Face Masks For Every Skin Concern

As someone with temperamental skin, I like to have a face mask in my collection for every skin concern. I've gone from having an oily, acne-prone complexion to dehydrated and easily irritated, but I would say that my skin is somewhat in the middle at the moment with dry patches and the occasional blemish. I have a fair few masks in my collection at the moment, so I thought I'd share with you my favourite for each one of my problems. 

For Sensitive Skin | I've had sensitive skin for as long as I can remember and my skin tends to react to the oddest formulas so there's no judging if something is going to irritate me or not. When my skin is feeling sensitive however, I always reach for the same masks; the Glossier Moisturising Moon Mask being one of my top picks. It hydrates, but it calms the complexion at the same time, making it great for redness too. 

For A Dehydrated Complexion | My favourite face masks are the one's that combat dryness and I tend to get the most out of these ones. The Glow Recipe Watermelon Mask* was no doubt going to make it's way into my top picks as it nourishes my skin and makes it super soft too! The Fresh Rose Face Mask* is another favourite of mine as it improves how my skin feels for days after, which is something that not many masks do. With extended use, I feel like my skin looks a lot less irritated, more smooth and more hydrated too. 

For Clogged and Enlarged Pores | If you have sensitive, yet congested skin then I'd recommend the Glossier Mega Greens Face Mask as it really does help any blemishes I have while speeding up the healing process, yet it doesn't make my skin feel like it's on fire like other clarifying clay offerings. 

Although I'm skeptical about the majority of clay masks as I said, the Aesop Primrose Facial Masque* is another exception and it'd be great for anybody that loves an intense mask, because this stuff will make your face feel like it's set in concrete whilst you wait to wash it off. It works which is the important thing, but it's one I only use when I really need to because of how intensive it can be. 

For Improving Your Skin's Texture | I've recommended the The Ordinary's AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Lotion to quite a few people as it's unlike anything else that I've ever used before. It draws out impurities, bringing them to the surface, so if you have a big event coming up it isn't wise to use this just before. It makes my skin feel brand new after using it and I love how smooth it makes my complexion look. 

For Dullness | Although an exfoliator as well, the Pixi Peel and Polish can be used as a mask too and it's super fab when my skin is looking a tad lacklustre and in need of a pick me up. I simply apply it, leave it on for five minutes and then remove it - It leaves my skin feeling prepped and glowy, ready for makeup application. 

What are your favourite face masks? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links.

SHARE:

A Collective Black Friday Haul

Black Friday bought around lots of discount codes and I found it hard to resist, but I did get sucked into a few. I treated myself to a few bits that I've been lusting after a while (including cheese from a Christmas market that we've demolished!). 

First up is the Miss Selfridge Navy Ooh La La Sweatshirt which I fell in love with due to the red stitched lettering and baggy style. At first I was unsure if it was too short, but it looks perfect paired with high waisted jeans or if I want to add another warm layer, I like to put a striped navy t-shirt underneath for a gorgeous contrast. 

I accidentally made an ASOS order, but unfortunately I only liked to items from it, one of which needs to go back to be exchanged for another size. The Missguided Check Frayed Hem Wrap Mini Skirt was an item I picked up as I wanted another option for a Christmas party outfit. 

As Glossier had a 20% off sale and I had some credit in my account, I treated myself to a few bits including the Glossier You Perfume, one that I have been smitten with ever since I smelt it in a sample. It's great if you want something that smells natural on the skin, yet fresh and slightly musky. I feel like this could easily be my Winter everyday fragrance for the upcoming months. Although the 20% code has now ended, you can still get 10% off using my code - http://bff.glossier.com/haAhG. 

The Coconut Balm Dot Com was a bit of an on the whim purchase as I knew I wanted to pick up another lip balm, but I wasn't sure if I was taking the risk picking the coconut offering over the rose or cherry because I'm not usually a big fan of the coconut scent. It's subtle than I imagined, but I can see this being a handbag favourite. 

Lastly in the Glossier haul is the Priming Moisturiser Rich which is a pick that I was unsure about because I heard the lavender fragrance is quite overpowering and although it's definitely apparent, it doesn't linger on the skin too long. I'm looking forward to seeing if my skin loves this and I'm sure I'll give you an update on it at a later date. 

