July Favourites 2014

It's been a while since I posted a monthly favourites, but this month I've been really loving some different products, of new and old so I thought I'd share them.

Ecohydra Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitiser*

As a mother of a 22 month old boy who likes to get his hands into pretty much any dirt/water/mess he can find, this has been a godsend. It's alcohol free and kind to skin so it's perfect for George's sensitive skin. It's a foam consistency that dries almost instantly, so theres no mess or stickiness and I'm safe in the knowledge that his curious little hands are kept clean. Love it! 

Pixi Glow Tonic
Hands down the best toner I've ever tried! It might have something to do with the fact it's an exfoliating toner. I'd heard so much about it that I just needed to get my hands on it! Gentle enough to use daily, I can't get enough! I don't wanna say too much as I'm planning a full review soon. It deserves it!

MAC Saigon Summer Lipstick

My new absolute FAVOURITE summer lipstick. I was lucky enough to win a MAC lipstick of my choice in a giveaway and after much deliberation I chose this one, and I don't regret it for one minute. I wrote a review here, and I'm just absolutely raving about it. I've worn it pretty much every time I've gone anywhere as it's so super easy to wear. It's a shade I hadn't heard much about, as everyone always goes on about Morange, but I thought that looked a bit scary. If you're after an orange but think Morange isn't wearable enough, I urge you to try Saigon Summer, it's a beaut!

The Wet Brush Earth Collection Eco Friendly Brush*

My new best friend! I wrote a review here, in which I basically went on about how it's the BEST detangling brush you will ever try! With a nice long handle, soft bristles and eco-friendly features, I can't honestly find anything bad to say about it. My hair has been so much easier to handle since using this.

Flora by Gucci Gorgeous Gardenia Eau De Parfum

A Wedding Anniversary present from the hubby a couple of years ago (when we said we weren't doing gifts, d'awww). Completely chosen by himself (brownie points), this quickly became one of my favourite perfumes. As the name suggests, it's a floral scent with very fruity top notes. It's the perfect, fresh, summer scent and I always get compliments when wearing it.

Top Notes: Pear, Red Berries.

Middle Notes: Gardenia, Frangipani.

Base Notes: Patchouli, Brown Sugar.

What have you been loving this month?

___________________________

Twitter--Bloglovin'--Instagram--Facebook--Pinterest

Radical Skincare: Multi Brightening Serum & Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30

Radical Skincare is a brand that's relatively new to the UK (I think), so I hadn't heard much about them. Although saying that, in the few weeks I've been trialing these new products, I seem to be noticing the brand cropping up all over the place. Good sign, yes? The owners of Radical Skincare are 2 sisters and the daughters of a world-renowned plastic surgeon who have researched for years before creating their own brand. So it's safe to say they know what they're talking about!

The two products I've got here can actually be bought together as part of their 'glow set' over at Space.NK. Anyway, nitty gritty...

Multi Brightening Serum*

Radical Skincare Multi Brightening Serum*. £95 per 30ml

The Multi Brightening Serum is specifically designed to fight 7 identified causes of dark spots and uneven skintone. With Algae Extract to tighten the skin, Vitamin C to soften skin and reduce spots and an exfoliant factor, this serum has the ingredients for dream skin. This serum, unlike many others, is actually designed to be used both day and night, as it's gentle enough on the skin. 

The first thing I want to say is how cool the packaging is. No annoying caps/lids, which means no mess. This bad boy has a twist & push mechanism that I just love. It's the little things. The serum itself is white in consistency and slightly runnier than the serums I'm used to. Not knocking it though, as I love how easily it works into the skin and how light it feels (very similar formulation to the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo come to think of it). I find two pumps is enough to cover my face, using upward strokes. The finish left by this serum is amazing. You know how some serums leave a greasy, oily residue, well not this one. I think that's why it's great to use both day and night, as it won't affect how your makeup applies. 

In terms of long term effects, I can honestly say I have noticed a difference in the appearance of my skin. Not so much reduction of dark spots, as I didn't really have any, but my skin tone does appear to be more even, and the texture of my skin feels a lot nicer. On the whole, I'm impressed, but at £95 for the full size, I can't say it will become a regular in my skincare routine, sadly.

Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30*

Radical Skincare Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30*. £38 per 40ml

The Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30,  is a non-chemical, lightweight, matte formula that's designed to blur lines and protect the skin from UV damage. Enriched with light reflecting pigments and a slight tint, this SPF isn't like your typical thick, white, chalky, skin clogging blob of grease, it's light and will give the skin healthy glow, whilst protecting at the same time. Amaze.

Well, this is just the nicest facial SPF I've ever tried. Like I said before, I'm used to facial SPF's being thick, white and cloggy so this is like a dream to me. It's slightly watery in consistency with a hint of colour, and  it sinks into the skin, leaving behind a lovely matte finish and a healthy glow. As with most facial SPF's, it's designed to be applied after your moisturiser, and before your makeup. I find it gives a lovely base for makeup, and I'm safe in the knowledge that my skin is being protected from those pesky (but ever so loved), sun rays. 10/10

Have you tried any Radical Skincare products yet? 

___________________________

Twitter--Bloglovin'--Instagram--Facebook--Pinterest

Summer Fashion Wishlist

Summertime = dreamy fashion time! Why oh why haven't I won the lottery yet? Errr probably because I don't put it on! Here are a few things I've got my eye on this Summer! Meaning I probs won't get any of them, but I enjoy looking anyway, lol.

