I am lucky enough to get amazing products arrive monthly that I get to try and experiment with. So I thought I would start letting you know some of the stand out products that I have genuinely been loving and using throughout the last month.
SKIN
I don't always wear foundation (as an avid user of Clinique's Moisture Surge CC Cream), but when I do I like one that will not only hydrate my skin and is as lightweight as possible yet still covering those pesky blemishes that often appear. A lot to ask yes, but I have been using the Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation & Concealer for a few weeks now and have found it does all of the above with a build-able amount of coverage to give a flawless complexion and gives a radiant appearance which is exactly what I look for in a foundation. On top of this I have been applying the Soleil De La Mer Bronzing Powder, super lux I know and not in everyone's price point for a bronzer, but let me try to break it down and let you in on what I have been doing. Not only does mixing all three shades (of what looks to be a bronzer, blush and highlighter together) look absolutely beautiful and give a natural flush and colour to the face, but I have used these shades separately as well. Targeting the blush and highlighter with a smaller brush and they work amazingly!
If you a big fan of skincare I have more recently become aware of the brand Drunk Elephant and been using the C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream. Using this twice a day, great for under makeup in the morning to brighten up the eye area, I'm definitely keen to try more of their products out - plus the packaging and twist lid also grabbed my attention I have to admit!
Lastly if you love blush like me the Nars x Erdem Collection released two perfect pink blushes in Blush in 'Loves Me' and 'Loves Me Not'. Both pink with subtle gold and pearlescent hues to give a natural flush.
TAN
Being at the heart of winter I'm not always likely to tan, but sometimes being completely transparent is not an option. I'm always weary of using a new tan because of not knowing how its going to react or how dark its going to appear. The Elle Effect Tan Kit has been quite a surprise, with its rose scent, I think we can all agree the usual tan scents are not always that pleasant. I apply even one coat to my skin before bed, which dries super quick and wake up with a very natural healthy tan. Two coats might be an option for me when the weather warms up again, but for now a coat of this is perfect so I am not ghostly white!
LIPS
Sometimes you just come across the perfect nude lipstick and the Urban Decay VICE Lipstick in shade Backtalk is just that - enough said!
ACCESSORIES
No doubt you have noticed my ever growing collection of The Daily Edited products, from bags, clutches and many, many phone cases. Recently releasing a new way of monogramming their products with your name within a circle. Almost creating your own personalised logo, I'm sold.
MAKEUP
OK I maybe didn't need another palette, but I can totally justify this beautiful and versatile Urban Decay Backtalk Palette with its double sided travel friendly case with both eye shadows and corresponding blush and highlighters. With everyday neutral shades and what seems to be still on trend the mauve/pink hues in both satin, matte and shimmer finishes. Even better the palette comes with a double sided removable mirror - perfect for travel!
HAIR
Newly introduced to this brand, Living Proof ,I have used and already run of their universal Shampoo and Conditioner for all hair types. I am always one to occasionally change up of hair products and this formula seemed to work really well (and smell amazing) with my colour treated hair. Along with this, applying to damp hair before drying, the 5 in 1 Styling Treatment I think has really improved my hair when drying naturally. It claims to smooth, volumise, condition and polish your hair all in one, and I believe it. It leaves my hair super soft and smooth whist still leaving my hair with some volume.
TRAVEL
When I occasionally travel interstate I always have a small makeup bag of essentials for those 'just in case' moments and Mecca Cosmetica The Party-Perfect Edit has exactly what I needed to have myself organised for any type of crisis. With a compact mirror, hair ties, primer, lip pot, blotting paper, moisturiser and cleanser sachets all within a super cute pink cosmetic bag what more do you need!? I would be really keen to try 'The Jet-Setter Edit' as well that includes empty bottles and jars that are perfect for just taking the perfect amount of product in your handbag.
BOOKS
I have definitely been reading a lot more this year, but honestly the books I planned on finishing in June didn't quite go to plan. The new Zoe Foster-Blake book, Break Up Boss was a great easy and funny read (even if your not going through a break up!) that gives a real insight into tools and techniques of dealing with a breakup - a lot of them very true and hilarious scenarios girls go through. But Zoe has this no-nonsense and realistic view of how to deal with it and I think you can draw some self-confidence boosters from this read even if your single - to be your own boss, take charge and move on!
One I am yet to finished but still a great read to mention is 'From the Corner of the Oval Office' by Beck Dorey-Stein. A behind the scenes memoir of a young woman who is learning the ropes of her new job as a stenographer inside the Obama White House. So far so good, I'm really enjoying this honest and humorous view of a girl just trying to figure out life as well as being in the service of the president.