June Empties

I've finally used up my Botanics Purifying All Bright Face Scrub which I've been using twice a week since November! This is a extremely gentle scrub which I use mainly in the mornings and I've found that it helped with any uneven texture on my skin. I've finished a tube of Hydraluron which I feel I've gone through rather quickly which is probably down to using it every single day. This is one of my holy grail products that I will continue repurchasing despite how expensive it may seem. Speaking of Hydraluron, I've used up a dupe of it in the form of Lacura Aqua-Complete Multi Intensive Serum. It may not contain a purer form of of hyaluronic acid like Hydraluron does but it still does the trick at hydrating my skin. I've finished up a tube of Boots Vitamin E Eye Cream which I've been using every morning. Whilst at first I loved using it, I've found that it's not hydrating enough so I'm currently in the market for a new hydrating eye cream.  I've finally finished the Bodhi Neroli Luce Revitalising Face Oil which I've had for quite a while hence the old packaging. This is a extremely hydrating facial oil that my skin literally drank up and left my skin looking more balanced come morning. I've used up a bottle of L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution which lasted me quite a while despite using it on a daily basis. This helped remove every last trace of makeup whilst not leaving my skin feeling tight. I've used up a Freeman Rose Brightening Facial Paper Mask which I used over in America. This paper mask left my skin looking more radiant and brighter which lasted all day.

I've finished a bottle of Colgate Plax Sensitive Mouthwash which is the only mouthwash I use. It leaves my mouth feeling really clean and helps with my sensitivity. I've used up a bottle of Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel which I use as a shaving lotion. This helps me achieve a closer shave and leaves my skin feeling really soft as it has a built in body lotion. Despite a little going a long way, I find that I go through a bottle rather quickly so I always stock up when it's on 3 for 2 in Boots. I've used up the Original Source Vanilla Milk & Raspberry Shower Gel which smells exactly like milk bottle sweets! I found this lathered up extremely well and left my skin feeling really clean. I've finished up the Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub which at first I loved using because of the scent but half way through using, I found the scent to be rather sickly. Despite this, it did a brilliant job at exfoliating any lumps and bumps on my arms. I've used up a Wilko Hand Sanitiser which I have dotted around in several places. These little bottles are very handy for when I'm on the go and don't have access/time to wash my hands every so often.

I've used up two packs of the No7 Quick Thinking Wipes which I use to quickly wipe off any swatches/foundation. I keep these on my vanity as they're so handy and I always ensure to stock up on these when they're handing out the No7 vouchers. Lastly, I've used up three packets of the Skin Therapy Large Oval Cotton Wool Pads which are the only cotton wool pads I use! These are large enough to use only a few when it comes to removing makeup and don't fall apart at the first sign of moisture.

Make sure you enter my American Beauty Products Giveaway as there's only 11 days left until it ends!

America Haul 003

This is the last post of my America Hauling as I'm only really sharing snippets of what I've bought whilst I was out there. If you're wanting to get your hands on some American Makeup, my giveaway is still live where you can win a few items featured above and more!

I am no stranger to eos lip balms and I really regretted only buying two when I was out there last time so this time around, I've come back with quite a lot more and I picked up Tangerine, Blueberry and Strawberry which are all very moisturising and smell good enough to eat! The Maybelline Colour Elixirs is something that recently launched over in the States which hopefully should be making its way over in the UK soon so I couldn't resist picking up three shades in Breathtaking Apricot, Fuchsia Flourish and Petal Plush which are shades perfect for Summer.

It appears that I picked up quite a fair few nail varnishes as on the exchange rate, they work out a lot cheaper which probably explains a lot. I bought three of the new Revlon Scented Nail Varnishes in Pink Pineapple, China Flower and Apricot Nectar. I'm pretty sure that these are just a gimmicky product but none the less, they do look rather cute all lined up next to each other! I also bought China Glaze's Flip Flop Fantasy which is a neon orange and OPI's You're Such A Budapest as they've both been on my wishlist for such a long time.

