascara which is becoming a new favourite and I forgo eyeshadow and instead just rely on mascara, the choice for a minimal make up look has been L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes So Couture Mascara. I picked up this mascara along with the L'Oreal False Lash Sculpt Mascara, a duo recommended by Lydia Elise Millen and they do indeed work together to create a long false look but on it's own So Couture Mascara is more of a natural appearance but an enhanced one.

And the final step for me is red lipstick, as long as I have a red lip I feel happy and confident in my appearance. Two recent favourites I've been enjoying are the Chanel Rouge Allure Ink in Libre and Maybelline Vivid Liquid Lipstick in Orange Shot. Both products are similar in finish although the Chanel has a less matte look but I find I can easily pop these on and paired with the other products I look like I'm more put together and if I bump into someone I'd rather not have seen I have a war face on.

What products do you reach for when you're wanting a quick and easy make up look?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Inside my Center Parcs Make Up Bag

If you have read my review of Center Parcs Elveden Forest you might rightly assume the need for a fully stock make up bag wasn't necessary. That said a skincare regime is always in place and the knowledge that there would be one or two selfies take in the beautiful surroundings one needs to ensure make up is in place so I thought I'd share with you today which made the cut - including a mini Dyson hairdryer review thanks to borrowing my friends over the weekend. 

Starting with the skincare and I took along the DHC Cleansing Oil* and Mild Soap* both of which came in the DHC Bento Box for am and pm cleansing duties. As I said in my initial review it's the Mild Soap which I favour and enjoy using most although the Cleansing Oil is needed for mascara and make up removal, especially in this instance where I didn't take along extra micellar waters or eye make up removes. 

For toner or facial spritzing was the Monuspa Rosewood Reviving Mist* which has now reached the end of its life having lived in my make up bag for some time and used as a refresher after a day at work (yes, yes, which was a couple of months ago now!) followed by serum.

Serums are often the product I forgo for a one or two night stay as I don't have many in travel size or their standard bottles can be glass, bulky and not suitable for travelling, that is apart from Nip+Fab Viper Venom Frown Fix* which is perfect to be slipped into a make up bag and is quite easily brushed onto skins. Containing ingredients to 'freeze' expression lines and wrinkles. How well it goes to 'freeze' them I wouldn't like to say but they can appear less noticeable and the hylauronic acid is great for hydrating after the booze consumed during our evenings. 

The InstaNatural Eye Gel*, a product received for Amazon review purposes is a nice hydrating eye cream which I'm a little indifferent about at the moment and perhaps as it's my eyes that are the area I like to pay most attention to I need something with a little much punch. That said it does keep the eye area hydrated, isn't drying and make up applies on top. It's gel nature would make it a great product for those who suffer sensitive eyes, especially in the Summer. 

I settled for using the ALGENIST Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream* as both a day and night cream. It's a lovely cream that is quite mousse like in texture which I enjoyed. As often with skincare travel sizes beyond texture and initial application I cannot tell you much about it's various properties and claims but it was certainly a nice product to use for my trip.

This is about as 'capsule' as I get with my make up and you will spot some of my 2016 Favourites making a reappearing, starting with primer and setting from Dermalogica and Mac. If you're looking for a non silicone primer and price isn't a factor the Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer* is a good place to start. I'm nearing the end of my tube so it's the product I continue to reach for. Mac Prep + Prim Fix+ remains a go to product, and whilst I haven't published any monthly favourites recently this would have been the one making multiple appears if I were. 

The base was covered by L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation and Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer and an application method from Primark. I picked up the Primark Beauty Blender dupes on a recent shopping trip in full and mini sizes thinking for a few pound I could give them a go, and even if not great I could make them work between Beauty Blender cleaning days. The smaller sizes are amazing for concealer and if you buy one or the other gets these although the full size is still worth the few pounds and I'm finding it's a major contender and working well for application.

