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

St Lucia Skincare Regime

Following on from my post on DHC Cleansers today I'm sharing some more products in my skincare line up from my trip to St Lucia last month. First up is an impressive high street favourite, B Stubborn Make Up Remover* which is a dual action formula and certainly reminds me of the Clarins version, in fact I prefer its formula and price. I'm not someone who wears heavy eye make up but still prefers to remove what I do wear, including mascara before cleansing properly and this works a treat. I don't even find there is any left over product needing removal when I follow with an oil cleanser or similar. As I tend to use this for eye make up removal, similar products can leave the eye area irritated but I do not find that with the B make up remover with it's Vitamin B5 and Cucumber Juice ingredients. As a contact lense wear I can find dual action formulas or oils will leave a greasy film on my eyes but that is not a danger with this product and currently half price at Superdrug at only £3.95 this is a bargain.

Next up are two old favourites from Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer and Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion . The latter is the perfect product if you're a hayfever season, and like me you're starting to find yourself reaching for the antihistamines to avoid scratching your eyes out. If you're the type to lay back and relax soaking a cotton pad with Eyebright and then taking five definitely treats suffering eyes, or in my case on holiday I used the formula to refresh eyes before a night out.

The instant boost skin tonic is one of my favourite products and I especially love it's Spritzer bottle as I find it more favourable to use. Thanks to a combination of Caribbean sun, air conditioning and salt spray from one to many boat trips a quick spray from the skin tonic ensured my skin was hydrated and radiant looking.

My serum step was met by This Works Energy Bank Skin Glow* which interestingly had been put on hold since my last Summer holiday. A a multi-tasking serum for lacklustre skin and notice a theme, adding hydration it was a light weight product that suited my vacations conditions. Applied in the mornings, or before heading out of an evening it's ingredients of Vitamin C and Red Algae Extract refine and brighten skin.

Having returned home to brighter, but cooler conditions than I was used to in St Lucia all these products remain in my skincare routine and work equally as well - the eyebright is certainly getting a lot of use thanks to the time of year.

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

GOOD FRIDAY GIVEAWAY | LEE STAFFORD HAIR KIT

I'm teaming up with Lee Stafford once again to offer another fabulous giveaway for the Lee Stafford Blow Dry and Go Hair Kit* which offers everything you need to blow dry and style your hair, especially if you're always on the go.

If you favour getting ready for a night out with the girls at your friends house or perhaps spend frequent nights sleeping over your significant other then read on. I have a travel hairdryer which does the job for me in a pinch and if really desperate I can use those on offer in hotel rooms but the Lee Stafford Hairdryer has become my first choice.

This isn't a traditional travel sized hairdryer and certainly can be used for regular, everyday use thanks to a power 2200 watt motor, two speeds and three heat settings including a 'cool shot' function to set any style you have created but it's lightweight compared to the hairdryer I was using prior and is accompanied by a travel bag to keep everything in place.

The bag is ideal as it opens fully and allows you to place your hairdryer inside, along with all your hair grips, bands, sectioning clips and room for any other hair tools you might need so you can simply grab and go. If you're a regular traveller this is ideal to have ready for any adventure you embark on and keeps things neat and tidy.

If you scroll to the end of the post you will have an opportunity to win for yourself but fear not if unsuccessful the Lee Stafford Blow Dry and Go Hair Kit is a bargain at £21.99 and includes your travel bag, hairdryer, a selection of hair grips, bands and sectioning clips as well as a vent brush and sectioning comb.

The hairdryer in a fun fuchsia colour means it will not go unnoticed and forgotten on your travels and more importantly is infused with keratin to dry hair quick and safer whilst smoothing and strengthening your hair looking like you've just stepped out of the salon.

To be in with a chance of winning a Lee Stafford Blow Dry & Go Kit for yourself do enter your details below before Monday 24th April.

Good Luck!

Win a Lee Stafford Blow Dry & Go Kit #4

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

Happy Easter with Homesense

Easter is one of my favourite times of the year, perhaps its the extra long weekend thanks to Bank Holidays and the fact if I'm lucky it falls around my birthday or of course the fact it is the first time since Christmas it's acceptable to eat chocolate for breakfast.

This penchant for Easter and the fact I'm often found spending more time in the home has seen me over the year gather all sorts of decor to brighten up my home and welcome the season. Past years saw my collection gathered from my visits to the US but recent times have led to my only needing to pop 10 minutes down the road to my local branch of Homesense*.

