Haus Labs base products (dry skin) review...

 

Hello, hello! Long time, no post! You might know that I have had a chronic illness for a long time and may have seen on my Instastories that things have been getting progressively worse over the past year, to the point that blogging was the last thing on my mind as it was all I could do to get through the day. I went to a clinic abroad a couple of months ago for new tests and treatment and now have a new plan going forward. There have been ups and downs along the way but I'm feeling very confident, excited and positive about this new plan. I am hoping to commit to posting once (maybe twice) weekly for the next few months until I am reviewed and hopefully making progress. Today, I am jumping right in with a review of Haus Labs foundation and concealer for a person with dry skin. 

My favourite beauty discoveries of 2024 so far....

We're over halfway through the year, which I just can't believe (I say that every year!), so it's time to check in with my favourite beauty discoveries so far in 2024. I'm much more restrained with my spending than I used to be so I don't try as many new products as I used to  - I eventually accepted that I only have one face and stopped buying so much! That said, I have a nice amount of products that are all new to me this year that I have been loving and are regulars in my routine. I'd love to hear what products have stood out to you so far in 2024?

Charlotte Tilbury does fragrance....

Who remembers Charlotte Tilbury's Scent Of A Dream fragrance? I loved it even though some people thought it was an old lady scent! I loved the vintage style bottle that housed it too. Alas, it was discontinued and Charlotte recently released a whopping six new fragrances, which are described as being mood-boosting (I guess all fragrances are though!). They are quite pricey at £130 for 100ml and £20 for 10ml, so I was glad when I saw the discovery set for £25 because I haven't been near a CT counter in a while and wanted to smell the fragrances. The full sized bottles are beautiful and vividly coloured but this set contains mini vials - perfect for a discovery set and ideal if you want to treat yourself to a full size but are unsure which to go for. The names are a bit out there but I expect nothing less from the brand at this stage! The descriptions of products get more outlandish with every release - apparently these fragrances are your invisible superpowers, which feel like portals to different dimensions and other worlds! Are there enough rolly eyes for this? Anyway, on with my thoughts and whether I will be buying a full size!

Armani Luminous Silk favourites

If you're a regular around these parts then you will know that Armani Luminous Silk is my most repurchased foundation. I started using it in 2008 after Hydra Glow was discontinued (sob!) and have repurchased countless times. I then discovered the primer and now there are more products in the Luminous Silk line, so I obviously had to try them!  There are seven Luminous Silk products available and I have five (Sorry that there are only four in the above photo!), which I am sharing my thoughts on today. Before I get into the post, I want to let you know that you can save 21% on these products by using the code BEAUTYLYMIN at the checkout on Look Fantastic!

Summer makeup favourites

I've been slacking on the blog over the past few weeks  - between the Euros, Wimbledon and Covid (again!), my mind has been elsewhere but now that's all over, I'm back at it! I shared my summer skincare favourites recently (post here) and today it's the turn of makeup. We actually seem to be having all seasons this year, rather than an actual summer - one full week without rain would be the dream right now! Regardless, I want to share with you some of my top makeup picks for the warmer months and I'd love to hear what your go-to summer products are. Regular readers will know that my skin is dry so I don't tend to go for mattifying products in the way that some people do in summer. My skin is still dry, so I lean towards products that will make my skin look fresh and glowy, without looking greasy.

L'Oreal Metal Detox Pre-Shampoo Treatment Review

 

In recent years we've seen a lot of pre-shampoo treatments hit the market. Initially they focused on nourishing and strengthening the hair but recently there has been an emergence of products that focus on removing a build up of minerals, which will in turn make the hair less porous and prone to damage, In my experience, they also help to brighten the colour. I'm already a big fan of the L'Oreal Metal Detox range so when I saw that they had released a new pre-shampoo treatment, I had to buy it! It's currently reduced on Look Fantastic and my BEAUTYLYMIN code gives a further reduction.

