| October Favourites |

I | Body

Sugar Crush Body Scrub, Soap & Glory

I absolutely love this scrub! It definitely has a love or hate smell, but I find it so fresh and perfect for the morning. It contains brown sugar, sweet lime, almond oil and macadamia grains. The scent is a very zingy lime and the scrub is just the right combination of exfoliating and moisturising.

Coconut Shower Cream, The Body Shop

I don't think it is the nicest of the body shop scents but I have really enjoyed it the coconut shower cream this month because it smells like summer and is so creamy.

I | Face

Nars Pro Prime Multi Protect Primer, SPF 30 PA+++

Love this primer for its lightweight consistency and SPF factor. I have worn this everyday for the last couple of months and it really does keep my foundation in place especially around my nose where my skin tends to be drier. A pea sized amount covers my whole face. Do not rub this product in to your skin, just smooth over in a fine layer. It gives a very subtle dewy finish.

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner

I am a big fan of gel eye liners as they last so well throughout the day and do not smudge. The Maybelline studio gel liner is such a good dupe for the Bobbi Brown version, and is half the price. Having used both, I would say this is actually better as it does not dry out as easily. Cute packaging and it also comes with a brush.

I | Random

Tangle Teezer Compact

Perfectly sized for your handbag this brush tackles the knottiest of knots with zero pain. It also has a handy lid to keep the brush clean.

Stella and Dot Demi Layering Necklace

Delicate silver chain with small textured petals. So pretty and can be worn as a single or double layer necklace. | xx

| Heart of the week| Girl Meets Pearl

This liquid pearl highlighter is a versatile product that can be used under make up for a subtle luminous pearl effect, as a highlighter over make up for a dewy glow or as an eye primer for added shimmer. Aside from the gorgeous name the product also has very nice packaging with a twist dispenser. It  is best applied with your fingertips. 

| xx

| Empties |

Clean Girls, Soap and Glory - I loved every last drop of this shower creme and will definitely repurchase when S&G have a 3 for 2 offer! The product is part of the Mist you Madly scent range (my favourite of the bunch) with vanilla, bergamot and freesia notes. It has a pretty mother of pearl effect, and I adore the fun vintage packaging design. It has a built in moisturiser, and leaves your whole bathroom smelling ultra girly!

Olive Body Butter, The Body Shop - I am a huge fan of the body butters range at The Body Shop and have enjoyed this one for its Mediterranean scent which reminds me of holidays! The Olive one is particularly moisturising and has a non greasy finish. These retail at £13 a tub, however, I have never bought one full price - they regularly go down to £6 in the sale!

Naked Lunch, MAC - I have literally used every last crumb of this powder and hit pan very quickly after wearing it every day. This shade is the perfect neutral which can be worn alone, as a base, or as a highlighter for under the brow. It is a frost finish nude with peachy tones.

Angels on Bare Skin, Lush - I am a big fan of Lush soaps, however, was disappointed with this face scrub. I disliked the strong lavender scent and also find it very unattractive in the pot with its light grey colour and putty texture. Another downside for me is the fact it comes with a short shelf life (common for Lush products). It was recommended for combination skin, however, I did not find it offered any moisturising properties and left my skin feeling quite bare in a bad way.

Hydraquench Cream, Clarins - I received this moisturiser as a gift in a Clarins set and have really loved the formula. Although this is a little heavy for my skin type, I think the gel formula would be perfect. It has a very fresh scent, typical of the Clarins range and is especially nice to use in the morning before applying makeup. 

Thank you for reading 

| xx

| Autumn Beauties|

We are into my favorite season now |, so here are a few of my picks for make up bag and wardrobe in AW13

Rimmel Glam Eyes Mono Shadow in Smokey Quartz

This golden eyeshadow offers a gorgeous taupey shimmer and is incredibly pigmented. The packaging helpfully advises that this shade suits blue eyes. Great for a subtle everyday look.

Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Plum

This is definitely my favourite shade of the lip butter range! The Revlon lip butters are very moisturising and have the consistency of a sheer lipstick. Sugar Plum gives a your-lips-but-better look with a gorgeous plum tone. The packaging is also really cute, with a colour co coordinating sheer plastic case.  

Revlon Colour Burst Lipgloss in Embellished (part of the Evening Opulance Collection)

Revlon have brought out two limited edition shades for AW13 as part of the Gucci Westman Evening Opulance range. I adore this rich wintery wine colour, which can be built up as you apply it. The formula contains micro glitter creating an amazing shade. Just enough vamp for me! 

