Inside My Skincare Cabinet

I've dreamed of having a mirrored bathroom cabinet for quite some time now - after swooning over glossier top shelf instagram snaps and scrolling endlessly through dreamy bathrooms on Pinterest, I finally have some of my own, somewhere to store my skincare stash!

I've tried to colour code my products, to make them a little neater, prettier and it actually works out quite well in relation with my routines! My skin is still suffering after moving to a colder area, so there's a few oils and rich creams to save my parched winter skin! I have a couple more - the Kiehls Ultra Facial Balm and Lush's Dream Cream handy on my bedside table for if I need to re-apply just before bed, they're ideal to smooth over dry patches!

Everyday faves include the Oskia Renaissance Cleanser, a gorgeous, radiance boosting pick for super soft skin and the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream - my holy grail cream, it brightens, tightens and helps to diminish my stubborn dark circles. I also mist the Botanics 100% Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz every morning, this balancing, soothing spray calms and preps skin ready for moisturising. At night, the Sanctuary Spa Therapists Secret Facial Oil is a staple in my routine to hydrate and nourish, it leaves my skin glowing!

You can probably see that I'm a big Origins fan too, I love these three moisturisers for the warmer months! Origins Night-A-Mins is one for lacklustre skin, it's great to fade acne scarring and to combat a dull complexion and the Origins Make a Difference Overnight Hydrating Repair Cream is a hydrating pick for dry skin. The Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser is a lovely day cream, ideal to hydrate and tackle tired skin - I've actually just run out of this, a definite repurchase for me!

I've also popped my brush washing picks in my cabinet for now, I've been using the MAC Cleanser for spot cleaning my brushes and Dr Bronners Liquid Rose Soap for a deeper brush cleanse. Hopefully seeing them every day will motivate me to wash my brushes more often!

Since taking this snap, I actually ended up moving my Essie polishes and crystals after dropping and smashing one of my fave citrine pieces - pretty, but not practical with tiles! The candles can stay put for now, it's so convenient to be able to pull them out for a candlelit bath, I love Rosaviola for a pampering treat, the new Valentines day scent Diptyque Rosa Mundi also sounds divine!

Lastly, you can see Alex's bits on the top shelf, a moisturiser and a hair gel or two along with a few of our Lush picks (the Salted Coconut Hand Scrub is heavenly!).

I hoped you liked this little peek into my bathroom shelves! Although they're still missing a thing or two, I'm happy with them for now!

Shop The Post

SaveSave
SaveSave

SaveSave

A Restful Winter Weekend Routine

The Christmas decorations are down, there's a general slump and gloomy feel as sleet mixed rain lashes at the windows, hard winter frosts vein through the streets and icy draughts nip at your skin. Bundled up in a squashy, soft dressing gown with candles lit, a mug of tea and slippered feet, a restful wintry routine is a welcome treat on the harsh winter weekends. 

Pamper

After hopping into a hot bath laced with Lush treats (the Lush uplifting Unicorn Horn is a dream!) I like to pamper and prep my skin, taking care to exfoliate and inject a little moisture back in.

I have an effortless 2-step skincare routine for lazy at home pamper days, starting with the Oskia Renaissance Cleanser, a gorgeous gel cleanser that melts into a silky oil as you massage it into your skin. When you add a little water, the oil emulsifies and turns milky whilst the cleansing pumpkin enzymes and restoring vitamins soften the skin. My skin just loves this heavenly cleanser, especially in winter! Next up, I take a few drops of the nourishing, rosehip Pai BioRegenerate Oil and work this into my skin. It's heavenly paired with a facial roller, they work so well to combat lacklustre skin!

The last step in my pampering line up is to take care of my hands and nails - The Lush Coconut Hand Scrub combines sea salt, Argan oil and coconut oil to leave hands silky soft. I then paint on a slick of Essie Eternal Optimist or Essie Ballet Slippers (pictured above) for a fresh new years mani!