Homesense whilst filled with an abundance of home decor to suit any home that sees me always leaving with something really makes its mark seasonally, you may remember my Valentine's Day post and Easter is no different.

Whilst supermarkets are filled with the more childish items, paper garlands and Easter Egg Hunt kits, Homesense will have on display some beautiful items that will bring festive flair to any home. One of my favourite items is this faux chocolate bunny which would usually be housing some mini eggs had they not mysteriously disappeared. This bunny sits alongside another much loved item the Easter Egg tree which I will be sad to pack away once the weekend is over.

Items range in price and style and if you're entertaining family and friends a few decorative touches could make all the difference. If you need another reason to get down to Homesense they will be hosting craft events in store such as egg decorating for you to get involved in. Something for the little ones whilst you treat yourself to what could become a family heirloom and a sign of the season.

Will you be decorating for the Easter weekend?

*Homesense provided a gift voucher to use in store but views and opinions are my own

St Lucia | Inside My Shower

One of the exciting things about heading off on holiday, apart from the sun sea and sand of course is heading out to pick up all your toiletries in dinky travel size and I have a pretty healthy stash of travel minis I could reach for. That said I always panic, will I have enough for the duration of my trip, what if I run out before departure and then there are the products I already own in full size, is it worth duplicating with their smaller counterparts?

Over thinking aside when I headed to St Lucia last month my travel allowance was not something to worry about and as I continue to enjoy working my way through products I actually own or have been sent all concerns were allowed to be ignored and it was full size ahead in my shower.

During vacations there's a lot of showering, shaving of legs and prepping for a night of cocktails so I decided that Champneys Citrus Blush Enlivening Shower Mousse* was a perfect travel partner. I can't believe it's still going as it appeared in my August favourites last year as a Summer favourite so I thought it was ideal for my trip. From the Champney's 'A Little Pick Me Up' it designed to add zing to your shower routine with it's lemon scent so fitted nicely whether it was used following an early morning call for a boat trip or to liven me up for a night of cocktails after a lazy day poolside.

As a mousse rather than a gel it's perfect for regular shaving duties required during holidays yet still adds a pampering feel to a monotonous task. I also paired the shower mousse with the matching scrub which became a 'house favourite' and found it's way into my empties pile so keep your eyes peeled for that post coming up soon.

During the Summer months, or indeed those I'm holidaying in the sun Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner are my go to products, and they did travel to St Lucia with me but went rather unloved thanks to the Totally Bleachin' duo from TIGI Bed Head*.

I'm sure I've said this before as there are a lot of TIGI Bed Head products I'm working with at the moment but the always smell amazing and the Totally Bleachin' range is no different with it's totally tropical mango and tangerine fragrance.

TIGI Bed Head Totally Bleachin' Cleansing Jelly Shampoo* and TIGI Bed Head Totally Bleachin' Mellow After-Sun Conditioner* are will both maintain colour vibrancy thanks to their protective UV complext and use Vitamin E to target signs of damage and leave hair soft and nourished.

As my hair is coloured and dryer in recent years I found that just using a salt spray was sufficient and was conscious of drying out further with salt shampoo formlas. Using the Totally Bleachin' shampoo and conditioner ensured that my hair was left looking soft and shiny, even after a day travelling by boat at high speeds left me resembling Worzel Gummage and barely able to run a brush through.

Every time I'm on holiday I'm reminded I really should look into laser hair removal, spending too much time keeping my legs hair free. For this trip I was sent the updated Wilkinson Sword Hydro Silk Bikini razor* which has the new added benefits including Pro-Vitamin B5 and Shea Butter to protect the skins natural oils and add a boost of hydration - no one wants scaly, red or bumpy legs on holidays do they.

I have used the earlier version of this 2 in 1 trimmer with adjustable bikini trimmer with success and was once again pleased with it's use. 5 'curve sensing blades' provide closeness will reducing irritation and I do find this a gentle and more subtle shave. I wouldn't favour this for a heavier shave but for daily use it's perfect.

I'll also give a nod to the replacement blades I purchased which come in handy travel sized packets so you can throw one or two into your make up bag without finding all sorts clinging to them when you go to use.

What products must you have in your shower on holiday?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links