New Brushes - The Edit

After purchasing my Core Collection set from Real Techniques a while ago I haven't really felt the need to acquire any more make up brushes - but with new releases and collections coming out I thought I ought to treat myself, and my make up, to a few shiny new brushes. Here is what I chose...

First up is the Real Techniques Blush Brush, the tapered head of this makes for a flawless application, I have actually been loving this for contouring - paired with my Body Shop Honey Bronzer, the brush is the perfect size for giving the illusion of cheekbones and giving my face a subtle glow. Another pick from Real Techniques is the Angled Foundation Brush - again I don't use this brush quite as intended, nothing quite beats the Sigma F80 for buffing in my base, this angled brush however is great for under eye concealer, the bristles are nice and compact which lets you build the coverage you need for a high definition result.

Lastly I purchased the Models Own Five Piece Brush Collection which includes brushes for powder and lipstick and three brushes perfect for eyeshadow application - one for shading, one for blending an an angled brush perfect for liquid liner. This set is great for traveling as the bright neon handles are short making them easy to transport. The stand out brush from this set would definitely have to be the powder brush - I like to use this with my M.A.C Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish Powder to highlight the tops of my cheekbones and down the centre of my face.

I am also currently testing out some brushes I recently purchased on Amazon so will update you with a review on those soon so keep an eye out for that one, let's just say the set was a real bargain!

The Skincare Series: Part One

When it comes to my skincare routine I think I have finally got it just right, all that experimenting has paid off and now I am left with a selection of products that suit my skin and a routine that works well, here is what I use to cleanse and tone...

Cleansers come in so many different formulas - creams, balms, foaming washes etc but nothing takes my make-up off better than an oil cleanser, the oil breaks down dirt and make-up like nothing else out there, my current cleanser is The Body Shop's Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, this is super gentle and melts into the skin leaving it feeling super soft. I massage this into dry skin and then add water so the oil emulsifies, next I take a clean muslin cloth and soak it in warm water, ring out excess liquid and then use to take the cleanser off - make-up and dirt literally melts away to reveal a squeaky clean face.

If I have a little more make-up on than the usual everyday face like a smoky eye or a heavy lip then I like to use something slightly more heavy duty like the Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, this on a cotton pad makes removing a smoky eye effortless - again the formula is great for sensitive eyes as its incredibly gentle and soothing.

To prepare my skin for moisturiser I have been using the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Velvety Soft Toner - this is specially formulated for sensitive skin and is infused with skin softening actives which leave skin feeling clean and smooth, I like to apply this day and night after my cleansing routine to help improve my skins texture, this is also alcohol free so doesn't cause dryness or discomfort.

The next step is to hydrate and moisturise, stay tuned for part two...

DISCLAIMER: Although I work for The Body Shop, my opinions are all my own. 

Colour Crush Nail Polish by The Body Shop

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop, my views and opinions are 100% honest and my own. 

The Body Shop's new nail polish collection has landed - details below...

When I first found out the The Body Shop were planning to release a nail polish collection I was pretty excited, I am forever painting my nails and can never say no to the idea of a shiny new lacquer lining my bathroom cupboard. The range is packed with some seriously stunning colours, one my favourites being Mint Cream, this shade is super pretty and looks great with tribal jewellery. Meet Me At Dusk is also a favourite, its a gorgeous vintage pink that is a great transitional summer to autumn shade.

Most of these shades require just two coats for a super glossy opaque finish, they are also very long lasting especially if you apply the top coat over your desired colour - this adds extra shine too for that salon style glass like appearance. Application wise the brush is somewhere between an Essie brush and a Barry M brush so if your not a fan of a super wide brush or a very thin brush then you will love these.

What shades have you picked up from the new collection?

Skin Prep - The Edit

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion

Once a week I like to treat my skin to a good scrub, exfoliating helps to improve circulation and remove dead skin cells as well as the remnants of the weeks fake tan, here are a few of my favourite products I use to prep my skin...