Anthropologie was the hardest to resist but I only came away with one item, the Trouvaille Mini Candle and I'm so glad I picked it up because it not only looks dreamy, but it smells divine too. I can't wait to take photographs with this and light it when I was a floral, fresh scent. 

Did you pick anything up in the black Friday sales? 

This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

A Christmas Gift Guide: Stocking Fillers

I don't mean to blow my own trumpet, but when it comes to finding stocking fillers and secret santa ideas, I have to admit I'm pretty damn good. I love finding little bits and bobs to wrap up for people and I wanted to share with you a few of my ideas.

There are so many beauty baubles around, which are great for small gifts or stocking fillers, the This Works Batteries Not Included Set is a great option for everybody because who doesn't love to sleep? All of their gift sets are adorable and affordable too! The Caudalie Beauty Elixir offering is gorgeous and is a product with cult status, I know that I would love to find this at the bottom of my stocking. 

As soon as I set my eyes on this Chunky Gold Initial Pendant Necklace and saw the price, I just knew that this would be the perfect gift. It's dainty and dinky, making it a perfect fit for many. Socks, slippers and anything cosy are always welcomed with open arms, the Oysho Rabbit Slipper are too adorable to pass up. 

Small tech related items are great like this Rose Gold Ring Phone Stand or a phone case are always good ideas, as they're useful and can be affordable gifts too. I've spotted quite a few game-related stocking fillers which look super fun to play when you've got some spare time on Christmas day. This Travel Four In A Row is simple yet effective, whilst this Gaming Console is a little bit more expensive, but it does the job nicely (and I could imagine that it'd be fought over on the big day!). 

For secret santa, I always think mugs are good for any colleague as you can personalise them if you know them well or get a simple design if you don't. They make great stocking fillers too, especially novelty ones, but this Anthropologie Alphabet Mug still remains my most used even though I got it a couple of years ago now - An initial on it gives off the idea that you thought about them too. 

I know it's not exactly game changing, but bath products always go down a treat. Any item from Lush is a luxe stocking filler that will be greatly appreciated, but there's some affordable gift sets like the Korres Oh Little Stars* which contains an array of bath milks and shower gels. A pair of false eyelashes would also be good as they can use them on boxing day or New Years Eve - The Eylure Fleur Loves Lashes* are my favourites. 

What stocking fillers have you been eying up? 

This post contains affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. 

SHARE:

5 Cult Beauty Favourites Of 2017

- This post is in collaboration with Cult Beauty -

As someone who has an abundance of beauty products in my collection, it can be hard to narrow it down to just a handful when picking out my favourites. Cult Beauty challenged me to narrow down my top finds of 2017 to just five as part of their camp gain to find the Cult Beauty Product Of The Year, so here are my top picks: 

First up is Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Lipstick, an offering that I picked up back in February and I can't believe how much I've used it since. It's the perfect pink nude hue that goes with a variety of makeup looks and despite being matte, the formula is still super comfortable to wear on the lips. 

Although I've not been using the Huda Beauty Girlfriend Liquid Matte as long as the Charlotte Tilbury one, this pick had to make it into the line up because of how impressed I have been. For a super-matte formula, this isn't dehydrating on the lips, but instead it can be reapplied without flaking or cracking. It applies seamlessly opaque and it just is a beautiful shade. 

Last in the makeup category is the Becca Sunlit Capri Coast Bronzer which has been my go-to off and on for most of this year. Despite having using it so much, it still looks like I barely made a dent in it. It adds a healthy warmth to my complexion and it looks great applied to my temples, neck and dusted over my cheekbones for a sunkissed, yet slightly contoured look. 

For skincare, I have been loving The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid, a Pixi Glow Tonic dupe which does the job amazingly for the price. There's a reason why it's sold out everywhere and I'm still so glad I got in there early with this one, buying it way back when in May. It lightly exfoliates my complexion, but what I love it for is how great it banishing blemishes. 

If I was to narrow the list down, I would have to name the Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask as my Cult Product Of The Year.It's so nourishing and I can't believe how quickly it transforms my skin. My parched skin loves this and I think it's great that you can use it in multiple ways depending on your skin type. 

