Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look In A Palette

As you may have guessed from previous posts, I am a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury's make up line. I haven't yet tried a product I don't like and so when I saw she was releasing a full face palette it was pretty much a given that I would be ordering one (although I successfully managed to hold off for two whole days). Aiming to create the perfect everyday look in five minutes, the Instant Look In A Palette contains three shadows, the bronze and highlight duo from her famous Filmstar Bronze & Glow and two blushes - designed to be applied using the same 'swish & pop' method as her usual blush line.

I am absolutely terrible at travelling light when it comes to make up and am very guilty of stuffing a huge wash bag full of every product I think I might possibly need. As someone that travels between uni and home most weekends (although not too far), overpacking is definitely not the most practical habit. However, so far this week I've found myself only reaching for this as for me, it contains the perfect selection of shades for every day. The eyeshadows included are a brightening pale pink, lovely champagne shimmer and a warm, matte medium brown which makes a perfect crease shade. It's really nice to see some matte shadows from Charlotte Tilbury as although a few of her eye palettes do contain mattes, the ones I own are very shimmer based which isn't always great for creating a full eye look. The shadows are all have great pigmentation and blend really easily over the eye. I must say I get the least use out of the pale pink however it does make a nice inner corner/brow highlight or could be used with the brown for a fully matte eye.

I've never gotten around to picking up the Filmstar Bronze & Glow although I've only heard good things about it. The brown shade is definitely more of a bronzer than a contour on me but isn't too warm that you can't get away with applying under the cheekbones to add a bit of shape to the face. I don't like my highlight to be too intense in the day time so was pleased to find the one included provides a lovely natural glow without being too in your face. The blushes are beautifully brightening pinks, a darker rose shade (Swish) and an uplifting pale pink (Pop). The packaging is sleek and gorgeous, as per from Charlotte Tilbury and I love the fact it's been kept really slim, unlike palettes from other brands that are just too chunky to fit in a make up bag. Although obviously still a luxury purchase, I think the price point is actually really good for the amount of product you get in this and none of the pans are so small you can't easily dip your brush in.

Surprise surprise, I absolutely love this and it's inevitably earned a permanent place in my make up bag (which no doubt will still be overflowing, but I really just can't pack light). However if I was just staying overnight or wanted to bring something out with me, this palette has the perfect selection of shades to really be all you need for every day.  Have you tried the Instant Look In A Palette?

Alpha H Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream

Alpha H's Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream is a nourishing moisturiser containing a magical combination of Argan Stem Cells, Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid, working to increase the production of Hyaluronic Acid, boost radiance and reduce hyper pigmentation. As a long term fan of the original Liquid Gold overnight treatment, I pretty much knew from the start that this would be for me. 

My skin is usually dehydrated, but thanks to a recent cold combined with crazy uni deadline stress I've developed some very sore patches on the skin around my eyes, nose and chin. All of my usual exfoliating favourites have helped to get rid of any dry patches, however seemed to harsh for the sensitive state of my skin and left it feeling stripped and dry. The hydrating, creamy formula of this moisturiser feels beautiful when applied and manages to exfoliate and smooth, while replenishing the skin. I use this in the same place of my routine as I would my acid toner, after cleansing and before any serum, moisturiser or oil. 

The pot has a press dispenser in the lid, a packaging feature I love as not only is it very satisfying, it keeps the product more sanitary and prevents any air from ruining the effectiveness of any active ingredients. It's unique multi tasking qualities mean I don't actually own anything else similar and have found myself reaching for this as a more hydrating way to exfoliate my skin. Have you tried the Alpha H Liquid Gold Rejuvenating Cream?

Dior Hydra Life BB Creme

 Following on from a recent post here about a fresh, light foundation routine for Spring - I have a new base obsession in the form of Dior's Hydra Life BB Creme. I first picked up a sample of this last Summer and loved it, but when I went back to purchase accidentally ended up leaving with the Dior Skin Nude BB Cream (which is also lovely). When I realised my mistake, I also realised that this is actually super pricey compared to the Nude BB so forgot about it until recently when Escentual were running their 25% off promotion.

Described as an 'Enhancing moisturiser for immediate beauty' you wouldn't expect this to be very covering (one of the reasons I've never paid much attention to BB Creams) however I found it to be easily buildable, offering a light/medium coverage. Available in three shades: Luminous Beige, Golden Peach and Sunny Amber, all of which seem to be warm in undertone, the smooth cream feels very hydrating when applied to the skin. The moisturising formula has been an absolute godsend as since being ill recently, my skin has become seriously dehydrated, with dry patches around my nose and eyes. This manages to smooth over these imperfections without clinging to them and making them more apparent, as well as feeling comfortable to wear without that horrible tight feeling throughout the day. The finish is really lovely, not overly dewy but leaves the skin looking naturally radiant and perfected - the perfect base for 'no make up make up' days. For such a light, hydrating formula I have been impressed by the lasting power, sticking around all day with just a touch of my usual Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light dusted on top. An added bonus is the inclusion of SPF 30, meaning I don't have to worry about using a separate SPF underneath my make up making this perfect for quick Summer mornings. It's the best quick, easy everyday base and I can see myself loving this throughout the warmer months. Have you tried the Dior Hydra Life BB Creme?

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in That Glow

Since their January release in America, I have been eagerly waiting for these Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kits to be brought to the UK. The brand released two palettes, Gleam (cool in tone, lots of icy pinks etc) and the one I purchased, That Glow. That Glow is contains four, warm toned illuminators, described as - Sunburst (bright luminous gold with a metallic finish), Golden Bronze (sultry, warm bronze with a gold flecked finish), Bubbly (rose champagne with a pearlescent finish) and Dripping in Gold (lavish gold with a vivid, reflective finish).

The inclusion of a range of finishes makes the palette really versatile and you can create a lovely multidimensional look using more than one shade. I've been loving using Bubbly as a bronzer to add a pearlescent glow to the skin before sweeping Dripping in Gold over the cheekbones and bridge of the nose for a beautiful sheen. My skin tone is light/medium and I find all the colours totally wearable with a light hand, the lovely thing is that although these powders are well pigmented, they are not overly so can used subtly during the day or be easily layered for a more intense evening look. The pans were far larger than I expected, almost full size so this palette is actually very good value and I really like the way the illuminators are removable so you could pop one in a Z Palette or something along those lines if you wanted to travel with just one of the shades. Anastasia Beverly Hills previously released some individual illuminators and I managed to get my hands on Peach Nectar (which makes a pretty blush but sadly is too warm/dark to be a highlight on me) but missed out on the gold tone, So Hollywood so am very happy to have gotten my hands on one of these before they sell out! Have you tried either of the ABH Glow Kits? Let me know..