Summer skincare favourites...

Summer has finally arrived and it's time to make some skincare switches. My skin type is dry, so the focus is still on nourishing however I tend to switch to products that are a bit lighter in texture whilst still delivering the moisture that my skin needs. I am also mindful of the fact that my SPF has to be able to absorb without pilling, so light layer of products are my go-to. Today I want to share my current summer skincare lineup with you.

Sol De Janeiro Perfume Mist Discovery Set Review

I love when brands release discovery sets for their fragrances, but they are usually mini vials that you get maybe two or three sprays from. Sol De Janeiro has bucked the trend with this set of five 30ml bottles of their perfume mists. The set is priced at £40, which I think is pretty good value for 150ml of fragrance. Today I want to share my thoughts on the scents with you and tell you which one)s) I would repurchase in full size.

Maybelline Sunkisser Liquid Blush - the budget option that we've been waiting for!

Regular readers will know that I'm a sucker for liquid or cream cheek products. I find that they work really well on my dry skin but even if you don't have dry skin, you'll probably find that they make the complexion look fresher than most powder products. I was really intrigued when I saw the new Sunkisser releases from Maybelline, which is one of the best budget makeup brands that has really stood the test of time! I bought three of them as they were on 3 for 2 in Boots (and still are!). There are eight shades available in total.

Jo Malone Yuzu Zest Cologne - the perfect summer scent!

 

While going through Duty Free before going on holiday recently, I decided to treat myself to a new fragrance. This is something that my husband & I like to do so that when we smell that scent, we immediately think of that holiday. I knew that Jo Malone had some new releases so I went for that counter and Yuzu Zest immediately caught my attention! It's the perfect summer scent..

Glowing cheek products....

 

If you're a regular reader, you'll know that I love dewy/glowing skin and I also like glowy blush and highlighter - nothing that can be seen from space, but I find that blushes with some added highlight give my skin some life in an instant. I want to share some of my favourites with you today...

Farmacy skincare heroes

 

These products were kindly gifted to me, without obkigation.

Farmacy Beauty is a brand whose name was given because its products ingredients are farm grown - do you like the play on words? It has sustainability at its core and the products are effective whilst also being cruelty-free. Green Clean Cleansing Balm* is probably its most famous product but today I want to talk you through its best-selling products, which I was kindly sent a few months ago and I've been putting them to the test.

Dyson Airstrait - worth the money?

 

As soon as I heard about the Dyson Airstrait, I knew that I wanted it! I already own the Supersonic Hairdryer (review here) and Air Wrap so I knew that the standard to expect. What made me hesitant was the price as I already have quite an array of hair tools but when it sold out in the first release, it of course made me want it even more! When it came back into stock, I ordered immediately knowing that if I didn't like it, it could be returned for free within 30 days, which is a good safety net. But is it worth the money?

The voluminous lash mascara edit

I used to love having lash extensions because they made me feel put together even when I wasn't wearing a full face of makeup but also because I love the voluminous lash look but I decided at the end of last summer to stop getting them. There were a few reasons for this and initially I was tempted to get a refill but I resisted and started to use a lash serum and within a month my lashes were longer and as time went on, they got curlier too. I've been asked if I'm wearing extensions on several occasions but it's actually a combination of the effects of the lash serum and a good mascara. Today I want to share my favourite mascaras for that full, voluminous, dramatic lash look.

If you buy one thing this month...

I'm a firm believe in treating yourself and I don't necessarily mean every week, or even every month but every now and then, if budget allows, it's nice to just buy yourself something nice. This month I'm recommending Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil. Oils are a great body moisturiser to use if your skin is dry or lacklustre and you don't particularly want to moisturise daily as they last a bit longer than a lotion on the skin.

My summer holiday makeup bag!

