Monthly Favourites | January 2014 |

Hello! As it's the end of January (already...!) it's time for the first installment of monthly favourites for the year. This month features a lot of make up, mostly lip-centric with a little bit of skin care thrown in for good measure. If you are more of a listener than a reader, I've included a video that I filmed to accompany this post too.

1. Revlon Lip Butter in 'Pink Lemonade': I'm a massive fan of the lip butter range and this shade is one of my top shades. A soft peachy pink, its easy to slick on and go and pairs perfectly with natural make up looks or to soften a smokey eye. I also find the formula nice and nourishing which is great for this time of year.

2. Topshop Lipstick in 'Idol': A while ago now I did a post on my Topshop lipstick collection, which now I have bought quite a few more I'm looking to update in the near future. This lipstick featured in it and it is still one of my favourite pinks. It's a bright, Barbie-esque pink which I've been wearing as a pop of colour with pared down make up.

3. Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in 'Brink Pink': This has been posted on really recently, so for an in depth review click here. As you can tell I'm well and truly in a pink phase at the moment, with this lip cream being the brightest and most statement lip out of the 3. 

4. Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm: The last of the lip products, this is an absolute must have for the colder weather. I like to use it before bed as it leaves a slight layer on your lips. It is so nourishing and smells delicious and works really well when used in conjunction with a lip scrub.

5. Benefit 'Million $ Mocha' Eyeshadow: A beautiful shimmery brown shade with pink undertones, I've been using this all over the lid for a really simple day time appropriate smokey eye. The formula is really buttery and easy to blend with no fall out at all. 

6. Estee Lauder Double Wear & Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: This duo is a perfect pairing in my opinion! With this brush you only need a tiny amount of the foundation and when buffed in properly it leaves a lovely natural, airbrushed finish. Double Wear doesn't have to be cakey! I also have a full review on this foundation.

7. Estee Lauder Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher: After receiving this for Christmas I've used this every day as my morning serum. I think its best suited for the day as it is so light weight, and as it melts into skin immediately it leaves a super smooth base, perfect for make up. The pump bottle is also a nice addition as it gives just enough for your whole face without being messy.

8. Clarins Lotus Oil: A whole post has been dedicated to how much I love this oil already! If you have oily/combo skin I urge you to try this as it has really changed my skin for the better. It is a really light oil which won't clog your pores or break you out, while still hydrating your skin really well.

What are your favourites for this month? xxx

My Very Late September Favourites

Hi guys, sorry this post is so late I've been meaning to get it up for ages but was waiting for the weather to perk up a bit to take some half decent photographs of the products. They still aren't perfect but seeing as we are heading into the darker months it can't really be helped. If only I had the money for some studio lighting! Anyway, as you can see I have quite a few favourites from the month of September, which are basically all make up related products compared to last month's which were more hair orientated.

001. Bourjois Bronzing Primer: When I first picked this up I used it to warm up my complexion all over my face before popping over a lighter base during the summer. However, I've really started to enjoy using it as a cream contour. I'm no expert in contouring so I find this product makes it really easy to build up the colour and blend in to make a much more natural finish. It's a really handy little pot which has a lot of uses. You can read my full review by clicking on the product name above.

002. Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'Metallic Pomegranate': I am in love with these paint pot dupes from Maybelline and have nearly all the colours now. I picked up this shade months ago and it has really come into its own now that the seasons have changed. A deep purpley pink with hints of glitter, it looks lovely all over the lid by itself or as primer for similar shades of eye shadows. I can't wait to do a full review of this soon and show you some swatches.

003. MAC MSF in 'Soft and Gentle': I'm already reviewed this in full a while back but it is still a staple in my make up bag. I love it most for evening looks but if applied with a light hand it is beautiful in the day too. A lovely warm toned highlight, it perks up my complexion and completes my look. After pretty much daily use since I got it, the dome has only just flattened so it is great value for money too. Highlighters are one of my favourite make up items (after lipsticks of course) and this is a must have for any collection.

004. Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons: Another Bourjois favourite this month is the recent release of their lip crayons. The concept of these type of products in general is a winner for me, but what pleased me most about Bourjois' offering are the shades which, although limited, are all so pretty, and the super glossy finish. They also last really well and are perfect for day or evening wear. Again I will be putting up a full review with swatches in the near future.

005. Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush: Real Techniques are the perfect brand for affordable but fantastic quality make up brushes. While the buffing brush is the star of the core collection this brush in particular is amazing from the eye set as I find it so multi-functional. Not only is it fab for blending and all over colour, the soft dense bristles make it perfect for blending under eye concealer which is now its main use. 

006. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation: A long lost favourite from last year, I pulled this out of my foundation box to replace the super light bases of summer. Full coverage that can be sheered out, blendable, matte and long lasting, this is definitley one of my favourite foundations ever. The only negative is the flash back face it gives but for days when flash photography won't be in use this is perfect for long, busy days.

What were your favourites for September? Do you like any of my picks? xxx

Review: Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

30ml // £27.50

I seem to be on a bit of a role with Estée Lauder recently. Having previously owned nothing from the brand, in the last few months I acquired Advanced Night Repair and then this foundation. Both things are pretty pricey for a student budget but so far Estée Lauder has not disappointed me and definitely lives up to my expectations as a premium brand.

On my first trip to Bicester Village a month or so ago, I picked up a MAC MSF and this foundation in the shade 'IC1 Shell' (although I think it's now called Cool Bone) from The Cosmetics Company Store, which turned out to be a perfect colour match for my pale skin. This particular foundation had been on my wishlist for a while even though it is full coverage, as it is nice to have a range of bases in your stash for different occasions. Upon looking at reviews, I've seen nothing but positive things and I'm going to have to jump on the positive band wagon and warn you now that this is going to be a rave review!

The packaging is made of heavy glass which oozes luxury, although may not be best for travel (I've kept the box for this). The only gripe I have with this is that there is no pump dispenser so getting the right amount of product can sometimes be a bit tricky, although it isn't the end of the world for me. The formula is quite thick but also nice and fluid so easily blended into the skin. For this I use a small amount of product and my buffing brush and really work it in seamlessly for fuller coverage, or with a stippling brush or blend perfection for more of a medium coverage. I've seen others mention they find it difficult to blend as it dries quickly but I've had no problem with this. I find this gives a lovely satin finish to the skin, and if blended in well it doesn't look cakey or obvious at all, instead it leaves your skin looking perfected. I also like that it doesn't oxidise and so stays the same colour all day.

I was surprised that it was so natural looking considering it is a matte, full coverage foundation and although I like to pump some Hocus Focus to inject some radiance, this isn't always necessary and just somewhat a habit now. The time this foundation lasts is amazing and I can be safe in the knowledge it will last for around 6 hours before needing to touch up with powder, if at all. It is oil and fragrance free so great for oily skinned girls like me, who want fuller coverage for a special occasion, need their base to last a long day or just prefer that kind of finish. Even though it is expensive, I only need to use a little for my whole face so think this will last me a really long time and is cost effective. It's also useful to note you can buy Double Wear in a light version or maximum cover.

I really recommend this for oily/combination skins who want a medium-full coverage foundation. It has great staying power, helps with oil control and didn't break me out. As long as you take the time to blend it in well this will leave a lovely satin finish without looking cakey. A great purchase and new holy grail for me.

Have you tried this before? What else would you suggest from Estée Lauder? xxx