Christmas Gift Guide 2015

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and I cannot tell you how much I love this holiday. This year I have a new nephew due to be born on Christmas day so safe to say excitement levels are at there highest. But aside from all the lovely sentimental things this season brings thanks to good ol' St Nick this is a time for gifting, so here are few ideas for the ladies in your life. 

Starting off with a few make up ideas; a palette is always nice to receive and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit £65 is this years must have it is just so beautiful, I reviewed this in my last post so click here if you fancy a read of that. If you don't want to spend so much the Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Contour Kit is much cheaper at £39 and just as coveted by all beauty junkies. 
If the lady you are buying for is all about eyes then the By Terry Ombre Blackstar £29 are the way to go. Not only are all the shades beautiful this stuff does not budge or crease. These are seriously the best cream eye-shadows out there and a beautiful gift to receive. 
A high end lipsticks is such a classic gift and the packaging of the Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick £26 is just beautiful, it feels like a treat to pull this out your bag and apply, even better if a loved one has chosen it for you. 

If you are looking for stocking fillers then Beauty Blenders are the way to go, the Beauty Blender Blotterazzi is just £16 and has two on the go blending sponges, and the Solid Beauty Blender Cleanser £14 is the perfect gift for anyone who already owns the sponges but struggles the fork out £14 for soap; the struggle is real! be a love and treat them. 

The modern day stocking filler comes ready packaged in Christmas cracker or bauble form and my two favourites are the Emma Hardy Merrily Moringa £10 and the Caudalie Beauty Elixir Christmas Bauble £11.50, these trinkets make high end gifting affordable for everyone. 

Perfume and candles are always a lovely gift; the Neom Candles all smell gorgeous and if you are after a really feminine classic scent I personally don't think you can go wrong with Dior J'adore. Smell is something personal though, so go into store and sniff everything you like the look of until you find something that reminds you of that special someone. 
If you have a loved one that adores all things sparkly but diamonds are out of your price range then head over to Swarovski they have some lovely pieces and not all too expensive, this Maeva Ring retails at £99 but rings start at just £49 and if you can't have a bit of bling at Christmas then when can you?

I hope this gave you a few ideas, I did intend to include a few books as well but as my letter to Santa this year was filled with books I did not want to buy any in advance. If you are after a beauty book though then Face Paint by Lisa Eldridge is sure to be on the wishlist of all beauty fanatics this year. Hope you are all having a lovely start to December and happy shopping! 

Ciao
  xxx

Hourglass: Ambient Lighting Edit

After waiting so long for this little beauty to arrive in stores I could not wait to get my paws on this and I have not put it down since, so aside from the obvious swoon for the beautiful packaging lets break this down as to why you need each of the six beauties this palette has to offer. 

From top left clockwise we have Dim Light, a peachy brown that I have been loving to use as a bronzer to warm up my pure white winter complexion. The new Iridescent Strobe Light, a beautiful pearly pink that gives that glow from within we're all after. Diffused Light, a very subtle highlight that has radiance in place of shimmer, it is perfect for under your brows and setting under eye concealer. Luminous Bronze Light which they call medium tan, it is a little dark for us paler girls but I can see this becoming a firm favourite in the summer months. Luminous Flush, a peachy pink that gives a lovely feminine flush. And lastly Mood Exposure which I own already and is my favourite of all of their blushers, it's plumb tone makes this work well as a blush/contour if you like things natural. 

Lets be honest, you don't get a lot of product for your money. The standard size compacts contain 4.2g where as each of the six in the palette are just 1.4g. If you genuinely love each of the six then buying them singularly would be much better value for money, but if you just want to try each of the products then this little compact will cover all of your powder needs; I think it is perfect for travelling or those of us that apply our face on the way the work. 

If you have been struggling to find a brush small enough to fit in this little compact then the Lancome Cheek and Contour Brush has been my go to, it is the perfect size and shape to apply each of the powders. At £65 this may not be great value for money but it is certainly the most aesthetically pleasing Christmas edit this year and super handy to have in your oh crap I have 2mins to go from beast to beauty kit.  Buy Here

Home Haul

As much as I love beauty and skincare my long term love has been interiors. Even though I moved back in with my mother a couple of months ago to save up some pennies, the shops are killing it at the moment with all of my favourite interior styles so I thought I would show you my most recent buys.

