January

 January is such a dull month, its cold, Christmas is over and getting up in the mornings is a constant challenge until the weather starts warming up. Luckily, there have been some amazing products this month to help perk me up and make me actually look forward to doing my make up each morning!

Starting with the one skincare item this month, the Estēe Lauder Advanced Night Repair. I have been using this light, refreshing serum every night for the last month and have noticed an unbelievable change in my skin. It looks clear, bright and even in tone. I suffer with a lot of redness around my cheeks and nose this serum has really changed that. Can't see this leaving my skincare routine any time soon!

I love the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Diffused Light, but its its Bronzy sibling Radiant Light that had my attention this month. With the same glowy, photogenic finish as Diffused Light, Radiant Light looks gorgeous to warm up your skin for a night out. What I love about it is that its subtle enough to use everywhere for an all over glow, or just on the cheekbones as a natural highlight. 

I've been experimenting with wearing slightly smokier eye looks recently, which has led me to completely fall in love with the M.A.C Pro Longwear Eyeshadow in Uninterrupted. A warm, mid brown shade - this is absolutely perfect for blending out darker colours, creating the perfect transition shade and giving the impression you have flawless blending skills... (I don't). This is also a really pretty shade worn in the crease or all over the lid for an easy day look that looks particularly lovely with Green eyes. 

A favourite I didn't expect to love quite as much as I do is the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anna. A muted, mauve pink that is super brightening and suits me both when I'm tanned and pale. Theres just something about this shade that is so wearable but yet delivers the perfect pop of colour. The formula of the Audacious Lipsticks is also beautiful, really pigmented and they feel so creamy and nourishing!

And finally, this month I tried out the Benefit Gimme Brow - a product I was totally sure I didn't need. I use this over my Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade, I have to alter my brow shape far to much to ever be able to just use a Gel. Never the less, this product is addictive... I have the shade Blonde which sets my brows perfectly, keeping the hairs and colour in place for hours and just makes me feel done. This may be an unnecessary step to my routine, but definitely one I now can't live without. 

November

This month has seen some much colder weather, dreary rainy days, and the worst break out my skin has had ever.

I normally have pretty clear skin, maybe the odd blemish here and there but have always counted myself lucky I don't really have to be aware which products I'm using on my face in case one causes a break out. Well about halfway through the month, my skin turned a little bit crazy. I'm not too sure if it was caused by a product (was it you L'Oreal True Match?!) or if it is hormonal or stress related but the product that has been really helping to clear up my skin is the La Roche Posay Effeclar Duo [+].  I'm sure you've heard of this product as its had a lot of online attention, and I have owned a tube before, but until now I've never quite understood how amazing this treatment is. Its a really light
cream/serum texture and feels cooling and refreshing on the skin. I have been using this both morning and night and have found it actually makes a lovely base for make up. After the first few days of use, my skin felt calmer, clearer and all my blemishes were significantly reduced. My skin is now returning to normal, so i'm one very happy and relieved girl!

As much as I love my balm cleansers, my skin felt so congested that I wanted something more refreshing. I dug out my old tube of Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, a cleanser that was much loved by pretty much everyone in the beauty community a few years ago. I used this for years before I got hooked on balm cleansers, and I've now really remembered why. The texture is creamy and feels moisturising on your skin, but leaves your skin feeling so clean and really soothed. It also contains Eucalyptus which is anti bacterial, great for when your skins playing up. 

Although this blog is fairly new, I think I've made it pretty clear that I love a highlighted, dewy looking completion. MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralise Skinfinish is a highlight powder I've used for years, and seems to have a pan that just keeps on giving. It's the most perfect champagne colour that is neither too peach or pink, and while there are no big chunks of glitter, its not too subtle either. I've been reaching for it loads this month as because of its neutral tone it looks amazing paired with any blush shade. 

The lip product that I have been reaching for all month is the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Canvas.  When I have the time I love to define my lip shape with liner, and due to the thick matte texture and flexible applicator, this product allows you to create that sharp, defined look without having to use a pencil. It really is the perfect slap on and go product for me, as the matte formula also has great staying power. I have the shade Canvas, a rosy nude that naturally accentuates your lips. 

The Haul - SEPHORA

I've just gotten back from a trip to Barcelona, and while I was there I couldn't resist stopping into Sephora to pick up some things. European Sephora doesn't carry nearly as many brands as the US stores, but it does stock some brands such as Make Up For Ever which are very hard to get hold of in the UK. 

Make Up For Ever Invisible Cover HD Foundation

The first item I picked up is the Make Up For Ever HD Foundation. I did try this years ago a trip to New York, but due to the unnatural lighting in the store I picked up the complete wrong shade. Why do they do that?! I do remember really liking the finish of this though, it feels light on the skin, and has a glow to it while remaining fairly matte. After factoring in the lack of SPF, this means that this foundation is perfect for a night out, or any occasion where there will be lots of flash photography and you want your skin to look flawless!

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 02 Classic Beige

I'd heard other beauty bloggers talking about the Sephora Cream Lip Stains, claiming they were the best of the bunch when it came to this sudden wave of matte cream lip products. I definitely favor a matte lip and I've tried both Hourglass and Bourjous' offerings, so I had to give this one a go. I chose 02 which is a dark pinkish brown shade, as I'm loving the whole Kylie Jenner inspired cappuccino lip trend that's going on at the moment. It's a great every day lip shade for when I want to look slightly more polished. As for the formula, these have the same pigmentation and lasting power as competitors from other brands, but I find them much less dying on the lips. The only downside is the shade range is pretty limited, but there was a true red and a lovely watermelon shade tempting me! 

Formula X in Radical

As if I need more nail polish, but I couldn't resist picking up one of Sephora's new(ish) Formula X nail varnishes. These polishes are supposed to be seriously long lasting and as I am the proud owner of acrylic ruined nails, nail varnish normally doesn't last too well on me. I chose the shade Radical which is a pinky lilac, but with a hint of a grey tone in there somewhere which keeps everything looking slightly more neutral and less barbie. The formula of this polish really is lovely, it applies really evenly and is opaque in two coats. I also found it has a shiny, almost gel like finish, and even without a top coat the lasting power is amazing. I'm now wishing I'd picked up more shades!