Sunday 17 August 2014

Makeup Collection & Storage 2014

Makeup Collection & Storage 2014


Top 5 Face SPFs

Top 5 Face SPFs


SPFs are so important at this time of year, especially with all of this amazing weather we've been having! I always make sure to use them in the summer to make sure my face is protected from the sun to avoid any damage to my skin. 

I've chosen my favourite five facial SPF products and find they are all great for different things. First up is Murad's Essential -C Sun Balm, the packaging makes it easy to apply and is small enough to take with you in case you need to reapply, and the SPF 35 is a good level of coverage. Next up is Vichy's Capital Soleil face cream which I reach for on holidays or really sunny days, the SPF 50+ gives very high protection so is perfect for when the sun is really strong.

Next is something slightly different but so useful, an SPF 30 lip balm that can be worn under lipstick and so goes well with your makeup. People tend to forget about protecting your lips but it is so important, sunburnt lips are no fun at all! Fourth is the Sisley Super Stick Solaire, which is great for sensitive skin, as some sun creams can be irritating for some skin types. This is also SPF 30 so great for protecting more delicate areas of your face, including around your eyes. 

Last but not least is L'Occitane's Jenipapo Face Protecting Veil which I love taking with me if I'm going away for a few days, it's such a great size for your handbag, has SPF30 UVA and UVB protection so is a great all rounder! It smells lovely too which is an added bonus!

Lush Splurge!

Lush Splurge

It's no secret that I'm a HUGE Lush fan, so couldn't resist picking up a few new bits and old favourites last time I was out shopping and I wanted to share those with you and give a few tips and pointers

Face
Tea Tree Water Toner
Tea Tree is a great blemish fighter and is naturally anti-bacterial so works well at dealing with breakouts as well as working as a toner. The spray pump is such a handy way to apply it too! I've used this before and it really helped calm down my skin, and as I'm having a few hormonal breakouts at the moment I decided to try this old favourite and see if it still worked.

Grease Lightning Spot Treatment
This is again in a useful nozzle so you can apply it directly onto blemishes. It's so tiny so you can keep it with you in your make up bag in case of emergencies! I have also used this before when my skin has had little tantrums and it's previously helped, which is why when I saw it on the shelf, I popped it into my basket.

Bath
Dreamtime Bath Melt
This is supposed to help you relax which sounds great for a bath after a busy or stressful day. With lavender and chamomile it smells lovely, and also softens your skin with cocoa butter. Perfect for before bedtime. I particularly love this one in the winter or when my skin needs a little rehydration.

Pop in the Bath Bubble Bar
These bars make such amazing bubbles! You crumble a bit off to run under the tap so you can actually use them more than once. This one has the scent of "The Olive Branch" which is one of my favourite Lush scents and smells amazing.

I also picked up a few of my favourite bath bombs..
Granny Takes a Dip Bath Bomb (relatively new)
Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb 
Fizzbanger Bath Bomb
Sex Bomb Bath Bomb (Ultimate fave for night time)

Strawberry Feels Forever Massage Bar
This was one of my favourite massage bars back in the day. It was released as part of a valentines launch and stuck around for quite a while. I'm pretty sure it disappeared off the shelves for a while and when I saw this in the store I knew I had to grab one. Massage bars start to melt when they warm up so this is a great way to moisturise your skin after the bath. It smells like strawberries and cream too.

Ceridwen's Cauldron Bath Melt
This bath melt is great for soothing and moisturising skin, the muslin pouch means that it dissolves in the water and the larger bits are kept from floating about in the bath, but also can be picked up to apply directly onto your skin. This one is a little more pricey, but it honestly does amazing things to your skin. I love using this as a pick me up.

Body
Handy Gurugu Hand Cream
This buttery hand cream is made with a blend of nut butters making it so creamy and softening, it features orange extract too so has a fresh, natural scent to it. This is perfect for sorting out really dry hands and is great for your nails too. This was one of my go-to products years ago, and I would get through so many tubs of this. When I was in the shop I picked it up, gave it a sniff and it immediately brought back so many memories. It really is an awesome hand cream. The only downside (and the reason I probably stopped using it) is that the tub is a little bulky for your handbag, but great to keep near your sink or on your bedside table.

What are your favourite Lush staples? Things you always go back to or treat yourself to? 


Top 5 Drugstore Bronzers

Top 5 Drugstore Bronzers



Today I thought I'd share some of my favourite bronzers from Boots and High Street stores. I find myself using bronzer more than ever at this time of year. They have so many uses, and are particularly good in the summer for complimenting a tan, as well as handy tools for contouring and sculpting.

Bourjois' Delice de Poudre bronzer is a rich, warm brown so is great for when my skin is looking naturally more tan than usual. It has a super soft finish making it easy to apply with a lovely texture. It has a tiny, subtle amount of shimmer to it which gives off a natural looking glow, great for making you look like you've just got back from an exotic holiday! I love the chocolate bar design and it even has a sweet, chocolatey scent to it.

Soap and Glory's Solar Powder is a bronzer and a highlighter all in one. Again with a light shimmer, it creates a really natural glow, especially when you dust the lighter shade highlighter over your cheekbones. Having the combination of the two in the compact makes it nice and easy to take with you, great for touching up your complexion on the go.

L'oreal's Glam Bronze is one of my absolute favourites and one I find myself reaching for all year round. It has a matte finish for a natural looking tan, but is in a particularly golden shade, adding warmth to your skin, and the matte finish makes it great for contouring.

Revlon's Bronzilla was a more recent addition but the neat compact with brush included made it ideal for taking with me on holiday. This bronzer has a strong colour payoff so you only really need a small amount, but is long lasting so will stay put throughout the day.

Last but not least, The Body Shop's Honey Bronze in 02 is on the fairer side of bronzers, and even comes in a shade lighter, so is great for those with paler skin tones. It comes in a handy mirrored compact too, I tend to throw this in my handbag to take with me on the go. Again with a matte finish, this is perfect for subtle contouring and adding shape and definition to your face.