I'm going on holiday tomorrow and am soooo looking forward to relaxing by the pool with a good book and doing pretty much nothing for a week!  A week in the sun much needed after a recent bout of pneumonia where I missed most of the beautiful weather here. Given that I'm recuperating, it's going to be.a very casual week but I still like to wear some makeup in the evening, to add some glow and life to my complexion! We've stayed in this hotel before and it's quiet, adults only and the perfect place to chill out - get me on that plane!

Get your glow on with REN!

REN is a cruelty free brand, suitable for all skin types but particularly those with sensitive skin. It's a market leader in its circular recycling ( all packaging is recycled, recyclable and reusable) and most products are vegan friendly. There are many ranges available and today I am focusing on the ones that help your skin to glow! 

When only sparkly eyes will do....

 

Sometimes something as simple as a sparkly eye can lift the spirits. That one reason that I love makeup - it can enhance your features but can also hide a multitude when you need to fake it to make it (something that I need t do regularly as a chronically ill person!). Today I want to share some of my favourite sparkly eyeshadows and I'd love to hear what your faves are or if you are strictly a matte eye lover?

The concealer edit for dry skin...

 

Regular readers will all know that I have dry skin and it's also prone to dehydration. The eye are is one of the first places where people will notice fine lines (or smile lines!), and this can make getting the right concealer tricky. We want to cover dark circles but don't want anything too heavy or cakey because it will makes fine lines appear more prominent than they actually are. Some people are genetically prone to dark circles, whereas for many people, not enough sleep will show in the eye area. I like to use concealers that will cover dark circles but don't feel too heavy on the skin. I was never into the big heavy concealer drawn in a triangle that also covers half your cheeks look, with a concealer several shades lighter than your foundation, but each to their own - it just wasn't for me! I generally go for a concealer possibly one shade lighter than my foundation, to add some brightness and will use a separate shade on my face because I don't want to highlight any blemishes. Today, I'm sharing my favourite concealers for those of us with dry skin....

The fragrances that I'm wearing on rotation right now....

It's no secret around these parts that I'm a bit of a fragrance addict and I often share what I'm wearing on Instastories but recently I've found myself reaching for the same small number on repeat because the weather is warmer and I find that I change my most worn fragrances seasonally. I have two rotating stands and I put the most seasonal ones at the front (although I wear more than those) as I tend to have a number that I reach for most often each season (saying that, we seem to have skipped from one long-ass winter straight to summer!). I thought I'd share my current most worn with you today.

Why I think Victoria Beckham Beauty is exquisite and worth the money...

I've always liked Victoria Beckham for her sense of humour and style (although the stuck on boob look wasn't a favourite of mine!) and whilst I don't own any of her fashion line (although I have my eye on her signature handbag), I've grown to adore her beauty line.  It took me a while to buy something after her launch - in fact, I don't think I bought anything until the brand was available on Cult Beauty (sadly no longer the case!). I now just buy directly from her site and everything always arrives well packaged and swiftly. I received a fragrance card with one of my orders and I have to say that I adored all three and will definitely be purchasing one (or two!) at some point because they are absolutely beautiful and well thought out scents that transport you to where they describe. Today we're focusing on her makeup products and why I'd encourage you to try something from the brand if you have yet to take the plunge!

My top five Sunday Riley favourites....

Hello! I'm back from the longest break that I've ever taken from the blog. I had a lot of things going on and I've always said that I only ever want to blog when my heart is in it and I would have been just churning out posts if I hadn't taken a break, which is something that I never want to do. I also felt the pressure of leaving the blog live without any new posts, so I just removed that 'stress' from my life for a while. I did consider quitting blogging completely as the landscape has changed so much but then I received some messages asking where my blog had gone as people missed reading my posts and I've missed posting too so now feels like the right time to come back and I thought that a skincare post was the most obvious choice, so I'm sharing my top five products from one of my favourite brands; Sunday Riley. In all honesty, it's very hard to narrow it down to just five because I've yet to encounter a disappointing product from this brand, named after its founder.  All products are effective and results-driven and I can definitely see an improvement in my skin with consistent use. There's currently 20% off selected products from the brand on Sephora.