- There's a daily giveaway to win £100 voucher to spend on Cult Beauty, all you have do is   share an image of your top Cult Product Of The Year on Instagram with the #CultProductOfTheYear hashtag and tag @cultbeauty too - Remember you have to be in it to win it! - The giveaway will end on 11/12/2017. 

What is your Cult Product Of The Year? 

SHARE:

An Eyebrow Routine

If you told me earlier this year that I would be switching up my eyebrow routine by the end of the year, I would have laughed at you. I've always been comfy repurchasing my favourites and never stepping out of my comfort zone when it comes to brows, but I've had a few game changing products recently that I can't help but mention:

I've been getting more into carving my brows out and I can't tell you how much difference it's actually made. I don't know how it works, but I find that they look far more defined and it's great if I want my brows to look tidier. All I do is use a slanted eyebrow brush and a concealer and draw a line around my brow shape and then blend every so slightly into the skin. 

One of the most recent products I've discovered is the Maybelline Brow Tattoo Tint, which I currently can't stop using. Leaving it for 30 minutes allows it to last around three days on me and it's super handy when I just want to do a minimal makeup look with ease. I often pair this with the Glossier Boy Brow, for tamed yet full-looking brows in an instant. This pairing is perfect for when I want a natural look, as they're still filled into my satisfaction. 

Once the tint starts to wear off or if I want more of a defined look, I opt for either the Sleek Brow Kit or ABH Dip Brow Pomade to tidy everything up. With an eyebrow brush you can create precise, small strokes that resemble real hair and I particularly like applying this to the tail of my brows. 

What products do you use on your brows? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

A Christmas Gift Guide: For People Who Are Hard To Buy For

I have quite a few people in my family- mostly men- that are hard to buy for. I spend days trying to find the perfect gift, for them to often tell me what they want at the last minute - Typical! With this in mind, I wanted to share with you a few of my top present ideas if you're struggling to find a present for somebody. 

Mugs always go down a treat at Christmas, especially novelty or personalised ones, and if I wanted to spend a little bit more, I'd stuff it with a lottery tickets or some money - Easy and simple! This Storm Trooper Mug is great for a Star Wars lover and this Hogwarts Mug is good for any Potterhead. 

Gadgets are another thing that go down well, especially like camera lenses to play around with, a mini helicopter to fly into the ceiling on Christmas day or even a new electrical razor. I'd say if all else fails getting something that can be used on the day is always a good shout. I think this Urban Outfitters Mobile Lens Kit is great for an Instagram lover or those who like taking snaps out and about with their phone. 

Loungewear is always welcomed with opened arms ,especially a new dressing gown (I adore this ASOS Star Print one as it looks so snuggly) and a pair of PJ's, these Fat Face Luna Sky Joggers picks are the one's I am eyeing up this year. Scarfs are always a great gift idea too because I don't think you can have too many; this Pastel Stripe Herringbone offering is a great pick! 

What is on your Christmas list this year? 

This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

Everyday Makeup Picks

After a declutter and reshuffle of my makeup collection at the weekend, it reminded me that I haven't shared my everyday makeup on my blog for a while. Here is a handful of my current top picks: 

I've rediscovered an old favourite of mine, the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation, a base that I use to love, but now I have a drier, lacklustre complexion, I love it even more. It's lightweight, yet has a decent amount of coverage that will cover the majority of imperfections I have. I particularly like using it with a beauty blender, just like most of my bases, as it looks super natural on the skin. 

I've been setting my base with Glossier Wowder and I can't quite believe how good it performs. I've never known a powder to add such longevity to my base and make it last longer than it has ever done before. It's not chalky or powdery, so you can reapply it without running the risk of it looking unnatural on your complexion. 

There isn't many contour products that can be worn with ease on a day to day basis, but the Fenty Beauty Amber Match Stix just does everything I want it to do. It adds a shadow that looks natural, not muddy in the slightest and blends seamlessly into wherever it is applied. 

For blusher, I have been using the Glossier Cloud Paints as they're lightweight, customisable and can be sheered out for a subtle tint. Although there are a few powder options i've been using, this is currently the only cream gel hybrid formula I've ever used.

