August Beauty Favourites

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August was full to the brim with sunny evenings, thirty degree weather and lots of ice lollies... but it's now coming to the end and Autumn is on the horizon. I don't usually do regular monthly favourites posts, but I thought as I have a few products I wanted to share, now would be the perfect time! 

I've been trying to take better care of my hair over the past couple of months and I've finally got a handful of products that are helping me to achieve fuller, healthier locks. The Mane N Tail Hair Strengthener* helps to detangle as well as smooth and soften, but I wanted to put it to the test on how well it actually strengthens. Now, I can only go on feel, but after a month of using this, my hair feels in a lot better condition and when I don't use this daily, I certainly know the difference!

The shampoo I've been using is the Lee Stafford Keep It Clean* which does what it says on the tin as it works to get rid of any product build up and grease you have in your hair without stripping or making your scalp dry. It's similar to the Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo with how it makes my hair feel, but the scent of these two haircare products are absolutely amazing. 

I tend to be quite good when it comes to adding SPF to my face and the rest of my body, but when it comes to my lips - they tend to get neglected. This means that I've spent most of the Summer slathering on lip balm to get them back to tip top condition. My go-to have been the Girl Undiscovered Pink Skies* which is an ultra-luxe balm to oil offering that helps to keep your lips feeling soft, smooth and nourished. 

I've got a transitional skincare routine planned to share with you, but I had to include one of my favourite products in this post too. The Liz Earle Balancing Gel Mask* has such an unique texture because it's thicker in texture than a traditional gel mask, but it still feels lightweight and nourishing. It takes just five minutes to improve the appearance and feel of your skin which is great when you have little time in the evening. 

Onto makeup now and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation* had to make an appearance because since posting my full review here, I've continued to like it more and more. It's formula is comfortable on the skin, it photographs beautifully and has great longevity especially in the warm weather. 

For lipstick, I've been wearing pretty much one lipstick the whole entire month and that's the Charlotte Tilbury Dancefloor Princess*, a product that was part of the Hot Lips 2 collection. It's got a nourishing formulas that easy to top up and it goes with a variety of makeup looks. 

What are your favourite products this August? 

Transitional Fashion Wishlist | Rust + Dark Florals

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With the sudden spate of warm weather, I'm probably still premature in getting excited for the next cosier, colder season. I've seen quite a few previews of what will be hot this Autumn and I'm super excited to pick up a few new pieces for my wardrobe. Two of the most common trends are dark florals and rust hues, so I've picked out a my top favourite picks for this transitional fashion wishlist. 

This Hollister Colourblock Jumper is absolutely perfect of the upcoming season as it looks like it'd go well with a rust coloured midi skirt and boots as well as a casual pair of ripped jeans! I've been eyeing up getting a couple of new pairs of boots because the one's that I've had for years (one being 7 years!) are starting to look a tad scruffy, so this Nasty Gal White Pair may need purchasing soon, however these slightly edgy Take a Hiker black ones look perfect too.  

I absolutely loved wearing my beret last year and despite the possibility that I've possibly shrunk mine in the wash, I still want to pick up another colour - this Monki Rust offering is just right. I've been shopping around for a panama hat too, but I can't find one at the moment that is sturdy enough and doesn't look a tad stupid on my head. 

I feel like I need to pick up a pair of long dungarees as they can look super casual and would be a cosy pick for the next season too. This Signature 8 Polka Dot pair are up there, but this simple Nasty Gal Black ones may be more suitable for everyday wear. 

Five To Buy From Glossier

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Glossier is the brand that's all the rage right now with it's  easy to use formulas and millennial pink packaging that has sent people into a frenzy. They've been the UK for a while now and I've previously done a Glossier full collection post with individual reviews of new releases too, but when it comes to purchasing your first product, I know how overwhelming it can be when there's so many products that get rave reviews.

This was a super hard round up to narrow down as I wanted to feature the Invisible Shield SPF, but I instead switched it out for the Milky Oil Makeup Remover. This pocket sized cleanser which sits in-between an oil and micellar water is perfect for taking off your eye makeup in one swipe of a cotton pad without tugging or irritating the area. I don't use it all over my face because the bottle is small, but it's so great at breaking down the day's mascara and eyeshadow. 

