December favourites

December has been an odd month beauty wise. I've been so wrapped up with Christmas (no pun intended) that I've hardly found the time to try and test new products. Therefore this months favourites are a little on the slim side.

Clinique Makeup Brush Cleanser

Boring this product may be, but every beauty addict needs a brush cleanser in their life. I love how easy this product is to use - just spritz a little on your brush and wipe with kitchen roll to clean. 

I like to clean my everyday brushes at least once a week and then give them a deep, thorough clean with Johnsons Baby Shampoo once a month. Clinique's Makeup Brush Cleanser is great at acting as an interim cleaner but there's nothing more satisfying than thoroughly clean brushes.

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss

I blogged about this product back in September and have been loving it ever since - a fantastic product that accompanied many winter looks throughout December. It's a fantastic lipgloss that stays put much longer than any other I have tried and the colour is just perfect too. You can read the full review here.

You can purchase Clinique Make Brush Cleanser (£13/200ml) from all Clinique in store counters and bareMinerals' Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss (£16) from most bareMinerals in store counters. 

Lastly, just a little update - in November I blogged about the Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Gel Soapless Cleanser. Since using the cleanser I discovered that I was developing copious amounts of zits that were appearing all over my hairline, chin, forehead and neck. When one lot cleared up, another two, three, four would appear. I actually ended up heading to the doctors and being prescribed an acne lotion but this only acted as an interim solution until the next ones appeared. I stopped using the cleanser over Christmas and low and behold my 'acne' cleared up. As much as I loved the idea of the product, it really didn't agree with my skin type. So I am on the lookout for an alternative. If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

My March favourites

This month I’m keeping it short, sweet and very simple – just like the three products that I have been loving this month.

L’Oreal’s Skin Perfection Purifying Gel Wash

Recently I rediscovered my love for facial cleansers and I’m pretty sure it’s because I’ve noticed a subtle change to my skin. Since using them more frequently (rather than just a face wipe) my skin is in much better condition. This is why L’Oreal’s Skin Perfection Purifying Gel Wash made it to the top of the list.

When I’m having a particularly grubby skin day, or when I simply don’t have the time, I find myself using this product for a quick pick-me-up. The gel-like product quickly turns into foam when mixed with water and is perfect at removing everyday dirt and grime, and even stubborn eye makeup too. It is also super light and washes off easily, leaving skin feeling refreshed.

What makes this product even more appealing is the price. It’s super cheap (at only £4.49/150ml) and you don’t need much at all – just a 20p sized dollop is plenty. L’Oreal Skin Perfection Purifying Gel Wash is available from Boots £4.49/150ml.
 

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

The second facial cleanser to feature in my monthly favourites is one that may not come as a surprise to you. What was once France’s best kept secret, has now found its way into British hands and by the looks of things it hasn’t let us down.

Pronounced as me-sellaire, the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water isn't as harsh as a standard face cleanser, which is why its great for sensitive skin. It also acts as a toner too, meaning that it becomes two skincare steps in one. The clever bit is the science behind it - like a magnet, the cleansing agents capture and lift away dirt from the skin meaning that you no longer have to scrub deep down to remove all of your make-up and daily dirt. 

I absolutely love this product from Garnier. It's so simple and extremely cheap to use - I picked up this one for £4.99 for 400ml in Boots. It's certainly worth the money and will last a heck of a long time too. 

Last but not least is the Stronger Nail Polish from Rimmel. 

Over the last month or so my nails have taken a bit of a battering. I have been applying, removing and reapplying nail polish like it is going out of fashion, which has meant that my nails have become really dry and brittle as a result.

Before heading out on Saturday night, I applied a layer over the top of normal polish. Although this was completely by accident (there was me thinking it was a top coat) and completely ruined my polish, I couldn’t help but notice how strong my nails were when I removed the colour. So after removing I applied it again on its own and a week later my nails are in the best condition they have been in a long time. They’re stronger and look ten times healthier, plus I’m bridesmaid for my friend on Thursday so this stuff has been a god-send. 

I wouldn’t advise applying on top of your normal polish though as it is in fact a heavy duty base coat. Enriched with calcium and Keratin, it adds strength to weak nails and helps to increase their strength against further damage. The Rimmel Stronger Nail Polish is available from most cosmetic stores (£4.49/7ml).

My February favourites

First of all before I start, I want to apologise for how late this blog post is. I was in Barcelona last weekend and I was supposed to get it posted before then but time got the better of me. So albeit a bit late, here’s a quick round-up of the products that I’ve loved using this month…

Katy Perry Killer Queen
I’ve really been into ‘celebrity scents’. I find them quite gimmicky and a little bit naff at times. However, this one smells surprisingly good.

If you haven’t yet had a whiff of Killer Queen here’s the professional’s description:

'A charming playful yet lethally gorgeous floriental fragrance, opens with tempting dark berries and lush plum that blend into an opulent floral heart. The softness and grace of the heart is highlighted by the Royal Red Velvet flower that leads into an intoxicating background of precious woods and sensual musk.'

Sounds pretty scrumptious, and it is! The bottle is quite cute and quirky too and looks slightly different to your average perfume bottle. Katy Perry Killer Queen is available from most perfume and drug stores at a range of prices.

Super Facialist by Una Brenann Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil
This product was previously mentioned in my recent blog post The Best Beauty Products for Blemishes (you can read it here) where I raved about how fantastic it is at giving skin a thoroughly deep cleanse. The super light oil feels greasy on contact but as soon as it’s washed away with warm water, it leaves skin feeling super soft and refreshed with not an ounce of oil left on your face.