Pulp Friction by Soap and Glory is an in the shower exfoliator, it is incredibly foamy so lathers up really well, this is packed with fruity ingredients like frozen yuzu, orange oil, green fig and jungle pomelo essence which combine to give a gorgeous zesty fragrance, it also contains peppermint oil and lemonade tree liquid which give a fresh feel, I like to use this with exfoliating gloves to get the most out of the product. After applying this to damp skin I rinse off to reveal baby soft tan free limbs!

Another Soap and Glory product I like to treat my skin to is the Smoothie Star Breakfast Scrub, now the smell of this is literally good enough to eat, the ingredients list which contains a combination of oats, shea butter, sugar, bananas, almond and honey extracts sounds like a recipe for a cake, and all combined give this scrub a heavenly maple syrup scent. The sugar gives the scrub an abrasive texture which gently lifts away dead skin cells, like Pulp Friction I use this scrub in the shower on wet skin and scoop the product out of the tub and apply in circular motions and then rinse.

After all that exfoliating my skin is in need of a little hydration, lately I have been loving The Body Shop's Wild Argan Oil range, the body butter provides 24 hour hydration so is perfect for applying before bedtime, the texture is rich and the smell is luxurious. I apply this all over the body paying particular attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees and heels.

What is your skin prep routine? I would love to know your go to products.

Current Make Up Picks

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

The products that have made the cut into my everyday routine, The brief? - fresh faced long lasting foundation, a golden glow and a touch of shimmer, the products used? read on...

As the weather has taken an autumnal turn the need for a super lightweight base is no more, and when it comes to foundations offering that little bit of extra coverage no one does it quite like Vichy, their Dermablend foundation is medium to full coverage and gives a slightly velvety finish without being too matte, a little also goes an incredibly long way so less is definitely more when applying.

For contouring I have been using a combination of my two favourite bronzers, the first is one of my most loved make up products - Nars Laguna, this just gives a very natural looking contour without looking muddy or too warm, I like to use my Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply this into the hollows of my cheeks and my temples etc, after I like to use a Kabuki brush to apply another matte bronzer - The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer in 03, the combination of the two create a subtle warmth to the skin and give that much needed definition of the cheekbone area.

The shimmer mentioned in the brief? Well look no further than The Body Shop's Shimmer Cubes, incredibly pigmented and bursting with shimmer these little squares of pure beauty goodness are perfect for creating all number of eye looks whether you want a light natural wash of colour on the lids or you want to go for a full on dramatic smoky eye. I have the Spring Bronze quad, this is packed with warm earthy tones that are very flattering.

To keep things in place and lasting all day I like to use a setting spray, The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist is perfect for adding a little moisture as well as holding your make up in place - perfect if you have gone a tad overboard on the powder front and need to get things looking a little less cakey. This lightweight spray contains rosewater and is very refreshing, it is great for carry round in your handbag for on the go touch ups.

Let me know if you have tried any of these in the comments below:)

An Introduction to Tropic Skincare

Vegan, natural and cruelty free skincare made with pure plant extracts, say hello to Tropic Skincare...

If you are on the hunt for a skincare range that is natural and cruelty free then Tropic skincare could be for you, Tropic's products are certified by the Humane Cosmetics Standard and are listed on the 'Go Cruelty Free' website. The products can be purchased online or through a Tropic representative.

I recently tried out a few products from the skincare range, all of which are suitable for all skin types and are made with natural ingredients. The Smoothing Cleanser is perfect for removing make up, even waterproof mascara, it is enriched with pure plant extracts as well as Green Tea and Eucalyptus which clarify and brighten the skins complexion, I used this with a muslin cloth to buff and polish the product into the skin. The Vitamin Toner is a refreshing spray toner that is packed with skin loving antioxidants that help to detoxify the skin, it also contains cucumber which has a lovely cooling effect.