Candles

It's always such a treat to have candles flickering around the home. They bring light and warmth - much needed during the dark winter days! The mini Diptyque Ambre is a gorgeous pick, a comforting earthy and warm scent, slightly woody with spices and sweet tonka beans. There's also a delicious hint of masculinity about it too - it's divine!

Settling down with a book

Once pampered and preened and with candles lit, I usually flip open a book and get lost for hours. Along with re-reading Harry Potter (I'm currently re-reading The Order Of The Pheonix!), I've been devouring the Throne Of Glass Series, it's one that I just don't want to put down - it has me hooked! I find myself often flicking through Deliciously Ella's cookbooks too, this is next on my to make list (from the Deliciously Ella Everyday Book) it looks incredible! 

Fresh pyjamas and bedding.

This winter I've upped my loungewear game. I'm happiest when wrapped up, at home, a cosy ball of comfort in a fluffy, soft robe and a pair of button up pyjamas. I've invested in luxe, lasting pieces that are a dream to climb into on cold wintry weekends. These (half price) polka dot pyjamas are my latest find, along with this snug dressing gown!

Weekends are also the ideal time to lay fresh bedding. I'm still on the hunt for a billowy, soft set, I've just splurged on these adorable chevron John Lewis pillowcases, I have my eye on this gorgeous H&M Bed Linen set too.

Organising the home

With the absence of the festive decor, I've taken to sorting and rearranging my belongings at the weekend to shake things up a little and to try to create a pretty, comfortable space. By looking at what we've got, what we're missing and having a little spring clean I hope to have our apartment feeling more like home in no time - I've also pulled back out The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying to help me along the way!

Shop The Post

SaveSave

Winter Beauty - A Round Up

Winter's frost bitten days, potential for snow flurries and icy cold nights means that it's the ideal time to pull out an array of beauty products to keep your skin hydrated. Here's a little round up of my beauty picks this winter and skincare faves to keep my skin in check for the cold months ahead!

To start, I've swapped out my usual day cream (the Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser) with something a little richer. The cult Embroylisse Lait-Creme Concentrate covers me in winter, it's a lightweight yet nourishing cream that leaves my skin plump, smooth and hydrated!

At night, I tend reach for an oil for an added hydration boost. The Pai BioRegenerate Oil is a glorious, nourishing treat - the heavenly rosehip oil works to promote clear skin, deeply condition and fade acne scarring. Rich in omegas, antioxidants and hydrating nutrients it leaves the skin glowing!

For my body, I'm obsessed with Lush Rough With The Smooth a gorgeous, scrubby little block that's packed with exfoliating sugar, vanilla and moisturising murumuru butter - it's the ideal fix for parched winter skin! I use this a couple of times a week to gently buff and polish, It leaves my skin silky soft, smooth and pampered.

On my nails, I've fallen completely in love with an Essie polish (no surprises there!). Eternal Optimist is described as a spiced tea rose with a dash of cream (how divine!), this cheery yet delicate, rosy pink pick is just the ticket for brightening up a gloomy January!

For make up, late starts and even later nights in December have totally thrown out my sleep schedule. This combined with the dark, wintry mornings has left me with lacklustre skin and tired eyes so I've pulled out a few fail safe picks to brighten up my tired peepers! The NYX Jumbo eye pencil in Milk is an instant fix, applied lightly on the waterline, this creamy liner opens up the eyes and stays put for hours. The Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder is another reliant pick, a weightless under eye setting powder with very subtle shimmer it leaves your make up fresh, bright and flawless. 

I've also been wearing the Nars Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Goddess washed over the eyes, a gorgeous shimmering peach pink with light gold champagne it's fairly subtle but so so pretty!

Lastly on my lips, I've discovered a dreamy, softening combo to combat dry lips - the Lush Popcorn lip scrub, a nourishing lip scrub with sea salt, jojoba oil and coconut oil pairs so will with the Korres Lip Butter in Quince, a buttery soft shea butter balm with hint of colour!

SaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave

Travel Beauty Essentials

I'm currently in the midst of a big move and so with all my belongings tucked away in cardboard boxes, I've pulled out the essentials to carry around with me. I thought that I would share a little peek at the beauty picks that I've rounded up to last me the week as we flit to and from our new flat!

Firstly, I couldn't be without Lush's Dream Cream. A soothing saviour for dry skin this versatile cream treats any dry or unhappy skin. I'm happy to sacrifice some bag space for this large pot - with oat milk, rose water and chamomile blue oil, this hydrating cream is a must-have for parched skin!

I've also pulled out a few perky, brightening picks to combat my stressed, tired skin. Moving really takes it's toll and I need all the help I can get right now! The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat is a dreamy coral pink blusher, the powdered pigments and swirls of ambient lighting powder work together to create a flawless, radiant glow. Paired with the MAC Extra Dimension Skinfinish in Double Gleam, they make the ideal match for dewy, glowing skin.

For eyes, I've grabbed the Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Alhambra, a pigmented, buttery soft champagne rose and gold duo. This light reflecting, dewy set brightens up tired eyes, it's compact and so ideal for travelling. With the H&M Soft Eyeliner in Pale Nude popped in the waterline, they make the perfect brightening combo! Another pick to combat tired eyes is the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream, with hyaluronic acid, cucumber, coconut, rosehip and lemon peel oils, it brightens, tightens and fades dark circles!

I've kept lips quite simple, a swipe of the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Cannes is all I need for an everyday lip. It's such a flattering shade, a pretty, saturated warm rose that's comfortable on the lips, applies like a dream and sets in place for hours - meaning minimal top ups throughout the day! 

The rest - concealer, contour, mascara and liner are my standard picks; the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, L'Oreal Super Liner, Essence Lash Princess Mascara and the Sleek Contour Kit, I rarely stray from them! I've also added a sample pot of a Nars foundation to test out, I seem to be in-between two shades, I can't decide which one to go for! I've popped in my favourite Essie nail polish too - Essie Bordeaux is a chic, deep wine/burgundy, it's glossy on the nails and perfect paired with a glittery accent nail!

Lastly, for beauty tools, I've packed my trusty Shu Uemura eyelash curlers for impressive fanned out lashes and my everyday brushes - the MAC 150 Large Powder Brush for contour and blush, the Zoeva rose gold brushes to pair with eyeshadow and highlighter and the dense Sigma 3DHD to flawlessly blend out my foundation and concealer.

What are your beauty travel essentials?

SaveSaveSaveSave

Hydration Hero's For Dry, Lacklustre Skin

Lately the days have become bitterly cold, frosty mornings and harsh gales have wrecked havoc on my skin - autumn is well upon us with winter closely behind! With my complexion suffering and in serious need of a hydration boost, I've pulled out a few rich, nourishing, picks to put me back on track to plump, radiant skin.

The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is ideal for lacklustre skin. With restorative vitamins and cleansing pumpkin enzymes it helps to even out skin tone and leaves skin radiant and smooth. It's my go-to cleanser to combat dull skin, it perks up the complexion and leaves skin so soft!

I've also pulled out the Origins Night-a-mins Oil Free Renewal Cream for a radiance boost. This lightweight, gel moisturiser helps to fade acne scarring and perks up tired skin whilst nourishing and softening the skin - ideal to slather on at night in prep for dark autumn mornings!

For a luxuriously rich cream, the Kiehls Ultra Facial balm is the one. A thick, balmy cream that yields impressive results - skin feels plumper, soothed, smooth and hydrated. I find that this is best applied warmed up slightly between your fingers and dabbing on your forehead, cheeks, chin and neck before smoothing upwards and outwards over the face and neck.

