August Loves

Bit of a mix for you this month - not all beauty and make up items - and I haven't done a favourites post in a long while, but this is what I've adored during August!

RayBans...resisted them for a long time...decided I had to have a pair... conceded that I look ridiculous in the original Wayfarer style...especially the black...so I plumped for the New Wayfarers in brown tortoiseshell.  Love them.  They make me want to smoke and wear red lipstick.

Longchamp Tree of Life - in typical fashion, I only decided I needed this limited edition bag started selling out...cue mad dash and phone round the whole of Greater London...but I got my spoils so it's all good!

ZARA Dress - My work buddies got me the best set of birthday presents which included this dress I have lived in for most of August.  Nights out, lazy Saturdays, work, blogger events, you name it, I've worn this dress to it!

ZARA Trench Coat - I bought at least 12 trench coats during August in the quest to find the ultimate one.  I've done a lot of returning and ended up with this Zara trench which is just the right length.  It's a bit tight on my boobs, but I'm hoping they'll go down when I get back into my gym routine.  I have to say, I think the coat looks better on me than on the boyish model - curves really set it off ya'know?

FitFlops - yes, I know they're not pretty at all on your feet, but when you're walking around European cities for 10 days, your feet will thank you.  And anyway, have you SEEN what other tourists are wearing?! I KNOW!

Here's where I cheat and recycle some photos which appeared on my blog over July and August, but it's dark now so I can't retake them and I want to get this post up!

Batiste XXL Volume - I cannot spread the good word about this new version of the dry shampoo fast enough.  Hand on heart, it's made the biggest difference to my hair of any hair product I ever used in my life. EVER.  

Au Naturel i Divine - have reached for this every day since I got it two weeks ago.  See that champagne in the top right hand corner.  It's beautiful.  That with a bit of the brownish red shadow on the bottom left and I'm good to go.

MAC Barcelona Red - favourite new red lippy.  See more about it HERE!

TopShop Head Over Heels - I haven't left this blush alone for even one day.  Get it now! Need to see more? Check it out HERE.

NARS Summer 2011 Limited Edition Blush Bronzer Trio - run people! Run to your nearest NARS stockist for this limited edition palette featuring NARS' holy trinity: Laguna bronzer, Orgasm blush and Albatross highlighter.  Beauty in a box.  See more of it my post HERE.

One Day - why have I only just finished this book now?! It's been maybe a year since I enjoyed a book so much.  I was determined to read it before seeing the film as I am in no way a Hathaway fan.  It made me laugh, cry, be sentimental and nostalgic and everything else in between.  I'll be thinking about this book for a long time.

What did you love most in August?

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HAIR-lelujah!!! My hair will never be the same again!

I don't look too happy about it do I? I but believe me, my hair and I have finally come to peace after many many years!

All thanks to this:

I'm a huge fan of 'regular' Batiste, especially the Brit formulation for the scent, but XXL is very very different.

and this: 

To Buy or Not To Buy (Again!) #1

Is it just me or does your life seem an unending struggle to cull clutter? This beauty blogging lark has only worsened conditions but I must say I've found some pretty darn amazing products which do make up for living in what feels like a mini Boots outlet.

I have 7 products here which have all finished up around the same time.  Oh that sweet satisfaction of chucking an empty container of something you loved (or hated!) in the bin knowing that it can only mean one thing - shopping for a replacement!

So here's my list:

To Buy

1. Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair - oh yes, I've already bought the replacement in fact.  My all time favourite, holy grail concealer.  Even if this was big bucks I'd buy it, but for around £4 you can't go wrong.  Extended love letter to this product coming soon!
2. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in 51 Vanilla - this is nice skin in bottle.  I've raved about this enough on here so it's no surprise it's replacement in waiting in the wings already!
3. Batiste Dry Shampoo in Fresh - LOVE this version of Batiste as I find it doesn't make my nose as itchy as some of the other scents.  It really soaks up the oil better than the Tropical and Blush versions too.  I couldn't live without it.
4. Mitchum Deodorant in Powder Fresh - would you call this a beauty item? hmm, anyway I whacked it in there as I've used this product without diversion for the past four years.  The Powder Fresh scent is gorgeous.  Give it a try.

