February 2018 Beauty Favourites

February Beauty Favourites

February Beauty Favourites

INGLOT 10 Pan Freedom System Palette

I have spoken about my love of INGLOT quite a few times and featured this palette a lot on my blog over the past couple of years, I really do use it all the time so it is only right that I keep putting it in my favourites. The shadows are fantastic quality and the range of colours and finishes is almost overwhelming, it took me ages to finally decide on the 10 shadows to put into my palette but the process was a lot of fun.

I love the palette itself, the magnetic lid which does not budge or come off in your makeup bag, and it is also actually quite slim. The pans are a very decent size and I pretty much have all of my favourite shadows with me in one cute palette. Let me know if you have tried INGLOT eyeshadows & if you have built your own palette too.

Essence Fresh & Fit Foundation

I can’t believe I haven’t spoken about this foundation sooner, I bought it whilst in Amsterdam last September (you can get it in the UK) and it has become one of my most used foundations. It’s a nice creamy consistency, it’s easy to blend and buff into your skin. I’d say it gives a nice even medium coverage, it covers imperfections and blemishes but still feels lightweight on my skin. Which is everything I look for in a base – decent coverage but that feeling that my skin can still breath!

This foundation is enriched with a complex of vitamin b3, e, pro-vitamin b5 and cranberry water, it is fantastic to see a budget-friendly foundation with such fantastic skincare benefits added to their formula. These ingredients are going to help your skin glow, look refreshed and awake.

The staying power of this foundation was for sure better when I used a primer but that is true for most foundations on my skin as I tend to get an oily t-zone. I would say this gave my skin a natural radiance and didn’t settle into my pores. It looks fresh, as the name would suggest and it’s just am easy to wear medium coverage base! I love it.

It comes packaged in a lovely glass bottle with a handy pump, the only drawback is the shade range, although I managed to find a good match for my skin tone this foundation only comes in 4 shades which isn’t so great. I hope they add more options in the future. Overall if you’re looking for a new cruelty-free, vegan foundation then I highly recommend checking out this Essence offering and it is only £5!

Essence Cosmetics Fresh and Fit Foundation

NIOD Photography Fluid Opacity 12%*

This is nothing short of liquid magic! It has been dubbed airbrush in a bottle – so what is it I hear you cry? It is a skin perfecting serum which uses refracting prism technology to even out all skin tone and gives you the most amazing natural healthy glow. It is flipping amazing.

This is a highlighter, primer and serum in one, it instantly blurs imperfections and gives a healthy dewy, even-toned radiance. Designed to create a photo-ready finish on all skin types, this complexion perfector creates a lit-from-within glow in seconds with a wide variety of light-refracting prisms, tone and hue correctors, and photo-finishing technologies.

Apply to your skin alone or under foundation to add sheer radiance and correct discolouration. It can also be mixed with other products for subtle radiance. Used under, over, or mixed with liquid foundation if you prefer more coverage.  It’s such an easy product to incorporate into your makeup routine. I haven’t ever used a product quite like this & I just can’t get across to you just how incredible it is, although I am trying.  I should do a whole post on this one product!

It is also vegan, cruelty-free and alcohol-free.

INGLOT Eyeshadow Palette Makeup

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlight

If you’re looking for a subtle more natural highlight then this is the one. It is a nude, pink semi-matte liquid highlight that gives your skin a refreshed, healthy radiance. It is easy to apply, I just use the brush to place the product on the tops of my cheeks and down the centre of my nose – it also looks pretty on your brow bones and I blend it is either with my beauty blender or just my finger. It looks pretty when the light hits it and what I really like is the fact there is no glitter or shimmer. It is a great everyday radiance booster and also looks pretty mixed with your foundation. These little Benefit liquid products last forever and are so easy to throw in your handbag, I often like to reapply throughout the day to refresh my makeup.

MUA LUXE Glow Beam Cushion Highlighter

Not quite as subtle as the Benefit highlighter, this MUA Cushion highlight offers more of a peachy – golden, warm-toned glow. The packaging is pretty although a little bulky and the puff is handy, but I just don’t reach for it. I prefer to use my beauty blender to ensure I apply it evenly. It is a liquid cushion product and I am waiting to see just how long it stays moist as I have a feeling it will dry out pretty quickly, that being said I do love using this as an evening highlight and it can look quite subtle or if you want more on an intense look you can build up the colour & effect to be more intense.