The last pick in my hydrating skincare line up is the Pai BioRegenerate Oil, a divine, nourishing rosehip oil that works to promote clear skin (it's ideal for those tiny under the skin bumps!), fade acne scarring and deeply condition. Rich in omegas and antioxidants it helps to repair and protect the skin, I've been using this for about three weeks now and it's made my skin glow! Paired with the Jade roller it makes a dreamy duo, it's the ideal match to combat lacklustre skin! After applying the oil I sweep the roller (love this affordable face massager too!) in long strokes working away from the nose, it leaves my skin feeling pampered and polished.

What are your hydrating heroes?

SaveSave

A Few More Beauty Tips...

I thought that I would share 12 more beauty tips (see my first instalment here!) - there's nothing better than learning a new trick or technique to add to your beauty routine! Here's a few old staple tips, new discoveries and quick fixes that I've picked up!

1. Use a light to see how much product is left in opaque bottles, this works like a treat on the Oskia Renaissance Cleanser!

2. Take note of your cheek colour when you're flushed to find your perfect blush shade.

3. Place a towel under the handles of your make up brushes whilst they're drying. I angle mine quite high so that if any water has worked its way into the ferrule, it should simply run back out again to stop damage to the glue and prolong the life of your brushes!

4. Blow dry your hair upside down. Flip your hair over and dry for maximum volume, keep the hairdryer constantly moving to reduce/minimise heat damage.

5. Look out for the little picture of the pot on the back of your make up/skincare packaging, it should have the number of months that it lasts once opened (e.g 12M).

6. Opt for a natural lip balm - considering the fact that we probably ingest quite a lot of lip balm, especially over the colder months, it's best to keep things natural! Love EOS lip balms.

7. Whilst applying a second coat of polish, run the brush along the very tip of the nail to seal in the colour for a longer lasting mani.

8. Use a Jade Roller or try Facial Yoga for improved circulation and elasticity.

9. Place make up you want to use up in acrylic storage so that it's easy to see and reach for. 

10. Keep Q-tips and micellar water close to hand to clean up any mistakes, great for liner and mascara smudges!

11. Lean on your elbow whilst applying liquid liner for a steadier hand.

12. Keep your iPhone clean. Touching your phone and then your face/talking on the phone can increase the chances of breakouts, it's best to keep it as clean as possible!

I hope you liked these tips!
SaveSave

A Lush Heavenly Hand Trio

As soon as Autumn hits my hands start to suffer, my parched mitts are constantly sore, dry and in desperate need of hydration! Tasks like washing my make up brushes becomes a painful chore (although I've just invested in one of the Real Techniques brush cleaning kits - life changing!) and the bitter outside saps hands of moisture in minutes. This autumn I've discovered the key to super soft skin, a combination of three dreamy products to perfectly pamper hands!

The first step I follow is to scoop out a little of the Lush Salted Coconut Hand Scrub and massage onto dry hands. Add a little water and then rinse to cleanse, hydrate and gently exfoliate. This heavenly staple contains sea salt, coconut oil, lemon and argan oil and leaves hands so soft, hydrated and completely restored. It's a must-have if you suffer from dry hands!

The next pick in my heavenly line-up is Lush's Dream Cream - a soothing, nourishing lotion for unhappy skin. For a quick fix, this dreamy pick uses a combination of oat milk, rose water and chamomile blue oil to treat sore skin. It's a cold weather saviour that's ideal for any dry patches, not just hands! A worthwhile investment for winter, for sure!

Lastly, the Lush Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter completes my pampering routine. This buttery, multi-purpose balm treats dry and flaky skin with nourishing shea butter, mango butter and coconut oil - It's packed full of wonderful ingredients! A little goes a long way, it leaves my skin supple, silky soft and it smells divine - like lemon meringue pie!

What are your staples for soft hands?

A Pampering Routine For Fall

Autumn is my favourite time to pamper - the cold, unforgiving days are ideal for hopping into a hot bath of an evening, it's the perfect season to light sweet pumpkin spiced candles, switch on fairylights and pull out berry picks to paint on your nails. This is pretty much my standard pampering ritual, one that I like to complete once a week - usually on a cold weekday evening or a lazy weekend!

