- All links in this post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it has been gifted with no obligation to post about it. Head to my disclaimer for more information -
I'm quite picky when it comes to foundations at the best of times, but when the weather gets warmer, I add to the never ending list of qualities I look for in a base. I want a foundation that has great longevity, a lightweight feel and a good amount of coverage all whilst looking natural. Here are my five current favourite everyday Summer bases.
First up is a long time go-to of mine and it's the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum* which ticks all the right boxes. The radiance it gives off is amazing as it doesn't make my complexion appear sweaty, but it covers my blemishes enough that if I want to go without concealer then I can.
I didn't expect to like the It Cosmetics CC+ Cream* as much as I do, but with added SPF and the way it perfects my skin- it's a Summer must have. Although it feels comfortable to wear, it still offers a good amount of coverage, making it great for if you want to wear it out in the evening too.
If the It Cosmetics offering is a little bit on the steep side for you then I'd recommend checking out the NYX Bare With Me Tinted Skin Veil as I find they have a similar finish and formula. It doesn't have the SPF protection or longevity that CC Cream has, but it's a great alternative if you need something to wear on a day to day basis.
The Kosas Tinted Face Oil* is the newest in this line up and it's recently come to the UK via Cult Beauty. It's unlike any of the other bases that I've featured as it's ultra light in touch so much so that you can barely feel it on the skin. If you've got an oily complexion I don't think this will be the one for you as it does need powdering when first applied, but if you like a glowy base then definitely check it out.
Last up is the Lumene Instant Glow Fresh Skin Tint* which is a hydrating option that has a light coverage to just illuminate and even out the skin tone, whilst making your skin underneath shine through.
What are your favourite Summer bases?
- All links in this post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it has been gifted with no obligation to post about it. Head to my disclaimer for more information -
Ahh... Glow Recipe. The brand that has burst onto the UK scene not to long ago and their fruit themed, moorish scented products have been hyped and coveted ever since. Having tried the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask* before, I was very happy to get my hands on the rest of the range to try out from Cult Beauty and today I'm sharing with you my first impression review since I started using it a few weeks ago.
It's not very often, especially when it comes to skincare, that a product makes me go WOW on the first application, but the Glow Recipe Pineapple-C Bright Serum* did just that. Unlike other serums where they can be a little bit more of the thinner side, this comes out gloopy which is something I like. Despite being rich in lots of the good stuff including natural AHA's and ascorbic acid (words that may not mean a lot to everybody), this serum still remains super gentle on my skin, yet immediately smoothed and added glow to my skin overnight. I'm honestly excited to see how my skin reacts to this over the next few months as this has been a real treat to use instead of my usual glycolic acid in cleanser or toner form. The packaging has to be talked about because it's just so cute in it's pineapple shaped bottle and the scent makes it smell good enough to eat!
Next up is the Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturiser*, which after trying the mask of the same name, immediately went on my wishlist upon it's release. This silky soft, yet oil free moisturiser sinks into the skin quickly, feeling weightless on the skin. This doesn't make it any less hydrating however as it contributes to the brightness and smoothness of my complexion. I would usually reach for a product like this in the morning, but it's been a delight to have something to apply in the Summer that cools the skin and still shows the results in the morning. This states clearly that it can be used straight up as a moisturiser on more oily skin types or as a serum on those with a dehydrated complexion, which is something to note, but I do find that this is enough during those warmer months.
The Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser* is a stand out product from their range due to the unique texture of it's formula that feels like a slightly thicker than the usual gel-like consistencies you get. It foams up which is something I usually steer clear of as it can be a little drying, but this one doesn't feel that way at all, in fact it makes my complexion feel super soft and clean.
The only product that I don't really get along with is the Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist* which is absolutely beautiful there's no doubt about it and if you're a fan of the likes of the Pixi Glow Setting Sprays then you'll be even more wow'd by this. It doesn't leave any speckles on the skin which is a definite perk, but it adds a serious glow anyway. For me, I just find that the oily formula just doesn't work with my sensitive skin, but for many it's definitely worth checking out.
Have you tried Glow Recipe? What products do you want to try?
- All links in this post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it has been gifted with no obligation to post about it. Head to my disclaimer for more information -
When it comes to treating yourself to a new high end skincare treat, I know how difficult it can be to decide. I have put together a list of five of my favourite high end skincare brands that I believe you could check out and a few products from each to look into.
