July was a mixed month for me, but overall, a good one. We've had some good weather (although nothing like the temperatures seen in the UK and Europe!), which means barbecues, getting heat into my bones and being outside more. Today's post is about everything I've loved over this past month.
Balm cleansers will always be my favourite. They really suit my dry skin, but they're also suitable for combination and normal skin types, and will work as a makeup remover for oily skin. I am quite fussy when it comes to cleansing balms - the main things I want are for my makeup to melt without too much tugging on the skin, or cloudy eyes after removing my eye makeup! I also don't like a film to be left on my skin, yet I like my skin to feel comfortable and thoroughly cleansed after use. I don't ask for much, do I? Here are three gorgeous cleansing balms, for three budgets.....
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| Photo from Pinterest. |
I've attempted to write this post so many times, but didn't know exactly what to say as I'm in two minds about blogging at the moment, and have been for a while. I really would love to hear your thoughts on this subject in the comments below, or DM me on Instagram.
When I look through my makeup collection, the brand that I see most often is Charlotte Tilbury. I know that the products are pretty pricey, but I think the quality is excellent, a little goes a long way with most products and I can count on them if I'm in a hurry and don't have time to think about what makeup to use. I'm sure most people have tried the brand, but if not, here are my top five products that I'd recommend if you're starting out...
I've been a fan of Kérastase products for over 20 years. I've tried a lot of their ranges, depending on what my hair needs - repair, moisture, colour protection etc, and I'm always intrigued by their new ranges. Their latest is Absolu Chroma, which aims to reduce frizz, reduce breakage by strengthening the hair, and revive colour. What really interested me about this range, is that it contains Lactic Acid, which is a gentle exfoliator that we are used to seeing in skincare, but not in haircare products. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Acids and Centella Asiatica, which help to restore the hair from the inside out, so it works to strengthen your hair long-term, rather than just make it look/feel good after you wash it.I have four products from the range and want to share my thoughts with you today.
Summer is finally here and although the weather was initially pretty inconsistent, to say the least, we're now having a good spell and I'm here for it! I'm embracing the opportunity to wear brighter colours, whether in my clothes, accessories, or on my face/nails. Bright colours make me so happy - even if it means using a brightly coloured umbrella! Anyway, today I'm focusing on beauty, and the products that I'm using right now and will continue to do so until Autumn rolls around.
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| If anything was gifted to me, it will be marked with a * |
I'm one of those people who moisturises their body every single day, and even in the days when I was bedridden, I'd ask my husband to do it! My skin is so dry that if I didn't moisturise daily, it would be tight, uncomfortable and scaly - not how I want to feel. Sometimes, I use functional body lotions - just something to moisturise, other times I use oils if I feel like my skin is feeling and looking slack, and sometimes, I'll use body creams and lotions that are special and smell divine, as well as nourishing my skin. I believe in using nice things daily, rather than saving things for best, even if I'm ill and having a duvet day - actually, especially on those days. Today, I'm going to share some of my favourite scented body moisturisers with you, and I'd love to hear what your favourite is!
What signals the start of summer for you? Is it the summer solstice, or the first sign of sun? For me, it's the release of the L'Occitane Verbena with a twist! I can't tell you how much I look forward to it each year! I love the original Verbena line, which was the first product from the brand that I tried years and years ago (introduced to it by my mother(, but when they add mint or citrus, it just takes it to another level. Also this year, there is a new white lavender range, and if you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that I'm a sucker for anything lavender fragranced, because it brings back memories of my Granda's garden when I was a child, and when he died, I planted some lavender on his grave.
I adore the scent combinations that L'Occitane offers, but what I really have grown to love about the brand is that it cares and it gives back. It really is a fair trade company, but also one that is ecologically aware. It has been this way since its inception in 1976, and has grown with education since then. They can actually tell you the names of the couple who cultivate the verbena in the South of France, and the lavender is sourced from local cooperatives in the South of France, who also help to protect the bees that the lavender attracts. All of this makes me love and support the brand even more.
I was kindly sent a selection of the new releases and want to share my thoughts with you today.
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| Anything marked with a * was kindly gifted to me, without obligation. |
I always like to do a check in mid-year to see what products have stood out to me in the previous six months. To be honest, this year I didn't expect there to be a huge amount as I've really cut down on my spending as I try to use up the products I have. When I started to compile this list, I was surprised by how many products have really stood out to me. Some were kindly gifted to me (marked with a *), others, I bought myself. I'll link to any full reviews.