It is always nice to see affordable brands releasing on-trend products so we can all try them and Cushion makeup was certainly popular last year. Have you tried any cushion products, if so are you sold on them or think they’re too much faff.

MUA LUXE Glow Beam Liquid Highlighter

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlighter

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner

When it comes to drugstore liquid liner Soap & Glory take the top prize, their Supercat liner ticks all of the boxes. It’s pigmented, sets down the perfect amount of product, doesn’t drag and the fine nib allows you to apply either a neat line or build it up to be more bold and thick.

This is a liner that would allow even the most self-confessed eyeliner novice to create the perfect winged liner. The nib gives you full control and isn’t too firm so you can create smooth lines without having to keep going over the same spot which often leads to the product bleeding into fine lines and getting very messy. This is one product everyone needs in their makeup bag (although I am sure most of you already own it). It’s pigmented, easy to use and long wearing.

Soap & Glory Gloss Stick in Nudist

Lip crayons are my goto lip product of choice, I find them so easy to use and this Soap and Glory one is a stunning everyday shade. It is in the colour Nudist and it enhances your lip colour giving them a pretty glossy finish. It’s a natural, subtle shade which has been living in my handbag – I apply it even when I’m wearing no other makeup, it makes me feel somewhat put together. Not only do they give your lips a subtle wash of colour but the formula is also very moisturising, oh & they smell so good too – I think it is a vanilla scent.

Current Makeup Favourites

Real Techniques PowderBleu Soft Complexion Brush*

I mostly use this brush for applying powder foundation but it also works well for blush too. This Soft Complexion Brush has a small, dense head which makes buffing in the powder so much more effective. I also love the long slim handle which feels nice in your hand makes applying my makeup really easy. This collection is stunning and incredible quality, it looks and feels luxurious and that deep blue colour is gorgeous and makes me want to use them all the time.

Let me know what you have been loving this past month & if you’ve discovered anything new that I need to try. I am on the hunt for a new mascara, I’d love it if you’d leave me suggestions in the comments.

Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme

Jurlique 28day radiance renewal programme

Jurlique Radiance Skincare Review

After the festive period was done & dusted (feels like a lifetime ago now) and I settled into 2018 and back into more of my day-to-day routine with work and life (oh and stopped stuffing my face with all the treats) I knew my skin had taken the brunt of being over-indulgent. It was puffier and less radiant thanks to late nights, more alcohol than usual and all the sweet Xmas chocolate so I jumped at the chance to test out the Jurlique radiance renewal 28-day programme – what better time than January to kick-start my skincare routine and attempt to look after my skin a little better.

The kit comes in a pretty red box with gold touches, you get two tubes of cream which are clearly labelled Step 1 & Step 2 and very clear, concise instructions on how to use. So this two-step 28-day skincare programme is formulated to restore and rejuvenate your skin, you use step one for 2 weeks then follow with step two for the remaining 2 weeks. You use them within your skincare regime as your moisturiser step, I continued to use my other products, serum, toner, SPF but used only these as my moisturiser.

Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme is a two-step skin care kit formulated to work with the skin’s natural renewal cycle to restore radiance. Step 1 gently exfoliates to even and renew skin tone and texture, while step 2 smooths, protects and replenishes the skin for enhanced radiance.

Jurlique 28 Day Radiance Renewal Programme

Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme

Step 1: Infused with Willow Bark and Australian super-fruit Kakadu Plum, the lightweight lotion gently exfoliates dead, dull cells to improve skin tone and texture. Spilanthes (grown, harvested and extracted from the brand’s farm in Australia) provides purifying and clarifying benefits to reveal a smoother, more refined complexion.

  • Spilanthes – Grown, harvested and extracted at our Jurlique Farm in the pure hills of South Australia, this helps tighten pores, tone and purify the skin.
  • Kakadu Plum – As the world’s richest natural source of Vitamin C, this powerful Australian superfruit extract helps improve skin tone, radiance and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discolouration.
  • Willow Bark – The natural exfoliating properties of this concentrated botanical extract help enhance cell turnover to help improve the skin’s tone, texture and appearance.