As I have moved back home from my own flat storage has been my main issue and I didn't want things sat in ugly cardboard boxes so I have picked up a few storage baskets. The little and large Jute Storage Baskets are from H&M Home and cost £9.99 and £7.99, and the cream and gray baskets are also from H&M and are on sale for £3.99 here. The cream Linen Zip Box I picked up from Muji for £17.50, a little expensive but the zip means I can actually store things away without risk of spiders so I picked up 2 of these.

Also from H&M I picked up 2 grey towels, you can pick up a similar set here for just £3.99, a marble Ceramic Mug and Ceramic Plate because who can resist buying more marble, and a Gold Metal Bowel I bought to match a serving platter I bought a couple of months back. Sticking with the gold theme I got the Metal Basket to house all my blankets, a Gold Ceramic Plant Pot, Tea Light Holders and a distressed Gold Lantern also from H&M.

From Oliver Bonas I got the cute mint Glass Bottle for just £6 and a Hanging Gold Glass Terrarium which has already been in some blog pictures; I'm sure I'll be buying the other designs soon. Last but not least I finally purchased the Carpe Diem playing card frame that I have been lusting after for forever. At £50 I realise I probably could have made it cheaper but I knew it was running low on stock and just had to buy it and it has since sold out so I'm so glad I baught it. A little reminder to seize the day will fit perfectly by my future doorway. They still stock a Love playing card frame here if you like the design.

Ciao

  Xxx

Super Spendy Boots Haul

I haven't done a haul in forever, most of the time these days I will share my buys on Instagram but as I purchased rather a lot in Boots the other day I thought I would share the things I have been after for a while with all of you. 

First up with skincare; you may know I love the Vichy Aqualia serum which I reviewed here. I have really dehydrated skin, even more so in the winter when I stupidly drink less, so I thought it was about time I purchased a moisturiser from the range. I chose the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Creme Riche, they do have a Light version of this for more normal skin, but I am loving the Riche right now it is a perfect day and night cream, if like me you don't want to have a million different creams this is a great non-oily all rounder. 

I also really wanted to try the Avene Thermal Spring Water. I know it's crazy to spend £10 on a can of water but I have seen such a difference in my skin after using this just twice a day for the past week; if you have dehydrated skin a water spritz is a great addition to your skincare routine.

The Una Brennan Super Facialist Vitamin C Cleansing Oil I had just heard a few people talk about, I am perfectly happy with my Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil that I reviewed here, I just like to try new things and I and I have only heard good things about this. 

Beauty wise I have been after the Smashbox Primer Water for ages, and it has exceeded my expectations; it really does keeps your makeup put all day with just one spritz. Nail wise I have been loving neutrals and you cannot find more neutral than the Maybelline Super Stay in shade Second Skin. I am also loving purple tones this autumn, Essie's Lady Like is a lovely pinky purple and Merino Cool is such a nice plumb purple I thought it would look good with the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre I picked up in shade 83 Illusoire. 

So that's all my buys from boots, head over to my instagram if you would like to see more of my stash and my buys, I would like to say that I will not be spending more pennies any time soon but as I write this I have planed a shopping trip tomorrow and Space NK is going to happen; sorrynotsorry should be printed on my bankcard. 

Ciao

  xxx

Simple Age Resisting Day Cream

Simple is not a brand I use a lot, if I am honest a few of their products have made my skin feel so dry, but I'm not one for hating a brand for just a few products that don't work for me, and I have finally found something that works really well for my skin.

When it comes to cream I like it thick and oily for the night time, and light and firming in the day. Although this has a rather thick consistency it sinks into the skin instantly and is lovely to apply. Massaged in thoroughly this makes your skin feel nice and moisturised without leaving any oily or creamy residue on the surface; so it's perfect if you are applying makeup on top.

I like to use this in combination with the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum *review, I find the two together leave my skin feeling fresh and nourished. I have combination skin so lots of creams I have used have made parts of my skin oily or have not given enough moisture to my dry areas, but this just works really well. At £5.25 this is an amazing little face cream and although not as lovely smelling as my high end creams it is a fraction of the price and is probably much better for my skin. Buy here.

Ciao

  xxx

Brand Focus: Chanel

Recently I have been focusing a lot more on my base makeup and not applying all that much to anything else. I'm not sure if its an age thing, or if I have just been watching too much of Mary Greenwell, I just find that I enjoy spending more time on my skin than my eyes these days. I have proclaimed my love for Estee Lauder for years now (link to Lauder brand focus), and although Chanel is a relative newcomer to my collection, everything just seams to be so effortlessly amazing at enhancing all the good bits about your skin I had to share my fave picks.

