On The Desk Beauty Essentials

Today I’m back to work after a wonderful week spent in Italy – apologies for the social media spam of my trip – so I thought it was appropriate to share with you some of my essentials I keep either on the desk or close to hand.

First up is two less than sexy products, Tweezerman Pointed Tweezer and Elegant Touch Cuticle Nippers and both for less than sexy reasons. Both these are new additions to my ‘on the desk’ beauty after many occasions where I’d see or feel a stray hair or have a hang nail which would be cause of irritation, no amount of chewing (see, sexy!) would tackle or I’d make it worse meant I needed the tools on hand to do the job properly and mean I could carry on with my work for the day.

Tweezerman and Elegant Touch are both great brands that create the ideal tools for these types of jobs. Yes it was difficult spending £20 on ‘tweezers’ but when I think about how often I use them and that they do the job properly – we’ve all had a dodgy pair of tweezers right – I don’t mind so much. And cost per use is always fair.

Moving on to the more pleasant products and it’s no surprises a hand cream is featured. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again I think if there is one ‘favourite’ beauty product of all time it’s hand cream. For someone who had previously never bothered with hand cream I now go through tubes of the stuff and I need one close to hand (pardon the pun) at all times. Currently I’m enjoying another scent from Roger & Gallet Bois D’Orange Hand CreamSublime* and I’m a big fan of their hand creams. Non greasy and a variety of scents to please everyone and even better for this time of year there’s an SPF of 15.

Interestingly this Sublime fragrance will take you on a ‘radiant journey through the sun-filled orange groves of Italy’ that it’s a timely reminder of my recent trip. I love orange scents and this is just the right note without being overpowering or my hands smelling like I’ve peeled an orange.

Another fruity scent, and reminder of the cocktails I indulged in on my trip is the newest flavour from Carmex,Peach and Mango Burst*. I’ve been enjoying Carmex recently as their Cherry favour resides in my sofa stash and is reached for regularly and then of course there’s the Leopard Print Pot I keep in my handbag. This newest scent, if you’ll allow me to state the obvious is a delicious ‘tasting’ Peach and Mango that feels like Summer every time I apply. I wasn’t, and am not really a fan of the way these tubes dispense the product as I do find them a little messy but I like the product enough that I disregard that and slather on with abandon. As I say the Cherry flavour sits at home and is popped on at night when I’m not too worried about mess and in work I favour Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me as it has a sheer tint that allows me to hide any diminishing red lipstick and saves reapplying when I’m feeling lazy. That said on some occasions I’m finding lips a little drier because I’m perhaps wearing a matte lip and need to moisturise before reapplying on a night out and that’s when I reach for Carmex Peach and Mango Burst.

Of course there are many other products I keep to hand in my desk draw, even a spare dress for impromptu nights out! Do let me know if you’d like a further peek inside my desk drawers and what I have to hand in case of a beauty emergency. 

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Products I used up | Ibiza Edition

When I travel that means you get a bonus empties post of all the things I managed to use whilst on holiday. Here's what found it's way into the bins of Ibiza 

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
I'm a little annoyed as I have a full size of this body wash and intended to return home with this mini size empty and ready to refill for future trips but unfortunately in my haste of packing it was thrown into the bin. Moving past my frustrations this is a delicious body wash to use and kind to all due to the naturally active ingredients - its even suitable for your babies. Definitely one to try if you have skin that is a little sensitive as it doesn't contain any 'nasties'.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor
My favourite razors are the Gilette Venus & Olay type which are perfect for leg shaving, especially when doing it almost daily like I have to whilst on holiday. I could probably get a little more than a week out of one head but for ease and packing purposes it worked out for me to take one of the individually packaged heads for the week. You can read my full Gillette Venue & Olay review here.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser
I received this mini cleanser with my Tatler subscription and thought it perfect to take along as my morning cleanse whilst on holiday. I enjoyed using this although it does contain microbeads which I know can be a bone of contention for some. It lasted almost to the full 7 days I was away.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub and Body Buttercream
Body Scrub's and Body Buttercreams from Soap and Glory are favourites of mine and these picks were from the Sugar Crush Gift Set I'd received for Christmas and saved for this trip. The zesty scent was perfect for my beachy conditions and I enjoy using a body scrub on holiday to help keep the tan in tip top condition. The body butter creams are perfect to double up as foot creams too.