Jurlique Radiance Renewal 28 Day Programme

Step 2: Expertly blended with botanical extracts, including Echinacea and Peach Leaf, the luxurious cream replenishes wanting skin, whilst defending against environmental aggressors and helping to minimise the appearance of wrinkles and discolouration. Tired skin is regenerated and rejuvenated with revived radiance and luminosity.

  • Echinacea – This pure botanical extract from our Jurlique Farm in the hills of South Australia helps renew, soothe and restore your skin, and protect it from environmental aggressors.
  • Kakadu Plum – Just like in Step 1, this Vitamin C-rich extract of the powerful Australian superfruit helps renew skin luminosity and restore radiance.
  • Peach Leaf – This concentrated botanical extract helps rejuvenate and soften skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and discolouration, and restore radiance.

Jurlique Skincare Review

Both creams are of a similar consistency, I would say that step 1 is slightly thinner and more lightweight but they felt the same on my skin and left it feeling hydrated and very smooth. They’re both jam-packed with so many skin loving ingredients and I not only saw a visual difference in my skin but it also felt softer so much plumper.

This is quite an indulgent skin treat at £60, but if you have a big event like a wedding or a special holiday and you really want your skin to look glowing and fresh then this duo would be a great way to pamper and replenish your skin. Giving it a boost of luxurious ingredients that set your skin on the road to a healthy radiant glow.Jurlique 28 Day Skincare

There is nothing nicer than when your skin looks and feels bright and fresh, a natural glow just makes you look younger and so healthy. This duo was such a treat during Winter and helped exfoliate all the dull, dead skin so it looked refreshed whilst Vitamin-C rich Kakadu Plum and Echinacea (protects skin from environmental aggressors) help to hydrate and restore a healthy glow.

*This post contains PR Samples

Buy Fragrance Not Flowers This Mother’s Day

Mothers Day2018 Perfume Gifts

Mother's Day 2018 Gift Ideas

This year’s Mother’s Day is going to be a special one because my Mum is coming to stay with me in Cornwall, and it just so happens to be Mother’s Day whilst she is visiting. It is perfect timing. I don’t get to see my Mum as often as I’d like as she lives over 600 miles away in Scotland, and although we talk and FaceTime ALOT it just isn’t the same as being together.

So I’m very much looking forward to spoiling her and spending the week showing her all my favourite parts of Cornwall. I have so many day trips planned.

Fragrance Direct Mother's Day Gifts

I really enjoy buying and making my Mum gifts, she is so easy to shop for, but I know just how much she treasures fragrance and doesn’t treat herself to a new bottle of perfume often. So when Fragrance Direct asked if I would like to be part of their #BuyFragranceNotFlowers Mother’s Day Campaign I jumped at the chance because not only will my Mum enjoy the perfume for months to come, but it is so much more practical for her to pack in her hand luggage to take back to Scotland on the plane, whereas flowers wouldn’t survive the trip. So this campaign was perfect for us!

Top Perfumes For Mothers Day

My Mum and I have very similar tastes when it comes to scents. We like a fragrance that settles into being quite warm and rich, so I had to pick Chloé Signature EDP because I just know my Mum will fall in love with its unique mix of florals and warm woody musk notes. It’s one of my all-time favourite perfumes because it is so easy to wear, and I never tire of the scent, it always smells beautiful.

It’s such a pretty floral scent and ideal for the change of seasons from Winter to Spring. I like being able to introduce my Mum to new products and Chloé Signature really is the perfect mix of floral, rich and warm notes which for me makes it a great everyday perfume.

  • Top notes of Lychee, Freesia and Peony

  • Heart notes of Lily of the Valley, Rose and Magnolia

  • Base notes of Virginia Cedar and Musk

Buy Fragrance Not Flowers this Mother's Day

Chloe Signature Perfume EDP Review

The mix of bold floral notes with the freshness of the lychee and the warm hint of amber make this an Ideal Spring/Summer scent. It is initially quite bold and floral, but the layers settle down to be the perfect mix of floral freshness with a sophisticated woody, warm twist.

Perfume bottles for me are almost as important as the scent inside, I mean it’s nice when a brand thinks about the packaging because for most of us our perfumes are sat on out on a vanity and take pride of place, so it is extra special when the bottle is elegant and pretty. Chloe bottles are just that, they come in simple but sophisticated boxes with a light peachy colour and the bottle itself is a stunning mix of metal and cut glass, the simple ribbon on the neck of the bottle adds a lovely feminine touch. It’s timeless & sophisticated.