I've been experimenting with eyeshadow prior to leaving for America which would explain why I bought a L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Endless Pearl which I'm hoping will be the perfect brow highlight as it's a subtle pearl shade. I also bought a Wet n Wild Trio in Walking On Eggshells which is a hyped up blogger favourite for being one of the drugstore eyeshadow products to have. I'm hoping that I will love this just as much as everybody else! I noticed that my local Walgreens were selling Jordanna products so I picked up two of their mascaras; Best Lash Extreme Volumizing and Best Lash Extreme Lengthening both in the shade black. I'm hoping that these two combined will give me falsh lash effect lashes.

The Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer has been on my wishlist for quite some time so I'm finally glad that I've finally got my mitts on it! It's a heavy duty concealer that has high coverage which I'm hoping will cover up my dark circles. Sadly I got it in a shade too light for my skintone but I will find a way to make it work. It also came with a free little pencil which conceals little imperfections. On my second to last day in America, I had a big blow out with what little money I had left so I bought the Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup in Light after seeing it in many TV ads. This apparently transforms to my ideal shade so I'm looking forward to seeing if what it claims is true.

As I suffer with dark circles, I decided to buy the Yes To Grapefruit Correct & Repair Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream which is a product in particular that we can't get yet in the UK. I'm hoping that this will helps with my dark circles as they're not quite as bad as what I make them out to be just they annoy me as I can't easily cover them up. The last item I picked up is a repurchase in the form of Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream which I love applying right before bed on my cuticles as it smells exactly like fresh lemons!

America Haul 002

One of the brands that it appears I've bought a lot from is Physicians Formula as they are a brand that you cannot readily get here over in the UK despite a UK launch being on the cards. I've heard a lot about their Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation which although I don't suffer with any signs of ageing just yet, it's the reduced appearance of spots that I'm quite interested in as it claims to reduce the appear of them by 67% apparently. The concept of this foundation is rather interesting as well as it's it comes housed in a glass bottle with a dropper which you're supposed to dispense a few drops onto the included pro blending brush to give a flawless finish.

I couldn't resist buying some bronzers from Physicians Formula as well. I've had my eye on their Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Season-to-Season Bronzer for quite a while and I finally got my hands on it! It's a multi-coloured bronzer that you can use the four distinct bronzing tones individually or all together for a rich, radiant, bronzing glow that lasts. The other bronzer I picked up was their Nude Wear Glowing Nude Bronzer in Light Bronzer that I will definitely be using on those no makeup makeup days as it creates a radiant lit from within, bronze glow that looks natural on the skin. The last item I got from Physicians Formula is their Organic Wear Fake Out Mascara which gives the lashes a lot of volume and length whilst curling them to create the appearance of lash extensions as it has fibres within the formula itself. I'm really hoping that this lives up to its claim as I can't wait to start using it.

On one of many trips to the drugstores, I picked up two Milani Colour Statement Lipsticks in Nude Creme; a pale pink and Red Label which the name speaks for itself. Both are beautiful stunning colours which last a while on the lips whilst being non drying. I wanted to pick up quite a few Burts Bees lip balms but it worked out cheaper to just just buy a set of four so I picked up the Superfruit set which contains pink grapefruit, mango butter, coconut & pear and pomegranate oil. The last item I bought is a rather interesting concept in the form of a solid perfume pencil which I got in Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck. To use you simply apply it straight from the bullet onto the skin and then lightly rub it in. I used this constantly whilst I was over in America as I stupidly didn't pack any fragrances and I found that it's really travel friendly as it's handbag size.

Have you entered my American Beauty Products Giveaway?

America Haul 001

Whilst out in America, I picked up quite a fair bit of mainly makeup and over the next three posts, I'll be sharing what I bought. Now bearing in mind that where I was, there were no Sephora/Ulta/Nordstrom so I was rather limited in where I could buy from but luckily the local drugstores definitely came up top trumps.

As with most items, the Revlon Photoready Skinlights in both Bare Light and Pink Light were incredibly a lot cheaper over in the states than in the UK and as I've been lusting over them since they were launched, it seemed only fair that I picked both up. I enjoy mixing these in with my foundation to give a more dewy base. I've been hearing a lot about the Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoos recently especially about the US shades so it seemed only fair that I bought one in the shade Barely Branded. This is a beautiful warm, creamy beige with a frosted, metallic finish which I will be using primarily as a base whenever I decide to wear any eyemakeup.