I've recently dug out my Nars Kalahari Eyeshadow Duo as I've been wanting to put something on my lids during the day. The darker shade has a dreamy shadow to the crease and the golden hue adds a little sparkle - This is great for those who doesn't want to wear much. 

I never thought I'd see the day that a liquid lipstick would make it into an everyday round up because although they offer longevity, even the most nourishing formulas, can get uncomfortable on the lips after a while. I've been reaching for the Huda Beauty Girlfriend Liquid Matte Lip* whenever I want a soft nude that can goes with a variety of looks, can easily be reapplied and sits perfectly on my lips. For a darker offering, I can't help but pull out one of my NYX Soft Matte Creams because they offer the same comfort and ability to reapply without flaking, crumbly or making you want to scrub them off. 

What are your top everyday makeup picks?

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

A Christmas Gift Guide: Homeware Picks

This was the gift guide I was planning for last year but I never got around the publishing it, so when jotting down all my festive ideas this was top of the list. As a homeware fiend, I love receiving bits and bobs for my house at Christmas so I thought I'd compile a list of my top picks that I've seen this year. I know that it's all down to personal preference, so I hope these ideas give you a little inspiration. 

It'll come as no surprise that Anthropologie is my go-to around Christmas time and is something that I like to treat myself to around the festive period. Their candles are just so quaint in their style which I love and I think that this Mini Boulangerie Set is perfect, or just a Mini Trouvaille Candle will do if you're looking for a small gift for somebody. 

This Hammered Coasters, Monogram Letter Mug or Astrology Cheese Board are three great bits when you want something that can be either useful or used as a ornament - Although down to personal taste, I know that I'd be pleased to receive any of these three. A cheeseboard at Christmas? - What a fab idea! 

Talking of Anthropologie, I picked up these gorgeous Alphabet Glasses from Matalan the other day and I can't believe how expensive they look compared to their budget price tag - Definitely Anthro-esque. Homeware is down to personal taste, but I feel like you can't go wrong with dreamy glassware and a mug or two. I'd definitely recommend looking through the Matalan site if you want some affordable, yet chic pieces. 

Oliver Bonas is another store that I love and always go for. I'm absolutely smitten with their agate pieces including this Jewel Ring Holders which are just so gorgeous to look at! Great for putting on top of your dressing table. Oliver Bonas are always great at doing bits and pieces, but their Camo Splatter Cushion and Vico Table Lamp are very eye catching too. 

We can now rejoice in the fact that ASOS are finally selling homeware, or at least a very limited around of it. Good news though is that it's right up my street, the Pimkie Tassel Cushion and Bombay Duck Bonjour Door Mat being two of my top picks. 

Although expensive, I absolutely adore my Crosley Record Player and it's a great gift if you want to spend a little more on somebody who loves their music. For the price, I think it's great quality and the array of colours they come in make them look good too! 

Something unique or quirky always goes down a treat when it comes to stocking fillers related to homeware, and I'm loving the idea of having some cute fairy lights like Urban Outfitters Firefly String Lights as they'd make a cute gift. Trinket dishes or jewellery boxes are always a good idea, like this Paperchase Hexagon Jewellery Box and Sass and Belle Gold Cactus Dish. 

Do you like to receive any home bits at Christmas? 

This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

A Rose Round Up

When it comes to rose, I can pretty much have it any form; in food, in skincare and in fragrance too. It's hands down one of, if not my favourite, scent and due to this, I thought it was about time that I sat down and put together a compilation of my top picks for you. 

Skincare is my favourite way to incorporate rose in my routine, Fresh being the stand out brand for me. Their rose range is one of my favourites and I'm yet to be disappointed by what they have on offer. I bought the Fresh Deep Hydration Rose Facial Toner when I was in Paris back in August and I've been smitten with it ever since. The Fresh Rose Face Mask* and Moisturiser* are a dream team for whenever my skin is feeling parched and is needed of a hydration boost. With prolonged use I've seen a difference in my skin and the way my complexion feels, which is a good sign when it comes to a routine. 

The Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser is next on the list and one that only has a faint floral rose scent but it's still super dreamy to use. This is going to be a repurchase of mine as my skin loves it. It removes my makeup with ease, soothes my complexion and is great for both the morning and evening. 

For a quick skincare fix, I love both the Sephora Sheet Masks and the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist*, the latter being one that is great at waking you up and refreshing your face midday. They're both great at nourishing the skin and giving it the extra boost that it sometimes needs. 

Perfumes are fairly personal, and as someone who tends to sway towards floral scents, rose notes tend to be in there somewhere. The Jo Malone Velvet Rose and Oud is now an empty bottle, but it's still one I spritz whenever I go into store. There's something about it that has the perfect balance between floral and warm, making it very fitting for the colder months. Another fragrance I love is Diptyque Do Son EDT, one that would be great for those who don't want to have an obvious rose scent in their perfume - It's luxe feeling and lasts all day on the skin! 

I have to give a quick mention to my favourite rose scented candle, the Diptyque Roses offering. Although I've used this up, it still scents the room whenever I take the cloche off and it's one that I would repurchase because I love burning it a lot, especially during the Spring. 

What are your favourite rose products? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

The Products That Have Surprised Me Recently

I've been trialling lots of products recently, and although some of them are exactly how I imagined them to be, others have surprised me with how they have worked. Here are a few of the products that recently surprised me: 

Before trying Huda Beauty, I had the impression that it'd be makeup for those who liked a stronger, more 'instagrammable' worthy look. The liquid lipsticks shades always appealed to me, but I was never convinced that the formula would actually be for me (and dare I say it, I thought it was hyped up!). To my surprise, they've quickly become one of my favourites, as they're super lightweight and can be reapplied like a dream without flaking or caking. I have the Mini Nude Collection* and I love that I have four shades to mix and match with. 

Glossier are a brand that I'm so glad I discovered this year, but there are a few products that I didn't think would be my favourite; the Wowder Face Powder being one of them. It wasn't that I didn't think I'd like it, I just didn't expect it to be as good as it actually is. It improves the longevity of my makeup like no other, and I've put it to the test in multiple situations including on nights out and outdoor exercising - This does not budge. 

For hair, whenever anything says that it's a spray-in and leave formula, I tend to steer clear because they often make my hair feel crispy and look greasy. When I got sent the Mane 'n Tale Detangler Spray*, I've got to admit I put it away for a while and forgot about it, but when my hair got extremely knotted after I had my hair up exercising, I decided to give this a go. As someone with curly hair, my childhood was mostly having a hair brush tugged through my hair, tears running down my face and my ears getting caught up in the brushing too. This stuff honestly makes hair brushing a dream and it's the first detangler spray that I've been able to use on wet hair and it not make my hair a weird, greasy, too-sleek finish. 

Initially when I tried out the Bilou Cream Foams* I wasn't impressed, in fact I hated the tacky feeling it left on my arms so much that I put them in my 'to give away' pile. One night, my legs were feeling a little on the dry side and I only had a can of Bilou to hand, so I quickly sprayed a little bit of the Cotton Candy scent on my limbs and left the house. I was so surprised at how well it worked at quickly nourishing and sinking into the skin without leaving that dreaded tacky feeling and I still have no idea why it works on my legs, but not the rest of my body. 

Another body product that surprised me was the Glossier Body Hero Oil Wash as I bought it on a whim and after seeing several online reviews, and I was skeptical as to whether I would like the scent. It was love at first sniff honestly and I didn't quite expect it to be as good as it actually is - A success! 


I first clocked the Fresh Rose Face Mask* on holiday in Paris back in August, but I was originally put off by the scent of it as it wasn't really the floral scent that I had hoped for. When Fresh kindly sent me over a parcel this was in it and I can't believe how much the scent has changed - It must have just been overwhelming in Sephora at the time. This mask has exceeded my expectations, keeping my skin nourished and radiant. 