I have something of a love/hate relationship with the L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation and took that along to try and form a decision. Its pretty obvious that with the matte version being a top favourite that a version giving some glow would not be and that is where my love falters. Coverage is flawless as one would expect but I'm just not a fan of the all over dewy look but if you have dry skin or indeed favour the glow then try this out. That said it's a US only product so difficult to get hold of for us in the UK.

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer was thrown into the bag along with a recent favourite Wet n Wild MegaGlo All-In-One Highlighting Stick in Light Up My High-Biscus which is such an easy swipe, blend and go product. It gives a pink flush to the cheeks which is perfect paired with a red lip, which indeed was my choice for Center Parcs. Another product I was trying to decide on, and I'm sad to say has made it into the 'products that don't work for me' pile was Maybelline Master Strobing Stick in Nude Glow. As I said in my initial post featuring the Strobing Stick I talked about not knowing how to use this especially when more often than not reaching for a powder blush. As in this instance I was using cream blush I thought I'd give it a try. Is it a 'nice' product? Yes but sadly not one for me. With a preference for powder products and an abundance of highlighters in powder form I know I do not love this enough to reach for it so it'll be passed on to the pile to share with friends and family. 

I usually forgo eye make up and rely on my red lip when in a 'relaxed state' but I still threw in my handy Chanel Eyeshadow Palette in case I wanted a little something to pair with my new DHC Gel Eyeliner Pencil*. I'm in no way skilled with eyeliner, my lids don't lend themselves well to a wing even if I were adept at doing so but I still like to have some liner and often use a powder and angle brush for definition but I wanted to give this a try and I've found it's a far easier product for on the go. and perfect for tight lining. When in a hurry I find myself reaching for this as it's easier to line and go with ease.

Brows are filled in quickly with the Wet n Wild Ultimate Brow Mascara, the brush of which is the right size for my thick brows and enough product is added to the brow without overloading and lashes from By Terry Terrybly Growth Booster Mascara* which I forgot to photograph but you can find on Instagram. This is a lovely mascara from brush, to application and finish but the price tag is just a little too much for me to justify spending. Of course it's 'futuristic serum mascara' which explains the price tag and if you have the money to spare I'd say go for it. The red lip was care of Maybelline Color Jolt/Lip Paint, I'm sure you recognising the pattern, a quick and easy to apply product.

Finally a mini review of the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer which I was able to try out care of my friend Lavinia who picked this up on a recent shopping trip. The Dyson Hairdryer was doing the blogger rounds last year and received rave reviews despite a whopping £300 price tag. Yes for a hairdryer. Now I have a Dyson vacuum which I'm sure I paid a tidy sum for and can vouch it is still going some four or five years later, but £300 for a hairdryer. Really?

My friend Lavinia purchased this as she has gorgeous, long, thick hair that makes me green with envy takes some time to dry and with a little one to take care of she needed some help which indeed the Dyson has provided. I have short hair and not a lot of it so drying my hair is quick to do, and something Lavinia is envious of so we're never happy are we, and in the Summer I can easily wash and go without even have to worry as I know that by the time I reach the office my hair will be dry but that didn't stop me wanting to try out the Dyson.

My first impression is I don't particularly like the style and it feels very alien to hold after so many years of your traditional style of hairdryer but it is ideal for travelling and so so light to hold. I switched on and I was, pardon the pun, blown away by how quickly this dried my hair. I wasn't doing anything spectacular, nor attempting styling just simply head tipped over and a blast from the Dyson. In a matter of minutes my hair was dry. Unlike other hairdryers which I find can become too hot or you indeed have to blast up the heat to dry hair quickly the temperature from the Dyson Hairdryer was comfortable and the air was certainly distributed differently and less 'blasting' than I'm used to. Would I like a Dyson Hairdryer? Yes most definitely and if I had a spare £300 laying around I would pick one up immediately. For me is it worth the price tag, not really but it's definitely something I would like to think about treating myself in the future - it could take a while but maybe it's something to save those Boots Advantage Card points up for.

Have you tried or been tempted by the Dyson Hair Dryer?

*this post contains press sample and / or affiliate links