Speaking of eye makeup, I couldn't resist picking up one of the Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quads in Chai Latte which appears to have been repackaged since it's inital launch a few years back. Chai Latte consists of four complimentary shades; the base shade appears to be a pale, shimmery, peach shade; the lid shade is a very metallic, warm bronze; the crease shade is rather warm toned grey with hints of brown and lastly the liner shade is a very shimmery chocolate brown. 

I decided to take a look at what Covergirl has to offer which is Max Factor over here in the UK but of course in the states, it's only a fraction of the UK price. I couldn't resist picking up one of their Lip Perfection Jumbo Gloss Balms in Ballet Twist which is one of their more famous shades and rightly so as it's a gorgeous shimmery pale pink. I also picked up two of their Lip Perfection Lipsticks in the shades Honeyed which is a pale pink and Hot Passion which is a bright red which is definitely out of my comfort zone. I also picked up the matching lip pencil for Hot Passion in the shade Passion.

The last item I couldn't resist picking up is the Physicians Formula Glow Boosting Beauty Balm BB Bronzer in Light to Medium. This appears to be a very shimmery bronzer with a pink centre which I'm hoping that both are just a sprayed on overlay and that underneath, it's not as shimmery.

Have you entered my American Beauty Products Giveaway?

Samples Ive Used Up 012

Whilst out in America, I managed to use up 13 one use samples of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II. I actually purchased the full size of this in Duty Free and had been using it prior to leaving so I knew that I would like it regardless. It's a weird consistency as it's runny like an oil but thick like a serum but my skin seems to drink it up the minute I apply it. I don't notice too much of what it does for my skin but I do know that my skin appears to be more radiant come morning. I've used up two Sk:n Anti-Ageing Neck Firming Cream which feels very light on the skin but is all the more moisturising once the skin has absorbed it. I do really like what it does for my skin but I just don't think I can part with the money for what is essentially a moisturised aimed for the neck..

I've finished a travel sized version of Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief + Whitening Toothpaste which lasted two weeks with every day use. I didn't notice too much of the whitening effect but it certainly helped my sensitive teeth with the constant drinking of ice cold drinks. I've used up a travel sized tube of Avene Soothing Moisture Mask which I used on the days in America where my skin felt a little drier than normal due to the air con. This really helped to rehydrate my skin and luckily, I already own the full size of this! I've finished up the travel sized Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Scrub which is very exfoliating! I absolutely adore this and already own a full size of this.

I've used up the Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Shampoo and Conditioner which is aimed to those with dry hair. This duo left me seriously impressed as they helped make my hair really soft and nourished especially on the ends. The duo smelt nice and didn't weigh my hair down. If I didn't have enough shampoos and conditioners to get through, I would definitely be buying this duo! I've finished up a travel sized So...? Va Va Volume Dry Shampoo which smelt pleasant and did the job but I just wasn't particularly wowed by it.

I've used up a travel sized YSL Top Secrets Pro Removers which is a bi-phase eye makeup remover that you have to shake up to combine the two liquids. This did a good job at removing my eye makeup and I sometimes used it to remove my face makeup as well. Whilst it did the job, I wouldn't repurchase this as I feel there are better makeup removers out there at only a fraction of the price. Lastly, I've finished up a travel sized Soap & Glory Clean On Me Shower Gel which I use mainly as a shaving lotion. This works really well at getting a close enough shave whilst leaving the skin moisturised. I will continue to repurchase this!

Have you entered my American Beauty Products Giveaway?

June Love Me Beauty Box

 LOVE ME BEAUTY BOX SUBSCRIPTION - £10 + £2.95 P+P

I've been eagerly awaiting June's Love Me Beauty Box as I selected which edition I wanted the minute the boutique was open (the joys of being on a different timezone at the time) As each edition is slightly different, I decided to go ahead with edition 3 as it contains items that I would get a lot of use out of. Unlike last months, June's love Me Beauty contains all beauty products which I'm definitely excited about.

Urban Veda is a brand I've heard little about so I was excited to see a generous sized sample of their Daily Purifying Facial Wash. They're an all natural skincare brand with no hidden nasties that pride themselves on being as eco-friendly as possible. The Daily Purifying Facial Wash is aimed to those with oil-prone skin as it mattifies the skin whilst refining pores and treating blackheads. Sadly as I don't have oily skin, this will be getting passed onto a work colleague as she will benefit more from it than me.

