Spring has arrived and amidst the sunshine, showers and daffodils a few new beauty products have sprung up. And whilst I'm currently attempting to save a few pennies, I have an itch to spend and have spent many a moment browsing the web, filling my online basket and then shutting my laptop lid in attempt to stop myself from spending (sound familiar?). So here a five products that made it into the basket...
There's never been a better time to indulge in a new product that protects against UVA rays and L'occitane's Precious BB Cream not only has a SPF of 30, it also perfects and corrects, concealing dark spots and imperfections. The formula also contains micro-encapsulated organic immortelle essential oil to help skin feels strengthened, nourished and visibly smoother. I'm all for a base that leaves me perfected and fresh faced and L'occitane's Precious BB Cream could be the match for me.
I don't know about you, but I for one am pretty excited for Too Faced's latest release. Launching next month exclusively at Debenhams the Too Faced Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette is set to be a sell out. Why? Well not only is the packaging adorable, the palette includes 18 peachy hues all infused with a peach scent! What do you think of Too Faced's Sweet Peach Eyeshadow Palette?
Besides the fact Kylie Jenner quite likes Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Face Base, it's a Bobbi Brown best seller and a product I've been increasingly curious to try. The Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base isn't just a moisturiser but a primer too, creating a smooth base for makeup application - "Rich in feel, but never greasy, this advanced oil-free face formula, with Shea Butter, instantly hydrates, softens and cushions skin".
Ever since Benefit discontinued their Talk To The Tan bronze facial tint, I've been eagerly awaiting the release of a new liquid bronzer. So if like me you was a fan of their Talk To The Tan and love their boxed Hoola bronzer, you'll be thrilled to hear Benefit have released Dew the Hoola a new liquid bronzer with a soft matte finish that claims to "give your face a year-round glow without the gleam. The smoothing effects and lightweight texture melt in for a shimmerless, natural look that's so sheer, it'll have you saying hoola-la". I think I might just have to put it to the test!
ZOEVA create and sell the prettiest palettes at reasonable price tags. And their Rose Golden Blush Palette is no exception. The slim rose rose gold palette includes a trio of pressed powders to contour, blush and highlight. Isn't it beautiful? Plus it would pair well with my ZOEVA Rose Golden Brush Set... *shuts laptop lid*
I saw and I caved. I mean, who wouldn't? The Marbleous Collection By Spectrum Collections is the definition of swoon worthy. The quality and inexpensive makeup brushes from Spectrum Collections are vegan and cruelty free and a much needed and worthy addition to my Spectrum brush collection.
The new 12 piece Marbleous Collection by Spectrum includes 4 of their best selling face brushes to create a flawless base and 8 eye brushes to help make the most out of your makeup and bring out your inner-artist. The brushes have beautiful white handles, stunning rose gold ferrules and ombre grey bristles (#brushgasm!). And they don't just look luxe, they feel luxe too. The hand-finished brushes have seriously soft synthetic bristles, that don't feel flimsy or cheap and make blending an absolute dream. They're also really easy to clean using a Simple bar of soap and rival many of my high-end brushes.
The two Marbleous Collection sets are sold separately, or can be purchased together for £64.99 making each brush around £5.40, which I think you'll agree isn't half bad! The collection also includes a pretty marble print makeup bag for all you marble fanatics. I can't recommend Spectrum brushes enough; they sell affordable, high quality, bold and beautiful makeup brushes that deserve a place on your dressing table.
Before I address my monthly beauty favourites, I must address my absence. The last few weeks have been crazy. Not only have I landed myself a new job at the Mail Online, I've also been training vigorously for the London Marathon (I must be mad!). It's safe to say, my daily routine has been shaken up just a tad and as a result my blog has taken a back seat. But, fear not, along with Bob's Burgers and Pepsi Max Cherry I have a few beauty favourites I must share with you all amongst my monthly madness!
The Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders have just been trumped. That's right, the Guerlain Meteorites Rainbow Pearls have quickly become my favourite finishing powder. The iconic pearls incased in a limited edition white and gold trinket leave my skin looking radiant and blurred. Each pearl has a different pigment; green to hide redness, coral to enhance your glow, yellow to brighten, white to diffuse light, champagne to illuminate and fuchsia to revive. The Guerlain Meteorites Rainbow Pearls aren't a traditional highlighter, but still brighten my complexion. And aren't something I'd recommend if you have oily skin. I now can't imagine applying my makeup without them. Holy Grail status may have just been awarded...
It's been a little while since I last used a drugstore concealer, but having recently spotted a very nicely packaged concealer from Bourjois in my local Superdrug, I couldn't not give it a try. Now the coverage isn't as high as the likes of NARS, Urban Decay or Collection, but it's seriously brightening and works well on top of my Bobbi Brown Corrector. It's brightening properties remind me of the Clarins Instant Concealer and it has become my go-to concealer for the past month.