On a crisp autumn Sunday morning, after a sleepy breakfast I throw up my hair, shrug off my favourite, soft dressing gown and step into a candlelit bath filled and shimmering with lush treats (reminiscent of the prefects baths at Hogwarts!). The Lush Sparkly Pumpkin is a firm favourite at this time of the year, an uplifting treat that when crumbled under running water creates a sea of vibrant, sparkling waters. Ideal for autumnal days or nights spent pampering at home, with candles flickering and warm squashy towels hung on the radiators.. bliss! 

Whist in the bath, I pop on a face mask, opting for a pick suited to my skin's current needs. For de-hydrated skin I recommend the Origins Drink Up 10 Minute Mask, for a boost of radiance the Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask is a saviour, and for bad skin days, the Origins Out of Trouble Face Mask, with zinc oxide, and salicylic acid, is ideal for clearing up skin!

Once out of the bath, I slather on the Origins Ginger Soufflé Whipped Body Cream, a indulgent, rich, nourishing cream that leaves skin silky soft and smells heavenly - like warm, sweet spiced ginger. After pulling on some soft, Asos pyjamas and slipping on a pair of fluffy socks, I set to work on prepping my hands and nails. The Salted Coconut Hand Scrub is my go-to pick for parched, dry hands. With exfoliating sea salt, nourishing argan oil and coconut oil, this pampering treat leaves hand feeling divine - so soft!

With candles placed atop my coffee table and a peppermint tea close to hand, I set to work on my nails. I usually reach for a combination of Essie Sole Mate, a gorgeous rich plum with an Essie Glitter like Summit Of Style, or Tassel Shaker, a pretty copper and bronze glitter for an autumnal mani. 

Once my nails are polished and preened, I pick up my tea, slip back on my sofa and prop my feet up with an autumn read!

What are your favourite pampering picks for fall?SaveSave

Autumn Beauty Picks

The crisp, autumn days have finally arrived!! My skin is already in serious need of a hydration boost and so I've swapped out my lighter night cream for the Kiehls Ultra Facial Balm - a luxurious balmy version of the cult Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, but without the addition of parabens. This rich, creamy balm is ideal for the gloomy autumn days, it leaves skin plump, smooth and super hydrated. To use, I simply warm up a very small amount between my fingers, tap on my forehead, cheeks and chin and then smooth upwards and outwards over my face and neck. 

Another saviour for parched skin is Lush's Dream Cream, with oat milk, rose water and chamomile blue oil, this soothing, hydrating cream treats and clears up dry, sore and unhappy skin!

Lush's The Comforter shower gel is a shower staple, the perfect treat on cold autumn days. The bright yet comforting cassis, bergamot and vanilla fragrance is warming and uplifting - the ideal fix to perk you up if your feeling a little under the weather!

My skin always looks a little lacklustre during autumn and so I'm relying on a couple of make up faves to perk up my tired complexion. The Nyx Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam is divine, a creamy, shimmery pearl highlighter with a touch of pink to brighten and give a dewy glow. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blusher in Mood Exposure is also ideal for autumn, this finely milled, silky soft blusher sculpts the cheeks flawlessly. The dusky mauve pink hue works well paired with a vampy lip and the swirls of ambient lighting powder brings light and radiance to the skin. 

For eyes, I've pulled out Illamasqua Jubilance a new, dreamy, rose gold shimmery pick and By Terry Misty Rock, a blendable lavender taupe with silver glitter running through it. Both look gorgeous blended on the lids and under the lash line with a slick of mascara and winged liner!

For lips, I've pulled out a selection of autumnal hues, Nars Walkyrie - a creamy, wearable, muted matte terracotta pick, Mac Rebel, a bold, rich berry and the Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in Copenhagen, a chic long lasting and gorgeous deep burgundy red.

