This outfit is definitely not “jeans and a nice top”, but the recent conversation around the simple pairing that was the epitome of chic during my late teens has absolutely tickled me. Mostly because it’s had me reflecting on my own style evolution, and the memories associated with some of my more “out there” looks.
While my taste has changed a lot since then, there’s one thing that hasn’t. My desire to maximise the utility of every single item in my closet. Using styling to change the mood so that it works for multiple different scenarios. This dress is a good example of one of those items you might be inclined to save for best. Paired with some glitzy heels and even sparklier eyeshadow. But I love the idea of dressing it down. Throwing on an oversized sweater and some sneakers (or lug sole boots) for the weekend. Or in my case here, with a low heeled sandal and minimal aesthetic for a daytime soiree. Perhaps a big oversized blazer over the shoulder in case it gets chilly.
Like my wardrobe, when it comes to investing in beauty – whether it’s on the budget end of the scale or bordering on luxury – I’m always on the hunt for products that do double, or even triple duty. Versatility is key, particularly if you’re focused on building up your essentials, and the latest addition to my beauty shelf – a tin of the hardworking NIVEA Creme – has been just that.
One of those rediscovered old favourites, NIVEA Creme is an incredible multi-purpose intensively hydrating moisturiser, which I’ve since found myself seldom leaving the house without.
What I love most about this moisturiser – which has been around for more than 100 years now! – is the simple mix of ingredients, that have been a mainstay for over a century, moisturising, hydrating, protecting, and soothing skin.
AS AN ALL OVER BODY MOISTURISER
Luxuriously thick, this makes for the p-e-r-f-e-c-t all over body moisturiser, especially during those colder months when your skin could use some added hydration. The formula itself is really creamy to the touch, which feels so nourishing on your skin, and it keeps your skin soft for an impressively long time. I like to apply this to my legs in particular before going to bed, and just after I’ve gotten out of the shower in the morning.
AS A HAND CREAM
I’ve taken to keeping the 60ml tin tucked into my purse as it’s a brilliant pick me up for when your hands need a little bit of added TLC, plus I’ve found that regular use as a hand cream can help keep calluses at bay. A little goes a long way – I usually swipe one finger lightly in the tin and that’s enough to add some much needed hydration to my hands.
AS A NIGHT CREAM
During the winter time especially, I find that I usually need a more heavy duty moisturiser at night, to keep my complexion from drying out. NIVEA Creme is perfect for this; given the formula is so rich and thick, it helps to lock in that moisture (and act as a sealant for my nightly serum routine), and leaves me with soft, supple skin when I wake up in the morning.
AS A LIP BALM
Because of the rich emollient texture, NIVEA Creme makes for a great lip balm in a pinch. I often forget to make sure I have a lip balm to hand so I’ve been reaching for this as an alternative, and it’s been working a treat.
AS A HAIR STYLING CREAM
I know, this one caught me off guard too, but this one can be a real game changer if you want to smooth down any flyaways, or add some piecy texture to your hair. The trick is to rub a small amount between your palms, and run your hands through towel-dried hair to give some added texture and glossiness to your locks.
Normally, I’d kick off each new month with a round up of the beauty products I’ve had on rotation; both new and old. But May was one of those months where I just used what I had. I didn’t even bother reaching into my “beauty stash” to mix things up as I was content with my daily routine. So instead, I thought I’d share a peek into my haircare routine. The products I use both in and out of the shower, that have had a transformative effect for me.
To give a bit of background, I used to be the girl who would buy whatever shampoo and conditioner was on special at the supermarket. And it showed. My hair was thick, wiry, excessively frizzy and unpleasant to touch. It wasn’t until we moved to Sydney that I decided to finally do something about it. I invested in a hair mask from Bumble & Bumble (which seems to be discontinued now), and upped my shampoo and conditioner game. I saw improvements immediately, and since have realised the value of investing in my haircare.
One thing you’ll notice from the list below, is that I’ve stopped exclusively using just one brand. I’ve found that my hair seems to acclimate quite quickly, so I’ll mix things up month to month.
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo & Conditioner | I’ve talked at length about my love for Aveda, and for about a year, this was all I exclusively used. I found that this significantly reduced how frizzy my hair was (in combination with a few other products from the range), and left it feeling smooth and soft. All of their products are derived from plant-based ingredients, and this has goodies like aloe, maize and guar bean in it.
Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment | Aside from the Smooth Infusion line, I also love Aveda’s Damage Remedy products. This is a great conditioning treatment that I like to use once every week or fortnight, depending on how my hair is feeling. I’ll add this in as an additional step after my regular conditioner, and it adds a very welcome hydration boost.
Klorane Ultra-Gentle Shampoo & Conditioner with Oat Milk | One of the things I really like about this shampoo and conditioner combo, is the added texture and grit it adds to my locks. I love using this when I want ensure my hair has added volume past the first day post-wash. The key ingredient, oat milk, is super moisturising, and protects and softens the hair.
Maui Moisture Shine + Awapuhi Shampoo & Conditioner | This is the newest haircare duo I’ve added into rotation; it’s vegan, silicone, paraben and sulfate free. I’ve found the consistency and condition of my hair has been changing weekly since giving birth – some weeks looking duller than others, and these really address that to give it added shine and body. The base ingredient in this duo is pure aloe vera – a miracle moisturiser for tired, thirsty hair and it shows. It smells amazing too; you get a huge hit of ginger fragrance from the awapuhi flower.
EVO The Therapist Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner | Coincidentally, this is the shampoo and conditioner I started using six years ago, when I started paying more attention to the condition of my hair. Clearly, it’s been a winner, as I’m still loving it all these years later. Again, this is vegan, cruelty-free, and made without sulfates, parabens or gluten. This is one of those tried and tested thirst quenchers for dry hair, and I find it’s great for managing frizziness too!
HAIR SERUMS & LEAVE-IN PRODUCTS
EVO Easy Tiger Smoothing Balm | I use this pretty religiously post-wash, applying a generous amount through my hair from the root to tip. In combination with the shampoo and conditioner duos I’ve been using above, I find this goes a long way to combat frizziness and smooth my hair. I’ll follow this up with a straight blow dry. Definitely one of my “can’t live without” products.
Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother | This does a similar job to the Smoothing Balm from EVO. It’s not quite as effective (my hair will still frizz up when it’s humid), but I find it’s a nice option if I want a smoothing serum during the colder months.
Aveda Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair | When I was first trying to repair my hair after dyeing it, this was on constant rotation. Along with the conditioning treatment, I found this went a long way towards restoring the state of my hair. Now, I use this perhaps once a month (along with a smoothing balm), to add in an extra moisture hit and also some protection against heat damage.
Alterna Perfect Texture Spray | Aside from the leave-in products I mentioned above, I don’t tend to put too much into my hair. But, if I want a bit of extra texture, then I’ll spray a generous amount of this from the mid-section of my hair, through to my ends. It’s not as intense as say, the Oribe Dry Texturising Spray, but it adds a grittiness and some additional hold when I’ve gone to the trouble of curling my hair.
Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk | I’m a big fan of dry shampoo as it helps to extend how many days I can go between washes; an absolute must right now as getting that extra time in the shower is a total luxury with an infant. This is the only aerosol dry shampoo I use – I like that it isn’t too starchy; I don’t have a complete white-cast at my roots, and it doesn’t add to much gritty texture, which can make your hair difficult to work with.
Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo | If I could only use one dry shampoo for the rest of my life, I think this would be it. It’s a powder product, so takes a little getting used to initially, but I love the concept and the way this works. Where I’ll use the Klorane dry shampoo early on in the piece, I’ll use this from Aveda on the final day (or two) before a wash. A little goes a long way, and you really need to work this into your roots to blend out the powder, but my gosh is it effective. It’s also my favourite to take for travel, as I can easily stash it in my carry-on bag.
HAIR TOOLS
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer | Okay so this is one expensive hair tool, but I’ve literally used it following every wash since I got it around two years ago. It’s fast, quieter than previous hair dryers I’ve used, and I think it’s helped maintain the condition of my hair. It usually only takes me around five minutes to go from towel-dried to completely dry. If I’m short on time, I’ll take the nozzle off for a faster blow dry.
ghd Platinum + Styler | The other hair tool I use is a hair straightener from ghd. Coincidentally, I’ve been using their stylers since I I was 15 – a total of 17 years now! I’ve currently got their Platinum + Styler and find it really effective. It doesn’t take much to get my hair from being lion’s mane full to sleek and straight, or to effortlessly throw in a few simple curls. This particular model contains technology that constantly adapts the temperature to the optimal heat for styling your hair. This also helps to protect my hair against heat damage.