I absolutely love painting my nails so I squealed when I saw a NYX Nail Varnish in Hieroglyphics as it's the perfect holographic nail varnish which I will be using a lot when it's getting closer to Christmas. NYX is a brand that is slowly making it's way into the UK and can be purchased both online and in Next so I'm glad that I can finally say that I own something from them. Sadly this particular shade doesn't appear to be stocked on the UK website.

I am no stranger to applying face masks so the Montagne Jeunesse Hot Spring Sauna Face Mask is a welcome addition. It's a one use mask that is self heating upon application and helps to open up pores for a deep cleanse whilst exfoliating upon removal which leaves the skin refreshed and clean. I haven't actually used this particular face mask and as it contains volcanic spring powder and ginger, I'm looking forward to applying it when I have some time to pamper myself.

Many people take a lot of time perfecting their brows, myself included, so I was excited to see the BeautyUK High Brow All In One Brow Definition Kit in my box. I've used a similar product before by MUA but found it to be far too reddish toned for my liking. The BeautyUK offering however looks as if they're true to colour so I can't wait to start using this. It contains three brow shades with a wax and comes with precision tweezers and a double ended brush to apply.

The final product in my box is the Model Co Eye Define Eye Pencil in Black. This claims to glide on effortlessly and be long lasting so I'm hoping that it is as my current black kohl eye pencil seems to smudge within hours of applying.

I'm glad that they've made June's box more beauty focused as there is more variety of products to use which I much prefer. Hopefully Love Me Beauty carry this on for July's box..

Have you entered my American Beauty Products Giveaway?

Free GWP when you buy 2 No7 Cosmetics!

I am a self confessed No7 fan and I enjoy buying something new from them each month whether that be a nail varnish or some skincare. Whilst I was by their counter not too long ago, I noticed that they were holding another one of their infamous promotions where if you buy two pieces of makeup, you get a free gift with purchase. I decided to take full advantage of this and came away with two eyeliners which went straight to my Nannan and kept the gift cheekily for myself.

Included in the gift is a travel sized No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara in Black which will be very handy when it starts to get a lot warmer as it's a waterproof formula. A full sized Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Duck Egg Blue which I believe I already own but none the less, it is a gorgeous bright pastel blue which sadly is special edition. Also included is an adorable travel sized BB Lips Beauty Balm in Blink Pink which actually comes across as a more sheerer pale pink and finally a Stay Perfect Eye Shadow in the Middle Shade from the Good Earth Trio. I already own this eyeshadow single and I prefer using it to line my lower lashes to finish off any neutral/bronze eye look.

Overall this is definitely one of their better free gifts with purchases and is certainly not one to miss especially when it contains a good variety of products worth £22! This offer ends on the 8th July.
 *This is not a sponsored post.

Have you entered my American Beauty Products Giveaway?

June Birchbox Review

BIRCHBOX SUBSCRIPTION - £10 + £2.95 P+P

This month's Birchbox has taken inspiration from the World Cup and is filled with top players from across the globe. Sadly I didn't receive one of the best top players from across the globe in the form of the much raved about Beauty Blender but my box certainly came up top trumps.

The Silk + Honey Shea Butter Hair Mask (£55 for the full kit, Birchbox) is the only item that didn't excite me as I feel a little inundated with hair care samples at the moment. It is a deeply nourishing hair mask that protects and softens the hair whilst fortifying its elasticity. It does seem a little pricey as it's a DIY kit which makes a 200ml pot but hopefully I don't love it that much that I cannot live without it..

I was very excited to see the Laura Mercier Ambre Vanillé Soufflé Body Crème (£44.50, Birchbox) as it is a brand that I haven't ventured too much into especially into the body care side. It's a sumptuous lotion that is jam packed with shea butter, grape seed oil and honey to deeply nourish the skin. This is quite a generous sample so I should get a few applications from this.

As the weather is starting to get a little sunnier, I was glad to see the Coola Classic Face Sunscreen in SPF30 Cucumber (£26, Birchbox) which promises to protect the skin from the suns harsh rays all whilst leaving no white residue. It smells rather refreshing so I can't wait to start using this!

