2014 Favourites!

Bonjour!

So ... 2014 favourites here - been trying to get this post out for most of last week and didn't even do overtime one day so I could finish it off but then got embroiled in that thing called 'housework'.  Did four loads of washing, various cleaning tasks and the food shop ... you know when you're on a roll, forget that you're no spring chicken and just keep going ... then wonder why you ache to the bone like a 'mother' in the evening?  Think I'd have been better off sat on my backside at work!   Anyway ... 2014 favourites ... I did intend splitting into different categories but ended up lumping the whole lot together ... I've sneaked in one or two products in that could be classed as 'December Favourites' if we're splitting hairs ... nobody minds ... right?   Some I have reviewed but some I've not got round to yet ... but I will (famous last words)!  Best get started then ...

Mandara Spa 'Amber Heaven' Nourishing Miracle Oil  -  I bought this ages ago as part of a set and decided I need to make a dent in my stash so cracked it open last month - I guess this is classed as a December favourite then!  It's a multi-purpose oil which can be used to moisturise, massage or as a hair treatment.  I've only used as a moisturiser after bath/shower and oh my goodness, the scent ... I'm in love ... it's so warm and musky, perfect for this time of year and it lingers on the skin for hours afterwards ... like I said ... it's love!

No 7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation in Deeply Beige - great natural looking foundation which I've been using for the past few months.  I have to say I've become quite attached to it and there will be a full review up shortly!

La Roche Posay Lipikar Xerand Hand Repair Cream - the Lipikar range works to replenish dry, excema prone skin which is just what I need.  I use most nights as an overnight treatment cream - some hand creams can sting when my hands are having a 'sore phase' but this is completely soothing and hydrating and seems to have kept my hands in check over the last few months and changing seasons ... I took it away on holiday in the summer and then got myself another when that ran out. At £5/50ml (mine were both cheaper though as they were on offer on the Escentual website) it's something I'll continue to repurchase. Definitely give it a go if you're prone to sore,chapped hands!

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence - I've been using this for a good few months over the top of my Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Milk. Just spray -  mostly around the crown area, smoosh into the hair with your fingers and blow dry.  Should really have done a full review but basically it does what it says on the can. Leaves hair with body and bounce with no sticky/greasy feeling. I'll be repurchasing as it's become a favourite - although I may not need to for a while as this bottle seems to be lasting forever!

Charles Worthington Strength and Repair Pro-Heat Milk - love this and have repurchased - my go-to hair protector.  I'm not going to waffle as there's a full review here.
   

OGX Hydrating Macadamia Oil Shampoo and Conditioner - I always reach for this when my hair feels in need of some TLC and it never disappoints.  Full review here.

Philosophy Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette - this has a pleasant scent, clean and fresh and floral all in one go. It's not the strongest or even most long lasting spray that I own but there's something about it that I just can't resist.

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top and Base Coat - I've just repurchased this duo.  It's been the best base/topcoat I've tried so far - dries in a jiffy with a good glossy finish and whilst we're not talking a whole week or anything, it definitely gives me an extra day's worth of longevity (always welcome) and tends to chip off at the ends with most polishes rather than peel off in one go - which is good because if I know it can peel then I will peel - such a bad habit!

Cloud Nine Original Iron - I bought this a few months ago after some a lot of deliberation and I'm so glad I did!  I straighten the ends and fringe of my barnet most days and really feel that these beauties have played an integral part in minimising damage.  They have a variable temperature control and literally glide through the hair with no dragging or friction. Not sure whether to do a full review on these so if you want one let me know!

Make-Up Revolution Ultra Blush Palette in Hot Spice - ok so I've swatched this quite a while ago and use it most days - a mixture of warm peachy tones - it's love! . Full review on it's way!

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade - my favourite brow product of the year! Practise definitely makes perfect with this one but I've nailed it and never looked back! Full review here. 

Mally Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener - love this product!  I use every morning to counteract dark circles - it's so hydrating and does a great job with my dark circles.  Full review to follow

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - a proper cult classic - can't believe I've only just discovered how good this is! It's a sample from an old beauty box,  I dug it out last month and stuck in my work make-up bag. It's an all round skin protectant that can be used for dry, chapped bits and cuticles etc. I love it as a lip balm - it feels so hydrating and soothing and sticks around without being sticky (sorry!). I need a full size sharpish!

Phew ... maybe I should have split into categories ... sorry I've gone on so long and congratulations if you made it this far!

What have been your favourites from 2014?

Jen x

Escentual French Pharmacy Offer!

Bonjour!

I couldn't resist a teeny tiny order when I discovered that Escentual have up to a third off their French Pharmacy brands throughout October - see here.  I should have ordered earlier on in the month but you know how it is ... anyway ... there are still a couple of days left to grab something if it takes your fancy ...

I had to exercise some restraint (boo!!) .... so only ordered a few bits ...

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - an old favourite within a new package. I have one on the go at the moment (as always!) but couldn't resist getting another for a rainy day as I use it every morning - great product for dehydrated skin - full review here.

Vichy Idealia Eyes - Eye Contour Idealizer Care - can't wait to try this one. It's meant to reduce the look of dark circles, illuminate shadows and smooth the look of fine lines and skin texture. Bring it on!

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Xerand Hand Repair Cream - I've used this hand cream over the last few months and it's been ideal for my super-dry, sensitive hands so much so I've had to repurchase - especially as it's only £3.33 at the moment.