Starting with the Perfection Lumière Velvet; although this does not proclaim to be full coverage I find that this is great at covering the red pigmentation on my cheeks. Its velvet like texture seams to even out your tone and allows you to re-blend it it throughout the day. It stays put and looks great with or without powder. 

If you like to keep things a little more natural and glowing the Soleil Tan De Chanel will give you a perfect summer kissed look. If you prefer to use a powder bronzer however the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in shade 30 is a very similar colour and works great as an eye lid crease powder as well.  

I also have a Les Beiges powder in shade 10 because the brush is so handy when you are out and about, but if you have been looking for a powder that combats shine without covering your skins natural glow I haven't found better than the Poudre Universelle Compacte. This is a much lighter feeling powder and has a better selection of shades for pale skin tones. It's just a shame it doesn't come with a brush.

The Éclat Lumière is my favourite base product out of all the Chanel pieces I have tried. I was expecting it to be more of an illuminating product when in fact this is a really good concealer. It has great coverage, and has a foundation like consistency so keeps crease free throughout the day. It's like having a mini Perfection Lumière Velvet to carry around, but with a less watery consistency and better targeted coverage.

Seeing as I have shared the rest of my Chanel collection I thought I may as well show you my two other pieces. I love a nude lip and I'm not really one for trying different colours for different seasons, but I do love playing with different finishes and textures. For a classic lipstick the Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in shade Adrienne is really comfortable to wear; it's the perfect my lips but better. For a bit of a shimmer though the Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Indecise is exactly the same colour, but has a more glossy finish. 

That completes my Chanel collection, for reference my skin is combination, and I found the Perfection Lumière Velvet lasted better on my skin than the Vitaumiere Aqua. If you have dryer skin though you may be better suited to Vitalumiere. Chanel give good size samples so it is definitely worth giving them a go for a few days before choosing the one for you. 

Ciao

  xxx

What's In My Bag: Date Night Edit

First things first can we just appreciate how cute this clutch is, I'm a sucker for all things black and gold and this Whistles Bubble Leather Clutch is my latest obsession. It is the perfect size at 16 by 24cm, it is big enough to be used alone but small enough to fit inside other bags if you want different compartments. I have even used this inside the clutch I featured in my last What's In My Bag post as a purse and key pocket. At £40 its not the cheapest clutch but its 100% leather and will last you forever; I always go for textured leather as this wears much better over time. 

When it comes to date night I think classic and compact is the way to go so here is a little look at the bits I take with me from boring to beautiful.

Starting with the more interesting beauty bits, date night for me shouts out for pretty packaging, and you don't get more classic than a little Chanel. Here I have my Eclat Lumiere for any on the go touch ups, and my Poudre Universelle Compacte with the brush from a Les Beiges powder compact to kick back any shine. I am loving the Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in shade 125 Indecise. This has a lovely shimmer finish and the click packaging is so much nicer than regular lipsticks. 

If you have dry lips though I seriously suggest you try the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Sheer Tints. This stuff lasts forever, feels and smells amazing and leaves your lips so smooth, okay it's £20 but this comes in some great shades and it's a lipstick and balm in one. My little Muji Attomizer comes with me everywhere and my scent of choice for date night is the subtly sweet Miss Dior Eau De Parfum.

My standard essentials are of course my card and some cash, so I can get a taxi home if need be. Some mints or gum to freshen up after dinner, and lastly, a comb, grips and hair elastic, just in case the wind tries to mess up my attempt of looking put together.

Ciao
  xxx 

Summer 2015 Favourites

As I sit here with a bright red nose and streaming eyes from a cold I could not be more aware that summer is well and truly over. I had a lot of new favourites over the past couple of months, probably because I did far too much shopping, so here is a little look at my most reached for. 

My most used perfume this summer was the Miss Dior Eau De Parfum, I love it's fresh scent and it lasts really well so no need to carry around the heavy bottle all day. Skincare wise I haven't had much of a change around, but the Simple Regeneraton Age Resisting Day Cream was a new discovery last month and it is the perfect non-oily day cream, great if you have a tendency of getting shiny throughout the day.

The Smashbox Contour Kit you can read about in my last review here, but simply it has great shades and is a great palette for travelling. Clinique's Airbrush Concealer has been my go to highlighting concealer, I know strobing is the in thing at the moment but I love a matte complexion and this works really well with the matte highlight from the smashbox palette on top.