Another product I sampled was the Skin Revive Firming Nourishing Cream, again this product is full of ingredients that help to make skin radiant and moisturised such as shea butter, vitamin E, and rosehip. This product also claims to smooth fine lines and improve the skins elasticity so would be perfect for skin that is showing signs of aging. The last product I tested was the Face Smooth Polish, this twice weekly exfoliator contains acai berries and alpha hydroxy acids which help to stimulate skin renewal and brighten the complexion, this gentle exfoliator is a perfect skin treat after a day wearing a full face of make up.

Have you tried Tropic Skincare yet?

Revlon's New Lip Moisture Stains

With lots of amazing lip launches recently on the high street I knew it wouldn't be long until Revlon bought something new to the table... Enter the Revlon Moisture Stains.

If there is one thing I cannot get enough of it is lip products, there are so many different formulas, finishes and shades to choose from that you can never have too many. When I read about the new Revlon Moisture Stains being released I couldn't resist picking up a few, I was hoping these would be a more moisturising version of the Bourjois Velvet Lipsticks, which I love by the way but a more glossy formula would be perfection. I went for the shades Cannes Crush - a pretty everyday coral shade with the right amount of orange and pink tones, and Parisian Passion - a deep, dark purple that will look perfect paired with a neutral eye look and fresh skin.

These go on very glossy in a rather sheer way so be prepared to layer it up for a real colour impact. The formula is definitely buildable with a glass like shine finish. The applicator is slightly pointed making it easy to get a neat finish, and the packaging is really sleek, again very similar to the Bourjois Velvet range. The lasting power of the moisture stains is impressive considering the glossy finish.

These are now available at an introductory price of £5.99 at Superdrug.

Afternoon Tea at South Lodge

A Little Update...

Hello lovely readers! I know it has been a while since my last blog post, I went on holiday at the end of June to Spain for two weeks and have literally not been able to pull myself out of holiday blogging mode, I also started my new job at The Body Shop so life has been pretty busy recently. But I am back with a photo heavy lifestyle post - lets face it these are the best type...

Last weekend Luca and I went to South Lodge Hotel for Afternoon Tea, we had vouchers from our Wedding Anniversary and as the weather was so nice we decided to use them, the building itself is a gorgeous country house with beautiful grounds in Horsham, West Sussex. We went for full Afternoon Tea with sandwiches, scones, pastries, cakes and of course tea! The food and service were both wonderful. After our tea we took a stroll around the lake to walk off our scones. I had such a nice afternoon I can't wait to go back.

So back to my blogging fail, hopefully now I have a little more time off during the week my blog will be busier than ever, I have lots of posts planned and I have also been doing a little writing on the side for beauty website 'Latest In Beauty' which is great writing experience. Don't forget to follow my blog on Bloglovin for regular updates of new posts.

Hope you all have a fabulous week.

Hand & Foot Care Must Haves

With all the lovely body care products out at the moment it can be hard to remember to include our hands and feet into our moisturisation routine...

Fear not though, here is my list of staple products to add to your wishlist! Up first is a pot of pure perfection, ever find that your nice new manicure is ruined by unsightly cuticles? Try Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, this is super hydrating and smells amazing and the tin pot is great for a manicure on the go. Another product from Burt's Bees is the Coconut Foot Cream, this thick oil like cream is super rich combating dry, hard skin on the feet - this feels like a really luxurious treatment, pop this on before bed and wear some bed socks and you will wake up with a brand new pair of feet... well almost.

For a lighter foot cream that can be used before putting your sandals on try the Elemis Spa at Home Foot Cream, the creamy lotion soothes the skin and hydrates it so your tootsies will look perfect - I love applying this after being on my feet all day. This sinks in really well too so you don't have to worry about walking round the house after application.

I always have a hand cream in my bag, and the two currently on rotation at the moment are the Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream and the Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment, both are great at providing must needed moisture to dry hands.