Origins has been a favourite of mine for many years, it was one of my first ever high end skincare brands that I tried and I feel like I've stayed rather faithful to them ever since. The Ginzing Moisturiser has been one I've repurchased a handful of times what with it being a favourite with both my boyfriend and I, but the stand out product for me at the moment is the Makeup Removing Jelly which I've sadly come to the end to.
There's just something about Kiehl's always entices me. The simple packaging and gentle, yet effective formulas are just part of the reason I love this brand so much. The Ultra Facial Cream is another firm favourite in our household and it's lightweight, yet nourishing texture keeps my complexion hydrated all year around. A lot of their other products are also worth the hype and if I ever see a store when I'm around, I can't help but pop in!
Clinique is a cult brand for a reason, the Take The Day Off Balm being the first product I ever bought from them and one that kept me coming back for more. The Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly* has over taken the balm as my top product from Clinique due to the fact that it's incredibly nourishing, lightweight and sinks in quickly - plus it feels like I've had this a lifetime!
Ahh... Pixi. The brand that deserves all the hype it's getting. From the famous Glow Tonic* toner to the highly coveted Peel and Polish*, they really are a brand that offers some incredible skincare products up. I've done a full blog post on my favourites here, but honestly I recommend checking out their whole site and collections as I'm sure you'll find something to suit your skin type and concerns.
The next two brands I'm going to talk about are high end brands on the more expensive end. Starting with Fresh, this brand has taken my skincare routine by storm and I can safely say I haven't tried a product from them I haven't liked, in fact I'd say I loved the majority of their products. Of course you'll probably know by now the Deep Rose Hydration range* is my all-time favourite especially the mask, toner and moisturiser - which helps to add a boost of moisture, making my complexion look brighter and feel softer.
Last up and number five, would be Drunk Elephant, a brand that I've recently discovered last year and it's now in the UK. The sleek packaging definitely entices me in and due to Instagram, I was certainly influenced into trying it out, but honestly some of the products are worth the hype. The Virgin Marula Oil* is absolutely fabulous especially during the colder seasons and the D-Bronzi Anti Pollution Sunshine Drops*.
Honourable mentions would be Glossier, Charlotte and Sunday Riley, three brands that have made it's way into my skincare routine on regular occasions.
What are your favourite high end skincare brands?
After setting my six month goals that I want to achieve before the end of the year, I started to realise there's quite a few habits that I want to quit before 2020. Here are five of those below:
Touching My Face | Of course I had to share a beauty habit I want to quit first and it was a struggle not to make this whole post about things I want to change when it comes to skincare and makeup. Touching my face is a habit I've picked up over time and I didn't even know how bad it'd got until I started exercising outside and my skin was getting bad from all the dirt I was putting on my face.
Not Taking A Lunch Break | As someone who works from home 90% of the time, I struggle quite badly with my work/life balance. I work late at least twice a week and Saturday is spent shooting content, so I've been trying to justify taking time off every now and again. Of course I shouldn't need to feel this way, so I'm starting off with taking a lunch break first and then slowly start to work on how long I work for every day.
Takeaways | We've actually got a lot better at this in the recent month or so, narrowing down our takeaway consumption to one a week if that. Saying this, we both struggle with having little to no motivation when it comes to cooking when we're both feeling like not, so once we have one takeaway or meal out, it's a struggle to stop. I cook 90% all our meals at home from scratch and really enjoy it, so I think it's just about finding quick recipes that can be whipped up in no time.
Starting The Day Without A Stretch | I've started practising yoga in the morning a lot more as I found that I was feeling a lot tighter and creakier than I used to. It's especially good the morning after I've had a workout, so I'm trying to make it a daily habit.
Phone Before Bed | I've got out of the habit of reading recently, but I love how much it relaxes me and clears my mind especially before bed. Instead of picking up a book, I've been on my phone for an hour before trying to drift off and I just want to quit this habit ASAP - maybe even putting my phone in another room until the next morning.
What habits would you like to quit?
- All links in this post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it has been gifted with no obligation to post about it. Head to my disclaimer for more information -
Of course it goes without saying that I'm a massive makeup fan; I try out many new skincare brands regularly as well, but when it comes to body care I don't tend to speak about them as much. I'm quite faithful to the body care brands that I do use, I tend to repurchase a lot of them and have been using them for years, so today I'm sharing with you my go-to that are worth checking out.
First up is SBC, the newest brand to me in this line up, but it's made this post because of how amazing each product I've tried is. Just for a disclaimer, I have done multiple sponsored posts with them, but this is in no way paid for, I just love their products so much. The Watermelon Range is one of my favourites as it smells good enough to eat all whilst being hydrating and fitting for Summer. Their ranges always smells delicious and change depending on the season, so it's a brand I come back to time and time again.
