Five Foundation Bases I Am Loving 2025

August 10, 2025 - Vicki Leave a comment

A few of the foundations I am using right now, it seems I have a type! Dewy, radiant and buildable coverage.

*Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

This is my go-to for special occasions, it has incredible staying power and still looks flawless even after a full night out. My current shade is a touch too light in the summer, but I just warm things up with a bit of bronzer. Like many of the foundations I’ll mention, Armani Luminous Silk delivers a glowing, radiant finish while offering great coverage and impressive skincare benefits.

It blurs imperfections, evens out redness, and never settles into fine lines. It feels lightweight yet looks polished, and the formula delivers on quality. They have over 40 shades to pick from, which is fantastic, and more brands should be offering this kind of range. Yes, it’s an investment, but it’s absolutely worth it.

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Foundation Stick

I’d been looking for a foundation that was light but gave a nice amount of coverage, a nice healthy glow and lasted well throughout the day, this answered my prayers. I popped into Selfridges, and asked the lady on the CT stand if she had anything that would fit the bill, and she delivered, she applied it to my skin and I loved how fresh and awake my skin looked. It’s a nice buildable, creamy foundation that glides on and your skin instantly looks glowing (not greasy), healthy, and they offer so many colour options that I got the perfect match for my skin tone.

If you want a hydrating, buildable foundation that will help give you a dewy glow, this is the one. It is the perfect hybrid of makeup & skincare, infused with, Collageneer™, multi-molecular Hyaluronic Acid, nourishing Daikon Radish Seed Oil and antioxidant-rich Vitamin E. So it has great skincare ingredients that will look after your skin whilst also giving you a great dewy base.

L’Oreal True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum Foundation

This is one of my favourite foundations because of its gorgeous dewy finish. The serum texture is infused with hyaluronic acid, which hydrates and plumps the skin, giving it that smooth, blurred look. It’s lightweight, buildable, and feels really nice on the skin, I love the natural, fresh glow it gives.

If you tend to get oily during the day you might want to apply a light dusting of powder on your t-zone, My only complaint is I do not like the dropper applicator as it is messy. I wish it came in a pump bottle.

bareMinerals Bareskin Perfecting Veil Finishing Powder

This isn’t exactly a foundation but on lazy days I do use it on its own, just to even out my skin tone and give me a hint of colour, but If you like to have that flawless, smooth finish to your makeup then this Mineral Veil makes the best finishing powder.

It gives your skin a little added coverage with an illuminated (not glittery) finish. It’s gorgeous and so lightweight. This helps keep my oily t zone in check and makes my makeup look like I have made an extra special effort. It doesn’t look like much in the pan but don’t be fooled, it’s understated but just finishes your look off by giving it that soft focus, flawless effect. This is a really great product to have in your handbag to refresh your makeup out & about.

*Erborian BB Cream

I used to wear a lot of BB Cream, but this Erborian one is my go-to and the only one I have repurchased. The whole premise of a BB cream was to combine the effects of skincare with a light coverage and most BB Creams don’t actually have any skincare benefits to boast of, but this Korean one has some fantastic skin benefits including,

Ginseng: stimulating, toning and energising
Licorice and Ginger: anti-inflammatory, firming and anti-oxidant
Titanium Dioxide: solar filter

It hydrates and protects the skin whilst also evening out skin tone, concealing blemishes and giving a nice light coverage. It is the perfect everyday base and I always pack this in my holiday makeup because it has SPF25 in too.

What are your favourite, most used foundations? I would love to hear your recommendations.

*this post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Products marked with a * were gifted or received as PR.

Five Current Skincare Favourites

February 3, 2025 - Vicki Leave a comment

Isle Of Paradise Sunny Serum Bronzer*

This was one of those products I kept seeing everywhere in 2024. Even the skincare queen herself, Caroline Hirons, called it a must-have! But I resisted until winter arrived when I didn’t always want to wear foundation, but I still wanted my skin to look healthy and radiant, so I finally gave in and bought a bottle. And let me tell you, I honestly don’t know what I did before this product. I mix it with my moisturiser I find that works for me, and it gives me a subtle, sun-kissed, fresh-faced glow.