Shorts - Topshop, £32

Bag - Topshop, £36

Birkenstocks - ASOS, £42

Kimono - New Look, £17.99

Pink Strap Dress - £26

Denim Dress - £18

What's on your summer wishlist?

___________________________

Twitter--Bloglovin'--Instagram--Facebook--Pinterest

MAC Saigon Summer | The Perfect Summer Lipstick

MAC Saigon Summer. £15.50

If you're a regular reader of my blog, you'll know that I recently began a love affair with MAC lipsticks (where have I been, seriously?). I posted about my love of Creme Cup here, and I'm back again with another absolute stunner. I was lucky enough to win the lovely Anouska Millar's giveaway and won a MAC lipstick of my choice. Obviously, as I only had 2 MAC lipsticks, the choice was extremely hard. I was considering going for Morange but was slightly scared of how bright it is.... then I saw Saigon Summer, and though that it looked like a more wearbale orange. It arrived and oh myyyy!

Saigon Summer is described as a 'frosted bright orange' - a bright orange with subtle shimmer running through it. It's a cremesheen formula, which means it's super creamy and moisturising. I think, for me, it's the perfect amount of pigmentation, as it applies quite sheer, but can be buildable into a deeper orange without looking thick and cakey. In terms of staying power, as it's a cremesheen formula, it doesn't stick around too well when met with food and drink, but it's so easy to reapply that's not too much of a deal breaker for me.

If you're after a wearable, bright orange lipstick, look no further! 

___________________________

Twitter--Bloglovin'--Instagram--Facebook--Pinterest

Mask Marvels | My Favourite Face Masks

Hands up who loves a good pamper session? Face masks are my favourite way of giving myself and my skin a good old pamper and I always feel 100% better afterwards. I have a few favourites from the Highstreet that work really well but won't break the bank. I tend to use a face mask once or twice a week, depending on how my skin is feeling.

First up is The Body Shop's Tea Tree Face Mask, your typical bright green 'makes you look like The Hulk'  kinda mask. It applies really smooth and creamy and leaves my skin feeling really clean afterwards. At £10 for 100ml of product, it certainly isn't expensive and should last a while. Next is a very popular mask among beauty bloggers, and for good reason. Una Brennan's Superfacialist range is fairly new and has really taken off. The Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask is the cheapest of this bunch at £8.99 for 125ml, and is a truly amazing mask. I have an issue with large pores on my nose, and this really helps in getting in there and giving them a real good clean out (euw, I know tmi). As with most clay masks, this mask dries to a crusty, hard finish, so I wouldn't recommend watching a comedy whilst waiting haha. Washed away with a warm cloth, it leaves my skin bright, clear and super soft! It contains spot fighting ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, as well as Avocado Oil to give a brighter, clearer complexion. Last up is my newest addition, and one that has really impressed me. I bought this purely from watching Amelia Liana and Lily Pebbles' video (here). Sanctuary's 5 minute Thermal Detox Mask is like no mask I've ever tried. As the title suggests, it's a thermal mask, which aims to use heat to draw out impurities. It's such a strange feeling when put to the face, as the heat is instantly there. It says to apply a thin layer, but as it's quite a thick, stodgy mask, it takes a bit of work to get a thin layer across the face before it loses a bit of heat so you've gotta work quick. Once it's on the face though, I swear I can feel the dirt being pulled from my pores. It's the strangest, most satisfying face mask I've ever tried, and the results are awesome too. For less than £11 each, these masks are really great at purifying the skin and I urge you to try them.

Which masks are your favourites?

___________________________

Twitter--Bloglovin'--Instagram--Facebook--Pinterest

Baker Days Letterbox Cake | Review

I was recently contacted by the lovely people at Baker Days, asking if I'd like to review one of their new Letterbox Cakes. Obviously I'm not one to turn down free cake, so I chose my cake and 3 days later it arrived, although my postman didn't dare post it so he knocked on the door, haha.

Baker Days Letterbox Cake*. From £14.99

Baker Days are the first company to offer 'Letterbox Cakes', the concept being to change the way the world thinks of showing they're fond of someone. They can be personalised to however you want, so think Moonpig but in edible form. Letterbox cakes are 5" in diameter (which they suggest is around 3-4 portions). You can choose from Chocolate, Vanilla, Fruit, 1/2 Chocolate 1/2 Vanilla, Wheat&Gluten Free and Dairy Free. They dispatch their cakes fresh and stay fresh for upto 14 days, so plenty of time for loved ones to receive and enjoy. Prices start from £14.99, adding extra onto the price depending on the filling and personalisation choices.

I didn't have any special occasions to celebrate, so I chose a 'Just to Say' Chocolate Cake* for the hubby, and added 'I Love You', because why not? lol. He was chuffed with it and demolished it in record time so he must have enjoyed it. I had a slice, and the cake was really tasty and moist and the icing was perfect. The little packet of love hearts were a lovely touch, too. I loved the presentation of the cake inside it's lovely little tin, and how well packaged the cake was to deliver, but the only problem I have is the price. I think it's a little steep for the size of the cake, and that may put a lot of people off. Especially if you think of how much a huge birthday cake would cost to make, or even buy in a supermarket. I know you're paying for the convenience and the fact you can send a surprise cake to land on someone's doormat, but I still think it's too much.

What do you think of this idea? 

___________________________

Twitter--Bloglovin'--Instagram--Facebook--Pinterest