PRODUCT ROUND UP: Here's what I'm loving

I had a bit of a manic month where I was testing like a million products. I’ve calmed down now, and here’s what I’m using this month and how I rate it:

MORNING
HAIR: Bumble and Bumble Mending Shampoo (£21), Bumble and Bumble Conditioner (£23) and Bumble and Bumble Complex (£23). Best hair products I've ever used...can't rate them highly enough. They’ve actually changed my life and make a good blow dry a total breeze.
BODY: Dr Bronners Peppermint Castile Liquid Soap (£9.65). Wakes me right up in the morning, works well as a shaving oil too and is gentle and moisturising for eczema prone skin.
FACE: I was using Rodial A-list cleanser (£48) but it’s headed to the ‘urgh’ pile along with Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser (£31.95) and Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Cleanser (£5.00). I’ve tried most of the cleansing balms around and really only rate the Eve Lom Cleanser (£28) and Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse (£38). I’m now using Shu Uemera cleansing beauty oil premium (£55), which is a little too rich for me, but still a lovely product.
Then on to Chanel Beaute Initiale spray serum (£56). Absolute genius! Seriously, if your skin is quite oily and you’re a bit on the lazy side, this is a fab way to moisturise. One light spray in the morning and you’re good to go. At the moment a light day cream and a rich night cream is totally working for me.

DAY
MAKE UP: My usual kit, with Lancôme Hypnose precious cells mascara (£22), ByTerry Baume de Rose SPF 15 (£32), Chanel Le Crayon Kohl (£16) , MAC Studio Finish Concealer SPF 35 (£12.50) and Shu Uemera Glow-on Blush (£19).
HANDS: Guerlain Super Aqua Hands hand-cream (£34). I don’t know why but I just love this cream and it smells like roses!

NIGHT
HAIR: Bumble and Bumble Mending Masque (£27)- Used overnight every few days, beautifully soft hair in a tube!
FACE:Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells (£83) and Lancôme Absolue Yeux Precious Cells (£73.)I want to say they’re not worth the cash, but they are. My skin is really soft and plum, it feels just like cashmere. My forehead gets a little dehydrated and it’s so smooth now I look like I’ve had botox. Really lovely products. Sorry, I want to say there is a cheap version, but I just don’t think there is.
BODY: I have really dry skin so use almond oil (£3.00), from Indian food stores. I tried using extra virgin olive oil once, but ended up smelling like an Insalata caprese. GROSS. Almond oil doesn’t have a smell, it’s packed with Vitamin E and if you like add a few drops of essential oil to it like rose otto or lavender. It’s cheap too and clearly I’m bankrupt from night cream, so have to save a few pennies here and there. Such is the price of beauty!

HAUL: Shu-RBR-Givenchy-BB

I’m working through some serious haul.
A whole bag's worth. Some of it is a tad old, but it’s not really about having the newest products or the shiniest beauty things. Its about what ACTUALLY works, that's why we blog right? I'm not going to post pages and pages about each product, just a quick run-down and whether I'd actually recommend it to a friend so you're in and out in time for ONE TREE HILL (minus Lucas which I didn’t think would work, but, like, totally does. Man I love Nathan, he gets hotter and hotter, plus Dan Scott is a DILF.) Ahem…er… BEHOLD. make up!!

TOP TO BOTTOM! (naughty word-heehee)




Rouge Bunny Rouge Blush Wand in Goya 016 £28
It’s the wrong colour for me sadly, a weeny bit too pale. The texture is smooth, no shimmer at all and just a hint of that greasy texture you get with cream blush. It would suit a lovely olive skinned lady perfectly. Many of the RBR products I'd pay full whack for but this - for me - isn't worth the hefty old price! 3/5

Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip and Cheek Balm £19.50
So this didn't do anything on my skin tone at all which was underwhelming letmetellyou. Have dutifully passed onto my friend Giselle who loves anything like this that changes colour on your skin. Crazy girl. 1/5

Shu Uemera Painting Liner in Citrine £19.50
COLOURCOLOURCOLOURCOLOUR. What more can I say, HEART this. Strong pigment, mad colour and a lovely little pot. CHAMPION. I overuse caps don't I? 5/5

Bobbi Brown Metallic LongWear Cream Shadow Opal 13 £16
I'm a big BB fan. Great brand and lovely products. This unequivocally sucks though. It’s grainy, has a bizarre texture and a funny pinky colour. Epic fail. 2/5

LUST: Shu Uemura lashes Viktor and Rolf

Snow queen, good witch, tinkerbell, ice maiden, cloud, snow leopard, white fly er, albino dolphin. The fancy dress possibilities are endless with these breathtaking lashes. Just don’t lose them, ever.


Shu Uemura lashes Viktor and Rolf £ (loads!)

LOOK OF LOVE: Peek

I know the dark eyes/pale lips is a classic combo, but it is pretty foolproof and lips-wise totally goes against the grain with the lazy adage that darker skins should just stick to darker lipsticks. Wear whatever the hell you want I say, just own it! Anyway, sometimes its good to have a look you know works...this is mine.




And again this weekend Bethnal WMC


Products used:
Eyes: Dark blue/grey MAC paint as a base (discontinued), with MAC carbon and MAC Gesso blended on top. Shu Uemura eyebrow pencil and Becca Ultimate Mascara.
Lips: MAC pro longwear in Loyal with MAC lipstick in Sandy.

Seeing as though it was valentines, and its all about lurve, here's to good, if not slightly mental friends <3