What products have surprised you recently? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

A Christmas Gift Guide: Beauty Treats

I've been undecided about when to put out my first christmas gift guide for a while, but I finally decided to publish it and you're in luck because it's a good 'un. As a beauty lover myself, I know how difficult it can be to buy for somebody when there's so many different gift sets on the market and everything can become a little overwhelming. Whether it's to treat yourself or a loved one, here are my top picks: 

I think we all need to appreciate the new Jouer Best Of Nudes and Powder Highlight Trio because those two offerings are seriously what dreams are made of! For what you get- although these are minis- they are a pretty good price and would make a great main present for somebody (of yourself) if you're not sure what to get them. 

Hourglass are a very luxe brand that always come out with the dreamiest of palettes; the Volume Ambient Lighting Volume 3 offering not being an exception to this. They've recently released travel size versions of their Bronzer and Powder, so this may be a good idea if you want to get it for somebody to try out before they buy the big size - Plus in my opinion, the little sizes will probably last enough time as I've barely made a dent in mine. 

The Stila Gift Sets have really impressed me this year, but it's the Written In The Stars* set that has had me smitten. Although they're not full sized, you still got a good amount of product in them, as there's three and you only need a small amount with each application. This set would be a lovely gift for those who love to do a party look, or for yourself over the Christmas period. 

Another brand that have really upped their festive gift set and packaging game is Pixi, plus they're quite good value too. The set I've got, the Pixi Skin Treat Duo*, contains the Glow Tonic which is £18 on it's own and the Peel and Polish which is £26, so the set, which comes in at £32 saves you £12! In my opinion their sets are the best I've seen when it comes to value for your money. 

Skincare sets are really having their moment this year and the Fresh sets are up there on my wishlist. The Sugar Lip Lovelies is a really nice idea for those who love their lip products and it even includes a mini sugar lip treatment which are one of my favourite treat products. 

Both the Huda Beauty Nude Love Collection* and Becca Glow On The Go* are good sets for those who you're not sure about, as these will go down a treat with pretty much anybody. They're mini and super cute too - So great if you want to treat yourself. 

Charlotte Tilbury is always going to be a brand that people will love to receive and luckily they do some dreamy gift sets to make our lives a little bit easier. From Mini Lipsticks to a Skincare Set, they've got pretty much everything covered. 

Perfumes are what is top of my Christmas list this year and I already have my eye on a few; the Giorgio Armani Si and Byredo Rose Of No Man's Land (the dream!). Some of the sets aren't worth the money, but if you look closely sometimes you can get a better deal - It's all about searching I find when it comes to perfumes around Christmas time. 

Here are a few of my other top picks: 

What's on your beauty wishlist this year? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

Five Autumnal Essie Picks

After doing Three Summer Essie Picks and Five Essie Nudes back in the Summer, I thought it was about time that I added a new addition all about my favourite Autumnal shades that look perfect paired with layers of clothes ready for the chillier weather. 

If I had to chose, Ladylike would probably be my favourite all-round nail vanish as it looked chic with minimal effort. It's the lightest of the bunch, but it is my favourite mauve nude hybrid that I own - Incredibly dreamy and a must have! 

I picked up Clothing Optional when their Wild Nudes Collection was first released and it's been a favourite ever since. It's unlike anything I've owned before as it's a mix between a berry and a brown, so it's very fitting for the Autumn season. 

Angora Cardi did it's rounds in blogging many years ago, but it's unique berry hue is absolutely dreamy, so it's no wonder that it's stayed around. It's darker than the other two offerings, but is still great if you're not after a super intense, statement nail vanish. Although most of the Essie nail vanishes wear well, I'm not sure if there's something extra in Angora Cardi's formula because I find it lasts so much longer on my nails than the other offerings. 

A long serving favourite of mine has been Bahama Mama, it's one of, if not the first Essie nail vanish I ever bought and there's something about it that just reminds me of all the Autumns and Christmas' at once. Over the Christmas period, I often wear this with a glitter on top to add a festive spin to it. 

Lastly, there's Sole Mate, a deep plum hue that at first glance could be comparable to Bahama Mama, but it's a lot darker in tone. With two coats, you get an opaque finish and with a quick slick of a top coat, you'll have gorgeous, sleek nails - It's one I've been reaching for when I want something to go with everything. 

What are your favourite Essie colours? 