What are some of your favourites?

New Favourites - Beauty #2

Check out the new additions to my beauty collection that I have instantly fallen in love with...

This week I have been trying out a lot of new products and I have instantly fallen in love with quite a few, first up is a fragrance, I have been looking for a summer time scent ever since the weather improved, I wanted something fresh and long lasting so I picked up the Hugo Boss Orange Sunset Eau De Toilette from Boots, the fragrance has a base of creamy sandalwood combined with vanilla with feminine notes of rose and fresh notes of bergamot and mandarin. It is a very distinct scent, and one that lasts all day. Another beautifully smelling product I have been loving is the Korres Fig shower gel, this lathers up really well and unlike other body washes I have tried the scent of the freshly cut figs can be smelt for ages after washing. The Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate has also made my list, it has been keeping my lips in great condition with its super moisturizing properties, It is also slightly coloured so recently this has been my go to lip product, I also love wearing this over the top of my Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick for a more wearable everyday look.

Skincare wise I have completely overhauled my routine, more on that later, but I thought I would mention the Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser*, this is specially formulated for blemish prone or oily skin, now touch wood my blemishes are ok at the moment but I do get oily during the day so I thought this would be great to try. You apply this to wet skin and massage into the skin in circular motions removing make up and excess sebum, since using this I have found myself powdering a lot less and the anti bacterial properties in the cleanser mean I am less likely to get blemishes, so a big thumbs up from me!

A new foundation now and this is one I have been constantly wearing since purchasing it, the Revlon Colourstay for oily/combination skin is perfect for long days when you need your foundation to last, for my perfect shade I have been mixing 'Early Tan' and 'Sand Beige' the two combined create my base. The finish is matte but not cakey and it feels lightweight at the same time as being medium to full coverage. Last but not least is the No.7 Instant Radiance Bronzing Highlighter, I read a lot of great reviews for the Radiance Highlighter so when I saw No.7 had released a bronzing version I knew I needed it in my collection. This looks stunning swept across the cheekbones for a bronzed goddess look, but I have also been loving using this as a contour, the shade is definitely dark enough to create a shadow and the shimmer adds a little glow to the skin.

What are some of your new favourites? Have you tried anything recently and instantly fallen in love?

*this product was sent to me for review, this in no way effects my opinion. 

My Current Everyday Make Up Routine

Fluttery lashes, fresh skin, a natural brow and a bold lip, get the low down on my everyday make up look...

Over the past few weeks I have been really enjoying wearing a bold lip in the daytime, lip statements shouldn't just be for nights out. My go to bold lip product has to be the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in the shade Frambourjoise - a vibrant matte raspberry hue that is super opaque and long lasting making it a great choice for a work day as you don't need to worry too much about touch ups. I sometimes pop a little balm over the top if I want a more glossy sheen to my lips, my go to's at the moment are the Korres Lip Balm in Pomegranate and my beloved baby lips.

Skin wise I have been keeping it simple with just a little foundation, I have been testing out the Revlon Colourstay for Oily/Combination skin and I have to say so far I am loving it, I will keep you updated with how I am getting on with the formula - review on it's way! I have been using the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush for my foundation application and the finish it gives is very natural, the brush is a lot denser than my usual choice - the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, and since purchasing my Sigma brush my Real Techniques one hasn't got a look in. Onto blush - usually I go for a natural flush by applying it to the cheekbone but recently I have been stippling it onto the apples of my cheeks and the overall look is so flattering, for this I have been using the Bourjois Cream Blush in the shade Healthy Glow, a warm peach shade with a cream to powder finish, the texture of this is very velvety and it blends perfectly.

For my brows I have been keeping things natural with Soap and Glory's Archery - a double ended pencil/felt tip duo that creates natural yet defined brows, I posted a review not long ago if you fancy a read? (Soap and Glory Archery Review Here) To finish off my day time look I apply a few individual lashes and give my face a dusting of the Bourjois Java Rice Powder which makes my skin look radiant and gives a nice glow.