Kérastase Premiere Range Review...

I am a massive Kérastase fan and have used the brand for around 24/25. years, so I am always curious when a new range is released, particularly if it's aimed at damaged hair. I don't know if I can call my hair damaged at this stage but I do have it coloured and some bleach in it, I also use heat on it, so if I didn't use the right products and take care of it, it would certainly be damaged! I also live in a hard water area so my hair can have buildup from that, which can make my hair look dull and feel brittle at times. I basically love anything aimed and repairing and protecting my hair so this new range sounded right up my street.

My favourite sites for beauty, high street and luxury shopping and why...

I do the majority of my shopping online and have done for years. I like the convenience of it and knowing what's available, plus most sites have free shipping (although some limits to get the free shipping and some charges have crept up over the past 2/3 years). I have to say that when it comes to clothes, I prefer to try them on in the comfort of my own home but that being said, it's hard to beat feeling fabrics and seeing colours in the flesh. Today I want to share my favourite sites for shopping for beauty, high street fashion and luxury fashion and the reasons I favour these sites.

My favourite Summer Fridays products

 

Summer Fridays is having a moment thanks to its new lip oils (which I need to try) and I have to say that it's a brand that I really rate.  Created by two influencers, it began with just one product (Jet Lag Mask) and has grown steadily since then. I've tried quite a few products from the brand and thought I'd share some of my favourites with you today and tell you why they made the cut,

What I loved in February: TV/Film and Beauty...

This month has really flown by! I had a month of posts planned and partially prepped but then life/health got in the way but I'm not complaining because it means that I'm ahead of schedule for March! I am really loving how bright it is in the evenings now and there really is a touch of Spring in the air, which is my favourite season for so many reasons. I hope that you've had a good February? Let's get into what I've been enjoying...

If you buy one thing this month.....

I don't think that we need to spend a fortune to treat ourselves and sometimes it's the little treats that can prevent us from having major splurges, particularly. if we have some savings goals in sight. Each month, I'll share one product that I have really loved from that month and this month, it happens to be pocket-friendly. It's the Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Hand Cream. 

Brassy locks be gone! Olaplex purple shampoo and conditioner review....

Anybody who has blonde hair, highlights or balayage will know that it can turn a little brassy at times. I love to use a purple shampoo to counteract the yellow in my hair and Olaplex recently released a toning conditioner to accompany the shampoo. Being a massive fan of the brand, I had to try it and want to share my thoughts today...

New Charlotte Tilbury lip duo.....

 

Earlier this month, Charlotte Tilbury did a major drop of pink and red lipsticks in time for Valentine's Day! I love the formula of her lipsticks so decided to treat myself to a duo of lipstick and lip liner, both in the shade Icon Baby.  

Peeling masks for fresh, baby soft skin for two budgets

Who doesn't love the feeling of baby soft skin? No bumps, refined pores and super smooth! Well if that sounds like something you'd enjoy, you're going to love the masks in today's posts and they're for two budgets!

Makeup by Mario Surreal Skin Foundation review

It feels like an age since I did a foundation review but I really have been trying to finish base products before buying new ones and I'm almost finished one and have just finished another, so thought that I was justified in buying the Makeup by Mario Surreal Skin Foundation! 

Budget beauty buys that I rate....

I am aware that I feature a lot of luxury brands/products on my blog but believe when I say that I am very partial to a good bargain and I'm happy to use products from any brand once I know that they will work. Given that the majority of people are being more mindful of their money nowadays, it's great to see so many offerings from more reasonably priced brands on the market. Today, I want to share some of my favourites with you and I'd love to hear your recommendations too!

Dr Dennis Gross Exfoliating Body Treatment Review...