Soap & Glory's One Heck of a Blot has replaced their Kick Ass Powder this season. My skin has been a little dry and this is less drying on the skin while still keeping things matte all day. Chanel has probably been my most used brand this summer, I'm still loving the Perfection Lumière Velvet foundation that was in my Spring Favourites, and the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel looks lovely on top of this. If you are not a fan of contour and just prefer to add warmth to the skin, applying this with a beauty sponge works great. My last make up favourite is the Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense lipstick in shade 125 Indecise, the texture, finish and longevity of this formula is just as good as the packaging. I know it is a little costly but I am starting to favour Chanel lipsticks over MACs and that is a pretty bold statement.

My non-beauty faves have to be the Copella's Cloudy Apple Juice, its is so sweat and refreshing, perfect for extra long shopping trips. I have also been loving the mini Protein Top Up bars from Graze, at £4.99 for 12 it's a much cheaper and tastier alternative to going to the shop everyday at work; use code F793C4M9P for your 1st, 5th and 10th box for free. 

Of course my most favourite thing this summer has to be my new Sony Alpha 5000 camera, its better quality and has lots more settings than my old one but mostly just because it has a view finder. I am planning to do some more look posts in the future without having to take 100 pictures to only use 1, lets just wait for this red nose to disappear first.

I'd love to hear what your most used products have been recently, so comment bellow with your current favourites; my fave thing to do in autumn in stay inside and read so be sure to leave your blog links.

Ciao

  xxx

Smashbox Contour Kit

Smashbox is not a brand I have tried a lot from, but I can't resist a good cool toned contour, and this palette and brush set has proven to me that smashbox are great at more than just primers. 

This brush I found to be surprisingly good, I can't do without my Lancome Cheek and Contour brush it chisels and blends beautifully, but for such a small brush this still blends just enough to prevent harsh lines whilst still slimming down my football face. 

As you can see the powders have good pigmentation and are shades suitable for pale and warmer skin tones, simply apply more or less depending on how strong the shades show up on you. As I am so pale I use a light hand on the contour and bronzer. The matte highlight should really be called a setting powder though. I actually find it really similar to Soap & Glory's Kick Ass Powder *review, but this is less drying on the skin so it's perfect for setting under eye concealer.

The powders are quite dusty and are picked up by brushes as though they are loose powders, so it is very easy to pick up too much product. I find a very light fluffy brush or duo fibre brush to be best when using the bronzer. To be honest I think I have just got used to using cream bronzers, but if you are a fan of powders, and like the tone of Benefit's Hoola then I am sure you will love this too.   

At £35 I think this set is great value for money, I love my Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder which also retails at £35 *review but when you can get two more powders for the same price you can't go wrong. Buy Here

Ciao
  xxx

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Perfect skin is on the top of most girls wish lists, and while we keep searching for that magic lamp I like to have a few products to help me fake it along the way. MACs Studio Fix Fluid retails for £22 for 30ml which is pretty cheep for a high end foundation, so if you want full coverage on a budget this may be the one for you. buy here

It has an SPF of 15, more than enough if you live in the U.K, and comes in around 40 different shades so you are pretty much guaranteed to find a perfect match. I use shade NC20 as I wear this when I have applied fake tan. I would encourage you to get matched up in store though, such full coverage will look a little odd if not the same tone as your skin. And this really is a true full coverage foundation, as you can see above the vein on my wrist has even been covered, so no need to worry about concealer.

This has a thick creamy consistency so light application and lots of blending is needed to get an even and natural looking finish. I actually mix this with my moisturiser to create a medium coverage tinted moisturiser. If you are using this as a foundation though I would not suggest wearing this over a silicone based primer; it does not blend or sit as well on top of it and can look a little cakey. I suggest using the Nivea Express Hydration Primer which makes this stay put all day *review.  

Overall I really like this foundation, it's great for occasions where you want to look a little more airbrushed, but for everyday use I would still choose my Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place foundation and look a little more natural whilst still having good coverage *review.

Ciao 

  xxx

Lets Talk Tanning

Although a firm lover of over tanning as a teen, orange toned, strong smelling tanning products are long gone on my bathroom shelf. After trying a ton of home tanners I feel I have finally found my favorites, so here is a little breakdown of my top 5 for full on fakery, ready for the day, and all year round.