Lush had to be included in this line up as not only are their bath bombs famous amongst many, their lotions and potions deserve the love too. Their In Shower Body Conditioner is a unique product that gets released in all sorts of scents, but essentially it does what it says on the tin and moisturises your body when you're in the bath or shower which is great if you want a healthy dose of hydration in the Winter or you're feeling like skipping post-shower moisturising instead. The Sleepy Body Lotion is my favourite for when I want to relax as the lavender ingredient helps me to drift off, all whilst it's nourishing my skin too.
Way back when I used to spend all my pocket money in the miniature isle of Boots, it was Soap and Glory that I was obsessed with. Their body butters and scrubs still remain one of my most repurchased products ever and I find their new releases get better every time too. It's a budget, high street brand that deserves all the love that they get as their cute packaging and great formulas like Heel Genius*, Hand Food* and Smoothie Star Body Butter Cream* are three of my favourites.
What are your favourite body care brands?
- This post is a paid collaboration with Fragrance Direct, but all thoughts are my own. All links in this post are affiliate links. Please see my disclaimer for more info. -
Summer is officially here! The sunshine is blazing hot and I'm ready to switch up my beauty for this season. I've been dabbling in cream formulas, glowy makeup and a fresh spritz of floral perfume for a while now, but today I wanted to share with you my favourite new-in Summer beauty picks.
If there's one scent that reminds me of sunny days and beaches, it's the highly coveted Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess which gets released every Summer. This delicious fragrance with notes of coconut milk, vanilla and mandarin lingers on the skin for hours whilst not being too overpowering, but scenting the body just the right amount. I can't believe I've never owned this perfume before, so I'm very glad I spotted it on Fragrance Direct's new in page.
As someone who has dehydrated skin, I suffer with dry patches and an irritated complexion all year around, so I rely on lots of lotions and potions to keep my skin feeling softer and looking smoother. I'm excited to give the bareMinerals Prime Time Original Foundation Primer a go because I've heard lots of good things about it over the years. From the first few uses it gives off a silky finish without feeling drying or pilling on the skin, instead it's lightweight, minimises texture by being slightly hydrating and also makes my foundation go on super smooth.
The Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation isn't a new in product for me as I've been using and loving it for years, but it is new on Fragrance Direct (so snap it up!). It's the perfect Summer base if you want to offer a good amount of coverage, whilst still looking natural and glowy. During the warm weather I always worry about my foundation slipping and sliding, but when set with a powder of choice I find this stays put and looks flawless for hours.
Another repurchase of mine is the Sleek Rose Gold Blusher which was a cult high street classic many years ago, but is one that has been said to be a dupe for Nars Orgasm. It's got a neutral pink hue with gold flecks running through it that compliments my complexion during the Summertime as well as acting as a slight highlighter if I don't want to go full on with my makeup.
To round off my everyday Summer makeup, I like to opt for a nude or pink lip as I find this can be reapplied easily and go from day to night too. The Nars Pigalle Lipstick is absolutely gorgeous and if you're an Autumn baby at heart like myself, then I think you'll love this even more as it has slight brown undertones to it that can easily be transitioned from this season to the next.
What are your current favourite Summer beauty picks?
- All links in this post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it has been gifted with no obligation to post about it. Head to my disclaimer for more information -
I absolutely love trying new products from brands that I've never used before, so when this trio of best selling IT Cosmetics products arrived from Cult Beauty, I couldn't wait to give them a try. I'm sure you're dying to know my thoughts, so I'll jump right in with my review.
First up is the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream* which I've heard lots about and to me, is the stand out product from what I got. I thought that this would be on the thicker side, but it's super easy to blend and looks natural on the skin. If you've got oily skin or you don't like your base on the dewier side, then maybe consider trying out the Oil-Free Matte version as this is very radiant and even though I've got a dry complexion, I still had to powder this one down. It offers a good amount of coverage and can be built up to conceal any redness or blemishes you have. When I first swatched my Fair shade I was worried that it was going to be far too light, but it oxidises slightly on skin over the first hour you've applied it and once I applied my bronzer and blusher, it ended up being a good match.