I absolutely adore Dr Denis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels, so I was naturally both curious and excited when they released a body version. I bought Caroline Hirons. Non-Advent Advent Kit Bag and it included a box of these cloths, which I was delighted about and now that I've been using them for a while, I want to share my thoughts with you today.

10 hyped beauty products, but are they worth it? #3

I find that certain products can be over-hyped (and likewise, some deserve more hype), but in this series I am examining if certain hyped or viral products are worth the hype that they get. I would really love to hear your thoughts and what products didn't live up to the hype for you?

What I use in my “everything” shower….

Who doesn't love a good pamper? I have to admit that I love an 'everything bath' but when my hair needs some T.L.C., an everything shower is the only way to go and I come out feeling like a new woman! I had proper flu last week and at the end of it there was nothing more glorious than my everything shower! Every part of me needed some pampering, extra care and let's face it, a good scrub! So, what did I use?

My January favourites roundup: film, tv and beauty...

 

We did it! We made it through the first month of the year! I have to say that I didn't really find it to drag and I busied myself with a massive declutter, which took weeks because I took one section at a time and was really ruthless! I also found time for plenty of good films and tv and I want to share those with you today, along with my beauty standouts!

What I’ve left behind in 2023….

Today's post isn't strictly beauty related (although there is a bit of a mention!). 2023 was a pretty tough year for me in a lot of ways. It took its toll, which I don't mind saying because normally, despite having to face a lot of adversity in life due to health issues, I remain very positive and generally don't let things I have no control over get to me. However, in 2023 it feels like so much caught up with me. It's hard to keep going when you're incredibly ill and get infection after infection and feel like you see your GP, Consultants and pharmacist more often than your friends! Coupled with that, there have been other stressful issues and I feel like I lost myself a little. I am absolutely determined that 2024 will be a much better year than 2023, but also better than the last 4/5 years. So, how am I going to make it happen? By leaving certain things in 2023 - Covid being one because 13 times is more than enough!

Lancôme Absolue Skincare Review

The products in this photo were kindly gifted to me, without obligation.

The first product that I tried from this range was the serum and it absolutely blew me away, so when I was fortunate enough to receive some products last year that promoted a GWP, which Lancôme are notoriously generous for, I was absolutely delighted! The luxurious range is based on the combination of innovative science and French Grand Rose Extracts, which results in not just visible improvements but also a beautiful experience while using the products. The rose extracts are exclusive to the brand and comprise of a trio of roses, which help the skin to regenerate itself. They are the Lancôme Rose (focuses on regeneration), the Centifolia Rose (focuses on repair and uses between three and five tonnes of rose petals to produce a single drop)  and Rose Damascena (focuses on inflammation).  You can see why the range is so exclusive and expensive when so much work, time and science is dedicated to it.

The best of my Space NK and Harvey Nichols Advent Calendars....

Last October while I was in bed feeling very ill,  I treated myself to two Advent Calendars - one from Space NK and one from Harvey Nichols. Both offered amazing value - worth well over £1k and priced at less than £300. I started to open them on Instastories daily and after two days I stopped due to losing a close family member. They remained unopened for most of December (although I'll admit that I ate my chocolate one!), but I eventually opened them all over the holiday break and I have my top picks to share with you all. If I'm being entirely honest, I'm unsure which products are from which calendar, but I know that the Harvey Nichols one contained a lot of fragrance options, which is why I bought it. Let's get into the stand out products...

Happy New Year and some new beauty loves....

Happy New Year!  I hope that you all had a peaceful and restful festive break. It was a different one for me because I lost a family member at the beginning of December, who has been central to my Christmases for as long as I can remember and I have been missing him immeasurably. Life will never be the same again but he would want us to carry on and be as happy as we can, so that is what I intend to do in his honour. I really hope that this year is easier and happier in so many ways for us all. Now, I know it's early to be coming at you with some new beauty loves but throughout December, I introduced a small number of new products that already have me hooked and I want to share them with you today!