October

It seems October literally went by in a flash and now the run up to Christmas has truly started (in my eyes anyway). For me this means favouring browny, autumnal looks this month and there are some nourishing skin care bits that I have completely fallen in love with. 

Starting with a new lip combination that I think I've worn all month long, MAC's Etcetera Liner & Naturally Transformed Lipstick. I find Naturally Transformed to be a tad too yellowy on my fairly pale skin tone, but paired with the slightly pinker hue of Etcetera they create the perfect beige nude. As much as I love MAC's Matte Lipsticks they tend to be pretty unforgiving, so definitely prep your lips with a balm! 

On the lids this month I've been loving Burberry's Sheer Eyeshadow in Pale Barley. A light, cool toned brown, this is one of those sweep and go shadows thats perfect for every day wear but also looks great for evenings - especially when paired with a orangey red lip! 

On dreary grey days my skin really benefits from some extra glow and theBalm's Mary-Loumanizer definitely delivers. This super pigmented, champagne toned highlight is definitely not as subtle as some others, but dusted lightly over the high points of your face it's still really wearable for daytime and is my favourite highlight for nights out! 

Aesop is one of my most loved skincare brands - if not only for their beautiful, apothecary style packaging, but also for the wonders that their products do for my skin. I've been a fan of the Parsley Seed Mask for years so it comes as no surprise that I love the Serum from the same line. The Serum is packed full of antioxidants, resulting in smooth, plump and nourished skin. When the first ingredient on the list is super moisturising and soothing Aloe Vera, you know it's going to be good! I've been using this morning and night and found a little goes a long way, although you get a huge 100ml of product for £45.00. 

The Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask is unlike others of its kind, claiming it 'Lifts, smoothes, brightens and tightens for baby skin'. I was definitely skeptical (especially for the price) but have to say this is unlike any other clay mask I own. My skin feels hydrated, super soft and plump, yet soothed and cleansed at the same time. Its a lovely quick fix for happier skin and a really welcome addition to my routine. 

Finally this month I've been loving a fragrance from Caudalíe. With notes of Rose, Grapefruit, Pink Peppercorn, Vanilla and Musks, Divin de Caudalíe is a warming, woody fragrance which is very relaxing in a spa like way. It shares the same scent as the Divine Oil and Candle, so if you love either of those then this is for you! 

What are your favourites this month? 

Skin Saving Face Masks

 The majority of my skin care routine is pretty set in stone - as far as cleansing, moisturising and toning,  I use the same products every day. I use various different masks to target specific problems my skin may be having, like feeling extra dehydrated, or breaking out.
Starting with the Aesop Parsley Seed Mask, this is the one I turn to when my skin is looking spotty and horrible, or just really congested and like it could break out any moment. I find this manages to calm down any current breakouts, and neutralise any oiliness or under the skin blemishes. I really like the fact that although this is a clay mask, it doesn't feel too heavy and clogging or dry my skin out at all.
The changing seasons often leave my skin really dehydrated, and as a result its starts to look dull. The Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask is the one I turn to in these situations, and overnight it restores the moisture into my lifeless skin and leaves it with a nice glow. This mask feels like a really heavy duty moisturiser, and smells gorgeous - peaches I think? I just apply a nice thick layer before going to bed, and I do find my skin really does 'Drink it up' as once I wake up its been fully absorbed.
I do suffer from some black heads on my nose and find them really tricky to get rid of. I recently discovered the Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Treatment, and it is the first product I've tried that has made a noticeable difference. Once the mask has dried you can actually see the little black dots where the blackhead was which I must say is very satisfying but disgusting at the same time! After one use my pores look so much clearer, and my blackheads are pretty much gone. Miracle worker? I think so. 
And finally, my favourite all rounder has to be the Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask. Manuka Honey has amazing antiseptic and moisturising properties, and this amazing mask treats blemishes whilst leaving your skin feeling really soothed and hydrated. The Vanilla Pod and Mandarin scent is also beautiful!

Hangover Helpers

If your anything like me, come New Years Day you will be dragging yourself up feeling hungover, tired and Zombie like. Personally I feel that whenever I wake up after a night of drinking, my skin really tells me off by looking sallow, grey and lifeless. There are certain products I like to whip out in situations like these to help wake me up, bring some life back into my face, and prevent any break out situations that often follow a heavy night. I love using a zingy shower gel to help wake me up, the one I have been enjoying recently being the Sanctuary Spa Green Lemon & Orange Blossom Body Scrub. The gentle exfoliating particles in this are a bonus, leaving you feeling really invigorated and clean, and the lemony scent wakes me right up in the morning. 

A mask that is great to use the morning after is the REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask. This mask uses fruit acids to gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it feeling bright, smooth and clear. If I'm honest I don't find the consistency of this mask the most pleasant to use as it has the scent and texture of apricot jam, but nothing else does a better job of bringing the glow back, and helping my skin feel new again. Alternatively, if your skin is feeling congested and like a break out is round the corner, the Aesop Parsley Seed Mask is an old favourite that leaves skin calm and clean without feeling stripped. The Super Facialist by Úna Brennan range is really affordable and great quality, I particularly like the Vitamin C Brighten Glow Boost Skin Serum. Vitamin C is great for bringing radiance and life to your skin and this serum also contains a healthy dose of Hyaluronic Acid to keep things looking moisturised.