When looking for an under eye concealer, I like something lighter than my foundation shade to ensure that it not only conceals any discolouring I have, but to brighten too. I thought that the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer* would be the perfect offering for this, but we have to talk about the shade range too. The shade I got which is the lightest one is super light (like it's nearly white), however upon inspecting the swatches online, the next shade up which is Medium would have been far too dark - that's something to note. This concealer offers an amazing amount of full coverage, you only need a small amount to cover everything and it's by far the thickest concealer I've ever used.
I love trying a cult favourite mascara, but as I'm super fussy, I always wonder how much I'll actually enjoy it. I've just cracked open the IT Cosmetics Superhero Mascara* and from first application, I was impressed. It lengthened, added volume and holds a curl, the only down fall is that the longevity isn't great, but it has to be mentioned this could be down to the super hot weather we're having in the UK. The brush is a lot thinner than what I'm used to, so the precision is great. The scent of the mascara is quite potent, so those with sensitive eyes may need to be aware of this when applying and removing as I've found that my eyes have started to get sore and irritated whenever I used it.
On the whole, I have been impressed with IT cosmetics and would continue to try out more of their products in the future. Their simple, yet sleek packaging is aesthetically pleasing, but the CC cream has been a firm favourite this Summer.
What are your favourite products from IT Cosmetics?
- All links in this post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it has been gifted with no obligation to post about it. Head to my disclaimer for more information -
Nude makeup is one of my favourite looks to create; I love how it can softly define my features and be worn from day to night. Here are some of my top nude makeup picks:
I prep my face using the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Serum* to hydrate and soften the skin before makeup and I spritz the Urban Decay Summer Solstice Spray* after to ensure that my foundation gets locked in once I apply it. For primer, I apply a healthy dose of the Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow* to help perk up my complexion, adding a soft glow to help illuminate the areas I want it to.
Picking a foundation isn't the most important as long as it's one that I love and will do what I want it to do that day. The Ciaté Extraordinary Foundation, Too Faced Born This Way Foundation* and the IT Cosmetics CC Cream* are all in the running when putting together this look.
I personally feed like blusher, bronzer and highlighter really pull this kind of look together, so picking the perfect products is vital. As someone who likes both cream and powder products I'm not opposed to mixing them together. The Milk Makeup Baked Bronzer is ultra creamy and blends into the complexion seamlessly, whilst my liquid blusher of choice would be the Glossier Dusk Cloud Paint as it's brown undertones work well with the rest of my nude makeup.
If I want a powder alternative, I use the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow* followed by the Hourglass Euphoric Fusion Blusher*. This mauve offering is perfect if you find brown toned blushers wash you out and you want to keep with the nude theme whilst adding just a tiny amount of colour.
For my eyes, I like to keep them as bare as possible, only allowing for a soft wash of one colour over the lids. Usually this is in the form of whatever bronzer I've used that day, brightening up the inner eye with a highlighter too. The illuminator of choice for all over my face is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy* which adds just the right amount of glow without being too overpowering or un-nautral looking.
There's a new nude lipstick around here and it's the Charlotte Tilbury Dancefloor Princess* which is part of the new Hot Lips 2 collection. World Duty Free are now stocking Charlotte Tilbury at London Heathrow at Terminal 5.
What are your favourite nude makeup picks?
- All links in this post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it has been gifted with no obligation to post about it. Head to my disclaimer for more information -
As someone with very dehydrated, lacklustre skin, I rely on moisturiser all year around to keep my face not only feeling softer, but looking smoother too. I've gone through quite the fair share of moisturisers over the years, so I feel like I'm a connoisseur when it comes to finding the right one for a dry complexion.
It has to be mentioned that there are three stand out products missing from this line up, so I'm going to immediately take this post from five moisturisers to try to eight! The Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is an OG in my collection, but one that I need an excuse at the moment to repurchase. It's lightweight and sinks in quickly, but that doesn't stop it from being incredible nourishing. The Clinique Moisture Surge works in a similar way, but with more of a silky feel so this one is perfect to apply underneath makeup as it doubles up as a primer - I miss it everyday and I seriously need to grab myself another pot. The last one is the Origins Ginzing offering, a pick loved by everyone in my household. It brightens, it hydrates and it keeps the skin looking (and feeling!) ultra-soft all day long.
Next in this line up and one that I have back ups of already is the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream*, a product that reminds me of the classic moisturisers you used to get as it has a thicker texture to the others I've mentioned in this post. It's luxurious and feels like a treat as soon as you apply it - a preferred product for the evening after a deep double cleanse.