It’s incredibly easy to apply, never looks heavy, and instantly makes you look radiant, like you’ve just had the best night’s sleep or cheeky Winter sun holiday. This is an absolute must-have for those lazy days when you don’t want to do a full face of makeup but still want to look put-together with minimal effort It 10000% lives up to the hype and for the price get it in your makeup bag, you will not regret it. LOVE IT. The price is incredible and the product just works.

Vieve Skin Nova Illuminating Primer

Some products get so much hype that you think, surely, it can’t be that good, well, this one really is. Skin Nova primer is simply beautiful, it is the glow you never knew you could get. The radiant luminous glow it gives is unlike anything else, like you’ve just had a facial, a holiday, and the best night’s sleep all in one. Whether you wear it under foundation as a primer or on its own for a fresh, dewy look, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every single day. It’s effortless, luminous, and absolutely stunning. It feels like primers fell out of favour in the beauty world, either people stopped using them or just stopped talking about them. But Skin Nova has changed that and has put primers back in my makeup bag. It is now a step I never skip. Everything Jamie touches turns to gold and I say good on her, her products are fantastic quality and the prices are reasonable and worth it.

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Setting Spray

I had my makeup done at a Charlotte Tilbury makeup counter when I went in looking for a new foundation (which I bought), and the lady who did my makeup used this setting spray to finish the look. Normally, I like to think about my purchases, maybe hunt for a deal online, but this time, I bought everything on the spot, including the brush (who even am I). My brief to the makeup artist was, I wanted my makeup to look fresh, dewy, and seamless, without settling into fine lines, and WOW this setting spray delivered. Not only does it give your skin an instant glow, but it also locks your makeup in place for hours, literally all day long. Your skin looks radiant, hydrated, and flawless without needing touch ups. I have used quite a few setting sprays, and they have worked, but others have felt a little drying, heavy and tacky to the touch, but this one it gives hydration and glow. I have since bought the travel sized bottle so I can always have it in my bag! Well worth the money & the hype.

Votary Super Seed Serum

This is my go-to serum for calming my skin, I am prone to redness and this has been doing the trick. Votary have such a lovely range of skincare, and I am head over heels for this serum. It’s lightweight, silky smooth, and instantly soothing, perfect for calming my skin, especially during colder months or after sun exposure. The benefits of this serum are that it hydrates & plumps with hyaluronic acid, it strengthens & protects with natural peptides and boosts skin resilience with broccoli seed & rosehip oil. Perfect If, like me, you need gentle yet effective skincare, this serum is a must-have, sensitive skin will love it. It carries quite a big price tag, but I snapped it up in sale, so it is worth looking for a deal.

Kiehl’s Super Multi Corrective Cream*

I have been on a mission to even out my skin tone and combat dullness, and this cream is fantastic for that. I have used Kiehl’s products for years and always feel like they deliver on quality and results, this cream was something I had never tried before, but I’ve been using it every night for almost 2 months and really enjoying it. Not only does it help with skin tone, but it has so many other benefits, it helps, lift, smooth, and firm skin, whilst boosting radiance and enhancing elasticity. So it targets signs of ageing. The cream is just the right texture and feels comforting, rich and hydrating. It has become one of my favourite products in my evening skincare routine.

Let me know if you have tried any of the products I have mentioned, or if you also have them as favourite products. I would love to know what skincare you have discovered lately and that you would recommend I try. Leave me a comment.

*this post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All products mentioned were purchased by me and not gifted or received as PR.

Five Beauty Favourites 2020

March 2, 2020February 16, 2026 - Vicki Leave a comment

*Gifted. It’s safe to say it’s been a dark, wet and miserable start to 2020, I don’t think we have seen the sunshine so far this year and my skin has been bearing the brunt of this. My skin has felt dry and dull, what with the effects of the central heating and lack of sunshine, I have really been relying on my skincare and makeup to help revive my complexion. I thought I would share with you a few products that have become staples in my routine, which I’ve been using religiously over the past couple of months.

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 30ml

I love so many products from The Ordinary Skincare, but this serum is pretty epic. I have used it for over a year now and can’t imagine my skincare routine without it. Apart from the fact this brand is incredibly affordable, their skincare is fantastic quality and shows real results. This didn’t irritate my skin despite it having quite a high concentration of Retinoid, it is easy to apply and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. I apply it at night 2–3 times a week, as my first step after cleansing, and I wake up with smooth, bright, plump skin. Over time this serum helps increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen which helps to reduce the signs of ageing, like uneven skin tone, age spots and reduces fine lines & wrinkles.