Lastly, on my nails I'm obsessed with these two beautiful hues from the Leighton Denny AW16 Roaring 20's collection. I've opted for Moonshine*, a dreamy soft nude with mauve tones and a subtle silver shimmer and Rebellious Heart*, a divine rich plum shade!

What are your beauty picks for autumn?

Dewy Skin For Summer

I'm pretty much drawn to anything that gives me radiant, glowy skin and with new highlighter releases and glow kits galore, I'm pretty sure (and very happy) that dewy skin looks here to stay! I've pulled out some radiance-boosting make up faves, dewy complexion picks, and skincare for fresh, healthy skin. I'll probably carry these through to autumn too - dewy, highlighted skin looks gorgeous paired with matte berry lips!

To prep my skin, I like to slather on the Sanctuary Spa Therapists Secret Facial Oil before bed - the mixture of heavenly oils works wonders on my skin overnight! Rich in hydrating jojoba, vitamin e, soothing frankincense and strengthening, balancing rosehip oils but lightweight and comfortable on the skin, this is one of my top skincare picks for glowing, plump and nourished skin.

On my cheeks, I've been reaching for the H&M Pure Velvet Cream Blush in Hot Pink, a divine, creamy berry pink. This pigmented blush blends effortlessly as a cream before setting in place as a powder - you only need such a small amount for flushed cheeks! It's a great, brightening pick to freshen up your make up and perk up the skin.

For highlighter, Ive been flitting between two gorgeous picks. The Sleek Solstice Palette is a dreamy quad with shimmery, complexion enhancing shades that when brushed over the high points of the cheeks, on the brow bone and cupids bow imparts a beautiful, luminous glow. The Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polish is my second pick - a creamy, iridescent highlighter that leaves you with a dreamy, ethereal glow. The pink and peach tones in this pearlescent highlighter so look flattering on the skin, it's a must-have for a dewy complexion!

Lastly, for the eyes, the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mermerise in Jean is a heavenly pick. This shimmery champagne cream eyeshadow is enriched with vitamin e to keep the eye area hydrated. It brightens up the eye area with light reflecting pigments and gives a gorgeous soft sheen to the lids.

What are your top picks for a dewy glow?

A Parched Skin Saviour

I've been on the lookout for a new staple night moisturiser ever since I finished my beloved Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream a few years ago. After coming to the end of the pot, I reluctantly decided not to repurchase it due to the addition of parabens. I've conducted quite a bit of research into parabens and resolved that I just didn't feel quite comfortable using it so often. Since then I've been flitting between different creams, oils and balms but nothing has left my skin feeling quite so good. Until now. Enter the Kiehls Ultra Facial Balm, the richer, balmier and paraben free version of the Ultra Facial Cream.

I actually picked this up on a whim, I thought that this rich, creamy balm would be more suited for autumn/winter but this has been just what my skin needs after the recent spout of cold weather. Although it's a little too heavy for day time use (I use this radiance boosting Origins number in the morning) it's been incredible to use just before bed and has completely transformed my dry, dehydrated skin.

When using this luxurious balm, I take the smallest amount onto my ring finger and then warm it up slightly between the tips of my fingers. I then tap the product on my forehead, cheeks and chin before massaging the silky balm upwards and outwards over my whole face and neck (taking care to avoid my eyes). At first, it feels rich and balmy on the skin but after a short while it sinks in leaving your skin feeling plump, comfortable and super hydrated.

The next day results are pretty impressive, incredibly soft, soothed skin that makes a great base for make up. I'm currently using this every night, although it may be a little rich for some. Once the warmer weather sets in I'm planning on using it tri-weekly along with a lighter cream but come winter, I'm pretty sure I'll be slathering the stuff on day and night!

Have you tried this hydrating balm? What's your favourite night cream?

5 Wonder Products To Make Your Skin Glow

It's around the time of the year when my skin tends to look a little lacklustre and is in serious need of a radiance boost. I've pulled together a few of my favourite radiance enhancing products that help to keep my complexion dewy and bright and to keep dull skin at bay.