Another product that works in a similar way is the Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Cream which I've had multiple tubs of and for a very good reason too. It's thick formula sinks into the skin quickly and leaves my skin feeling softer within minutes. If my complexion is feeling dehydrated and I need an instant fix that I know will work every time, this is the product I reach for.
If you're looking for more of a lightweight pick then I'd recommend the Clinique Dramatically Different Jelly*, a product that straddles being both a moisturiser and a serum. I feels like water on the skin when you apply it making it cooling and soothing at the same time. The Sunday Riley Tidal Cream* is next up and this has a similar gel-like consistency that feels silky on the skin and is a great all rounder for both day and night.
Last up is the Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentrate*, a product I've been using for years now and one that I rely on especially in the Winter months when my skin needs some serious TLC. I find that this works well around my nose and mouth area in particular when my complexion needs a drink!
What are your favourite moisturisers?
- All links in this post are affiliate links. If a product is marked with a * it has been gifted with no obligation to post about it. Head to my disclaimer for more information -
When the weather is warm and sunny, I like keep my base makeup glowy, whilst adding a pop of colour on the lips, eyes or cheeks. I like to keep a lot of my makeup nude during this time of the year, but adding a perky pink blusher or a vibrant fuchsia to the lips can help bring a makeup look from day to night with ease.
First up I have to talk about the product that inspired this whole post and that's the Charlotte Tilbury The Queen Lipstick*. It's a shade that I always get complimented on and despite wearing it a lot throughout Winter and the festive season, this intense matte pink offering looks beautiful with extra highlighter on your cheekbones and a glossy lid too.
For the cheeks, I have the Glossier Haze Cloud Paint which is a cream formula that sets down on the skin after you've blended it in. I've used this a lot blended out to look more subtle, but you can build it up for more of a pop of colour. I feel like this paired with a clearly gloss on the lips and a slight sparkle in your eyeshadow too!
If you're not into cream products then the Nars Orgasm Blusher* in my next favourite as with a light hand you can add the perfect flush, but with a few applications you can really build it up. I don't like purchasing too many products like blushers that can only be used one way if they're too intense as I like to use them all year around, so this one is perfect for creating this kind of makeup look.
Just like I mentioned, I'm into a lot of nude shades and I don't like owning too many products that are too intense for me to use on a regular basis, so when it comes to adding a pop of colour to my eyes i tend to reach for the warm tones and pinks. The Hourglass Reflect Scattered Lights Eyeshadow is great when you want something super easy for the evening as this can be used as just one wash of colour on the lids. It's a shimmering gold, pink shade that isn't for the faint hearted, but I love it.
The other option I like is the Nars Mini Wanted Palette* and more specifically the two shades on the right which have a coppery, red tone to them that can be used with a soft matte brown for a super rich smokey eye.
Lastly is my favourite part and that's rainbow nails - the recent trend that I'm absolutely loving. You don't need to just go with reds, blues and greens, you can make them variants of the same colour making for an ombre-like effect. I've been scouring the Essie aisles a lot recently, Cute As A Button being a regular feature in my manicures.
How do you like adding a pop of colour to your routine?
I can't quite believe that it's July already; before we know it it'll be 2020! I wish this season would slow down a bit though, but with the recent spate of 34 degree weather, I think it's going to stay warm for a while. Here are five things I've added to my July to-do list.
Plan Lots of Outfit Shots | Our local poppy, lavender and sunflower fields are slowly, but surely coming out, so I've got to plan some time to do a photoshoot in each of these locations. I love photographing in the Summer because we have such long evenings, so I can get lots done without having to think I've got to wrap it all up by 4pm. Think flowing white dresses, straw hats and culottes!
Book An European Trip | We want to go on our next European trip in September, so thought this month would be best to put everything in motion; planning where we want to go first followed up by how we're going to get there and where we'll be staying. I'm thinking Romania, Amsterdam city and Luxembourg at the moment!
Enjoy The Sunshine | I think it's easy to overestimate how long this lovely weather will stick around for and if you're anything like me, I find it even easier to moan about how too hot it is. I was to make it my mission to make the most of the sunshine,
Read More | I've got it in my head that I want to make my way through my TRP this Summer, so I can get some fresh books in the Autumn. I convince myself I can't find time, but I think taking even half an hour before bed to settle down with a read will help me get through one in no time at all.
Do HIIT Workouts | I ride my bike during the warmer months atleast four times a week, but I love to challenge myself in my own at-home workouts too. I think it's a great way to lift my mood if I'm feeling sluggish and it works all my muscles too.
What's on your July to-do list?