Today I thought I’d take a minute to walk you through by everyday makeup routine; while I don’t tend to go through all the steps on a daily basis (eyes and brows forever take priority), I wanted to share some of my current favourite beauty products, which I’ve had on heavy rotation as of late. So, let’s start off with base and face…
BASE & FACE
I don’t tend to wear foundation on a daily basis, but when I do, one of my go-to favourites of late has been the Clinique Even Better Glow Foundation . This comes in a squeezy-tube style bottle, which I like to apply to my face either with my fingers, or using the Sigma 3DHD Kabuki Brush. I find the two application options give me the most even and natural looking base. This foundation has salicylic acid in it which I love – I like any products that do double duty and this has such a major skincare benefit which works to better the condition of your complexion over time. The foundation has a glowy satin finish once applied, which can be toned down with a good mattifying powder. It tends to wear well across the day; you get a little bit of slippage but I never find that it looks cake-y on the skin.
For the most part, I like a cream bronzer, but I’ve been mixing things up a bit with the Kate Moss for Rimmel Bronzing Palette. This palette has three bronzing shades in it, and is a really versatile product – you can use it to add a bit of colour to your face or to add some warmth to your eyes. I’ve done a full review on the palette HERE if you’d like to check it out. I really love the hue of this; it adds a really nice warmth to the skin. There is a little bit of glitter in the powder, but it doesn’t appear too shimmery when applied, and it has a pretty good wear time.
Cream products always tend to look a little more multi-dimensional on the face, and there’s really only one blush that I won’t travel anywhere without; Bobbi Brown’s Glow Stick in shade Desert Sun. This is a really nice neutral and natural-looking blush, without any shimmer to it. I like to apply this directly to my cheeks and then blend out using a duo fibre brush.
Highlight isn’t part of my every day routine per se, but I do love the addition of a little bit of glow every now and then. I have a two-step product routine that I tend to reach for frequently; I start with the Glossier Haloscope in the shade ‘Quartz’, which adds a nice sheen to the cheekbone, and has a little bit of a ‘wet’ effect. This gives a gorgeous dewy and fresh looking flow. If I want my highlight to be a little more extra, I’ll top that with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Euphoric Strobe Light which I brush on with a fluffy angled face brush from Bobbi Brown. This is such a finely milled powder, which is a real pleasure to apply – it has a little bit of shimmer to it. I love the highlighter combination, it just really makes that glow pop!
EYES & BROWS
Eyeshadow palettes are a major weakness of mine, and one of my latest additions and current favourites is the NARS Narsissist Wanted Eyeshadow Palette, which I’ve done a full review on HERE. It’s full of some absolutely gorgeous warm-toned shades that pack a real punch and blend out really effortlessly. This is one of the key components of my everyday makeup routine, but it’s also one I reach for when travelling too – there are some beautiful shimmers and glitters which would be perfect for a day out.
Not a day goes by that I don’t apply my signature cat-eye flick. My eyeliner of choice at the moment is the Clinique Pretty Easy Eyeliner, which literally makes applying eyeliner a breeze. It doesn’t have as much pigment as some of the other liquid liners I’ve used, but I’ve found it to be really reliable, and I like how easy it is to apply.
I’ve got a few favourite mascaras, but for one which doesn’t budge, I’ve been massively impressed by the Sigma Sinuosity Lash Mascara. This is a fibre mascara that gives you super long and separated lashes – exactly what I’m after on a day to day basis. It doesn’t smudge either; something I look for in a mascara (particularly given I tend to have oily eyelids!). My only complaint? It’s difficult to remove!
I like to keep my brows looking pretty natural and fluffy, and while I’ve got a couple of different products I’ll reach for to fill in my brows, my favourite has to the be the Superfine Liner for Brows from Clinique. I went to a master class last year where the makeup artist recommended that you opt for a brow shade that is slightly lighter than your brow hairs to keep them looking natural, and I have to say, her advice was spot on. I have this in the shade Soft Brown, which is perfect for my dark brown brows!
LIPS
I have a little confession to make, after giving the Glossier Balm Dot Com such a hard time, it’s actually become one of my favourite lip balms. I’ve come to really appreciate the thick consistency of the formula, which coats my lips evenly and keeps them feeling moisturised. I still don’t love the scent (I have the coconut one), but I’m almost at the end of the tube and have been carefully rationing out what I have left while I want to do another assisted order….