What's your favourite daytime look at the moment?

Big Hair Don't Care

My thoughts on the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce range...

I picked up this duo whilst in Boots the other day, I wanted a high street texturising spray that would give me similar results to the Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray without the price tag. I went for the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray, this stuff promises thick, full and textured hair with a back combing like effect, it isn't quite as undetectable and the Bumble and Bumble spray but I do think the results are longer lasting, I spray this onto my roots after styling with my GHD's and use my fingers to rough up my hair a little. If I have freshly washed my hair and it is looking a little flat then this product is a must use. I also picked up the Thick and Full 3D Boosting Creme, this is used on damp hair pre blow dry to give the hair maximum volume and texture, again I concentrate this product onto my roots and then blast my hair with the hairdryer whilst parting my hair in different directions which increases volume.

These two products together are great for giving the hair a lot of lift, the texture spray lasts really well and you can always use this on the go if you need a little boost. Have you tried anything from this Charles Worthington range? What are your favourite products for creating texture? Let me know in the comments!

Favourite Primers

Do you find your foundation doesn't seem to last all day? Skip primer? If you answered yes, keep reading...

I never used to use a face primer, but since I have started to include it into my basic everyday routine I have found my make up lasts so much longer. My daytime primer is from the Superdrug Naturally Radiant range, marketed as a Brightening Radiance Balm I am not entirely sure this is even a primer but to me it does the same job - it gives your foundation something to hang on to as well as illuminating the skin giving a healthy glow. This sinks into the skin so well, it feels more of a skincare step than a make up one. The balm is infused with plant extracts so it smells great. The whole Naturally Radiant range is wonderful, try the Hot Cloth Cleanser if you are looking for a budget Liz Earle dupe!

Nights out take primer to a whole other level of dewy, the Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Bare Light is my go to, when you first pop this onto the skin it looks very illuminating, almost to the point of being a tad scary, but apply your foundation over the top and I promise you will fall in love. I wanted this product for ages after seeing Kate from Gh0stParties rave about it, it perfects the skin so once your foundation is applied not only do you look radiant but your pores appear reduced and your skin looks as if it has a soft focus filter on it. 

Will you be adding this essential step to your routine? What are some of your favourite primers?

Weekend Trip Essentials

Weekend away planned? Not sure what Beauty essentials to pack? I've got your list covered... 

Every girl needs those go to products that she knows wont let her down while she is away, staying somewhere that isn't your house means you need products that you know work but that also mean you can pack light, I have whittled down the essentials to the bare minimum. If you are staying somewhere over night one of the most important things to remember is make up remover, plan ahead and your skin will thank you for not using a make up wipe or worse - sleeping in your make up! Try the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, this will suit even the most sensitive skin whilst removing all your make up - yes even waterproof mascara, just don't forget to pack a few cotton pads. Next is dry shampoo, whether you need a little root boost and texture or a full de-greasing then I really recommend the Label M dry shampoo, however sometimes the night before wild shenanigans just need washing away and no dry shampoo on the planet can deliver completely clean hair, so try Klorane Nettle Shampoo, this is super cleansing leaving your hair feeling fresh and as good as new, and the bottle is slimline so is perfect if your struggling to pack all your essential items into your weekend bag! On the subject of staying fresh the next product is a must have - deodrant, forget this and you will be rushing to Boots in a real hurry. For me nothing does the trick like Mitchum, this is 48 hour fool proof so roll this on after showing and you don't need to think about it again for ages.