If you have the patience to go full on with the fake tan I cant find better than the St Tropez Self Tan Express. Having moved out of home and cleaning my own bed sheets, it's just not about discoloured bedding and PJs, and a 1-3hour wait for a fully developed tan is right up street. Admittedly this does still have a fake tan smell but nothing like others I have used, and it does completely go after your second shower. £33

Technically the St Tropez Every Day Body Lotion is a gradual tanner, but if you haven't got time wait for your limbs to bronze before you go out, this stuff actually starts to develop after just a couple of hours. You have to apply this with a tanning mitt as you would the rest of these products, and with a couple of applications you will have a lovely natural looking summer glow. I have absolutely loved this stuff this summer. £14.50

If it's just an event you want to tan for then then I have found Sally Hansen to work better to get ready for the day. The Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup spray makes blemish free skin look more even in tone and beautifully bronzed at just £9.99. If you want a little more coverage from your tanner then the Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup cream product is amazing, and I can't find anything else like it. It sets within a few minutes and there is no transfer on to your clothing. I feel so confident when I use this and it is so inexpensive, 1 bottle could easily last for all your summer events. £13.99 And both products are water resistant, so no need to worry about sweating.

This is my all year round option, and the most subtle of the bunch. The St Tropez In Shower Lotion will top up your tan in the summer and prevent you looking pasty in the winter. Okay so as a newish release I haven't used this in the winter yet but as I am so pale this is lovely for just adding that touch of warmth to your skin. I doubt this would do anything for warmer skin tones, but for fellow Snow Whites this is a really nice, fuss free option. £14.50

Ciao

  xxx

What's In My Bag: The Wedding Guest Edit

As you may know, the other day my big sister got married so here is a little look at all the bits I took with me. The bag I chose was the Whistles Large Stingray bag in White. I love the Whistles clutches, with their detachable straps they are great for normal days out and days you need to look a bit more fancy. Click here to see the latest bags from Whistles.

All the contents of my bag had to be pretty small so I could fit my camera in, so a trip to Muji is my top tip for wedding clutches, just depot things you need and you should be able to fit everything in you want with you. 

Face Blotting Paper £1.95 Muji

Pocket Tissues £0.50 Muji

Black Padded Case (medium or Large) £2.50-£2.95 Muji

Atomiser £5.95 Muji

La Vie Est Belle 30ml £45.00 Lancome 

10g Cream Pot £0.75 Muji
Extra Ice Pepermint Mints £1.05
Sony Alpha 5000 Compact System Camera £239

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick in shade Adrienne £26
Pocket Comb £2.49 (pack of 4) LLoyds Pharmacy  
Striped Print Pouch £3.00 Forever 21

So that's all the bits I took in my bag, my sister had little baskets in the reception bathrooms with toiletries, tights, hair elastics, perfume etc. so luckily I didn't have to take too much with me. And if you would like to see a picture of the day and what I wore head over to my Instagram page.

Ciao

  xxx

Brand Focus: Estée Lauder

Estée Lauder has been my true love since discovering the Double Wear Stay In Place Foundation, since then my makeup and skincare collections have been dominated by their products. There isn't another brand I can think of where every product I have tried not only works as it clams to, but doesn't irritate my skins sensitivities. 

The fist product I purchased was the Double Wear Pressed Powder, *review, and since then I have repurchased all the Double Wear range time and time again. I have both very dry and moderately oily areas of skin, and the range manages to give good coverage, while keeping things matte and in place all day, without looking too done up. If you are fed up with high street base products like I was, then Lauder is a great investment and unlikely to disappoint. 

Skincare wise, everything I have tried feels really nourishing, non-oily, and has the most beautiful fresh scents. The Anti/Age Creme feels so luxurious and creamy to use, if you are on the hunt for a new moisturiser this is definitely worth a try *review. And while I know foam cleansers are not the greatest for your skin, if you ever wake up with an oily film on your face the Perfectly Clean Cleanser instantly keeps oiliness at bay for the rest of your day *review. 

I certainly would not want to only use one brand for the rest of my days but if I had to choose one I think I could give it a fair shot with Estée Lauder. I'd love to know your favourites from Lauder and your favourite brands in the comments bellow, do you think you could use just one forever? 

Ciao

  xxx

VICHY Aqualia Thermal Serum

Serum is something I only started using about 2years ago when I discovered Lancome's Advanced Genifique Serum (review) and although I remain loyal to that serum its blimming expensive. As much as I love the firmness it gives my skin, I just can't justify spending that much all the time so it was time to find a cheaper option for days I dont feel I need the extra firmness. 