If you weren't already aware the best makeup primer may already be hiding in your bathroom cabinet. The unconventional primer from Nivea for Men was discovered by YouTuber Nikkietutorials last year and has since taken the beauty community by storm. And I can confirm it isn't all hype! The milky primer may have a masculine scent, which doesn't stick around, but your makeup will when you apply the balm under your base! Once applied the balm soothes, calms, hydrates and I have noticed my makeup stays put for a considerable amount of time, out performing my high-end primers. Read my full in depth review here.
Mattes are having a moment and the matte currently taking centre stage on my pout, is MAC Velvet Teddy a muted medium-dark beige lipstick. Initially I found the shade a little hard to pull off, but I've been reaching for it on a daily basis and rocking it... all I need now is to master Spice Girls buns and I'll be bringing the nineties back! Full review and swatches here.
Last month Topshop released 6 denim inspired nail polishes so you can match your manicure to your jeans. Each shade matches a pair of Topshop's best selling jeans; Leigh, Joni, Jamie, Mom and Lucas. Pretty genius eh? I've always been a blue polish wearer and Hayden is a beautiful navy. Colour aside the formula is pretty darn good too. By far one of my longest wearing polishes lasting on average four days without chipping! The downside? If you don't apply a base coat, when you remove the polish your nails will be left looking a little blue!
Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is functional, no fuss, non-drying, non-greasy, lightweight, removes even the toughest waterproof makeup, formulated with no nasties, nourishing and suitable for all skin types. Taking a small amount, I use my fingertips to massage the balm onto dry skin and rinse with lukewarm water. Once water is applied the solid balm melts into a silky white milk. After patting my skin dry, it feels thoroughly cleansed, clean and amazingly soft. Take The Day Off is just as good as Emma Hardie's Moringa Balm (although EH smells pretty darn good) and the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, which had the tendency to leave my skin feeling a little greasy. One word of warning though, try not to open your eyes when removing eye makeup, as you will be left with cloudy vision for the following five minutes.
What beauty products have you been loving recently?
In a matter of weeks I will be starting my new job on High Street Kensington and I think we can all agree it's important I have a solid wardrobe to see me through this transition! Basics aside, every girl needs a few key pieces that can be worn again and again and Hardly Ever Worn It has virtually fulfilled my wardrobe fantasies. The online shopping platform allows people to buy and sell luxury items by popular designers including Givenchy, Jimmy Choo, Mulberry and Valentino, but at a fraction of the recommendation price. As good as new but traded in by their owners, Hardly Ever Worn It is a site well worth a browse and like they say, one woman's trash is another woman's treasure!
1. Gianvito Rossi Triple Strap Suede Pumps
Gone are the days of wandering around work in Timberland boots. It's now time to invest in a new pair of shoes to help carry me through a working week, that are let's say, a little more elegant. And I have found the perfect pair from Gianvito Rossi. Triple strapped, velvety suede, pointed toed and Italian-made, these low heels mean business. And whilst I'll need to break them in, they don't necessarily need to break the bank and can found online here for a little less than their RRP.
2. Prada Double Leather Saffiano Black Bag
I'm no devil, but I wouldn't say no to Prada. From its classic black exterior, gold hardware and red leather lining, this timeless tote bag from Prada is just perfect (for my stationary, diary, notebook and other office requirements...). This modern, yet traditional bag reeks sophistication and I've spotted it for half the price and it's hardly been worn. Are you as tempted as I am?
3. Hermès Dogon Wallet
The inside of my bag needs to be preened to perfection. So I can't have any loose change, or cash homed in a shabby purse. Now a few years back I had a replicaHermès Dogon wallet and whilst it was a rather good replica, it didn't really cut the mustard. But the real thing is crafted with real leather and is both practical and pretty, with its gold plated "Clou de Selle" circle tab and strap closure. It's no surprise it's a well-known and popular item.
4. Chanel Butterfly Sunglasses
Unsurprisingly I didn't get much wear out of my sunglasses over the bank holiday, but with summer fast approaching I have my eye on a stylish pair from Chanel. Cat-eyed with quilted arms inspired by Chanel's iconic handbags, these oversized sunglasses complete the look and protect my eyes during daylight hours.
5. Burberry Trench Coat
The Burberry Trench Coat is quintessentially British. Softly tailored, sleek and tough-wearing, it's office tailoring at its finest. The iconic trench coat from Burberry is a classic piece and would stay in my wardrobe forever. Not to mention it's perfect for layering and the spring season. I lust after the Burberry Trench Coat in classic honey, but there's a selection of colours available on Hardly Ever Worn It here.
What items are on your high-end workwear wishlist?