I’ve been using this product a lot lately and that’s because it’s great at removing eye make-up – oil based cleansers can work wonders on stubborn mascara. So, before removing the oil from my face, I very gently rub my eyelashes between my fingers to remove any excess. My eyes still require cotton wool and eye make-up remover but it means that any stubborn lumps are already loosened.

Super Facialist by Una Brenann Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil is available from Boots £10.99/200ml.

Vaseline Healthy Hands and Stronger Nails Hand Cream
Last but not least is this really simple product from Vaseline that I recently started to use more recently while at work.

Office air-conditioning can play havoc on skin and for me in particular, my hands really suffer, so this one is great for making sure they stay soft and healthy.

I’ve always been a bit selective when it comes to hand creams because I can’t stand the greasy feel some of them can leave. Vaseline is great for creating a non-greasy cream that’s incredibly soothing and nourishing. I’m not sure how well it lives up to the claim that it can strengthen nails by up to 50%, but maybe I’m not using it often enough.

I apply Vaseline Healthy Hands and Stronger Nails Hand Cream twice a day to ensure my hands don’t dry and crack. Available from Boots £3.27/75ml.

March favourites...

Courtesy of weheartit

This month has been rather hard to find my favourites as I haven't really tried anything new, but here you are...
Aussie Aussome Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
This month I had my long hair chopped off. I needed a shampoo and conditioner that would give it a bit of volume, because mine can look a little limp sometimes, so I thought I'd give these two a go. When I had longer hair, Aussie shampoos and conditioners never seemed to agree with it and I'd spend hours de-tangling knots. But with shorter hair, I think its great, plus it smells amazing too.

Nivea Soft
When I got sent the sample of the limited edition pot I was just going to store it away in our beauty cupboard because I didn't think I'd use it. But in fact, it hasn't left my desk! I started using it as a hand cream and its perfect! It sinks in quickly and doesn't leave that greasy residue that most hand creams do and it doesn't turn watery if you wash your hands afterwards. This product soon made it onto my must-have list and I want to thank Nivea for introducing me to it!

February favourites...

Courtesy of weheartit
Revlon Photo Ready Foundation
When I first heard about this foundation, I wasn't convinced. I was worried I'd resemble Edward Cullen when caught in the sun light. But after much persuasion from my sister, I caved in...and a month later, I can't get enough of it.

I try not to use this foundation as an everyday base, instead I stick to only wearing it when I'm off somewhere nice, like for dinner or a night out. But it does get a huge thumbs up from me (and my sister!)


Avon True Colour Blush
I've not even had this product a week, but I've worn it every day since. Absolutely perfect and has amazing coverage. I will be doing a blog post about it soon, so watch this space.

January favourites...

Courtesy of weheartit
Considering it's a week into February already, this is already a week overdue, so I'll move as quickly as possible. I have just two products this month, as I've kind of been a little boring and haven't stepped away from my favourites. I promise more next month though.

Benefit Georgia Just Peachy Face Powder
I received this cute little box for Christmas and fell in love instantly. It smells amazing and adds a subtle fresh colour to your face. I originally thought it might look great as a blusher, but the colour isn't quite strong enough.


Lee Stafford Poker Straight Dehumidifier
I have used this product for years and I won't leave the house without a little spritz over my hair. It stops it from turning into a static mess when it's slightly damp or too hot outside. It's perfect for summer holidays too.

December favourites...

Image courtesy of weheartit
Last month, Christmas took over my life - what with work and finding the perfect gifts, I unfortunately let my beauty side slip. So this month, instead of giving my five beauty favourites, I’m only going to give you three. So here goes...

Pantene Aqua Light
Now I know I’m a bit behind with this product, but I decided to buy it the other day after hearing rave reviews about it. First use, I wasn’t sold and too be honest I thought it felt quite heavy. But I stuck with it and must admit it’s very good! It’s light and doesn’t weigh your hair down. However, it won’t be replacing my usual volumising shampoo (my hair has taken a liking to looking yuk and flat recently) but I will be using it every now and again, especially when it needs a break.


No7 Stay Perfect nail varnish in Sugar
I’ve become a little obsessed with nail varnishes recently, but this one is my favourite! After two coats, your nails will look exactly the same colour as in the bottle - plus the packaging is cute too.


Part of the Boots No7 Limited Edition Spring collection and available to buy as of 26th January (I think, but will double check.)

Simple Kind to Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser
After the sudden cold snap we had, my skin really suffered, so I used this product to help revive it from the sorry state it was in.


I have always been a fan of Simple moisturisers, because they’re completely free of anything nasty, they're not too thick and they do as they promise - thumbs up all round.

What have your favourite products of December been?

November favourites...

Image courtesy of weheartit
Every month I want to share with you my five favourite products of the month. I know the end of November has passed, but better late than never...

Firstly, I bought this Barry M nail varnish in Pink Flamingo at the beginning of the month. I know it’s a bit summery for this time of year, but I absolutely love it and have worn it on my toes ever since.


I have blogged about the Clarins Gentle Refiner Exfoliating Cream this month already, but I can’t get enough of it. My skin has a tendency to go dry and flaky in the winter, so this is perfect for removing dead skin but leaving a soft finish too.


Next is Avon Glimmerstick Eye Liner – it’s got great staying power and the colour isn’t too harsh either. The only negative I have, is that you can’t get a precise line with it because the tip is quite thick. Despite that, it’s great.


Next is another product from Avon, they’re Magix Face Perfector. It’s a great primer and leaves your skin feeling really smooth. I haven’t yet discovered that my make-up lasts longer, but then again I haven’t only tried it twice so far.


Lastly is my favourite of the bunch, Clinique Pore Minimiser. I have quite large pores on my nose and this handy little cream is perfect for disguising them. I can’t get enough of it (I apologise for it being so grubby) and lasts a lot longer than you’d think.


What have your favourite products been this month?