Dyson AirStrait: I haven't used any other hair tool since buying this a few months ago. I love the convenience of not having to use both a brush and a hairdryer, it's also a lot easier than holding my arms up while drying my hair! I love that I can take my hair from wet to dry (and straight) pretty quickly, without too much heat and only three passes over the hair. I take small sections to ensure that each one is completely dry and the result is straight but swishy hair. Swishy because it isn't ironed straight, so it still has movement. Full review here.
Kérastase Premiere range: The aim of this range is to remove calcium buildup from the hair, which in turn strengthens the hair and leads to less breakage. The pre-shampoo treatment is applied to wet hair and left for around five minutes before washing out with the shampoo from the range, followed by either the mask or conditioner. The result is strong, shiny hair with the colour looking refreshed. It's so good that at my last hair appointment when I would usually be due a cut, my hairdresser said it didn't even need a trim because there were no split ends! Almost unheard of for me! Full review here.
Armani Privé Blanc Kogane*: I adore everything about this fragrance, from the cream and gold marble bottle that it's housed in to the perfume itself. It smells so clean, like expensive fresh linen, with a musky dry down. I find it to be a comforting scent - like a hug but not too warm or overpowering. I'm guaranteed compliments when I wear this fragrance!
Jo Malone Yuzu Zest Cologne: The citrus scent with a twist! Zesty but also woody and fresh, thanks to the notes of yuzu (citrus), clary sage (woody) and fir balsam (woody and fresh). The balance of notes is just right because it isn't too sharp and is an ideal fragrance to wear on hot, muggy days. I used to layer Jo Malone Lime, Basil & Mandarin with Wood Sage & Sea Salt but this is a very similar fragrance in one bottle, so it's a cheaper way of achieving that scent!
Makeup By Mario Surreal Skin Foundation: I've never been a full coverage base lover. I love skin to look like skin...only better than my own skin if that makes sense? This foundation feels weightless on the skin, gives medium coverage (which can be sheered. out), has a 'lit from within' finish that looks like your skin but on a very good skin day! It lasts very well on my dry skin, I'm unsure how it would be on oily skin - possibly fine once set with a powder and with a gripping primer underneath. I love it for the fresh, healthy look that it gives my skin and a little goes a long way, so it will last quite a while!
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer: This is a brilliant concealer for both dark circles and blemishes. It gives full coverage with very little product, feels light on the skin, is crease-resistant and despite giving full coverage, it looks natural on the skin. I don't have a single bad word to say about it but also don't understand what took me so long to try it!
Maybelline Sunkisser Liquid Blush: Liquid blushes are really having a moment this summer and these are a fantastic budget option. They have doe foot applicators and can be dotted directly onto the cheek, or on the back of the hand and then applied to the cheeks using a sponge, fingers or stippling brush. They add luminosity to the skin for a fresh look, which I love.
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush in the shade Coral: I love that the shade range has been expanded in this blush line and this coral shade is particularly beautiful, particularly with a (fake) tan. It's pretty pigmented but easy to blend and applies without any patchiness. This is ideal for summer!
Victoria Beckham Matte Bronzing Brick: I don't think that I have ever used a bronzer as finely milled as this, which means that it warms the skin beautifully without any patchiness. The colour is also perfect - not too orange but also doesn't look dull or dirty, like some bronzers can. It really just blends itself!
Farmacy Honey Halo Ultra-Hydrating Ceramide Moisturiser*: One of the best moisturisers that I have ever used on my dry skin, which leaves it feeling replenished, nourished and bouncy. It's quite rich in texture and a little goes a long way, but it absorbs quickly and easily and the moisturised feeling lasts for hours after application.
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Eye Cream: Some people skip eye creams and don't see the benefit in them. I've used one since I was around 21 and love a good eye cream, rather than an eye gel. My focus is on nourishing and plumping the skin, which is exactly what this eye cream does! It lives up to its name in so far as it is smoothing, which makes the eye area look more youthful and fresh. Concealer also applies beautifully over it, without creasing. It really does live up to the 'wrinkle smoothing' in its name.
Those are my standout discoveries from the first half of the year. Of course I still use favourites from previous years but I will always be curious about new releases and enjoy making new discoveries. I'd love to hear your standout products from the first half of 2024!
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.
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