My holiday makeup picks

I'm off to Majorca tomorrow for a week! This is our fifth time going to Majorca although we don't always stay in the same resort but we both just love the island and the fact that it's a short flight. I packed my clothes quite quickly but I always find packing skincare and makeup much trickier than choosing which clothes to bring. I used to be utterly ridiculous with the amount of products that I brought but like to think that I've improved. I save mini products and samples throughout the year to take away on weekends/holidays  - advent calendars, beauty boxes and gift with purchases are really good in that regard. So, what have I packed this time? Let's get into it!

Best discoveries of the 2019 so far.....

I know it's a cliché but I honestly can't believe how quickly this year is going by! I hope that summer weather actually kicks in soon so we don't just go from Spring to Autumn. Regardless, we can't stop the hands of time and whilst this June is nothing like last year in terms of weather, we're still six months into the year! When we reach this halfway point, I always like to look back at the first part of the year and document my favourite discoveries. I actually thought that I hadn't bought very many beauty products this year but when I look at this list, I actually have but it's still an improvement on previous years. The products marked with a * were kindly sent to me but everything else, I bought myself. These are all of the standout new (or new to me) products that I have discovered and loved in 2019, so far.....

Win an Anastasia Beverly Hills X Alyssa Edwards Palette

It's giveaway time again! You all know I love an eyeshadow palette and when I saw the new Anastasia Beverly Hills x Alyssa Edwards Palette, I thought it would make a great prize. I've always been very impressed by the quality of Anastasia eyeshadows - pigmented, creamy in texture and easy to work with.  This giveaway is open worldwide and the rules are pretty simple.

The Glowing Skin Edit Part Two: Makeup

Following on from yesterday's Glowing Skin Edit, which involved skincare, today I want to share products that will help to fake a glow. There are times that we all need to fake it, especially after late nights, broken sleep and periods of ill-health. Luckily, there are some fab products that can hide a multitude of sins! Obviously, I'm not recommending wearing them all together at the same time (unless you like the discoball look and in that case, you do you!) but even just one or two of these items together can really transform the face.

The Glowing Skin Edit Part One: Skincare

Glowing skin - something that we all want but it isn't always easy to achieve. There are so many factors that can affect our skin - illness, the weather, pollution, stress etc. Those of us with naturally dry skin will know that a glow is usually something that we have to work hard (or rather, our skincare products have to work hard) to attain. It is something that requires consistency but with the right products, results will be seen. I want to share the hard working products in my routine that help me to achieve glowing skin and tomorrow, I will share products that will help to fake a glow.

Some fragrance ideas for Father's Day including new Azzaro Chrome Aqua

Father's Day is fast approaching (this coming Sunday, in case you weren't aware!) and although I don't have a full gift guide, I wanted to show some fragrance ideas as all of the men in my family love a gift of aftershave as I'm sure many other men do too. I think a fragrance is a really nice gift to give and receive as many people see these as treat purchases and don't necessarily buy them for themselves. I have four gorgeous fragrances to share with you today; one new release: Azzaro Chrome Aqua (currently reduced in Debenhams) and three classics. 

Holiday preppin'

I'm going on holiday the weekend after next and I am soooo looking forward to it. The weather has been so hit & miss since the summer teaser we had at Easter so I'm looking forward to a week of sunny weather (fingers crossed!).  In the weeks leading up to going on holiday, I have my usual wax and hairdresser appointments but I also do some home prep to get my limbs, skin and hair ready for summer, which I'm going to share with you today.

The hype is real #7 Nars Laguna & Orgasm

It's time for another instalment of The Hype Is Real and this time it's about Nars Orgasm and Nars Laguna, which are probably the most famous Nars products and certainly the two first products that I tried from the brand. Orgasm is the only blush that I have ever repurchased..... twice! I've also repurchased Laguna a number of times but a bronzer repurchase is less unusual. Nars also happens to be Cult Beauty's Brand of The Month for June, which means there is free international shipping on all Nars orders. This post isn't sponsored, it just happens to coincide!

Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Vs Cover FX Gripping Primer

To prime, or not to prime? That is the question. Well, not really - I always prime but I know that some people think it's a faff and an unnecessary step. I have been known to remove my foundation and start again if I realise that I haven't primed my skin. I just find that my base products apply and sit more evenly on primed skin and also they last longer. I have dry skin so I don't normally have to worry about the longevity of my makeup, but sometimes foundation can either break down or sink into fine lines or areas of dry skin unless the skin is primed. I have regular favourites that I always go back to but I was very intrigued by two new primers that were released in the last few months and ended up buying both - completely unnecessary but I knew that if I didn't like them I could pass them on to friends. Turns out, I love both! I'm hoping that we get a heatwave like last summer (fingers crossed) and if we do, these primers will be in huge demand and your best friend because they are designed to help your face to get a grip and make foundation budge-proof! I'm talking about Milk Makeup Hydro Grip and Cover FX Gripping Primer.

The cleanser edit: which type is best for you?

Is there any better feeling than removing your makeup at the end of the day and cleansing your skin? As much as I love makeup, I love skincare even more.  I know that some people think spending money on a cleanser is a waste because you remove it not long after applying but I disagree.  Cleansing preps your skin for the next steps and any subsequent products applied can work effectively when the skin is thoroughly cleansed.  There are so many types of cleansers, but which works best for you? Of course, you may like several cleanser types (as I do) or you may like to switch the formula up, depending on the season but if you are unsure which type might work best for you, this post should help. Some of these cleansers were kindly gifted to me, which I will indicate with * beside them. Most of these products have been previously reviewed on the blog and I will link those reviews if you want to know more about them.

Five current loves...

I had a small impromptu blog break, for a number of reasons - my health has taken a real dip over the last few weeks, which is the primary reason, my husband had some time off work and when he does, I like to spend quality time with him without the distraction of blogging and thirdly,  I was enjoying reading your responses to my 'Spilling the tea' post. It was interesting to hear from other bloggers about ghosting/bad treatment from PRs and I'm glad it started a conversation. Anyway, today I'm back with the post that I had actually planned for last Thursday and it's all about five current loves, five products that I'm using non-stop at the moment.