Because I have such sensitive lips, I don’t wear too much lipstick, even if it is one of my favourite beauty products. Really the only lippie that I’ve been wearing over the most over the last couple of months has been the Rouge Allure Ink from Chanel. I have this in the shade Amoreaux, which is a gorgeous neutral peachy-pink – perfect for every day. This is billed a little like a liquid lipstick but it has quite a lightweight formula that isn’t fully opaque – you’ll need to run the applicator across your lips a couple of times to ensure an even application. But, when it’s on and the product has set, it feels comfortable on the lips; essentially, it’s a winner from me and I’d definitely jump at the opportunity to try some of the other shades (Libere I’m looking at you).
What are your current every day makeup essentials?
It’s true what they say about losing sleep with a newborn. Most nights, I’m up almost every hour or so to tend to our wee one. While I don’t always get a full skincare routine in, it’s reinforced the importance of having hard-working skincare staples that’ll soothe, brighten and refresh my seriously tired complexion.
I’ve mentioned this countless times at this point, but I have pretty sensitive skin. If a product is too strong, I get plagued with eczema and dermatitis patches. Vitamin C is one of those ingredients I have to be careful with. I love the results of Vitamin C in my skincare; a brighter, more radiant complexion, enhanced collagen production, and its antioxidant properties. But it’s often a little too intense for me. So when I heard that Avène were launching a new range with Vitamin C for sensitive skin, I was intrigued.
Avène A-Oxitive Range enriched with Gradual Release Vitamin C
I’ve added both the Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum, and the A-Oxitive Smoothing Water-cream into my daily skincare routine. Two products are more manageable than five when you’ve got a fussy baby after your attention. And what I’ve been enjoying most about the Avène A-Oxitive range is just how gentle it is, while actively delivering results.
The serum and day cream have an innovative gradual release mechanism, which transforms Pro-Vitamin C into Pure Vitamin C on contact with the skin. This is ideal for sensitive skin types like mine. The key ingredient here – Vitamin C – is slowly released throughout the day. You get all the same skincare benefits and results as 15% pure Vitamin C*, but it’s gentle on the skin.
Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum
I’ve been using the Avène A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum both morning and night, and it’s really become the star of my skincare regimen. It’s incredibly concentrated, and includes not only the hero ingredient Vitamin C, but Avène’s iconic Thermal Spring Water (which soothes and softens the skin); Gradual Release Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant which protects the skin from free radicals); Hyaluronic Acid (one of my favourite ingredients for boosting the skin’s hydration levels); and GP4G (which stimulates the skin’s natural defence against environmental aggressors). The serum has an ultra-light silky feeling to it with a soft clean fragrance, and it absorbs quickly into my skin, making my complexion feel intensely hydrated.
Avène A-Oxitive Smoothing Water-Cream
The serum is promptly followed up by the Avène A-Oxitive Smoothing Water-cream, a creamy whipped feeling moisturiser which feels ultra nourishing, and leaves my complexion feeling smooth and soft to the touch. It literally melts into the skin. And while I might not wear makeup daily, but when I do, this serves as the perfect base. Combined with the A-Oxitive Antioxidant Defense Serum, it’s balanced out my skin tone, and means I have to do little else other than apply a bit of concealer where I need it.
While I might feel tired, my complexion doesn’t look it. My skin feels brighter and more radiant, and has a softer, more plump feel. I’ve always been a fan of Avène for their gentle but effective skincare products, and the new A-Oxitive range has been a game changer in my skincare routine. They’re specifically formulated to minimise the risk of an allergic reaction. This means the Avène A-Oxitive range is ideal for those who have sensitive skin, but want to incorporate potent skincare products which will gently combat tired dull skin and prevent further signs of ageing,
Summer wardrobe essential number three is a classic red lip; while this isn’t part of my every day beauty routine, it’s a little number I like to combine with a bronzed and glowing complexion, or on those days when I want to amp up my (basic) outfit a notch. As you can probably tell, I’m pretty partial to a red lip – even if it doesn’t seem to feature on the blog that often. I’m always one to have a few options, so it’s probably little surprise that I’ve got quite the selection of reds in my lipstick wardrobe; from bright orange-based reds to a deep vampy option which is perfect for that transition into autumn, I’ve got all my bases covered.