I'm trying to venture into more brighter lipsticks so the Yves Rocher Sheer Botanical Lipstick in Rouge Groseille (£9.90, Birchbox) is a most welcome surprise! It's an orange toned red which should make teeth appear whiter. This has an added bonus of being infused with cherry oil so it smells exactly like cherries when you apply it.

I am all for nail varnishes so when I saw a Mini OPI Nail Varnish from The Brazil Collection in Next Stop The Bikini Zone (£11.95, Birchbox) I was little underwhelmed as I simply hate duochrome nail varnishes with a passion! With that being said, it is a nice colour just it simply isn't for me so this will be getting passed onto a friend.

The final product in the box is a Birchbox Brazil-Inspired Keyring as a lifestyle extra. It's a fun flip-flop keyring which is sure to brighten up any bag/keys.

Although this box may not quite be as great as last month's, I'm sure that next month's will be a lot better but I'm grateful that I've been introduced to a few brands and products that I wouldn't have even heard of.

Have you entered my American Beauty Products Giveaway?

Duty Free Haulin'

The 20th May was a very emotional day for me as I was leaving my Dad behind to embark on a solo 30 hour round trip across the pond to see my Grandma and Grandpa over in America. As it was such an emotional day, it only seemed fair that I bought a few goodies from duty free to cheer myself up with.

The first stop was to pick up the 100ml Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair II. I'd been using sample sized satchets two weeks or so prior to leaving as well as whilst I was out over there so it only seemed fair that I picked it up. Handing over my card to pay for the eye watering amount of £91.50 was certainly tough and is by far the most expensive item I've paid for in terms of beauty but the results are definitely worth it which helped ease the pain slightly.

After being left disappointed at MAC not having the three items that I so desperately wanted, it seemed only right that I picked up the May cover of Allure and have a good sulk! This is basically the makeup bible to have when it comes to buying beauty items especially when you're going to the states. This contained so much products that resulted in me buying as well as picking up a few tips here and there. At £4.90 it certainly isn't cheap as far as magazines go but the content is what makes it worth picking up.

Birthday Haul

As some of you may know, I've recently been in America where I decided to spend my birthday with my Grandma and Grandpa. As it was a birthday present to my Grandma who has her birthday the day after mine to fly out over there to see her, they decided to treat me to a new pandora charm. As I adore my Pandora charm bracelet, I decided to get a charm to represent both of them and as they own three horses, I thought it was only fair that I got a horse related charm. As you can see, it has a cowboy boot, horse shoe as well as brush attached. I don't get to see them quite as often as I'd like to but I know that this charm will always make me smile whenever I glance down at it.

I was truly spoilt as when I got back into the country, Liam surprised me with a Pandora charm as well to match the one that my Grandma and Grandpa got me. The one he chose was the heart shaped lock with a hanging key which is his way of showing how much I mean to him. I'm slowly starting to fill up my bracelet but I'm making sure that each charm I'm gifted/choose has some sort of sentimental meaning instead of choosing any charm I see fit. It's a very expensive addiction but definitely worth the money in my eyes!

These are the only two things that I really got for my birthday not that I'm complaining as its the thought that matters. My Dad and his partner are still awaiting for me to choose what I want which will take a while as I truly don't know what I want so any suggestions are definitely welcome!

GIVEAWAY || American Beauty Products (CLOSED!)

CONGRATULATIONS JESS FROM JUST JESSS ON WINNING THE GIVEAWAY!

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Long term readers will remember the success of my first giveaway where you won this particular hamper of goodies straight from America. Following my most recent trip, I decided to do it again and this time, include hyped up products that we cannot easily get our hands on here in the UK. 

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 What is included in the hamper: 

Taylor Swift Solid Perfume Pencil in Wonderstruck

Physicians Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Bronzer in Light Bronzer

Covergirl Lashblast Volume Mascara in Very Black

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

EOS Lipbalm in Strawberry Sorbet

Maybelline 24Hr Color Tattoo Metal Eyeshadow in Barely Branded

Physicians Formula Nude Shimmer Strips Custom Eyes Enhancing Shadow Palette

Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Palette in Walking On Eggshells

Maybelline Color Elixir in Petal Plush

Wet n Wild Fergie To Reflect Shimmer Palette in Rose Champagne Glow

Maybelline Baby Lips Dr Rescue in Too Cool

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara in Very Black

  

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How do I enter?

