My favourite discoveries of 2023 so far.....

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Hello, hello! I took an unplanned break due to a  number of reasons - the death of a family friend, trying to listen to my body more (which I promised both my GP & myself this year) and rest when needed, plus life was kind of busy in ways that wouldn't mean much to those who are well but when you're living with a chronic illness and supposed to be pacing yourself, it's difficult to adjust when life changes a little. It's not a moan, just an explanation. I always miss blogging when life gets in the way so I'm happy to be back, and today I'm talking about my favourite discoveries of the first half of 2023, so let's get into it!

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream: This is an expensive body moisturiser, there is no doubt about it but it really is beautiful. It glides onto the skin and absorbs so easily and quickly, and the skin feels moisturised for hours. Silky soft and smooth limbs but it also helps the skin to feel supple and elasticized. If I won the lotto, I'd use it daily! A little goes a long way, so that's a help for sure!

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Range: If you have damaged hair from use of colour, bleach, heat, or just through illness, then this range will restore and repair your hair (split ends always need to be trimmed and nothing will actually get rid of them, except a cut, but these products make the hair look smoother). I use the full set - the pre-shampoo treatment, which intensely nourishes and repairs the hair, the shampoo and conditioner, which smell divine and leave the hair feeling full, strong and nourished. Then I use the leave in treatment as a heat protectant. They've made a huge difference to the condition of my hair overall and I now have very little (if any) hair loss, and it's much easier to comb through, looks less frizzy and is shiny, so it's an overall winning range of products. Use the code BEAUTYLYMIN to make an extra saving on the bundle.

Olaplex No. 4D Clean Volume Detox Dry Shampoo: I try to only wash my hair once weekly so a good dry shampoo is essential for me. I'm quite fussy - I don't want anything that feels heavy in the hair, it also can't leave a white cast, it can't irritate my scalp, and needs to smell good (clean smelling, rather than fake).  This ticks all of the boxes and a little goes a long way with it. If you use the code BEAUTYLYMIN at the checkout on Look Fantastic, you'll make an extra saving.

Hourglass Voyeur Shadow Stick: I'm definitely loving the speed and ease of using a shadow stick these days and I love this brand in general as the quality of the products is excellent. I bought Aurora (a golden olive shade) and Solstice (a warm golden bronze). They are staples in my routine, they are long-lasting, creaseproof and just so easy to use. 

Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer: I love this brand and reach for this bronzer every time I do my makeup! It's so easy to apply, it blends into the skin like a dream and adds a beautiful amount of warmth, which makes the skin look naturally sun-kissed! 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream*: This has been around for years but I only started to use it this year and it's dreamy! It is lightweight, yet really hydrates the skin to leave it looking bouncy, healthy and nourished. It's an ideal base for makeup but skin looks great without makeup as there's something about this moisturiser that makes it look so healthy!

Pat McGrath Labs Divine Skin: Rose 001™ The Essence: Finally, I have to mention this essence, which I have just repurchased. It is like a serum and essence in one and instantly makes the skin feel hydrated and comfortable. In fact, it so hydrating that I think those with oily skin may not feel the need for a moisturiser afterwards. Given that I have dry skin, I use this and a serum and moisturiser and it really makes my skin look plump and bright. It's a bi-phase product that needs to be shaken before use and I just pat a few drops into my skin and it feels like a chill pill because it instantly makes my skin feel better in every possible way!

I think I've done well to narrow it down to so few products! I would love to hear what your favourite discoveries from this year are?

Thanks for reading!

All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.