While it’s hard to pick a favourite red lip, Tom Ford’s Wild Ginger is one of my go-to picks. The formula is absolutely incredible; it’s creamy and doesn’t drag on the lips when applying, and it’s intensely pigmented – one swipe is all you need. My other favourite has to be Love Bite from Charlotte Tilbury. Aside from the fact that the Art Deco inspired rose gold packaging is an absolute dream, this is in my opinion a pretty universally flattering shade. Like the Tom Ford lippie, this packs a lot of punch (not that a red lip needed much help…); it’s one of those creamy one swipe wonders, and this is usually the one red I’ll pack when travelling, as I know it’ll work no matter my make up look (or my outfit). Usually I just like to apply these directly to my lips, but if I’m after a good lip liner, the one that can’t be beat is this one from MAC.
Today I thought I’d take a minute to walk you through by everyday makeup routine; while I don’t tend to go through all the steps on a daily basis (eyes and brows forever take priority), I wanted to share some of my current favourite beauty products, which I’ve had on heavy rotation as of late. So, let’s start off with base and face…
BASE & FACE
I don’t tend to wear foundation on a daily basis, but when I do, one of my go-to favourites of late has been the Clinique Even Better Glow Foundation . This comes in a squeezy-tube style bottle, which I like to apply to my face either with my fingers, or using the Sigma 3DHD Kabuki Brush. I find the two application options give me the most even and natural looking base. This foundation has salicylic acid in it which I love – I like any products that do double duty and this has such a major skincare benefit which works to better the condition of your complexion over time. The foundation has a glowy satin finish once applied, which can be toned down with a good mattifying powder. It tends to wear well across the day; you get a little bit of slippage but I never find that it looks cake-y on the skin.
For the most part, I like a cream bronzer, but I’ve been mixing things up a bit with the Kate Moss for Rimmel Bronzing Palette. This palette has three bronzing shades in it, and is a really versatile product – you can use it to add a bit of colour to your face or to add some warmth to your eyes.I really love the hue of this; it adds a really nice warmth to the skin. There is a little bit of glitter in the powder, but it doesn’t appear too shimmery when applied, and it has a pretty good wear time.
Cream products always tend to look a little more multi-dimensional on the face, and there’s really only one blush that I won’t travel anywhere without; Bobbi Brown’s Glow Stick in shade Desert Sun. This is a really nice neutral and natural-looking blush, without any shimmer to it. I like to apply this directly to my cheeks and then blend out using a duo fibre brush.
Highlight isn’t part of my every day routine per se, but I do love the addition of a little bit of glow every now and then. I have a two-step product routine that I tend to reach for frequently; I start with the Glossier Haloscope in the shade ‘Quartz’, which adds a nice sheen to the cheekbone, and has a little bit of a ‘wet’ effect. This gives a gorgeous dewy and fresh looking flow. If I want my highlight to be a little more extra, I’ll top that with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Euphoric Strobe Light which I brush on with a fluffy angled face brush from Bobbi Brown. This is such a finely milled powder, which is a real pleasure to apply – it has a little bit of shimmer to it. I love the highlighter combination, it just really makes that glow pop!
EYES & BROWS
Eyeshadow palettes are a major weakness of mine, and one of my latest additions and current favourites is the NARS Narsissist Wanted Eyeshadow Palette,It’s full of some absolutely gorgeous warm-toned shades that pack a real punch and blend out really effortlessly. This is one of the key components of my everyday makeup routine, but it’s also one I reach for when travelling too – there are some beautiful shimmers and glitters which would be perfect for a day out.
Not a day goes by that I don’t apply my signature cat-eye flick. My eyeliner of choice at the moment is the Clinique Pretty Easy Eyeliner, which literally makes applying eyeliner a breeze. It doesn’t have as much pigment as some of the other liquid liners I’ve used, but I’ve found it to be really reliable, and I like how easy it is to apply.
I’ve got a few favourite mascaras, but for one which doesn’t budge, I’ve been massively impressed by the Sigma Sinuosity Lash Mascara. This is a fibre mascara that gives you super long and separated lashes – exactly what I’m after on a day to day basis. It doesn’t smudge either; something I look for in a mascara (particularly given I tend to have oily eyelids!). My only complaint? It’s difficult to remove!