To enter, simply comment down below with what sort of posts do you prefer reading, what posts would you like to see more of on the blog as well as your top five must have products. You must answer all three questions as well as a way I can contact you should you be successful. Please also include your blog URL!

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The giveaway has been extended for a week and will now end on the 17th July 2014 at 12PM instead of ending on the 10th July 2014 at 12PM. The winner will be chosen by using True Random Number Generator and will be notified shortly after the giveaway has ended. The winner will then 24 hours to respond if not then a new winner will be drawn.

Anybody found using a fake account used for giveaways or posting their own giveaway will automatically be disqualified and any entries will be deleted.

Good luck!

Straight Hair Saviours

LEE STAFFORD POKER STRAIGHT SHINE SERUM* - £7.99

BOOTS BOTANICS HEAT PROTECTION SHINE SERUM* - £?

In recent months, I've been wearing my hair down more frequently changing up the way how I style it but more often than not, it's always been straight. Whilst I've been using heat defence religiously, I've been relying on two products in particular to help keep my straight hair straight. Say hello to my straight hair saviours; Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shine Serum & Botanics Heat Protection Shine Serum.

The Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shine Serum is one of those weightless, non greasy, colourless serums that you can use on both wet and dry hair. I personally use it when my hair is dry and I apply it mid-lengths down after straightening as I find that it helps condition it and prevent any split ends. The Botanics Heat Protection Shine Serum is exactly like the Lee Stafford one but with an added bonus of doubling up as heat protection. Sometimes I use this as a heat defence when I'm feeling lazy but mostly I've always used it in conjunction with the other, running both through my mid lengths down and brushing them through.

I find that when I've use both of these together, my hair stays straight for longer and looks shinier. I don't use both all the time as they can weigh my hair down especially when I've applied a little too much but a little build up removal shampoo the day after can help sort that out. It appears that you can no longer buy the Botanics Heat Protection Shine Serum online but it may still be in stores.

Real Techniques Sam's Picks

REAL TECHNIQUES SAM'S PICKS* - £25 - £30

Long time readers will know that I'm a huge fan of Real Techniques especially their Buffing Brush and Miracle Complexion Makeup Sponge. I received my first brushes almost two years ago and with using them on a daily basis, they're starting to look a little worse for wear. So I was very excited to receive the Real Techniques Sam's Picks Brush Set for Christmas which I've been putting to the test over the past few months.

The Real Techniques Sam's Picks is essential a brush set containing Sam's favourite brushes. She's made sure that there is a variety of brushes and this set literally contains every brush you could need if you were just starting out. The set contains six full size brushes with one of them being a set exclusive which includes the infamous Buffing Brush, Multi-Task brush, Setting Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Fine Liner Brush and the set exclusive brush, Essential Crease Brush.

The Multi Task Brush is a large fluffy, slightly fanned out brush that has been created with the intended use being powder whether it's for blush, bronzer or setting powder. I personally like using it with bronzer as I find the unique shape of it somehow helps with contouring despite it being somewhat flat.

The Setting Brush is a small yet very well sized tapered brush which has many uses including applying powder to the under eye area, contouring and highlighting. I first started using this originally for applying powder under my eyes but have since started using it with powder highlighter as I find it applies the right amount for when I'm wanting a more highlighted look than normal.

The Buffing Brush is infamous across the blogging world for being the brush to use for foundation. It honestly makes buffing in foundation like a dream and helps to blend everything in ensuring that you have an airbrushed finish. I use this primarily for when I'm wearing Estee Lauder Double Wear by itself as I find that it helps buff everything in with ease. I also use it on occasions when I've been a little heavy handed as it prevents any cakeyness whilst not altering the finish. I'm so glad that I've now got two of these brushes as my first is looking a little beaten up.
The Pointed Foundation Brush is one of those brushes that I would deem too small to be a foundation brush unless using it to touch up the base whilst on the go as other wise the small, flat paintbrush style brush would honestly take forever to cover an entire face. I haven't yet found a use for this brush but I have heard that it's brilliant for applying concealer under the eyes or to help cover up blemishes.

The Essential Crease Brush is essentially the perfect brush for blending out any eyeshadow. As it features a tapered head, it allows for precision and control whilst being ultra soft which is very important especially when using in such a delicate area. Apparently this is very similar to MAC's 224 brush although I wouldn't know as I don't and will not ever own a MAC brush.