Chloe Signature Fragrance Direct

Favourite Spring Perfume Chloe

Perfume is always such a thoughtful, luxurious gift to give. I always treasure my fragrances because they tend to evoke memories and transport me back to so many happy times. I am so excited to introduce my Mum to the iconic Signature scent by Chloé because I know she will enjoy wearing it just as much as I do. As a bonus, the scent will always remind her of the Mother’s Day trip to Cornwall and will bring back good memories every time she smells it.

What perfume that you wear would your Mum also enjoy too?

Tropic Awaken Your Senses Bath Soak

Tropic Skincare Awaken your senses bath soak

Tropic Skincare Bath Soak

Tropic Skincare seems to be one of the best-kept secrets in the beauty world. Their entire range is vegan, cruelty-free, contain the purest naturally derived ingredients and are totally free from harmful toxic chemicals. So your skin is in good hands. I’ve been lucky enough to try a few of their skincare releases and they’ve always exceeded expectations.

I find myself recommending them to friends and family of all ages, it is fuss free, natural skincare that just works.

These new & limited edition bath soaks are the perfect excuse for a pamper, whether you need a little uplifting with the ‘Awaken Your Senses’ option or are in need of a calming bath with the ‘Soothe Your Senses’ version Tropic has you covered!  They’re both incredibly indulgent, nourishing and smell divine.

Tropic Soothe The Senses Bath Soak

Soothe The Senses Bath Soak

This is for those days you just want to have a quiet, relaxing bath and soak away the day’s stresses. I like to use this on a Friday night so I can fully relax into the weekend and forget work.

This bath soak turns the water into a nourishing milk which is very gentle and soothing not only for your mind but also your skin. The beautiful essential oils help to relax your mind and the plant oils soften your skin so it really is a treat for mind and body.

• Exotic frangipani flower extract helps to transform your bath into a pool of tranquillity
• Blended with vitamin E and macadamia oils to condition and soften skin
• Cedarwood essential oil provides a warm sense of grounding and comfort, soaking away the day’s stress.

This has a lovely exotic floral scent with a touch of sweetness from the macadamia and almond oils, it is so relaxing. It smells so luxurious and very comforting. It makes me want to stay in the bath for ages.

Awaken Your Senses With Tropic Skincare

Awaken Your Senses Bath Soak * 

This is ideal if you need to pep yourself up or feel a little low. This has more of an uplifting, restorative vibe to it. It makes the perfect addition to a morning bath, to get you in the right frame of mind for the day ahead. The neroli, bergamot and citrus give it a more energising twist,

• 25% of this bottle is a blend of the most energising, zesty citrus essential oils
• Restorative neroli and basil essential oils banish fatigue and soothe muscles
• With mouthwatering infusions of bergamot, lime, lemon, mandarin and sweet orange essential oils

It smells amazing and I think out of the two this is my favourite, the scent really fills the room and makes me feel ready for the day. Much like the Soothe Your Senses option, this is just as nourishing for your body as your mind. This contains 25% essential oils which have such a positive effect on your mental and physical well being. There is so much evidence about the beneficial effects of essential oils on your body and mind and Tropic Skincare always use the highest grade in their products. So when you get the time to use these products in your bath make sure you take the time to relax and really soak them up.

Tropic Skincare Luxury Bath Products

These aren’t going to fill your baths with bubbles, instead, these Tropic bath soaks add more of a sophisticated touch to your bath. They start out as a lovely oil but when added to water they become a milky consistency which nourishes the skin and leaves it silky smooth and hydrated.

At £38 per bottle, these are quite a luxury but they’re incredible quality and full of the wonderful, beneficial ingredients that will positively impact both your mind and body. As you only need 2-3 caps per bath a 260ml bottle will last quite a while. They also have a So Sleepy version which has sleep-inducing essential oils for true relaxation, sounds perfect for anyone that has trouble sleeping.

Also if you’re looking for Mother’s Day Gift ideas why not treat your Mum to something special from Tropic and introduce her to a wonderful British beauty brand?

*This Post contains PR samples