I like to keep my brows looking pretty natural and fluffy, and while I’ve got a couple of different products I’ll reach for to fill in my brows, my favourite has to the be the Superfine Liner for Brows from Clinique. I went to a master class last year where the makeup artist recommended that you opt for a brow shade that is slightly lighter than your brow hairs to keep them looking natural, and I have to say, her advice was spot on. I have this in the shade Soft Brown, which is perfect for my dark brown brows!
LIPS
I have a little confession to make, after giving the Glossier Balm Dot Com such a hard time, it’s actually become one of my favourite lip balms. I’ve come to really appreciate the thick consistency of the formula, which coats my lips evenly and keeps them feeling moisturised. I still don’t love the scent (I have the coconut one), but I’m almost at the end of the tube and have been carefully rationing out what I have left while I want to do another assisted order….
Because I have such sensitive lips, I don’t wear too much lipstick, even if it is one of my favourite beauty products. Really the only lippie that I’ve been wearing over the most over the last couple of months has been the Rouge Allure Ink from Chanel. I have this in the shade Amoreaux, which is a gorgeous neutral peachy-pink – perfect for every day. This is billed a little like a liquid lipstick but it has quite a lightweight formula that isn’t fully opaque – you’ll need to run the applicator across your lips a couple of times to ensure an even application. But, when it’s on and the product has set, it feels comfortable on the lips; essentially, it’s a winner from me and I’d definitely jump at the opportunity to try some of the other shades.
What are your current every day makeup essentials?
I’d like to think I’ve gotten my skincare and makeup routine down-pat. I’m still battling lack of sleep and free time, so making sure it is minimal, fuss-free and most important of all – easy – have been a priority. I still want to look after my skin, and also feel like me day-to-day.
It’s been a while since I last shared which products I have on rotation, so I wanted to do a little bit of an update, as there’s a couple of newbies in the mix.
SKINCARE
Korres Foaming Clean Cleanser | The best way I can describe this cleanser is creamy. You only need a little, as it foams up on contact with water. I find this to be really effective at removing eye-makeup, so love that I don’t need to double cleanse. My skin does feel a little tight after using so perhaps not one I’d recommend for dry skin types. This doesn’t bother me too much as I balance this out with some ultra-hydrating creams.
Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin-Brightening Eye Cream | Oh boy do I have so much love for this eye cream. When I apply this, I notice an instant brightening effect under the eyes. It has one of my favourite ingredients – Manuka honey – which is incredibly hydrating. Also a star ingredient is Kiwi (loaded with Vitamin C), known best for its brightening properties.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum | If my skin is having a “bad” day, this is one of the hero products I reach for at night. I find acid treatments work really well for my skin type, and despite being gentle enough for my sensitive skin, this is super effective. Red spots look calmer, and overall my complexion has more of a brightness to it. I’ll use this once or twice a week.
Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum | There’s a common theme with my skincare; hydrating and brightening. If you’re a relatively new mum then you’ll probably have the same concerns as I find the lack of sleep and poor quality of it really dulled my complexion. Biossance is one of my favourites for hydration, thanks to squalane, which is a core ingredient across their entire product range. Combined here with Vitamin C, it’s a veritable powerhouse. I have quite a bit of pigmentation on my face – all genetic – and have noticed this looks less pronounced and my skin just looks… healthy. I apply both morning and night to double up on the effect.
Avene Hydrance Aqua-Gel Night Cream | I literally just finished this up, but wanted to mention it as it’s been a go-to in my skincare routine for the last six months. I love a gel moisturiser during the warmer months. It’s cooling and I find the lighter texture agrees with my skin better as soon as the humidity levels begin to rise. This is ultra hydrating as the name would suggest, and is infused with Avene’s incredible Eau Thermale. I don’t skimp on product at night, but I do love to apply this for day too. I’m a lot less liberal with my application though – for day, a little goes a long way!
Antipodes Halo Skin-Brightening Facial Mud Mask | Another one of those skin saviours when I’m having a break out has been this beautiful mud mask from Antipodes. The clay dries down but doesn’t feel constrictive on the skin. Great for when you want to give your complexion a mini detox.
MAKEUP
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit (Mini) | I know I’ve already mentioned just how much love I have for this palette, but it’s worth mentioning again. I love the compact size, the fact that it’s a four-in-on face palette, and the colours make a fully cohesive look. Not to mention that it can double up as eyeshadow in a pinch. Most surprising to me? That despite having little shimmer flecks through the bronzer, it doesn’t seem to translate on my face. I just get a beautiful glow. Win-win.