This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

Berry Makeup Favourites

Whenever Autumn rolls around I always crack out the berry tones to add to my makeup, especially my cheeks and lips. Berry hues can be easily paired with a bare base, a champagne highlighter or a glittery hue for either an easy to wear look or a party one. They don't always have to be overwhelming either, as I've found a few shades that can be worn daily, and statement offerings for those who want to go bold. Here are my top picks: 

If you're looking for a strong, matte option then the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are your best bet, especially in the shades Copenhagen and Budapest*. The latter is great for those who want to wear a bold lip on a daily basis without it being too dark, whereas Copenhagen is slightly more berry and darker in tone. 

The Sephora Marvellous Mauve is a liquid lipstick that is great if you want a berry/nude hybrid lip as this can easily be worn everyday, but it still is Autumnal in tone. Similar lipsticks to this are the Colourpop Lumiere and Clinique Plum Pop Lipstick, which aren't liquid lipsticks, but they're still easy everyday options when you don't want anything too bright - They're nourishing and comfortable on the lips too. 

For my cheeks, I have been using the shade Endophoric Fushion from my Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush Palette, as the soft lilac hue adds just the right amount of colour to my lacklustre complexion, whilst being very fitting for my Autumn makeup. I like to swirl my brush around in the marbled pan to add a dreamy flush of berry to my cheeks. 

Another blusher I love this time of the year is the NYX Mauve Me Ombre offering, a matte pick that is great for when you want something a little bit more understated. It's one of the only matte blushers that truly works for my skin; other offerings can appear odd as they dull down my skin tone too much and look unnatural, whereas this gives a gorgeous boost of colour in a sweep! 

A versatile berry blusher I have been using is the Glossier Haze Cloud Paint, as this can be sheered out with a beauty blender for a natural tint or built up for more of a statement look. It's super lightweight, blends into the skin effortlessly and is one of my top picks in this line up. 

For nails, the options are endless and nails are one of my favourites ways to add a berry hue (a full blog post will be coming soon), but Essie's Sole Mate is just one of my go-to's. Although dark, it looks chic, sleek and perfect in just two layers - ideal for a Autumn/Winter manicure on a cold, cosy evening. 

What are your favourite berry makeup picks? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

A Pamper Routine For The Colder Weather

The cold, frosty days makes me want to gather up all my blankets, grab my favourite hot drink and have a luscious bubble bath with candles. These Autumnal nights between now and Christmas are perfect for regular self-care evenings and I've got to say I'm loving every minute of them. 

I've done a whole blog post on the latest Lush Christmas collection, but that doesn't stop me mentioning my favourite pieces everywhere else. The Magic Wand is great when you want to create oodles of bubbles that you can sink into, whilst smelling deliciously of a sweet, comforting scent. 

Another body treat is the Glossier Body Hero Oil Wash, a nourishing pick that helps to hydrate my limbs and make them look radiant again. It's great for anybody who doesn't want to spend ages after the bath putting on body moisturiser, especially now it's got so cold outside! 

A face mask is an essential of a pamper night and I like to opt for two to make sure that I treat all my skin woes. To decongest my complexion, I reach for the Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack as it banishes blemishes and soothes redness, all whilst not drying my skin out like usual clarifying masks do. 

Hydration is something I take seriously when it comes to my skin, so the two hydrating masks that I rate the most are the Glow Recipe Watermelon Sleeping Mask* and the Fresh Rose Mask* offering. They not only add a generous amount of moisture to my complexion, but they both make my skin look radiant and calm, which is something that my lacklustre skin loves. 

A fresh manicure and pedicure is another pamper evening must have of mine. It'll come as no surprise that my go-to nail vanish brand of choice is Essie; more specifically the Autumnal shades, Angora Cardi, Sole Mate and Bahama Mama. With a quick coat or two and slick of a top coat, your nails will be looking in tip top condition. 

What does your pamper routine consist of? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

A Minimal Weekend Face

Although I love experimenting with different makeup looks, on a relaxed weekend I tend to reach for the more minimal makeup pieces to conceal any redness, without adding to much coverage to just give my complexion a healthy, natural glow. 

One of the main focuses of minimal makeup is a great base beforehand. I like to focus on the skincare and more specifically, the moisturiser I use. The Farmacy Honey Drop Moisturiser* was one that took me by surprise and it looks great underneath makeup as it calms the skin and hydrates too. 