La Roche-Posay Hydreane Light Moisturising Cream - another product that I've repurchased after having used recently, day and night, especially as it's currently down from £12 to £8/40ml. It's light but hydrating and suits my skin down to a T!

So that's my extremely small Escentual haul.  I do have more in depth reviews coming up on the La-Roche Posay products so haven't harped on too much at this stage and will crack on with Vichy Idealia Eyes as soon as I've given it a good go!

Will you be making any last minute French Pharmacy orders from Escentual?

Jen x

Summer Loving ... !

Bonjour!

I haven't managed a monthly 'favourites' post for while but couldn't let the warm weather finally come to a close ... (sob!) ... without a brief mention of the some of the products I've been 'into' over the Summertime ...

La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-in Cream SPF 30 - used on face, neck and decolletage - it's great for holiday, can be worn under make-up, non-sticky, non greasy and suits my sensitive areas!

M&S Formula Aloe Vera Aftersun Gel - I've bought this aftersun gel for a couple of years now - usually when M&S have their summer offers on making it a ridiculous £2 per tube! Cooling and hydrating after a day in the sun - unfortunately we didn't have as many of 'those days' on holiday as I'd have liked this year hence I have some left!

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion (Medium to Dark) - I'm rather lazy with the whole 'self-tan thing' and so use gradual tanners instead. This one has been my favourite for a while, subtle colour which can be built up over time, pleasant smell, moisturises well, quick and easy to use - job done for lazy girls!

Treacle Moon 'One Ginger Morning' Bath and Shower Gel - still hanging on in there, one of my favourite zingy bath/shower products ever!

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Dehumidifier Spray -  found this at the back of the bathroom storage cabinet (must have forgotten about it - it's a big cabinet!) - gave it a whirl and I'm hooked! A quick spray keeps any frizzies at bay really well so I'll be repurchasing and keeping at the front of the bathroom cabinet in future!

CK One Summer - I have a bit of a soft spot for CK smellies and this one is my everyday Summertime spritz. I usually pick one up on offer in some sale or other. Love the clean, refreshing scent - just smells of summer - always a good thing in my book!

Bare Minerals Warmth All-Over Face Colour - a favourite for bronzing, gives a warm healthy glow (which is actually appreciated all year round!) - full review here.

Top Shop Stage Dive - I just love orange tones and this one is a real sizzler, brilliant for the summer months, wore it on holiday this year - here.

Emma Hardie Soothing Moisture Mask - a lovely cooling mask which feels fantastic on after a hot day (or even not so hot!).  I've been using this twice a week in the evening after removing my make-up and exfoliating (after all what's the point in slathering something on over a load of dead skin cells!). I then usually warn the hubby that I look like a ghost (he doesn't mind - he's used to it!), watch a bit of tv to relax and go to bed! It sinks in overnight and leaves skin hydrated and plumped in the morning.  Another lazy girl's winner! I am so lazy!

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte 110 - I think this is one of my all time favourite lippies. I can use as a stain with lip balm or slap it on good and proper for a more full on look if needs be. A lovely vibrant summertime colour and seems to go with virtually everything - you can see it on here.

Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear and Sweet Cherry - last but by no means least my Bourjois cream blushes. Love em to bits - have used them on holiday and at home. I want another! Full reviews here and here.

I'm still hoping that this Indian type summer thing will continue for a while - fingers crossed - I'm not quite ready to wrap up yet!

What have been your favourites this Summer?


Jen x

August/Holiday Favourites...

Bonjour!

These are my favourite products from this year's holiday (which was obviously in August!) ... photographed by the side of the pool - she says wistfully...must forget about the pool and the sun for another year!

Clockwise ... (sort of!) ...

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Cream Factor 30 - although the recent bout of eczema has cleared up on my face and neck I needed sun protection which was gentle but effective in case it re-appeared whilst on holiday - this was just the ticket.  I smoothed it on every morning over my face and neck after moisturising - super easy to apply and provided the protection I needed - a lovely product and one I would repurchase.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Grapefruit - you can see it in action in my NOTD post here. Absolutely love this vibrant juicy colour. Don't want to put it away for autumn/winter - not going to just yet!

Wild About Beauty Multi-Purpose Tint -  a super summer and holiday product. Gives a natural flush which you can see in my review here.

Sanctuary Spa Skin Perfecting BB Cream (Medium to Dark) - can't believe I reviewed this a whole year ago here , it was also included in last year's August Favourites and here it is again! This is in fact the same tube with plenty left (and in date of course) so I've used it again.  I said it last year - because it's quite pigmented it's a lovely product to use on holiday and keeps that bit of glow on yer kite once you return. Another product I'm not yet ready to retire for the season just yet!

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Duo - I got hold of this from QVC on easy pay instalments during the the last Beauty Day. A leave-in conditioning spray, a leave-in Elasticizer?  It was certainly a lifesaver on holiday and kept the frizzies at bay good style. Full review to follow when I've done a bit more road-testing!

Daniel Sandler Instant Tan Face Powder - still loving this bronzer - perfect for holiday evenings - full review here.

Mally Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener - been using this for a couple of months now and it works really well to lighten up those dark circles - full review to follow.

Oh - and then there was this little beauty ...

Now - I have to say I'm not a big drinker but I did find that this super-cheap vino from our local French supermarket went down very easily indeed and is - unfortunately a distant memory! Stupidly we only bought the one box. Must make room for more next year!

So ... those are the favourites. Still wishing I was beside that pool  ... however with the  kids back to school this week I'm pretty sure I won't have time to think about holidays, pools, sunshine and the like!

What were your August or holiday favourites?

Jen x