A rather belated July favourites but here we go - lots of products to include, so I’ve divided them into make-up, hair & body and extras.
MAKE-UP
Starting with base, two formulas stood out in July, depending on my skin’s behaviour and the occasion. Laura Mercier bases are my long term favourites and I think they do a formula that suits everyone. I’ve had Silk Crème in Beige Ivory since Christmas (thanks sis!) but it’s come into its own this Summer. For me, the key to this is less is more & blend, blend, blend! Silk Crème has been my go to for special occasions or rubbish skin days when I want more coverage (I’d describe it as medium to full). On good skin or ‘no make-up’ days, I’ve been using Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in the shade Nude. This gives very light coverage and is great for anyone who really likes to look as if they’re wearing zero make-up - a proper barely there number. I’d never suggest that anyone purchases two different formulas just to mix them (find one that suits you best), but if you do have both of these, a combination offers a lovely light to medium, glowy base.
Both available at Blow Ltd (ps £10 off first order if you sign up to their newsletter!)
Another brand duo (neither intentional, just genuine favourites) is this Pur Minerals coral pairing. Kinky powder blush is very reminiscent of NARS Orgasm - pinky peach with gold shimmer and Lovestruck lipgloss is just the prettiest creamy coral… a perfect Summer combo! I veer between these and Clinique Chubby Stick for Cheeks (review here) in Robust Rhubarb, which I’ve discovered doubles up beautifully as a matte lip and looks gorgeous topped with the above gloss!
Pur Minerals is available at M&S.
I recently confessed on Instagram that I’d purchased my first MAC eye shadow (slow starter, I know). MAC Patina - light taupe with delicate gold shimmer - has graced my eyes daily since purchasing - a perfect everyday shade that can be smoked up for evening. I love to pair it with Bourjois Contour Clubbing in Up & Brown and lashings of Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. This stuff is da bomb and I’ll be picking up the full size pronto - see a one done: one undone pic on my Instagram for evidence of its powers!
EXTRAS
It’s been almost a year since I treated myself to Diptyque Philosykos and only the past few months that I’ve truly fallen for it. I love the balance of comforting woods and fresh fig - like dousing myself in the strength to face the day. I’m properly attached to this scent. Bioderma’s Moisturising Mattifying Fluid is a recent addition and a Summer-only choice for a dehydrated face like mine. This has been a T-zone saviour on hot weather days, when my based needed every little bit of help to stop it melting off! If you’re combination or oily, this is definitely worth checking out -on offer until Thursday at Escentual. As ever, I have a few hand creams on rotation, but don’t think I’ve ever gone through one as fast as Neal’s Yard Geranium & Orange. This lives next to my bed and is applied in a thick layer every night - I love how it nourishes my hands and have come to associate the gentle scent with sleep (I don’t like a strongly perfumed one when I’m sleeping).
HAIR & BODY
I’ve used Julien Farel Vitamin Shampoo and conditioner for a couple of months and really enjoyed the products. Designed for coloured or chemically treated hair, I find these very gentle and non-stripping as they treat my hair with strengthening vitamins and antioxidants. Joico has been on my radar for a while - and although it’s only been a few weeks, so far I’m really impressed with Joico K-Pak Color Therapy… I love the salon-scent and softening effect, plus these minis are a great size for testing or weekends away!
Clinique Sparkle Skin is an exhilarating peppermint scented exfoliator, a real treat if you’re a fan of superfine, gentle grains like me. Great for removing the last traces of last-legs self tan, this provides the perfect smooth base for a fresh application. I like to follow exfoliating with body wash and the uber fruity-fragranced Passion Fruit & Grapefruit by Kneipp is really uplifting and non-drying. I’ve recently written an entire ode to Mio Future Proof Body Butter - now on its last legs and a hard act to follow.
Which one product has been your most used lately?