For dull skin days I reach for the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, you only need a such a small amount of this illuminating cleanser to combat dull, uneven skin. The pink, turkish delight scented gel transforms into an silky oil as you massage it onto your skin and the combination of pumpkin enzymes and vitamins work together cleanse, soften and restore.

The Lush The Sacred Truth Face Mask has been a welcome addition to my skincare routine this month. This pampering skincare treat has totally perked up my complexion thanks to the combination of exfoliating papaya, nutritional wheatgrass and nourishing honey. The gorgeous fresh ingredients leave my skin looking younger, radiant and smooth.

Highlighters are my go to quick fix for dull, lacklustre skin. The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal is an iridescent shimmery golden peach,  ideal for that candlelit glow.

Another highlighter pick is the Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette, with four dreamy shades to choose from, it's such a great palette. I've even been using some of the shades doubled up as a brightening eyeshadow, the rose gold shade looks gorgeous washed over the lids!

Lastly, the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream All Over Miracle Oil* has been working wonders on my skin, hair and body. This luxe multi purpose oil gives a mist of moisture, saving parched skin and leaving your complexion dewy and hydrated.

How do you keep dull skin at bay?

WINTER BEAUTY PICKS

The combination of bitterly cold days and drying central heating this winter has left my skin looking a little lacklustre and in serious need of a hydration boost. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel has continued to help to restore my complexion, the cleansing and softening vitamins and pumpkin enzymes of this dreamy pink gel cleanser work well to leave me with radiant, soft skin

I've also pulled out the Sanctuary Spa Therapists Secret Facial Oil for winter, this heavenly oil glides effortlessly over the skin and works wonders as you sleep. Rich in hydrating vitamin e, soothing frankincense and strengthening rosehip oil you only need a few drops to leave you with soft, nourished skin that glows.

Lastly for skin Lush's The Sacred Truth Face Mask has been my favourite skincare treat this month. The papaya enzymes work to exfoliate whilst moisturising honey nourishes the skin, the fresh ingredients combine to leave my skin looking younger, radiant and smooth.

For body care I've been using a dreamy duo to keep my skin silky soft. Packed with exfoliating sugar, vanilla and moisturising murumuru butter, Lush The Rough with the Smooth is the perfect fix for parched winter skin. Paired with a rich moisturiser like Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream they make the perfect match leaving my skin feeling pampered and polished.

On my nails, I've been keeping it simple this month, after December's glittery mani's a swipe of Essie's Apricot Cuticle Oil is all I've been wearing most days. If I do reach for a shade, It's been a pretty nude like Essie's Sugar Daddy, a gorgeous sheer pink polish which gives a delicate no fuss mani.

I've also been keeping my make up quite simple this month, opting for dewy, natural shades. A shimmery champagne pink like MAC's Naked Lunch is perfect to brighten up the eyes, concealing tired peepers effortlessly with just one swipe over the lids.

For blusher, MAC Well Dressed is my top pick for winter, the cool powdery pale pink tones are ideal for the icy cold days. Paired with a shimmery iridescent highlighter like one from the divine Sleek Solstice Palette they work together to give a healthy luminous glow to the skin.

For lips, I can't be without Nuxe Reve De Miel in winter. With honey, sweet almond oil and shea butter it's my lip saviour for the colder months. I've also been reaching for MAC Mehr daily, the latest addition to my lipstick collection this dreamy mauve pink shade is so flattering and a new firm favourite.

What are your beauty picks for Winter?

Shop the Post

FESTIVE BEAUTY

With Christmas parties and festive gatherings on the horizon, I've pulled out the most sparkly & glittery, Christmas appropriate make up that I own. I've lined up my favourite festive red lipsticks, pulled out all of my glittery nail polishes and decorated my dressing table ready for the occasion.