Face wise a good moisturiser and a simple lightweight foundation are a good basis for a fresh look, Try the Super Facialist Vitamin C Skin Defense Daily Moisturiser, if you are waking up in a hotel room slightly fuzzy headed from the night before you can be sure your skin isn't looking quite it's best, give it a helping hand with this brightening moisturiser, it helps to bring a little life back to the skin, follow up with L'Oreal's most natural foundation to date - Eeu De Teint, an incredibly build able, light base that covers and conceals imperfections without looking at all heavy, I like to apply this with the Sigma F80 flat top kabuki brush, this brush is perfect for seamlessly buffing the foundation into the skin.

Now that you've got the basics covered what are some essential products you would add?

On Wednesdays We Wear Pink

"Because being with the Plastics was like being famous... people looked at you all the time and and everybody just knew stuff about you" ... "I saw Cady Heron wearing army pants and flip flops so I bought army pants and flip flops"

Recently I have been wearing a lot of pink, usually I go for coral shades for my blush and lip products but after sorting through my make up I noticed I had quite a few unloved beauty's and after making a conscious effort to include them into my routine I can safely say I may have been converted to pink as my go to shade, also I have to admit to being slightly inspired by the whole Mean Girls ten year anniversary, seeing 'On Wednesdays we wear pink' quoted all over the inter web definitely helped.
First up is the Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Rose Neon, this is a bright bold pink with a slight cool undertone, the formula is super moisturising and lasts for a god four hours on the lips, it is also really pigmented giving you opaque colour that sticks around. I love this shade if I want a bright pop of colour, I wear this with a neutral played down eye so the lipstick gets all the attention. If I want something more matte I use the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in the shade Unapologetic, again this is a real neon pink, it's a little more warm toned so this looks great if I am rocking a bit of a glow. My first blush pick is the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in So Pretty, I talked about my love for this in a recent post but I just can't stop talking about it! I am so in love with the formula, it gives the skin a beautiful radiant appearance, the shimmer acts as a highlighter and the stunning pale pink gives the skin a healthy complexion. Finally is the Revlon Baby Stick in Pink Passion for cheeks and lips, I find this slightly drying on the lips but on the cheeks this product works wonders, although the shade looks bold and bright, once applied this looks so natural, the formula is creamy and I find it is best applied with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush as the bristles are well compacted.

So will you be embracing Pink when it comes to your make up? What is your ultimate Pink Lipstick? Let me know in the comments below!

New Favourites - Beauty

You know the moment you try out a new product and fall instantly in love with it and want to tell everyone just how great they are? Well that is what todays post is all about - newly acquired instant favourites that have been added to my ever growing collection.

First things first though how perfect is my new clutch bag? Neutral shades with a pop of neon making it perfect for spring/summer, and this baby is from Primark and retails at £6... but before you run to your nearest store to grab this bargain have a read of what else I have been loving lately... let's start with the high end purchase, enter the Nars Eyeshadow Duo in the shade Silk Road, I had been looking for an everyday high end shadow but I didn't really want to go all out on a palatte, so I went for this neutral shimmery duo, Nars are famous for great shadows and these are no exception, really pigmented, long lasting, not a crease in slight. Both shades have a warm undertone which suits my skin tone really well. If you are looking to dip your toe into the world of high end shadows then these duo's are a great option. Next is the Karma Komba Solid Shampoo, although this looks a little unusual it is perfectly simple to use, wet your hair as you normally would then rub this onto the scalp in circular motions, then using your fingers massage the product in to create a rich, foamy lather. This shampoo is made with Lavendin Oil, which gives the bar its gorgeous smell, it also contains orange oil, pine and patchouli which all help to soothe the scalp. This is great at really cleaning the hair and getting rid of product build up, so I find it is great to use the day before a night out as it gives the hair lots of volume. Last but not least is my favourite of the bunch, the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in the shade Frambourjoise, a stunning, deep raspberry red. These formulas are matte, they are incredibly long lasting and pigmented and the applicator makes it easy to be precise when applying. The collection boasts six bold colours with pinks and reds, this shade just caught my eye as it is a little different. It is also really wearable. I literally haven't put this down since purchasing it.

What are some of your favourite new beauty finds?