What's on my face right now.

As new products make their way into my hands, my make up/skincare routine has changed steadily over the past few months.  This is what I'm loving right now...

Dermalogica Microfoliant

This was thrust into my hands by my mother last time I went to visit, as I lamented the cost of a good cleanser.  Her sensitive skin doesn't need a daily exfoliator, but mine definitely is starting to show the benefits.  It's a funny old product - a water activated powder that promises to even skin tone, reduce uneven pigmentation and clarify.  And it seems to be working pretty well so far! Fingers crossed in a few months my spot scars will be gone and my concealer can be thrust aside.

Illamasqua Skin Base (#8)

As soon as I heard about this foundation I had to get it, but I decided to hold tight and wait until I could get into a store rather than guessing my shade online.  And boy I'm glad I did, as I was matched with a shade about 4 up from what I'd imagined! 

I know a lot of people have had issues with this, primarily due to flaking, but my combination/normal skin loves the stuff.  This may be due in part to the fact that I use a primer first, but the finish is fantastic and lasts ALL day.  One of the main selling points to me was that this doesn't contain SPF.  I don't know why so many foundations do as there will be so little protection from the little blob of foundation, and there is no way it will provide the same coverage as a good sunscreen. By eliminating the spf, the dreaded 'flashback' white face is avoided...hello cameras!!

Mac Prep & Prime Skin

Whilst on the subject of foundation/primer - this is my current 'go-to' primer.  It's my second tube and I am still loving it - just one pump covers my entire face and smoothes my skin perfectly before I apply foundation.  And it definitely cuts down the 'mid-afternoon shine' that has blighted me many a time.  Will it be another re-purchase when this one runs out? I think so!

L'Oreal Lash Architect 4D

I am a cynical mascara purchaser, to say the least.  Being a natural redhead I am 'blessed' with blonde lashes and brows, so a black mascara is never far from my clutches.  I'd heard a few good things about L'Oreal's latest offering and I am so glad I picked this up.  This adds the perfect amount of volume, length and colour without clumps. 

My mascara application method? As much as possible!

I bought this when on offer in Boots (which may be over but is still on at Superdrug) and got a free colour infallible eyeshadow to replace the Mac Brule I smashed a few months ago - thanks magnetic palettes! I am also a big fan of this shadow, which does in fact seem to last all day without a primer...pretty good for a 'drugstore' product.

Mac 'Musky Amethyst'

The only item I picked up from the Semi Precious collection that debuted a few weeks ago, this lipstick is a bit of an unseasonal purchase, but I had been after a rich plum/berry lipstick for about a year and this fitted the bill perfectly.  It's a frost finish so perfect lips are a must, but the colour is exactly what I was after, and the finish means it can be worn as a sheer stain or layered up for a rich vampy pout.  Perfect with soft dewy skin and I can see this sticking with me right through winter.

What are your beauty must haves right now?

Wish List Wednesday

What a conundrum.  I start to stock up on pieces for my autumn wardrobe and the weather finally heats up, relegating my long sleeved dresses, trousers and knitwear to the back of my wardrobe.

So this week's wishlist is all about transitional items, that can be taken from the humid 30 degree heat we're expecting today, to the cooler climes of September and October....


Sailor blouse, £39, Miss Selfridge


Perfect teamed with jeans or tucked into a skirt, this blouse is light enough for the summer months and the long sleeves and soft colour ensure it will 'work' well into the autumn.



Pink chunky knit sweater, £35.99, Zara

 Ok, so this may not be suitable for the 30 degree daytime heat, but I think it would be the perfect sweater to chuck over a delicate summer dress for those evenings spent lounging in a beer garden.  And as it gets cooler, how lovely would it look over a little skirt and black opaques, or teamed with jeans and pumps?  Definite must buy for me.

Burgundy jersey maxi skirt, £25, River Island

The maxi skirt is one of the best transitional pieces you can get.  Worn with sandals and a vest when it's scorching, or teamed with a leather jacket and ankle boots when it's cool.  And I love the colour (and price) of this River Island number.

Silk printed midi dress, £80, Warehouse

This midi dress is stunning, and would look just as good teamed with sandals as with ankle boots and a leather jacket. 

What's on your wishlist this week?

Thank you H&M

I've mentioned a few times that my love affair with Topshop has been gradually waning.  I fall in love with items on the website (note my Toppers filled wish lists!) only to see them in store and become instantly disappointed with the poor quality and awkward fit.  The prices are gradually increasing, the hem lines are decreasing (there are many great work dresses I try on that barely skim my bum) and for the past few months I have been looking for somewhere else to shop.

Enter H&;M.

I have been consistently impressed by this store over recent months.  A little while ago I walked the length of Oxford Street and bought something in every H&M on the way.

Last week the autumn/winter catalogue dropped through the door and I was instantly drawn in by the rich colours, flattering shapes and amazing prices.  So when I managed to get to a store last week I scooped up armfuls of new season stock and came out with these two dresses.

They may not be the most original shape (remember the infamous Zara dress sported by Frankie Sandford and copied by a million others?) but there are a few things that make them special.  The length is long enough for office wear, the sleeves go well past the elbow (rather than sitting at that awkward section of the upper arm) and the colours are perfect for autumn.  But the best thing?  It has to be the price.  £14.99 each.  Yep.  Less than 15 quid.

I firmly recommend you get yourself down to H&M sharpish.  Let me know what you get!