The Vichy Aqualia Thermal, as the name suggests, aims at hydrating your skin rather than firming it, and it works amazingly well. A lot of the time I think my skin appears oily because my skin is dehydrated and it is trying to sort itself out. When I apply this serum after my morning moisturiser it instantly feels refreshing, and locks in the moisture for the rest of the day, which actually stops my skin looking as oily.

It has a much watery consistency than other serums so only half a pump is needed for your face and neck. It also means you can massage it in for a good few seconds before it drys leaving a really smooth base to apply your make up on top of. Not only have I noticed my skin is less oily, but my make up stays in place much better when I use this. I highly reccomend trying it if you have dry skin, and this is very gentle if you have sensitive skin. 

This retails at £17.50 for 30ml and can be found in boots and larger chemists, or online here. 

Ciao

  xxx

Fancy a Graze?

Hellooo,

I know it may appear having a beauty blog my main love is all things makeup, but my true love, well it has to be food, and recently I have been loving these Graze boxes so keep reading if you fancy getting some for free. 

Graze has been around for ages, so you probably are aware it is a subscription box of yummy treats that can fit through your letter box. The concept is simple, lots of yummy, healthy treats for you to try individually packaged. This is perfect for anyone on the go, but the reason I mention them now is because I think it is perfect for summer; I always struggle to think of things to pack in picnics, and toast just isn't cutting it for me right now. This is just a great way to try things that you maybe would not have picked up, or found in the supermarket.  

The site allows you to rate all of the items, and request treats you would like them to send to you soon, or not send again. There are a few meat flavoured products on the website, but you can also inform them if you are vegan or vegetarian, like myself, if you don't want them to send you those items. 

This assam and kenyan leaf tea was so lovely, it's probably not something I would have picked up myself but I really enjoyed it, and if tea is your thing you can actually just subscribe for boxes of tea. Also, a shout out to the carrot cake that is seriously scrummy! 

So if you fancy trying out any of these boxes, use code F793C4M9E and get your 1st 5th and 10th boxes for free, and let me know your favourites if you think there is something I should try!

Ciao

  xxx 

What's In My Makeup Bag

I'm sure it comes as no surprise that I love shopping, and because of that I tend to mix up my makeup bag a lot, but over the past couple of months I think I have managed to pick a really good mix of things that I can add and take away from depending on how heavy my bag is that day. 

Antiperspirant is my number one essential, not that I'm particularly stinky, just it instantly makes you feel fresh, and if you take public transport you will know how handy this is! My favourite is the Dove Go Fresh in Pomegranate, it smells really lovely but isn't overpowering and mixes well with all my perfumes. Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb is the scent I am reaching for at the moment, its flowery and feminine but isn't too sweet, its kind of got a bit of a musk to it which I love. 

Skincare is forgotten if my bag is weighing me down to be honest, but if I am staying over somewhere, or think I will want to remove and reapply then these are the bits I am enjoying. The Malin + Goetz Grapefruit Cleanser and Vitamin E Moisturiser are just samples I got in a magazine but I will definitely be purchasing the moisturiser, it tingles a little and makes my skin feel nice and smooth. The Lancome Advanced Genifique is always in my bag, I just re-fill this little bottle up, it really firms my skin, and if your skins feeling really dry serum is great to just dab on over make up without ruining your foundation. I also like to carry some kind of sample of BB cream in the summer, if you are getting your legs out then this just makes things look a little more perfect. The Estee lauder BB is nice but I have to say a little dark considering I have shade 01 light. 

Make up wise my Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush has replaced any need for powder. This just re blends my makeup and keeps any shine at bay. The Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet I only carry if I am going out after work. If you are after a foundation that you can apply on top of your day makeup this is the best I have found; it doesn't cake up and it just looks like fresh natural skin.

Mascara I also only cary if I am going out, I just take whatever mini I have, but I have to say this Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour is a really good one because it ads so much volume at the roots of your lashes. I'm currently using the brown version of this during the day, so its nice to have the mini black one to vamp it up in the evening. Lipstick wise I carry something moisturising and long wearing. This Clinique Colour Pop in shade Melon Pop is so perfect for summer, I just love a good coral.

I'd love to know your handbag staples for the summer, let me know in the comments and link up your posts if you have done one like this.

Ciao
  xxx