Riemann P20 Once a Day SPF30*
Ben & I actually purchased P20 at the airport before heading to Dubai and it worked well against their heat. Unfortunately we couldn't get the spray option and relied on the cream so I was pleased when I was sent the spray option. I travelled to Ibiza alone and the only thing I had any concerns with were how I would get sun protection on my back. This P20 spray was perfect as I was able to angle and spray and know that I was protected without having to approach a stranger and ask 'could you rub this in'. I used this particularly on the days I was going to visit my parents on another part of the island and knew we would be walking around the resort  rather than sitting round the pool all day when reapplication was possible.

The Wet Brush, Classic
I am not onto my third Wet Brush, this one being my second. After trips to Dubai and Ibiza as well as some random overnight stays it's safe to say it doesn't travel well. I love this brush but unfortunately when shoved into bags the bristles are not sturdy enough to stand up to conditions and I did notice that it wasn't performing as well towards the end of my trip so it was time to say goodbye.

And of course a trusty Toothbrush found it's way into the bin with a new one waiting at home for my return.

The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
My reading habits have remained slack of late and I'm sure reading isn't the top of everyones Ibiza packing list but for me, travelling alone I wanted to ensure I had something to get my teeth into, especially as I had a two hour train journey before I even got to board a plane. I had read about Girl on the Train being the new Gone Girl (although I haven't read that either) so I thought I'd give it a try. Usually I wouldn't dream of taking a hardback on holiday with me but because I was so intrigued to read the story I purchased a copy. I enjoyed reading this and found it perfect for holidaying because of the way it was designed with easy breaks so you could pick up and put down as necessary. I'm not sure I think it's deserved the amazing reviews as it's not amazing, just good. It felt almost simplistic and I pretty much guessed who the 'guilty one' was early on. Is it worth a read, yes but is it as 'thrilling' as reviews make it? Not in my opinion.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash
I was able to get about four washes out of this body wash and like the other Sugar Crush products enjoyed doing so. More of a cream than a gel it made for quite a luxurious experience. I'd definitely purchase this in full size.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask*
Hydraluron sheek masks are my travel must have. I also use one after a flight, even if Ibiza's was a mere two hours. In this instance I used in the middle of my trip after daily exposure to the sun, the air-conditioning of my room and dehydration from heat and one or two drinks. I've said before I'm not a big fan of the serum but these masks work far better for a heavy duty hit when needed.

Tweezerman Pointed Tweezers
I much prefer using pointed tweezers than slanted, I find they are easier to use and more effective. Unfortunately these had suffered some damage so were not meeting at the ends any more. I had since replaced and threw these into my travel bags to use as necessary whilst away.

Diptyque Eau Moheli EDT
As you will see in the photo I had an accident and smashed the bottle of Diptyque's Eau Moheli somewhere in the middle of my trip. Yes there was almost tears. I have had this scent for almost two years, only bringing it out in the Summer and I really enjoy using it. For a floral scent it's surprising as usually I'm not a fan but ylang ylang and spices make for something more pleasing. I'm definitely keen to repurchase this fragrance, and in full size as I do miss it.

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner
Purchased for Dubai and still lasting for Ibiza I was able to use up the remaining bottle of the OGX Coconut Milk Conditioner. I've mentioned OGX quite a few times now since my introduction and will definitely buy full size and try other types from the range.

What products do you find you use up on holiday?

*PR Sample

Products I used up in Ibiza

When I travel that means you get a bonus empties post of all the things I managed to use whilst on holiday. Here's what found it's way into the bins of Ibiza 

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
I'm a little annoyed as I have a full size of this body wash and intended to return home with this mini size empty and ready to refill for future trips but unfortunately in my haste of packing it was thrown into the bin. Moving past my frustrations this is a delicious body wash to use and kind to all due to the naturally active ingredients - its even suitable for your babies. Definitely one to try if you have skin that is a little sensitive as it doesn't contain any 'nasties'.

Gillette Venus & Olay Razor
My favourite razors are the Gilette Venus & Olay type which are perfect for leg shaving, especially when doing it almost daily like I have to whilst on holiday. I could probably get a little more than a week out of one head but for ease and packing purposes it worked out for me to take one of the individually packaged heads for the week. You can read my full Gillette Venue & Olay review here.