The cleanser that I do use all over my face is the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, a cult classic of theirs and for a very good reason. It's gel-like formula has a subtle rose scent that removes light makeup, but I like using this as a second cleanse as this leaves my complexion feeling supple and clean. They sell this is a trio set, which I would recommend as their original Priming Moisturiser nearly made this list as it's a great primer if you want a nourished, healthy feeling skin before makeup application. 

I'm very fussy when it comes to clay face masks so when I recommend this as one of my top three favourites - it means something! The Mega Greens Galaxy Pack helps to detoxify and draw out any impurities I have without drying or irritating my usually sensitive skin. It's great if you enjoy multi-masking too as I like this specifically on my t-zone to keep spots at bay. 

If there's one product you should atleast check out even if you think you won't be a fan of the brand is the Cloud Paints. These cream blushers have a lightweight formula that can be blended easily and they last throughout the day. It's nothing too intense, but they can be built up to a strong colour, but the lovely flushed hue is right up my street! 

Another makeup favourite of mine from Glossier is Wowder Setting Powder which I've recommend to everyone who will listen. If you're somebody who spills loose powder everywhere then this one will be for you as this has a light mesh which helps to contain the product inside. In terms of the powder itself, it sits beautifully on the skin, not caking nor wearing off after hours of wear. It keeps your complexion looking natural, demi-matte and long lasting all day. 

What are your favourite Glossier products? 

Four Cleansers On Trial

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It goes without saying that cleansers are a staple and one of the most important elements of your skincare routine, so it's important to get it right. They're of course personal to what you want to get out of your skincare as well as your skin type, but here are four cleansers I've been trialling at the moment. 

First up is the ARK Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser*, a pick from a brand I've never tried before, but I'm impressed by so far. It's formulated to be used by those in their teens and twenties, to not only keep your complexion free of blemishes, but to help maintain a healthy oil balance and nourish your skin too. It doesn't leave any residue, but it can be used as a first or second cleanse depending on how you like to establish a skincare routine. 

Another product I've been using a lot is the Pixi Vitamin-C Juice Cleanser* which promises to brighten, soothe and smooth your skin. It's got a similar formula to a micellar water, so it's super lightweight and cleanses the skin simply. I've been using this a lot in the evening when I want a super fresh feeling to my skin before bed or in the morning when I was a pick-me-up. 

There's quite the story behind the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish* as I first tried it in my mid-teens after asking for it for Christmas due to the lots of positives reviews I'd seen YouTubers do. Unfortunately my oily and very sensitive skin back then didn't like it, but I wanted to give it another go! It's thick, creamy texture removes makeup with ease and the muslin cloths that it comes with helps to exfoliate and leave the skin with 0 residue. I have been using this when I've had thick make up on as I like to save this for best, but the hydrating formula would be great once the weather starts the get colder. 

A favourite that I've been using for a while now is the Glow Recipe Blueberry Bounce Cleanser* which is great allrounder. It can remove makeup or simply just leave your complexion feeling a lot cleaner, all whilst nourishing and softening. The unique is similar to a gel, but it's a lot thicker so it feels luxurious to use - plus it smells delicious! 

What cleansers have you been enjoying using later? 

NEW Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation Review

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The NEW Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation* is here! Their highly sought-after and coveted new in product has landed in the UK and I've had the pleasure of trying it out for the past week. I wanted to share with you my first impressions and a little bit more information on ABH's first ever liquid foundation. 

With a waterproof, long wearing formula this promises to never clog your pores due to it being oil-free and it won't give you flashback if you're taking photographs in it. As for the coverage, this ticks the medium box nicely, but it's easy to sheer it out using a beauty blender or build up by applying another layer depending on if you want to cover any blemishes or an uneven skin tone. It's got a natural finish, that gives a soft glow which isn't what I was expecting as despite the name implying that it'd be luminous, I still thought it'd be more on the demi-matte side. This finish is right up my street though! 