Not to Buy

1. YES YES YES/ OUI OUI OUI Lip Butter - NO NO NO.  Bought this after it was raved about by various YouTubers.  Hate it. Glad it's discontinued.  Horrid consistency, not moisturising, and only good thing I can say about it was it had a decent taste, a bit like passionfruit.
2. i.d BareVitamins Skin Rev-er-Upper - I got this with a starter set of Bare Minerals foundations and brushes which is a fantastic set, but from day one this moisturiser/primer smelled rank.  It smelled off. I thought it was mine so I went back to the shop and sniffed the tester and it also had the off whiff so I guess that's just how it is.  For this reason alone I wouldn't repurchase, but other than that it is a nice light moisturiser for oily skin so I used it in the mornings.  Doesn't contain SPF though which is a drawback.
3. John Freida Sheer Blonde 3 Minute Tone Booster - I bought this when I got a lot of blonde highlights the summer before last.  It has a purple tinge to it and is supposed to brighten blonde tresses. I can't say that I noticed any real difference in the vibrancy of the blonde but what I hated was that my hands would seriously tingle and itch after use and the product had a very chemical - almost ammonia smell - so I don't think it was great to have it all over my hands!  However John Freida used to make a Radiant Red tone booster which was amazing and really did boost colour.  However it's sadly been discontinued but if any of you want to join a petition with me, let me know!

Enter my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser giveaway here.

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What on earth did I do before Batiste ?!

...I washed my hair Every Single Morning.

There are products which are nice to use and then there are products which Change Your Life.  Now I'm not going all philosophical on you, but I am mighty happy to get an extra few minutes in bed in the morning and save my very slow growing hair from excessive and styling damage.

I started off with the Blush version but soon grew tired of the cloying smell - it's so strong and recognisable that people - well women at least - will know you're using it.  I went through the Tropical phase, and do still enjoy this one in the summer.  Fresh is my current favourite but I also adore the scent of Brit.  My heart sank when I thought Batiste were discontinuing their Brunette coloured one as it blended in perfectly with my hair and the smell is lovely, but it seems it's just been rebranded and repackaged into the 'with a hint of colour' range and the 'medium and brunette' one is basically just the old Brunette one (see below).  Happy days!

I had a little break from using coloured Batiste before they relaunched it and in that time I really got to like the other versions, and I actually think the ones with white powder absorb oil better, but maybe it's just my perception.

This  is what the medium and brunette one looks like when first sprayed on:

When it dries it takes on a greyer tone, but it still blends in better than the white powder ones.  If I'm using it in the morning or just to add a bit of volume and body to my hair I tend to reach for the hint of colour.

Batiste is one of the best value dry shampoos out there, what's your favourite?

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October Favourites/Rediscoveries

October seemed about a week long, and my 5-5-5 Challenge cut into a week of it, but I still have a decent haul of beauty products I've been loving this month.
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack: Only last week I rediscovered my love of gel eye liner.  I normally use a liquid pen or pot but recently they've frustrated me as my eye lids aren't as taut as they were and the liner tends to feather.  But with gel/cake eye liner like Fluidline and a very thin brush, I get a much for smooth, precise line and my cat's eye flick is a breeze to achieve!  The brush I used is actually a paintbrush which I snapped the long handle off so it sits at a good height in my brush holder.  I picked it up from the art shop near Notting Hill Gate tube (forget the name!)


The best new product I discovered this month is Rimmel's Eyebrow Pencil in Hazel.  Robyn recommended it to me when I admired her eyebrows.  Now I forked out for MAC's Strut which is supposed to be a good colour for red heads, but it's very unnatural, and treble with price of this Rimmel one.

MAC Venomous Villains Collection Nail Lacquer in Bad Fairy: this is my nail polish of A/W 2010.  You can see what it looks like on by clicking HERE.  I doubt it'll ever run out as I've never actually used up a nail polish, but when it goes sticky, I will replace it with the Accessorize dupe! 
Dior Hypnotic Poison EDP: is my holy grail perfume, but I love it especially on cold wintry days and long, dark nights as it just smells so comforting and warm.  The main notes are vanilla and amber. It's a 'night' scent really, but I wear it at all times!

Batiste Dry Shampoo - Fresh: for a long time I was a huge fan of the Brunette version, and while I do still love it, the scent became a bit cloying, as did the Blush version, so this Fresh Batiste makes a nice break.  I actually feel that the white powder absorbs oil better than the coloured version.

Sleek MakeUP Shimmer Blush in Rose Gold: I got my sticky little hands on this soon after it was released and am so glad to have it, it's the only blush I've reached for since I got it.  Check out it's total gorgeousness HERE.

MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash: this is my holy grail mascara.  I picked it up in Sephora in Florence over a year ago and it's still going strong (gross and unhygienic I know, but it broke the bank at the time!).  I only use it on special occasions.  One coat is all that's needed and two coats gives a false eye lash effect.  The only drawback is that being waterproof, it's a nightmare to remove, but on the upside, holds the curl better.

MAC Viva Glam Lipstick in Cyndi: this featured in last month's favourites and I think it will every month until I finish it.  It's my holy grail red lipstick (lots of HG's this month!) and I'm planning to pick up a few back ups before it's discontinued.

MAC Lipstick in Delish (Frost): I've had this lipstick for a while but picked it up again this month and am loving it.  For me it's the perfect nude with a hint of gold.  It's a Frost finish which isn't my favourite, but I still love it!

Organic Surge Eye Gel: I got this free with a voucher in Grazia magazine a couple of months ago and when I first used it my under eye skin stung quite badly, but this month I gave it another go making sure not to use it with any other products, and it's been great in the mornings for making my eye bags feel cool and awake.
Don't forget to enter my makeup giveaway! (Closes 27th November)

July Favourites

Quite a random mix of favourite products in July - a few of them have featured in previous faves lists, but a favourite is called such for a reason!

These products are making repeat appearances.  St. Moriz self tanning mousse has revolutionised my summers and no matter how fat I'm feeling (or actually, am) a bit of tan makes all the difference.  The first time I applied it with my hands - a disaster - but the Boots tanning mitt protects your hands from looking freakish and helps avoid streaking.  I ordered my St. Moriz from Amazon Marketplace but you can also pick it up from Savers.

Given that I can't tan naturally my other summer beauty must have is a high SPF face sun block.  I've tried about 6 and the No7 one is my favourite for acting as a moisturiser and sinking in fast so I can get my slap on over it in a rush!

To make my pale face match my St. Moriz'd body I use MAC's Minieralized Skin Finish in Light Flush to give me a light bronzed glow.  Recently I've started using it to lightly contour too.

You can read more in depth thoughts on these products in my May and June Favourites posts.

My hair always get greasier faster in the hot weather, so Batiste dry shampoo freshens it up and I find it also adds volume.   Batiste is quite a 'vintage' brand which was relaunched a couple of years ago.  I've tried the 'Blush' and 'Tropical' versions and while both smell lovely, I have to work the white powder into my hair so much that the action only stimulates more grease production!  I have red hair and the Brunette version blends in perfectly.  I would say if you have dark brown hair however that it would be noticeable.  I'm on my 4th can of the stuff and I love the scent.  The only drawbacks are that it's almost always sold out in Boots and I get through a can very quickly.  However it saves me from washing and blow drying my hair every morning (I only have to do every other) which in turn limits the damage to my locks.

I'm also on about the 3rd  (unheard of) bottle of this L'Oreal Elvive Nourishing Fluid for hair.  It's like a white, watery hair serum with the most divine scent on earth.  There's also a shampoo, conditioner and hair mask of the 'Royal Jelly' scent.  Now I've had 'Royal Jelly' products from Marks and Spencers and they don't smell anywhere near as good as this fluid!  The best bit is that it doesn't weigh my hair down or make it lank like even the light version of Frizz-Eaze for thin hair does.  One pump smooths out any frizziness at the ends of my hair and I actually think its helped prevent further damage.  I have the leave-in 'day' version, so I assume there is also a 'night' version which will be a bit heavier.

I reviewed this a few weeks ago and although I normally flit between about six different cleansers I used this one consistently during July.  I wouldn't say the face wash itself is revolutionary, but I sure do like the little scrublet! I've tried it with other foaming face washes, such as Biore's and it works just as well.   You really get a more thorough clean than you would from just using your hands, and the scrublet is more hygienic than a face cloth.  However, I'd say its not a patch on the Clarisonic, which I hope will one day grace my favourites lists.  I'm just waiting for Space NK to have a very generous sale! I won't hold my breath.

And now for the fun part: make up favourites!

Since I grabbed MAC's Hang Loose Mineralize Blush from the In The Groove collection in mid July I have used it every single time I've applied make up - for any occasion - work, play, more play...The colour is unlike any blush I own and I love the fact that I'm applying a crazy lavender powder to my face yet it shows up as an iridescent baby pink.  Click here for my post about it and close up snaps.