Let the Good Time Roll Cleanser, Lush

This cleanser was released in 2012 as a limited edition product and proved to be extremely popular! This month Lush have returned the product to their shelves and it will be available all year round. I recently got myself a tester pot and am really pleased with the results.

The product contains corn oil, maize flower and cinnamon and smells like popcorn! It has fine granules offering gentle exfoliation which is perfect for combination skin. The cleanser comes in a dough like texture which forms a paste when mixed with a drop of water. Great for a more fun shower product. 

| Autumn Picks |

Olive Supersoft Skinny Jeans, New Look £10 (sale!) I have been reaching for these jeans all the time at the moment, such a versatile colour!

Zara Wraparound Cardigan, £17.99 I love cosy knits and think this slouch wrap around cardigan is perfect for layering over leggings as it is nice and long at the back. This is easily dressed up or down as it has a simple and sophisticated shape. The material is textured and the colour goes with everything. An all round winner for AW. 

Black Leggings, Zara £19.99 These leggings are amazing! They are more like jodhpurs  super thick, super comfy, perfect for wearing with boots. They have flattering slanted zips on the hips and also have an elastic side panel on the outer leg.

Billie & Blossom Heart Tea Dress, £25 A cute dress which can be worn in many ways, I have been layering it with a blazer or leather jacket. I know I will love this dress for a long time..

Let me know your Autumn favourites | xx

| September Favourites |

I | Body

Dove Purely Pampering Almond Cream with Hibiscus

I have been loving the Dove purely pampering range this month, especially the Almond Cream with Hibiscus range. The shower cream is super moisturising and the scent is a floral woody aroma which lasts on your skin for hours. Perfect for Autumn. The texture is thick and creates a luxurious lather. A bargain at only £1.99

Lovely, by Sarah Jessica Parker

Beautifully subtle every day perfume with a classically simple and feminine bottle. 

I | Face

Sublime de Chanel Mascara

Love this for definition, non clumping formula and staying power. Zero flaking or smudging throughout the day.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Shadow Creme

This month I have used cream shadows a lot as bases for building colour. The Estee Lauder Double Wear cream shadows have actually been discontinued, so I am cherishing this last pot of Pink Amethyst which was a limited edition shade. It has a pearl finish with cool undertones. The formula is very smooth and glides on easily. 

I | Random

Yankee Aromatherapy Candle

Shea Butter & Cedar Wood

Pandora Double Woven Leather

Suitcase charm, nude Murano and delicate spacer. Goes with everything! 

Good night xxx

| Bedtime Beauties |

Getting out of bed in the morning is most definitely not my favourite thing and as a result I pay little attention to my skin at the start of my day. To make up for this I cleanse, tone and moisturise every evening. A wise woman once taught me this was the key to beautiful skin, and I think she just may have been right.

Right now I am loving these products:

1. Johnsons Make Up Be Gone Pampering Wipes

You may think that wipes are the lazy girls guide to make up removal, however, the Johnsons Be Gone Pampering Wipes are truly fabulous at removing make up with just one wipe. After trying the entire Johnsons wipe range, I am extremely loyal to this lilac variety! The pack states that they remove waterproof mascara, a true claim... but with a lot of elbow grease. On the plus the wipes are super soft with a moonflower scent as part of the DreamySkin range. Although Johnsons wipes are at the pricier end of the drugstore wipes, I most definitely think they are worth it for the texture of the wipe and gentle formula. You will not be left with any signs of tightness or redness and the scent is perfect for bedtime.

2. Clarins Cleansing Milk with Gentian

I adore Clarins skincare and this is the perfect cleanser for when my skin is on the dry side of combination. I prefer to use this cleanser for Autumn/Winter when my skin needs a bit more TLC. Try using the suction technique to apply this product.

3. Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris

This alcohol free toner helps to reduce redness and leaves my skin feeling super clean without that stinging sensation. The Iris formula is best suited to combination or oily skin It has a very subtle fragrance and does not leave the skin feeling greasy at all due to the low g;lycerin content.

4. Clarins Multi Active Night

I received this as a gift in May and have found that the small tube has lasted forever - a little definitely goes a long way.  As with all Clarins products the smell is generally a love or hate, but I think this moisturiser smells beautiful. It has a non greasy formula. which I love, perfect for Autumn/Winter.

Not Loving.....

5. Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream

I have been using this cute little tester pot for a while now and like the lightweight formula and smooth texture but would not purchase a large pot. This is suited to younger skin, ideal for those in their 20s . If you are looking for a formula which offers light moisturisation and smoothes the under eye area then this product is for you, however, this offers no help with dark circles. 

| The £30 Make Up Challenge|

For under £30, using only high street products you can create a great everyday look which is easy wearing with neutral tones.

These are the products I heart:

Foundation

Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation offers medium coverage with a light glow and SPF15. I use one and a half pumps to cover my whole face which is more than I would use in my beloved Chanel, however, it is light and moisturizing so does not look overdone. This foundation is great for combination skin as it does not cling to dry areas. Under bright lights it does have a slight shimmer, but in natural lighting it makes skin look radiant. Retailing at £8.99 this is definitely worth a try (although be warned the colour range is minimal).

Concealer

The Collection Lasting Perfection concealer is a complete bargain and challenges some high end concealer products. A favourite among many beauty bloggers, this product offers strong coverage and is great for use on blemishes as well as the under eye area. A little goes a long way so don't use too much. I would recommend rolling the product onto the back of your hand and applying with your finger as opposed to the dough applicator (for both hygiene and finish). The one and only downside of this product is the cheap packaging as the print rubs off very easily. £3.69 in Superdrug at the moment - you can't go wrong!

Eyeshadow

I have been loving the Cover Girl Eye Enhancer in Shimmering Sands as it is such a versatile palette. It is super cheap and can be picked up for around the £3.20 mark (once converted back from $). I picked up mine on ebay and have been wearing it over the On-and-On Bronze Maybelline colour tattoo. This palette is very shimmery but offers a classic neutral tone.

Mascara

I am completely fickle when it comes to mascara and love trying new ones. I must confess, I am usually guilty of only buying high end mascaras, Chanel, Clarins and Lancôme being a few of my favourites... however, I have recently tried the Maybelline The Rocket mascara and have been pleasantly surprised by the results. The mascara most definitely adds volume without clumping and the brush picks up even the smallest of lashes. The formula dries quite hard, but my lashes remained fairly flexible and there was absolutely no flaking (my biggest irritation when it comes to mascara flaws!). Being critical, I would not say the product feels as nourishing as some of the high end mascara's and it did take a bit of effort to get it off - but in some ways this can only be a good thing. Although I have not tried it myself, the waterproof version of this mascara also gets a good write up.

Blush

I had to include an Elf blush in this challenge as they truly are such a bargain! My personal favourite for a natural blush is Tickled Pink. I love the smoothness of the blushes and the buildable colour. Tickled pink is a perfect for a pretty everyday look.

Lips

Get ready for the autumn weather with one of Nivea's Lip Butters. My favourite is the Vanilla and Macadamia. Containing shea butter and almond oil they leave your lips super smooth and soft. Also perfect for use just before bed.  

What products would you use for under £30? | xx

| Maybelline Colour Tattoo Crème Gel Eyeshadow |

I first discovered these eyeshadows after reading an array of blog posts comparing them to Mac Paint Pots. I have tried and tested two of the range (On-and-on Bronze and Permanent Taupe) and they have become one of my go to eye products. I use these both as a base for other eyeshadows or on their own. 

Product Claims: Maybelline says the eyeshadow is smudge and crease free, lasting 24 hours.

The Truth: These have a thick and creamy consistency which has fantastic blendability. They are thicker and more pigmented than the Benefit creasless shadows and genuinely do have amazing staying power! I certainly don't need them to last 24 hours, but 10+ was good enough for me! When used as a base for powder eyeshadows they hold it in place with zero smudging and are easily applied and blended using your finger.

Permanent Taupe is a matte colour, ideal for creating a soft smokey eye

On-and-On Bronze is perfect for layering neutral shades on top

At £5.49 I think these are a bargain considering their quality, staying power and creaseless gel formula.  

Let me know if you try any other shades | xx

| Platinum Strength |

I have been using the TRESemme Platinum Strength Shampoo and Conditioner for weeks now and am really excited by the results! I have to admit in general I am not a huge fan of TRESemme products, however, the Platinum Strength range has definitely won me over. These products have delivered three fabulous results for me and my locks!

1. There are no proteins listed as ingredients for this shampoo, which is a major plus as too much protein build up can lead to breakage. My Day 1 and Day 2 hair has been super soft, with a great shine and a very lightweight clean feel. I haven't stopped touching my hair!

2. Both the shampoo and conditioner lathered and washed out very easily, with no product build up left behind. A major plus for all those with fine hair!  

3. I have honestly found the drying time has reduced and the manageability of my hair has improved in line with the product promises.

The bottle recommends 5 washes to see a visible difference in manageability and health, and I most certainly got this! 

Hearts and Blush xxxx

| August Favourites |

At the end of each month I will post the things I have been loving in the past 4 weeks. 

The 'I heart' post will contain two body products, two make up products and two random loves.

I | Body

Rituals Honey Touch Body Cream

This has an Inidian Rose and Himalayan Honey scent which is very subtle but feminine. The body cream feels luxurious and is very moisturising, however, it is so light on application, it almost has whipped consistency. 

Flowerbomb - Viktor & Rolf

This has been one of my favourite perfumes for a long time. Although it has a floral scent, it is quite a deep fragrance with vanilla tones. It is very sweet with amazing staying power. Definitely comes with a price tag, but for me it is worth every spritz! 

Key notes: Centifolia Rose, India osmanthus, Catleya Orchid and Sambac Jasmine

I | Face

Rimmel Apocolips

There are 8 colours in the Apocolips lip laquer range, of which I have two: Celestial and Galaxy. The consistency is very creamy and opaque. My favourite thing about these products is the small well in the centre of the applicator which collects product so you can apply it with only one dip. Although the product is very glossy in the tube, it actually dries quite matte so can need a top up throughout the day to avoid drying out. The colour staying power is fantastic! Only £5.99!

Nars Deep Throat Blush

This blush has a sheer peach tone with a hint of golden shimmer. The coral undertones make the colour very warm without being too red. This blush is buildable so can offer a soft glow for the day but can be worked up to a warm coral for an evening look. Nars blushes are very smooth and have great pigmentation.

I | Random

Yankee Candle Midnight Jasmine

A very calming scent which is more subtle than lavender. It has a water jasmine, mandarin blossom and honeysuckle scent, perfect for bedtime. 

Stella & Dot Vintage Twist Bracelet

Thank you so much for reading xxx

| Barry M Gelly Shine - Lychee |

Currently wearing another of the Barry M Gelly shine range in Lychee.

I love this fresh taupe/nude shade, and it does not have any yellow undertones.

Another winning colour from Barry M. | xx

| Radox Shower Cream |

I am a bit fickle with shower gels and love to try new scents. The additions to the Radox range include Berry Blast and Coconut Kiss.

They have a very light silky feel and lather easily. Although the scent is very fruity, it does not smell synthetic and has good staying power on your skin. Berry Blast has a sweet cherry fragrance perfect to wake me up in the mornings, whilst coconut cream also works quite nicely as a bath cream as well in the shower. 

At £1.90 (and currently 2 for 1) you can't go wrong. | xx 

| Pucker Pouts |

As a lipgloss addict, I have a dedicated lip vanity case in my handbag at all times. Currently, the main contenders in this case are chubby lip products which are imbetween a lip balm and a lip gloss.

I have tried, tested and loved three of the Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker gloss sticks and am now a huge fan. I would categorize them as a lip balm stain as opposed to a gloss.

First off, these gloss sticks not only taste like vanilla cupcakes, they also feel light and moisturizing on the lips. They are not sticky or gloopy, instead they are nourishing and smooth with a sheer gloss finish. As the product does not offer an opaque coverage they are very easy to apply and are fantastic for the girl on the go as there is no need for a mirror.

The packaging has a twist applicator.

I have swatched the colours below but please note that the colour is most definitely buildable.

Nudist - A honey coloured finish, which is natural and effortless

Fuchsia-Ristic - a coral pink ideal for summer days

Plum Jam - (The name is a complete winner for me!) a rich berry colour which offers an almost watery juicy finish

Simplicity, smoothness and a scrumptious smell in a chubby stick.

Currently on offer for £5 in Boots | xx

| What do you heart today? |

| benefit Erase paste |

Panda eyes, zombie eyes, dark eyes.. whatever you like to call them, I have most definitely got them!

After trying many concealer products (and more) benefit erase paste is my go-to under eye product. 

However small, this pot lasts a lifetime and a little goes a long way. The formula may be too thick for some, but the consistency is smooth and coverage even.

To avoid a creased look, pat the product on using your ring finger to work it into the delicate under eye area. This stays in place all day long, particularly if set with a powder and brightens the corner of your eye. The peach under tones neutralize any hyper pigmentation making it ideal for use around blemishes too. 

All in all, a little pot of magic | xx