Personally I'm very impressed with the shade range, with 50 different shades, ranging from fair to deep and lots of undertones to choose from, I think there's something for everybody. I got sent 140N and 150W, the latter being the shade I go for on a day to day basis as I find that it matches me slightly better. Despite being made for those who have beige undertones, it doesn't go pink or orange which I struggle with when I'm opting for a higher coverage foundation. If you're more a pink undertone, then I'm not sure if this range of shades would be for you as they all tend to teeter on the neutral side, but as you all know I absolutely love when this happens because it means I can find a match. 

The price of the foundation has to be mentioned because at £43 it's certainly on the steeper side and if you've got the money to buy it - I'd say it's definitely worth it. If you need an excuse to treat yourself, I'd say that you'll only need a small amount each day you use it, so unlike other foundations that can easily be used up in 6-8 weeks, I have a feeling this will last for more a couple months more. 

Shop this new foundation here.

Will you be trying the NEW Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation? 

20 Favourite Ways To Unwind + De Stress

I think it's safe to say I haven't had the most relaxing couple of weeks, but I've been trying to incorporate more relaxing techniques to help me unwind. Here are my 20 favourite ways to de-stress: 

ASMR | I've been watching and listening to ASMR for a while now, but I've decided to make it a regular part of my night-time routine after I've been struggling with drifting off at night. My favourite videos are from Gibi ASMR in particular, the sleep triggers are worth checking out. 

Exercise | When I'm feeling under the weather or I haven't had lots of sleep, I really struggle to motivate myself to exercise, but it's one of my favourite ways to de-stress and take my mind of things for a couple of hours. 

YouTube | I've been rewatching some of my favourite vlogs (big up Zoella' autumn content) as well as other videos and podcasts on there too. They're a great way to not think about anything for 20 minutes or so, I particularly like ones that are just generally chatting in the background. 

Do Something You Loved As A Kid | This is niche, but doing something that you loved as a kid is an easy way to put a smile on your face. Whether it's watching a film you used to love, making a playlist of your favourite songs or just simply colouring in using adult colouring in books - every little thing helps! 

Bath + Candles | This is a surprise to be on the list as it's just a great way to start your pamper routine off especially if you have lots of bubbles, a couple of Bath and Body works candle alight as well as some snacks or a drink if you're in there for a while. 

• Pamper + Face Mask
• Listen To A Podcast
• Read A Book
• Write About Your Day
• Learn New Breathing Technique
• Start A Conversation With A Friend
• Re-Arrange Your Room
• Visit A Lake, River or Beach
• Spend The Evening Away From Your Phone
• Receive or Give Yourself A Massage 

Walk In Nature | I honestly don't do this enough, but I want to make it a habit in the upcoming weeks to take more walks on the weekend in particular. We've got amazing woods to walk in not very far from our house, but we don't make the most of it as much as we should. 

Retail Therapy | As someone who loves to shop online, I rarely ever go into a shop anymore to just have a look. Sometimes it's exactly what I need, whether it's just simply shopping for cleaning products or looking to pick up an item for your home. 

Cook Up A Meal | Baking a cake or cookies can be a great pass time if you want to take some time out to do something for yourself, but cooking up a whole meal can just be as rewarding. 

Yoga and Meditation | I get asked a lot about what yoga routine I follow, but I actually make my own up from moves that I learnt when I did yoga lessons a few years back. You can find easy routines to follow on YouTube and Pinterest too, plus adding relaxing music that I found from Spotify is a great way to take some time out for yourself at the beginning or end of the day. 

Lavender Scented Products | A simple one, but for me, I find I relax the most when the area around me has a nice scent. I particularly like using Lush's Sleepy Lotion after the bath because it helps me drift off to sleep, but I find lavender in general whether it be in a spray or candle form can help me at night time. 

What are your favourite ways to unwind? 

Summer Makeup

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When it comes to Summer makeup, I like to rely on setting sprays and primers to keep my base from slipping off and peach tones make a regular appearance too. As it's one of my favourite looks I've created, I wanted to share my favourite products with you today. 