ESPA Optimal Skin ProCleanser
I received this mini cleanser with my Tatler subscription and thought it perfect to take along as my morning cleanse whilst on holiday. I enjoyed using this although it does contain microbeads which I know can be a bone of contention for some. It lasted almost to the full 7 days I was away.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub and Body Buttercream
Body Scrub's and Body Buttercreams from Soap and Glory are favourites of mine and these picks were from the Sugar Crush Gift Set I'd received for Christmas and saved for this trip. The zesty scent was perfect for my beachy conditions and I enjoy using a body scrub on holiday to help keep the tan in tip top condition. The body butter creams are perfect to double up as foot creams too.

Riemann P20 Once a Day SPF30*
Ben & I actually purchased P20 at the airport before heading to Dubai and it worked well against their heat. Unfortunately we couldn't get the spray option and relied on the cream so I was pleased when I was sent the spray option. I travelled to Ibiza alone and the only thing I had any concerns with were how I would get sun protection on my back. This P20 spray was perfect as I was able to angle and spray and know that I was protected without having to approach a stranger and ask 'could you rub this in'. I used this particularly on the days I was going to visit my parents on another part of the island and knew we would be walking around the resort  rather than sitting round the pool all day when reapplication was possible.

The Wet Brush, Classic
I am not onto my third Wet Brush, this one being my second. After trips to Dubai and Ibiza as well as some random overnight stays it's safe to say it doesn't travel well. I love this brush but unfortunately when shoved into bags the bristles are not sturdy enough to stand up to conditions and I did notice that it wasn't performing as well towards the end of my trip so it was time to say goodbye.

And of course a trusty Toothbrush found it's way into the bin with a new one waiting at home for my return.

The Girl on the Train, Paula Hawkins
My reading habits have remained slack of late and I'm sure reading isn't the top of everyones Ibiza packing list but for me, travelling alone I wanted to ensure I had something to get my teeth into, especially as I had a two hour train journey before I even got to board a plane. I had read about Girl on the Train being the new Gone Girl (although I haven't read that either) so I thought I'd give it a try. Usually I wouldn't dream of taking a hardback on holiday with me but because I was so intrigued to read the story I purchased a copy. I enjoyed reading this and found it perfect for holidaying because of the way it was designed with easy breaks so you could pick up and put down as necessary. I'm not sure I think it's deserved the amazing reviews as it's not amazing, just good. It felt almost simplistic and I pretty much guessed who the 'guilty one' was early on. Is it worth a read, yes but is it as 'thrilling' as reviews make it? Not in my opinion.

Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash
I was able to get about four washes out of this body wash and like the other Sugar Crush products enjoyed doing so. More of a cream than a gel it made for quite a luxurious experience. I'd definitely purchase this in full size.

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask*
Hydraluron sheek masks are my travel must have. I also use one after a flight, even if Ibiza's was a mere two hours. In this instance I used in the middle of my trip after daily exposure to the sun, the air-conditioning of my room and dehydration from heat and one or two drinks. I've said before I'm not a big fan of the serum but these masks work far better for a heavy duty hit when needed.

Tweezerman Pointed Tweezers
I much prefer using pointed tweezers than slanted, I find they are easier to use and more effective. Unfortunately these had suffered some damage so were not meeting at the ends any more. I had since replaced and threw these into my travel bags to use as necessary whilst away.

Diptyque Eau Moheli EDT
As you will see in the photo I had an accident and smashed the bottle of Diptyque's Eau Moheli somewhere in the middle of my trip. Yes there was almost tears. I have had this scent for almost two years, only bringing it out in the Summer and I really enjoy using it. For a floral scent it's surprising as usually I'm not a fan but ylang ylang and spices make for something more pleasing. I'm definitely keen to repurchase this fragrance, and in full size as I do miss it.

OGX Nourishing Coconut Milk Conditioner
Purchased for Dubai and still lasting for Ibiza I was able to use up the remaining bottle of the OGX Coconut Milk Conditioner. I've mentioned OGX quite a few times now since my introduction and will definitely buy full size and try other types from the range.

What products do you find you use up on holiday?

*PR Sample