This product is a great way to achieve that youthful, healthy glow, in terms of long term use you really see your complexion improve. It is like liquid gold! Just remember Retinoids can react with more sensitive skin, so dilute at first if you are concerned (or use the 1% version) also please remember to use a high factor SPF as your skin will be more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UVA & UVB rays.

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Tropic Beauty Booster Sheer Foundation SPF35*

Although I’m someone who doesn’t like to wear much makeup on a daily basis, I still like that look of being put together and like my skin to look evened out with a little glow. This Beauty Booster from Tropic gives me just that. It is lightweight, and I just apply it with my fingers on top of my moisturiser. It leaves my skin with a nice touch of colour, helping to reduce redness, uneven skin tone and gives the illusion that I haven’t seen the sun for months! The other wonderful things about this lightweight, almost tinted moisturiser (with a bit more coverage) is the fact it has UVA, UVB and HEV (artificial light) protection and SPF35, so if you do venture out you know your skin is well protected.

Antioxidant-rich resveratrol and vitamin E help to condition the skin, while building defences against daily pollution. Titanium dioxide gives a mineral SPF of 35 to shield against everyday exposure. So if you’re looking for a base that gives you an even, lightweight, natural dewy finish then this Tropic Beauty Booster is the one. I have been loving it and using it every day as my base to combat my tired, dry winter skin!

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Miller Harris Peau Santal Perfume*

This is my happiness in a bottle, it smells beautiful and so luxurious, it makes me feel amazing whenever I wear it. The scent is uplifting and just gives me a reminder that warmer, brighter days are on the horizon (even if it is raining cats and dogs). It has such a rich, warm creamy scent, but you get a hint of fresh, airy crisp notes as it settles. I am not exaggerating when I say this perfume is the most sophisticated and beautiful perfume I have ever owned, and I love quite a few Miller Harris perfumes, but this one has something special.

The woody notes add a real touch of warmth and class, whilst the bergamot and cashmere give it creaminess and class. The pink pepper, amber and vanilla make it modern and very sexy.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper and Saffron
Heart Notes: Olibanum, Violet Leaf and Papyrus
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cashmere Woods, Crisp Amber, Vanilla CO2 Extract and Moss

This would make the most luxurious, thoughtful gift or treat to yourself, it’s a beautiful perfume and the scent lasts so long, I can smell it on my scarf/coat days after I have spritzed it. The quality is second to none. The bottle is also beautiful, the minimal dusky pink give it a subtle, classy feel and the simple gold accents on the font and the lid add a touch of luxury, the bottle is very weighty too and feels so nice in your hand and also looks great on your vanity.

ARK Skin Perfector Firming Serum*

I tried a few products from UK based ARK skincare last year and was very impressed with their ethos of products that target specific skin concerns depending on your age, as our skin changes so much as we get older and ARK have targeted skincare so it is easy for you to include it in your routine and see fantastic results. This Firming Serum has been a skincare saviour for me this year as it targets your skins’ loss of elasticity and works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and with my skin being so dry from the weather it has helped smooth, hydrate and plump! So if like me, you’re in your early 40s this is a wonderful product to use for long term results. I like to mix the serum in with my moisturiser and apply it as part of my morning skincare regime.

It is jam packed with some wonderful ingredients that help keep your skin looking fresh, smooth and healthy.

Micro Algae Extract – Highly purified microalgae extract delivers an instant and long-term tightening effects

Hyaluronic Acid – Active 100% natural Hyaluronic Acid locks moisture in the skin matrix and improves collagen synthesis. Skin appears firmer and more flexible, while fine lines are plumped and smoothed.

Biomimetic Lipopeptide Idealift – targets skin sagging and improves resistance to gravity by promoting skin’s elastic fibre architecture

ARK Skincare is proudly developed & manufactured in Britain. Cruelty Free, with many of their products being Vegan friendly. They use Bioactive, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin but give effective results. You can browse their entire range on their website www.arkskincare.com and tailor your skincare for your specific skin concerns and age.

Delilah Illuminating Powder in Aura

I love this compact, not only the fact that it is a beautiful rose gold & pewter, but it has a good size mirror which makes it perfect for keeping in your handbag. This stunning bronzing/highlighter is also a wonderful product to add a touch of radiance to that Winter complexion without going OTT on the glow. It’s a mix of rose gold, soft peach and lavender pink and I just swirl my brush to pick up a little of all the colours, and it gives my cheekbones a nice bronzy warm touch of colour. Such a beautiful product and a very luxurious and not so well known brand, their blushers are super nice too.