To keep my skin in top condition I've been reaching for nourishing serums, rich moisturisers and enriching oils. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is a staple for me this month to combat dull, uneven skin. The pink, turkish delight scented gel transforms into an oil as you massage it onto your skin whilst the pumpkin enzymes and vitamins work to cleanse, soften and restore leaving you with a radiant and smooth complexion. 

I've also been using my Estee lauder Advanced Night Repair II again, pairing it with the Origins Make a Difference Overnight Hydrating Repair Cream, together they make a dreamy combination and leave me with plump, glowing, hydrated skin.

On my nails, I'm planning on wearing as much glitter as possible throughout December. Whether it's gilded tips courtesy of Essie Rock At The Top or full on Christmas Nails thanks to Essie Leading Lady, a sparkly festive, deep red I'm planning on keep my fingers and toes pretty festive all month!

I've noted a run down of my favourite festive eyeshadow shades here and whilst most of these shimmery shades are well suited for the party season, Topshop Shuffle the cards, a sparkly iridescent rose gold and L'oreal Sable Lame, a gel infused, buttery soft shimmery gold are my top picks this month for every day wear. 

It's not really Christmas for me without rocking a bright red lip at least once during December. L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in Blake is a flattering, cool toned red that when applied gives a polished, classic look. My second pick, Nars Cruella is a gorgeous Christmassy red lip it's creamy on application, dries to a matte finish and lasts for hours on the lips.

Lastly, on my cheeks, I've pulled out my favourite festive rosy wine blusher MAC Mineralised Blush in Gleeful for shimmery, flushed cheeks. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure is perfect to pair with a red lip as it sculpts the cheeks effortlessly whilst leaving a subtle pink radiant sheen. For highlighter, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, an iridescent, shimmering golden peach highlighter is my top choice to give me that candlelit, luminous glow. 

What are your festive beauty picks this month?

12 BEAUTY TIPS TO TRY

I love reading beauty tips and tricks, ways to speed up my make up routine and ways to improve my technique. I've picked up a few invaluable tips over the years from beauty blogging, working in make up and from award winning make up artists that I was lucky enough to chat with when working at IMATS.

I thought I would list a few of my favourites that I've learnt and that I often use, I'd love to hear yours too!

1. Brush hair from the ends up to reduce breakage and split ends.

2. After applying lipstick, take a tissue and separate into 1ply, place over your lips and sweep a fluffy brush loaded with translucent power over the tissue to seal in the lipstick - MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is great. Dab on another layer of lipstick and then tissue, powder and seal in once more for long lasting lipstick.

3. Wrap false lashes around a pencil or make up brush to make them more flexible and easier to work with.

4. Use hairspray on a brow brush like Daniel Sandler's Brow Groomer brush as an alternative to brow gel, spray the spoolie and then comb through to tame unruly brows and hold them in place all day!

5. A good skincare routine helps to create the perfect base for make up. Oskia Renaissance Cleanser, La Roche Posay Serozinc & Origins GinZing Moisturiser are a few of my current favourites.

6. Mix foundation with a little moisturiser to give you lighter coverage for Summer.

7. Watch make up tutorials on youtube for incredible looks, tips and techniques.

8. Invest in a concealer palette like Collection Conceal and Light Like A Pro Palette. Green cancels out redness, yellow is great to diminish dark circles and purple brightens dull skin.

9. With eyeshadows, uneven numbers tend to look better. I like to stick to either just 1, 3 or 5 shades.

10. It's only make up, it's easily washed off - experiment, test out looks and start again!

11. There's no real right or wrong way to apply make up, use brushes, sponges or clean fingers to apply products. Use eyeshadows as highlighters, cream blushers as lipsticks and bronzers as eyeshadows - whatever works best for you!

12. Hygiene is important. Check use by dates (Meg's guide is great), deep clean brushes often (Dr Bronners Liquid Soap is amazing) and keep note of any ingredients that you are allergic or have reactions to.