After prepping my skin with a hydrating serum, I spritz the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray* all over my face and then smooth over the Bare Minerals Prime Time* to diminish my pores and make my foundation go on evenly. Talking of my go-to base, I switch between quite a few which I featured in my recent everyday Summer foundation post if you fancy a read of that. 

Depending on if I have any blemishes or extra redness to cover, I either go with or without concealer, but I always set my foundation with the Huda Beauty Easy Bake Powder* even if I use a light dusting, it just takes away any sheen I have on my t-zone and makes it last a bit longer too. This powder works well with cream products too, so I can use it before (if I've got a light hand) or after my Milk Makeup Baked Matte Bronzer* which adds definition and warmth to my complexion. 

I then apply the Glossier Dusk Cloud Paint to my cheeks as it adds just the right of amount of colour, followed by the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand which I always rave about, but seriously it's great for a glow! 

For eyes, I've been going for something quite simple like the Charlotte Tilbury Amber Daze Colour Chameleon* which I smudge along with my lash line and if I want something a little bit more intense, then I add some golden sparkle as well. To finish I apply my mascara of choice, the Too Faced Better Than Sex. 

When it comes to lips, I've been switching between a lightweight pick like the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in whatever shade I'm feeling to keeps my lips looking great and feeling nourished or it's my other favourite, another Charlotte Tilbury pick, the Dance Floor Princess Lipstick*. 

5 Favourite Primers

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After spotting a similar post on From Roses blog, I thought that sharing my own favourite primers would be a great next instalment in my series. Primers are easy products to miss out and although you don't always need them, they're great to add to your routine if you want to prolong wear and smooth your complexion before you apply your base. 

First up is the Bare Minerals Prime Time Original* which is hydrating and smooths the skin with it's silicone formula, but unlike other products I've tried that's similar, this one doesn't feel greasy at all. 

I tried to narrow it down to just one Charlotte Tilbury primer, but I just couldn't! The Wonder Glow* is the perfect pick if you want something to perk up your lacklustre complexion, adding a subtle radiance that works well underneath your foundation. If you need something that packs more of a punch, then the Hollywood Flawless Filter* will be your best bet. It works as both a primer and a highlighter over your base if needs be. It blurs your pores and the added sheen takes your eye away from any blemishes you have. 

A long time favourite of mine is the Too Faced Hangover Primer which I need to repurchase soon. It's extremely nourishing, making the skin look supple and healthy with each use. It's great to use all year around and the fresh feeling makes my want to use it every morning. 

If silicone, radiant and hydrating primers aren't your thing, then the Urban Decay All Nighter Summer Solstice* will be. Although setting sprays are traditionally used after your makeup, I prefer to use them as a primer as it really locks everything in place. Sometimes I use this as an extra step on top of another primer to ensure that my base stays all day. 

What are your favourite primers? 

5 Things I've Added To My August To-Do List

September last year feels like it was only three months ago, but with the sudden realisation that it's actually next month this has made me panic and want to make the most of Summer whilst it's here. The recent warm weather hasn't done much for my productivity, but here are five things I've added to my August to-do list. 

Plan A Bit More | Don't worry I won't be mentioning the A word too often, but with transitional Autumn period on the horizon, I want to make the most of the rest of Summer and plan upcoming posts more. My notepad is currently full of ideas that I want to put into action, but I would like to get a little bit more organised in general too. 

Book Our September Trip | We still haven't booked our September trip we have taken time off for, but I'm all for a last minute deal if we spot one. We still need to figure out if we're 100% sure where we want to go, but a European city break for a couple of days sounds like the perfect plan! 

Tick Off Everything On My Summer To-Do List | I've got a few things left on my Summer to-do list that I want to tick off in the next month like visiting our local sunflower fields (and obviously photographing in them), going to the beach and going fruit picking too. 

Think About Saving | I always like to start thinking about saving money up for Christmas around this time of the year as although it may seem early, it does make it a lot easier when you get the time.

Continue Doing Yoga | Throughout July I have been practising yoga multiple times a week and it's seriously helped with my flexibility as well as my aches and pains. I follow a routine that I learnt a few years back and I want to continue to practice my moves into the next season too. 

What's on your August to-do list?