Its been a while since I last wrote a blog, granted I have been spinning a few plates… returning back work, starting a new job, half term Easter break AND amongst all of this still trying out new and old beauty products. Let me take you through some of my must have products that I’m using this year.
Skin & Hair
Pixi Double Cleanse – This innovated design is a 2-in-jar which contains one side solid cleansing oil & the other side cleansing cream. I picked mine up from ASOS and whilst its only £24 I found that I ran out quite quickly so not one for everyday use unless you want to be re stocking up all the time. I found that this really shines when I either need to remove heavy make up or in need of a thorough deep cleanse. It was developed in collaboration with Caroline Hirons who is probably one of the most respected and knowledgeable beauty experts.
Lee Stafford Coco Loco Hair Range – I mentioned this a while back in an old post but since having Grace my hair has just been in really bad condition so after test driving a few brands (some an epic fail and some pretty good) this Coco Loco range has really started to turn things around. I’ve liked it so much I now have the shampoo, conditioner, mask, heat protection mist & dry shampoo (that’s a lot of products). Not only does it smell divine – clearly of coconut 🙂 – but the mask I leave on in between the shampoo and conditioner is really making a difference for the better.
Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum – This nutrient-rich serum restores dehyrated skin and over the last few months what with the change of weather and my lack of water in take, this silky-smooth and lightweight serum provides a burst of hydration. The Rose flower extract, jojoba oil and aloe vera nourish, while glycerin traps moisture to the skin for a plumped effect. I put 2 to 3 drops onto cleansed, toned skin before moisturising.
Baïja Paris Crème Moana in Fleur de Tiarè – Never heard of them? nor me until my Birchbox arrived this month (which by the way I am loving). I’m nearly through my sample size and will definitely be purchasing in full size. This uplifting summer scent lotion is packed with coconut oil, shea butter, cupuaçu, and jojoba wax, it is perfect to nourish dry skin. Another great find thanks to Birchbox.
Jo Malone Leather & Artemisa perfume – I covered a review in February about my purchases from Jo Malone and this was one of them. I’m coming towards the end of the this bottle and I need to find myself a store ASAP as I don’t want to be without this one, I feel this will be a favourite for sometime and have been asked on numerous occasions what I’m wearing so a massive thumbs up for this one.
Face
Becca Cosmetics – I am so glad I took a chance earlier this year and purchased a set from Becca via QVC. Never heard or used them before this it was a big gamble that paid off. They are not only my two favourite products from the set but also my favourite primer & foundation from all my make up collection. The Backlight Priming Filter (currently at a reduced price on QVC) is the perfect primer in my eyes. Its infused with three unique Filtering Luminescent Pearls; I apply a thin layer to clean, moisturised skin under foundation or when having a no make up day wear this just alone. Next from this range I am struggling to find anything better than Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Foundation Crème. The shade I’m using is Cashmere and its a perfect for my current skin tone. I’ve got about 15 different foundations to test and try different types, I even brought the new YSL touche éclat foundation recently and this was a little of a let down so I can’t rave enough about the becca foundation, its perfect if you’re looking for a full coverage flawless look.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer – I’m now on my third concealer so it’s definitely a keeper. Again like the foundation I must have about 10 different brands but none of them come close to this baby. I use the shade Custard, its stays on for ages and blends really well.
Urban Decay ALL NIGHTER – If you think that setting spray is a bit of a con then let me put you straight, it is not. I didn’t realised until I started using it what a different it makes when looking for a long lasting effect. This setting spray is a must have in anyone’s collection.
Cheeks, Eyes & Brushes
YSL Bronzing Stones – After being a loyal fan of Benefit Holla I thought I’d try something different, so whilst at the Trafford Centre the other week I purchased this bronzer as well the touche éclat foundation, thankfully the bronzer saved my YSL purchases whereas the foundation was a let down. This bronzer comes in a few different shades but this one works well with me and definitely stays on longer than the holla. So its a fond farewell to Holla and hello YSL Bronzer, welcome to the collection.
NARS Blush – I first saw this on Sharon Farrell you tube channel (love this women, I’ve learnt so much from her) and been meaning to try this myself so after receiving a lovely £50 gift voucher for ASOS (you’ll notice a trend here, I love ASOS) I added this in my basket. It is lush, its definitely gives you a peachy/pink pop effect and I love its.
Pixi & It’s Judy Time Get the Look – Its Eye Time Palette – I’ve really enjoyed playing around with this palette, I think there are so many looks to be gained and its versatile enough to go from day to night plus the colours are really pigmented so stay on for a long time. Beautiful mix of colours & hades this makes a perfect present for someone.
Real technique brushes – Contour (orange handle), I’ve tried a number of brushes to apply my bronzer/contouring but this little gem is ultimately my favourite brush so the search is over. Next is the Setting Brush (pink handle), whilst this is great for setting my make up on my lids and under my eyes I also use this as my highlighter bush, applying to my cheek bones, bridge of nose and brow. Well worth the investment.
Zoeva 127 Luxe Sheer Cheek Brush – Again credit to Sharon Farrell for this, after watching her videos I thought I’d give some of these brushes a try. I have loads to still to try but is exquisite blusher brush allows for ultra-soft shading.
So there you are, hope you’ve enjoyed reading about my must have beauty products so far in 2017, I can’t wait to bring my next instalment and if you have any must have buys then let me know, I’d love to try them.
Big Love, Nicola xx