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

The Body Shop Beautifying Oil

Normally speaking oil makes me feel, what can only be described as, yuk, but it's summer and my legs need all the help they can get; winter was not kind to them. I figured using an oil at least while I shave my legs has to help a little, and turns out this is a little bottle of awesome that is surprisingly non greasy for an oil. 

I purchased this in the Sweet Lemon scent, there are 9 scents available in total if you want to have a look here, annoyingly I can't find this on the website so I hope they are not discontinuing it, it has such a lovely fresh and zesty smell. 

My only pet peeve about this is the packaging, it is impossible to pour any out without some dribbling on to the bottle and I can't stand sticky packaging, it means you have to leave it by your bath or deal with grease marks all over the show. I have just been pouring it in to a bottle with a pump but it would be nice if it was like that already. 

Like I said I just use this to shave really, it prevents my legs from getting dry and irritated and helps the blade to glide more easily giving a cleaner shave. I have also used this a little on my arms, I find it feels nicer than applying a cream, this stuff soaks in to the skin instantly, and provided you don't use too much it feels like no product is on there faster than cream. 

This is the only dry body oil I have found that actually doesn't grease stuff up too much, so at £9 a bottle you may want to head over to The Body Shop this summer. Buy Here

Ciao

  xxx

Spring Favourites

Spring is my favourite time of year, so it was actually really difficult to narrow down my top products, but some of the products I have been enjoying the past month I know will be in my summer faves so I will not mention them just yet. 

I think the most exciting thing about a new season is mixing up your scent and Dior's J'adore just epitomises spring time for me. I normally suit a more musky scent but this is not too floral or sweet so is perfect for everyday. It is not overpowering either, but a few sprays can last all day if you forget to put it in your bag. 

With the warmer weather I wanted a lighter foundation that was still matte but would look a tiny bit more dewy than my beloved Estée Lauder Double Wear. Chanel Perfection Lumier Velvet fits bill perfectly as it is so natural looking but still keeps my shine at bay. 

As soon as the sun comes out I start to wear less make up and lipstick is the first thing to go. I still want to keep my lips properly hydrated though. I know most people hate pots and messy fingers, but the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Lip Repair is seriously the best lip balm around. 

I spoke about the Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Anti-Aging Creme in my last post here (why such long names!) so you know I have been loving this, my skin just looks so much healthier when I have used this. 

The Lancome Blush Subtil Palettes have been a firm favourite of mine for ages, it was one of the first high end products I bought and this 01 Rose Flush palette just has the most perfect spring shades. I don't usually love highlighters, but this one looks beautiful as an eyeshadow with a delicate flick of eyeliner. Read my full review here. 

My favourite moisturiser this spring has been the Aveeno Moisturising Cream. This has oatmeal in so it hasn't got the beautiful scent of the creams you will probably see pop up in other bloggers favourites, but if like me you have very dry but also very sensitive skin, this is great at locking in moisture. 

Of course I read lots of monthly favourites posts, but I'd love to hear what your top picks have been this whole season so please comment bellow! 

Ciao

  xxx

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Anti-Aging Creme

If you follow me on instagram you probably will have noticed I like to go shopping..a lot, but I do like to get samples when I purchase my products. As the vast majority of my stash is from Estee Lauder as are most of my samples and this is the cream I am currently trying out, and loving. 

This looks really thick before you apply it, but it actually has a sort of milky feel to it and melts instantly into your skin. It smells amazing and it leaves your skin feeling so nourished and smooth. I have combination skin, with some very dry and some very oily areas and this seams to work just fine on both. Unlike other Lauder skincare I have tried, this has more of a rich soothing scent than the usual fresh wake me up scent, but I think out of all the creams this has to be my favourite; it just makes my skin feel lovely.

This retails for £44 for 30ml and £60 for 50ml and can be purchased here, I would always look out for offers and free gifts though as Lauder normally have some promotion on. I'm trying to give you a money saving tip, but honestly if you are anything like me you will probably be buying everything as soon as your samples run out.

Ciao

  xxx

Bobbi Brown: Beige Gold Long-Wear Eye Kit

Bobbi Brown is a brand I have wanted to try for a very long time but have never really known what bits to choose, I recently bought the Full Coverage Face Brush (review) and just thought this little set would be a great way of trying out a few of their make up bits.

This Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick was the product I wanted to try most from the set and it is by far the best product in it. Whether its an inner corner highlight you are after or an all over wash of shimmer that can be applied mirror-less in 2 minuets, this Beige Gold shade is perfect. Every brand has one of these shadow sticks, and there are cheaper ones you can buy with similar intensity, but what I like most about this Bobbi Brown one is that it sets nicely and does not crease as much as others I have tried. These retail for £20 individually, click here to view all the shades available. 

You also get a little sample of the Hydrating Eye Cream, I have used this and thought it was nice, but I think a cream is something you need to use for a least a week before you can say if you like it. Perhaps I will try this properly in the future, so let me know if this is something you love. Although, at £32 for 15ml I am not too sure this is something I would splurge on, but click here if you would like product details. 

The Instant Long-Wear Eye Makeup Remover I have currently only used on these products but it appears to work rather well. It removed every trace and broke down the product enough to not pull on my lashes whilst removing the mascara. A full size bottle of this is 100ml and retails for £18; buy here. 

I'm thinking of doing a collective review, or best of post on eye mekeup removers, so let me know if this is something you'd be interested in and I will write it sooner rather than later. 

I read a lot of great reviews of the Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner, and while I love Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner (review) this Espresso Ink shade is beautiful. I had been looking for a really deep brown, that was almost black, but looked a little more natural looking and this is the perfect colour. It lasts all day without smudging, and isn't  a pain to get off. This retails at £18, £10 more than Maybelline so if it black you're after I'd say it isn't worth it, but if you fancy a browse of the other shades click here. 

The Ultra Fine Liner Brush retails for £22.50 and although I like it to apply this liner that I smoke out a little, I would find it hard to apply a very fine, neat line with this. I suppose it depends how skilled you are at application, I think its a great addition to the set, and so handy for traveling, but I do prefer the Lancome Double Ended Liner & Smudge Brush for precision.

Mascara is something I am so fussy about, it is a personal preference product, and totally dependent on your natural lashes as to whether you like a particular one. This is what I call a bog standard mascara, it is not targeted at one thing, it aims to lengthen, curl and volumise all in one no matter what your lashes are like, and to be honest, it does a pretty good job. I don't think this could top your fave mascara but it's a very good everyday one for your makeup bag. The full size costs £22.50 and can be bought here. 

At £42.50 this is far from cheap, but it is Bobbi Brown on a budget. If you were interested in trying a couple of these products then there is a big saving from purchasing the set.  buy here

Ciao

  xxx