Finally, the last brush is the Fine Liner Brush which is a small, firm yet soft brush that really holds its shape when it comes to drawing lines of any thickness. As I much prefer using liquid liners with a felt tip style applicator, I haven't found a use for this brush yet but I'm sure this brush will be the answer to your prayers if applying liner isn't your strong point.

Whilst this brush set may seem pricey to some, it is most definitely worth it as you're getting six brushes which you can use for a wide variety of things. Whilst I haven't found uses for all the brushes and have only been using one or two on a daily basis recently, I couldn't imagine applying my makeup without these brushes especially the Multi-Task Brush! If you're a big lover of Real Techniques then I would most definitely recommend this!

Bodhi Neroli Lucé Revitalising Face Oil

BODHI NEROLI LUCÉ REVITALISING FACE OIL* - £32

I've been using facial oils for well over a year now and have found that they've really benefited my skin especially during the cold, winter months. I've tried a small handful of facial oils including the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate and whilst I do love the facial oils I've tried, the beauty blogger in me is wanting to try something different instead of repurchasing. I received the Bodhi Neroli Lucé Revitalising Face Oil in my #NottsBBMeet Goodie bag and I've been using it on a daily basis for the last six months which is impressive as the bottle itself only contains 15ml.

The Bodhi Neroli Lucé Face Oil contains a revitalising and rebalancing blend of skin-toning tunisian neroli, rejuvenating frankincense and restorative sea buckthorn oil which helps to instantly nourish and hydrate the skin. It contains vital vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids which helps revive a lacklustre complexion, increase skins elasticity, boost resilience and just generally help rebalance the skins natural hydration.

The first thing that scared me a little the first times I tried this was the fact that it's yellow which once massaged into the skin, it does leave a slight yellow glow which we'll put down to a healthy, perked up complexion. I like to take three pumps rather than the recommended one to two and really spend my time massaging it in, making sure that I'm massaging it in from my neck up to my forehead. My skin literally drinks this up and come morning, my skin looks more balanced and awake whilst not looking greasy at all. Sometimes, I like to use this in the morning as well and I find that it gives just as great results. Whilst I do really like this facial oil, it does seem rather pricey for how much it contains but it certainly lasts a very long time and that is even with daily use. If you're looking for a good facial oil or just starting out, I would recommend the Bodhi Neroli Lucé Facial Oil especially if you've got dry/dehydrated skin like I do!

May Favourites

May has been a busy month for me as I've been hastily preparing my skin, ready for America. I've been using a whole host of products but there are only three stand out products that have truly helped. The first being Lush Mask Of Magnaminty which is an exfoliating face mask which helps fight any blemishes and return your skin to tip top condition. I've been using this mainly on a daily basis for the past few weeks and I've noticed such a huge difference with my skin! It has improved my skin texture and has truly helped prevent any promising blemishes. Another face mask I've been using in conjunction is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 Wash & Mask. In the past, I've used this solely as a face wash but nowadays I just use it as a face mask as I find it more effective. As it is rather creamy in texture, it dries within minutes of applying and I notice that any existing blemishes are calmed down and any redness is reduced. The last stand out skincare product is Esteé Lauder Advanced Night Repair II which I've been using sample sizes of for past two weeks or so. I apply this last in my skincare routine at night as a serum/moisturiser and I've noticed that my skin appears more radiant come morning. 

I've turned my back on the majority of my face brushes in favour of using the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. This sponge has completely transformed the way I apply makeup and it achieves such a flawless look every time I use it. I use it primarily with foundation as it blends it out so beautifully. I adore it that much that I own two of it. Just like with last month, I've been loving using the L'oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer as it gives makes my skin look more awake and radiant. I've been using this both as a primer and as a highlighter and I just love the way it makes my skin look. The last product I've been loving throughout May has been the NYC Sunny Bronzer which although I declared as the worst bronzer ever when I first used it, I've found myself reaching for it more as it's become one of my favourites. Its one of those bronzers that applies beautifully and doesn't look muddy/dirty on the skin. I've used this every time I've worn makeup and still haven't made a noticeable dent in it yet!

What products have you been loving throughout May?