*Products have been provided as PR samples, but reviews are 100% my own.

Tropic Skincare – My Skin Saviours

November 5, 2018August 30, 2025 - Vicki 1 Comment

Let me introduce to you two best-selling blemish busting (and more) skincare saviours from Vegan beauty brand Tropic Skincare. I have been so excited to talk more about these products as I have been using them for a couple of months now and have really grown to rely on them in my beauty routine, in particular, the Tamanu Healing Balm which is simply one product that will very quickly become a ‘does all’ product in your daily life. It really has an endless list of uses!

First off, lets talk about the Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Mask – the lovely team at Tropic sent this out to me because for the first time in my adult life I was suffering from some really large, sore, stubborn blemishes and I wanted to get rid of them before my birthday (very important to have clear skin on your birthday, especially when you’re turning 40). I was really at a loss at how best to reduce them, and the lovely people at Tropic suggested this face mask & I haven’t looked back!

Tropic Skincare Clear Skin Blemish Fighting Face Mask

This bold green blemish busting mask is white & green clay based so it is great at drawing out all the build-up of grease, bacteria and pollution from your pores whilst working with bamboo charcoal to reduce oil and balance out your skin. I slather it all over my face at least twice a week – but when I have a blemish I quite often just apply this to that area, more of a targeted treatment, and that really works well to reduce redness and also calm the inflamed spot. It contains so many lovely ingredients that will help you not only reduce blemishes & mattify skin but also keep the build-up of blemish-causing bacteria at bay, so you’re less likely to suffer from breakouts.

● Willow bark extracts, rich in beta hydroxy salicylic acids, travel deep into your pores to unclog built up sebum.

● Cayenne pepper and ginger extracts kill blemish-causing bacteria at the source.

● Green and white clays work to dry out spots and stop them from increasing in size.

● Charcoal and spirulina work to draw out toxins and tighten pores.

● Raspberry leaf and goji berry extracts reduce redness and calm skin.

Another pretty cool thing about this mask, besides the fact that it is gentle, doesn’t dry out your skin or leave it feeling uncomfortably tight is that it dries dark green in more oily areas with larger pores, and it dries a lighter green in more balanced areas so you can quickly see where your skin needs a little help. For me, my oily areas are my cheeks & chin.

I saw a huge difference in my skin, and I know I have this mask to thank for that. My breakouts are less frequent, and I always use this Clear Skin mask as soon as a blemish starts appearing. That way I know it has more chance of not becoming inflamed, and It clears all the bacteria and excess sebum build-up ASAP. It is a great mask to have in your beauty routine, especially if you suffer from oily skin that likes to break out.

Tropic Skincare Tamanu Healing Balm

Now on to what I think is the star of the show – this is one of those beauty/skincare products you stumble upon very rarely that completely blows you away. It looks quite ordinary, apart from being green and all in one beauty balms often get overlooked because people don’t quite know how they fit into their routine, but this new release from Tropic is EPIC. I have been singing its praises to family and friends since it landed on my doorstep almost 2 months ago.

So this skin-loving green balm is made with tamanu oil (also known as ‘green gold’), which is an age-old remedy trusted for centuries in the Polynesian islands to stimulate skin renewal, Tropic have blended it hydrating, soothing monoi and cocoa butters so it is hydrating and calming and if that wasn’t enough it also contains antioxidant-rich blackcurrant extract and raspberry seed oil.

So this balm has so many skin loving, healing and protecting ingredients. It really is the best multipurpose product I have ever used. My favourite way to use it is as an eye cream because it is simply one of the most hydrating products I’ve used. I also dab it on the odd blemish to help calm and sooth the inflames skin.

I even took it on my recent trip to Amsterdam, in my hand luggage so I could use it on the plane. It does come in a handy 20ml travel size, but I took my 60ml tub and I used it as my lip balm, eye cream, on my cuticles as well as on a few blemishes and a couple of pesky blemish scars. So I really put it to good use! I just love how hydrating, nourishing and gentle it is and I think it is incredible that it can be used in so many ways. It now comes everywhere with me!

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