Glossier is a brand that is the epitome of fresh, minimal looking makeup, so it comes as no surprise that this round up is made up of mostly their products. For my base, I've been skipping on foundation, instead opting for the Stretch Concealer and Wowder Powder. Both of these are great at covering blemishes, evening out my skin tone and adding a matte, not flat finish to my complexion. Despite being super lightweight on the skin, this duo offers great longevity. The only downfall is that I feel like the concealer won't be light enough for me if I get any paler this Winter. 

Minimal makeup for me is all about multi-use products and although I like to wear the bare minimum on my eyes, cheeks and lips, I am not opposed to a highlight or two. The Fenty Beauty Starstruck Match Stix is great if you want a glow that's understated and can be blended out to the way you want it to look. If I want something that can be used as a highlighter, as a way of adding colour to my cheeks and can be used on the lids too I opt for the Becca Rose Gold Skin Perfector* as it's a great multi-tasker. 

On the weekend, I want to add a bit of colour to my cheeks, especially this time of the year when my skin can look a little lacklustre. The Glossier Cloud Paints are great for adding a pop of colour and as they're a super lightweight, gel like consistency, you don't run the risk of it looking unnatural no the skin. 

For lips, there's nothing better than the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments because they're perfectly pigmented and hydrating, making them a great overall pick for the weekend. You can apply them easily without a mirror and easily re-apply during the day. 

What are your minimal makeup basics? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE:

Autumn Skincare Routine

The biggest changes in my skincare routine tend to come around this time of the year. The cold weather tends to make my complexion dehydrated and the abundance of Christmas chocolate coming into the shops tends to play havoc with my skin too. I've been getting into skincare much more lately, so I thought I'd share with you some of my Autumn skincare switch ups. 

My cleansing routine is fairly similar to what it was a couple of months ago (despite running dreadfully low on my Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser), but I switched to a different morning cleanser to help make my skin feel as clean as can be and refreshed after a night's sleep. The Caolion Pore Triple Action Stick* has been a slower burner for me as it didn't really take off my makeup as effectively as I would like, but when using it on bare skin in the morning I found it visibly made my skin look clearer in a few days. It's super easy to use being in stick form, and I really just enjoy using it in the morning. 

The Pixi Glow Tonic* has made it's way back into my skin care routine - can we get a hallelujah? It's budget alternative went a bit awol over the start of Autumn, so I cracked this one out and I'm so glad I still enjoy it. It helps with blemishes, keeps my complexion looking radiant and is everything I want in a skin clarifying toner. 

Masks have been my downfall these few months, I've used one almost everyday and I found that they really helped to combat any of my skin woes as I could tailor which ones I reached for depending on what I felt like that day. For hydration, I've been reaching for the Fresh Rose Mask* and Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask*. They're both great at really deeply nourishing my skin, getting rid of any dry patches and making my complexion look in tip-top condition. 

For when I'm suffering with blemishes, the Glossier Mega Greens Galaxy Pack has been a go-to. Unlike other clay offerings that often strip any moisture out my skin, this one draws impurities out whilst slightly hydrating - A pleasant surprise from Glossier considering this was the one product I thought I would dislike before I even tried it! 

When I like a brand I do tend to buy other products in the range; Fresh, Glossier and Pixi are just three examples of this. A new brand I've been loving and have lusted after for many months now is Farmacy and the Honey Drop Moisturiser* is a much needed addition to my morning skincare routine. I feel like I've really upped my game when it comes to what I use after I've woken up and this offering is great for when I want to calm my skin, yet nourish it too. It's not too heavy so can easily be worn underneath makeup, but for me personally it's not what I'd look for in an evening moisturiser. 

For an evening moisturiser, I have been reaching for the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration* pick and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised with how well it's improved my skin. When it comes to moisturiser, I want something that'll leave my skin feeling clean, hydrated and radiant, and this one does it all, but at a whole new level - I'm smitten and when paired with the mask my skin looks improved overnight (yes that good). 

What is in your Autumn skincare routine? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliate links. 

SHARE: