My HG makeup products (and a 20% discount on some products!)

Because last week's post on my HG skincare products went down so well with so many of you (post here if you missed it), it got me thinking about makeup and which products would be the first I'd replace if my complete collection disappeared! This actually happened to one of my friends whose bag was stolen from her hand by a cyclist as she waited on the street for a building to open. She said she was more traumatised by the fact that she'd have to replace all of her makeup than everything else in her overnight bag (including her wallet/bank cards/phone etc!). I think it'd be a nightmare because there's no way on earth I could replace it all (unless I won the lotto), so this was a very tricky post for me. But here are my ultimate favourites/most repurchased/first to be repurchased products. If I have a discount code for any of them, I'll include it too! None of these products were gifted to me.

Summer Fridays R+R mask - smooth, glowing skin!

I'm sure that you have heard of Summer Fridays, a brand founded by two bloggers a few years ago as, despite trying and testing thousands of skincare products, they felt that there was a gap in the market. They started with face masks and are gradually extending their range, which I am glad about as too often, brands launch with a large number of products and quality can be lacking. As much as I loved the idea and sound of their Jet Lag mask, I skipped it as it contains shea butter. That said, I may still buy it to use as an overnight eye mask as that area of skin can tolerate the ingredient for some reason! On this side of the Atlantic, the brand is sold on Cult Beauty and after reading lots of reviews, I decided to buy R+R mask because it's described as a reviver for dull and dry skin - basically I felt like it was talking to me personally!

How and why to incorporate Vitamin C into your skincare routine

Any products that were gifted to me were done so without any obligation to post and will be marked with a *. I am part of the Dermalogica Skinfluencer programme.

Have you entered my Rejuvenated bundle giveaway here? Today is the last day to enter!

I've written posts on Vitamin C in the past and have explained that it really is a wonder ingredient for the skin that most people will see benefits from through regular use. That being said, not everyone can use it on a daily basis as it can cause some sensitivity/reaction (I fall into this category - in general! There are some exceptions). I still think it's worth persisting with and finding the right product for you - whether it's through the product type/combination/frequency of use, because of the benefits it gives. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, which boosts the plumpness of the skin, It also inhibits the production of melanin, which helps with areas of hyperpigmentation and also general dullness of the skin. It also encourages renewal at a cellular level, which in turn firms the skin.  Sounds like the perfect skincare ingredient, right? The problem is that it can be incredibly unstable and who wants to waste their money on a product that will be ineffective or go off within a few weeks? Also, if a product doesn't suit your skin, it doesn't necessarily mean the actual ingredient doesn't so it is worth trying to find a way to make it work for you, especially when the benefits are as effective as with Vitamin C. Today I want to share some great Vitamin C products with you and I am hoping that there is something for everyone. I'd also love to hear what your favourite way to use the ingredient is?

3 treats for 3 budgets

Have you entered my Rejuvenated bundle giveaway here?

I know that many people think January is the longest month but, this year, it has somehow flown by for me! As payday approaches (or perhaps today is your long-awaited payday), I'm back with my first 3 treats for 3 budgets post of 2020! These posts are not about spending a fortune or doing a haul - they're just about providing you with some ideas for products if you're in the mood to treat yourself to something or possibly have a birthday/special occasion gift to buy and need some ideas! With products starting at under £10, you can treat yourself without breaking the bank.

My HG skincare products (and a 20% discount code on most!)

Have you entered my Rejuvenated bundle giveaway here?

While I was sorting through my skincare drawers last week, I started to think about which products I would replace if (God forbid), all of my products disappeared or were stolen. Or, more precisely, which ones would be my top priority to replace. I thought I'd share them with you today and I would really love to hear which products would be top of your repurchase list if you found yourself in a similar position. Oh and as a bonus, I have a discount code that will work on most of the products if you buy from Look Fantastic. This post is not sponsored but if anything was sent to me, it will be marked with a *. Most products were bought by me.

Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial - worth the hype?

I bought this myself.

Have you entered my Rejuvenated bundle giveaway here?

Drunk Elephant is one of those brands that has courted a lot of controversy over the past year. There were photos and videos on Instagram of people binning lots of their products, such was their anger at the brand after a falling out with Caroline Hirons (amongst other alleged issues). Now I really respect Caroline but there was no way that I was binning products that I love, are expensive and that I personally find to be very effective for my skin. I've tried quite a few products from the brand - some are outstanding and others are a little 'meh' in my opinion but, as always, with skincare - what works well for one may not suit the next person. It's all very subjective. Today I want to talk about their latest release, F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial, which I knew I wanted to buy as soon as I heard the name, in advance of its release! I have skin like the Sahara (both dry and dehydrated) so anything that promises to quench its thirst and give a much needed injection of moisture will always grab my interest.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer VS Olaplex No 3 Which is better?

I bought Olaplex and Philip Kingsley Elasticizer was kindly sent to me without any obligation to post about it. 

Have you entered my Rejuvenated bundle giveaway here?

Some people mistake hair treatments for hair masks but these two products are actually pre-shampoo treatments.  Both are suitable for bleached, coloured, heat-damaged hair or even for those who don't use a lot of colour/heat but just have damaged or frizzy hair. They act as a cuticle sealant but work from within to repair and prevent further damage. I'm sure that there are probably a number of products of this type on the market but the two cult ones are Philip Kingsley Elasticizer* and Olaplex No 3 Hair Perfector. Today I want to share my thoughts on both with you. I never really believed that a product like this would become a staple in my routine, but it has!

Review & Swatches: Pat McGrath Blitz Astral Quad Iconic Illumination

Have you entered my Rejuvenated bundle giveaway here?

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Pat McGrath makeup products, especially her eyeshadows. Last year, I made a promise to myself not to add every eyeshadow palette that took my fancy to my collection (and there were some real beauties throughout the year!). Until November, I had only bought two, which is pretty impressive compared to previous years but then Pat McGrath released three quads and as much as I tried, I couldn't help but add one to my collection. Iconic Illumination is the one that caught my eye the most due to the beautiful warm tones.

REN Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser Review

Have you entered my Rejuvenated bundle giveaway here?

I know that people are divided when it comes to the term 'clean beauty' and I totally get it as it somehow implies that products not labelled as 'clean' are somehow toxic and not safe to use, which simply isn't true. That being said, there are people who like to fill their shelves with 'clean' products - some because it's a trend, others because they don't have the time nor inclination to research skincare ingredients and just believe clean is better. To each their own is my opinion. Why am I talking about this? Today, I want to share my thoughts on REN Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser*, which obviously has clean in its name. Whether you are a fan of 'clean' beauty or not, you will probably enjoy this product.

Rejuvenated Re-Set Bundle Giveaway

If you read Friday's post (here), you will know that I am using Rejuvenated Re-Set products to help curb my cravings after the excesses of Christmas. Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of the brand so I am delighted that they have offered a prize of the bundle of products in the photo above (worth almost £150) for one of my lovely readers. 

It's time to press the re-set button!

Some of these products were sent to me without any obligation, this is not an ad. Gifted items will be marked with a *

I know that lots of people start their 'New Year, New Me' rituals on January 1st but I never do because my family get together for another Christmas Day feast on New Year's Day at my parents' house so there really is no point in pretending that I will commit to healthier eating that day. I'm also not the type of person who imposes very strict rules on myself just because it's January - banning myself from eating a certain food type or category will only make me want it more. I focus on nourishment rather than punishment and that way I am more inclined to commit. I also focus on using products I love and regular pampering rather than keeping products, clothes, jewellery etc 'for good' - every day that we are alive is a good day, in my opinion. Today, I want to share the products I am using to make January a little easier and come back on Monday for a giveaway of some of the products!

The Armani Luminous Silk Duo that I can't stop wearing!

Both products were bought by me.

Armani Luminous Silk is my most repurchased foundation (it would have been Hydra Glow had they not discontinued it - it's been years but I'm still not over it!) so when they released a corresponding primer, I knew I would have to try it, despite the fact that I really didn't need a new primer!

The Beauty Expert Collection: Icons Edition (saving of £91 available)

If you aren't familiar with Beauty Expert Collections, you're missing out! I reviewed the Vegan Collection here last year and loved that I made some great discoveries. The new Icons Edition is set to be the last of its kind, which is a real shame, however what a final set to finish on! Not only does it offer amazing value with £170 worth of products for only £79, but the products really are classics! UPDATE! I now have a 20% discount code for you, which reduced the price to only £63.20! The code is LYMIN_20.

Clarins Lip Milky Mousse - nourished lips with a hint of colour

I've mentioned before that I am a huge fan of Clarins Natural Lip Perfectors - they are my go-to lip products when I'm unsure what to wear as they suit all looks and I have one in every handbag so I was intrigued when I heard about their latest release - Lip Milky Mousse as part of their Spring Makeup Collection.

Lixirskin Good Skin Mini Trio Set Review

Happy New Year! I had planned on posting last week but I received some very sad news about a family member of someone very close to me, which took the wind out of my sails and the gloss off the turn of a new year and decade. It also meant that I definitely wasn't in the mood for writing, or even thinking, about beauty or anything other than the people affected by the tragedy. It was a very poignant reminder that life is very short and precious and none of us can be sure what is in store for us so we need to enjoy life as much as possible as tomorrow isn't guaranteed.

I really hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed the break (if you had one as I know it's the busiest time of year for those working in retail)?

Today's post is all about French brand, Lixirskin. This brand was founded by Dr Colette Haydon and the ethos is that the products are multi-taskers, suitable for all areas of skin and all ages. This intrigued me as I'm the queen of numerous products for various areas - face, neck, eyes etc. I was kindly sent the Good Skin Trio Mini Set back in November. This set is the perfect introduction to the brand as it contains three 30ml products, which is definitely enough to decide if the products are for you and also the perfect size for travelling.