My new favourite foundation is Bourjois Healthy Mix in their lightest shade - 51.  I had my eye on this baby for ages and it's everything I hoped it would be.  For more of a review and to see how it looks on me click here.

I always wear coral nail polish in the summer and for the past two years my toenails have been adorned with Rimmel PRO's Coral Romance.  It looks even better when I have my St. Moriz on.  Click here to see what it looks like on my nails.

I take my Sleek Pout Polishes in Pink Cadillac (left) and Electro Peach (right) everywhere with me and have been wearing them constantly.  I was never a 'lip' person until I discovered (well, won) these babies and I've never had more compliments on my lip colour.  They are moisturising, nicely pigmented and long lasting.  I'm even warming to the flavour.  My boyfriend says they taste of coconut but I find them slightly bitter.   To see what they look like on my lips click here.

Now, the Sleek Storm eye shadow palette.  I think almost everyone has this and agrees on its fabulousness.  I've  used this palette for a little over a year now and it's my all time favourite - even beating my UD Book of Shadows I & II.  It is unbelievably versatile and so I've taken it on every holiday I've been on - a major test of how much you love something!  I've hit pan on my favourite shadow - the pale creamy gold (top row, second from left) and my new love is the pale pink (top row, second from right).  There isn't one shadow I don't like or don't use.  I hope Sleek never discontinue this palette, but safe to say, I have a few back ups.  Let me know if you would like me to do an over-re-view of my Sleek palettes - I also have Original, Graphite, Bohemian, Sunset and Circus.  I'm mighty sad I missed out on the Safari one a couple of years back.

My non-make up favourite of July is Florence + The Machine's Cosmic Love.  I've had Lungs for yonks and even heard it live at Lovebox last year, but it only struck a chord with me in early July (see what I did there?!).   I've had the song on repeat - no seriously - it's the only thing I've been listening to! The vid is also, in the words of Perez Hilton, amazeballs.

Superdrug & Boots: Who Only Ever Picks Up One Thing?!

I only went in for handwash and came out with a mini haul...story of my life!  I'm actually a bit glad that I don't live in the US where I'd have a daily battle to resist the lure of behemoths like CVS, Walgreens et al which have massive aisle after aisle of beauty goodies!

I'm actually pretty happy with my handwash find - this Original Source Nourishing Shea Butter & Honey soap smells of vanilla, my all time favourite scent! Makes a nice change from boring old Carex.  The only thing is it's not antibacterial, which as a contact lens wearer I always try to go for.

I was delighted to nab another can of Batiste Coloured Dry Shampoo in Brunette as every Boots and Superdrug I've been to in the last few weeks has been sold out - damn festival season!  I like the Blush and Tropical versions but they show up white, so when I'm in a rush in the morning I look a bit grey if it's not rubbed in properly.  I have red hair and the Brunette shade is perfect for me - it blends in without me even having to brush through.  However I've read that people who are Brunette find the colour a bit lacklustre and taupey.  Batiste saves me some sleep on really difficult mornings, but I find it runs out very quickly and is a bit steep at £2.99 a can.

I sold out to my love of Cheryl Cole and bought the mini can of Elnett hairspray with her mug on it - hey, I needed a can that could fit in my tiny suitcase for my work cruise!  I'm usually a haircare product whore, but since finding Elnett, this is all I use.  The only thing they could improve is the cloying scent.

I almost broke my bag lugging home the two ginormous tubs of Vitamin E All Over Body Cream (475mls), but at £4.00 for both how could I resist?!  I'm a fan of the Superdrug Vitamin E range - I think I own practically everything from it.  This body cream is great as it doesn't have much of a scent, you can slap on loads and it sinks in very quickly.  I'm a fan of tubs as opposed to tubes as they're less fiddly and you can get the job done quicker.

The last item, from Boots, is the Prestige SunFlower Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Terra (the lighter shade of two).  I resisted this for a year but finally caved after a long, failed search for NYC's Smooth Skin Bronzer in Sunny which is apparently wonderful on pale skin.  I have a tempestuous relationship with bronzer as I don't tan naturally and can very easily end up looking muddy and/or orange.  This bronzer does look scarily dark, but I will use a light hand and a fan brush, or at least a very sparse brush.  The star is very glittery, which may work out as a nice highlight, but the main part of the product looks pretty matte, with only a light sheen to it.  Fingers crossed it works on my pale skin, I shall return with a review once tested!

This is a terribly long post for only a few items! Well done if you've made it this far!

Are you a Batiste fan? Have you tried any Prestige cosmetics?