Tarte Tartelette In Bloom Palette | As much as I love playing around with eyeshadow, this is one of those solid players in my makeup stash that I love having on repeat. The colours are the perfect neutrals, they’re nicely pigmented, and blending them out is a dream. I’ve recently hit pan on the pale nude – clearly a favourite as a base shade when creating any look. The shimmers are really pretty too. A great all rounder for natural day looks, and smokey evening looks too.
NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base | I have oily eyelids so an eyeshadow base is a must for me. I’ve tried others but this one from NARS is the best. It’s clear, easy to blend into the eyelid, and I find my shadows stay put after application. Can’t recommend it enough.
Maybelline Hypersharp Wing Eyeliner | This eyeliner needs no introduction. For me, it’s like an old friend; no matter how many eyeliners I try, I will always, always come back to it. It’s familiar, and I know it works for me. I do sometimes get the odd little bit of smudging if it’s a particularly humid day, but I generally have to keep an eye on my eye makeup anyway so this isn’t a dealbreaker for me.
Dior Pump ‘N’ Volume Mascara HD | Even when I find the “perfect” mascara, I can’t seem to help but try others. I had a sample of the Pump ‘N’ Volume HD Mascara from Dior and really enjoyed the way it made my lashes look, so splashed out on the full size. This coats your lashes in a really natural way. Not spidery, but gives them extra volume and length. I also appreciate the squeezy tube. Perfect for pulling excess product off the wand, while also using up every last drop.
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Brighten & Correct Duo | A good concealer is in every mum’s makeup bag, and the current one I have on rotation is a recent launch from Laura Mercier. This is a reimagining of their classic Secret Camouflage Concealer Palette, and I love how easy it is to use on the go; no need for brushes, the product blends out best when warmed up with your fingers. On one end is a brightening concealer, with I use under the eyes. This has little reflects in it which I think are what give it that ultra brightening effect, without looking glittery. The other end is a matte creamy correcting concealer – great for layering under the brighten end if you need extra coverage, or to pop over any redness. A little goes a long way!
Laura Mercier Blush Color Infusion in Bellini | Blush of choice is this beautiful powder blush, again from Laura Mercier. I have the colour Bellini, which is a rich peach-toned pink that reminds me of spring. These plushes are highly pigmented, but what I like most about them is that they don’t have a powdery finish. My skin looks like skin. Perfect. I also have this in the shade “Guava” but I find it a little too pale/sheer for my complexion.
Jo Malone Fig & Lotus Flower Cologne | Finally I wanted to share a fragrance that I’ve been loving lately. I tend to gravitate towards my Jo Malone fragrances both for the exquisite scents, but also because I love the ability to layer my perfumes. For our trip down to Bangalay I decided to bring along Fig & Lotus. It’s bright and fresh, with sweet floral notes. Fragrances are always so hard to describe, but for me I wanted to create a memory attached to this beautiful perfume, and what better way than to bring it along on one of the first vacations since having a baby!
Nothing makes me feel quite as confident as a red lip does. It’s such a classic look; a touch of that old Hollywood glamour, that makes for the perfect signature beauty note or a bold choice for that special occasion you have coming up. But, with so many different reds out there, it can be tricking figuring out just which one is the perfect red lipstick to complement your complexion. So, to avoid seeing red – literally – these quick tips can help you to figured out which is the right red lipstick for you.
There’s just one key step; you need to identify what your skin tone is. Does it have cool, warm, or neutral undertones? If you’ve ever felt like a red lip just hasn’t worked out for you, it’s probably been because you’ve been wearing the wrong shade for your complexion.
Those with fairer cool-toned complexions should opt for a bright red with blue undertones to add a bit of vibrancy; Love Bite from Charlotte Tilbury is p-e-r-f-e-c-t for this and such a long lasting option too. If you have cool-pink undertones in your skin (think: girls who epitomise the ‘English Rose’ with porcelain skin), go for a raspberry hued red or anything with a bit of a pink undertone to it.
If you have a yellow-based undertone or warmer skin, then an orange-based red is the perfect pick me up to really brighten up your complexion – I especially love Lady Danger from MAC. If your skin sways more olive, then opt for an orange-based brick red, which will help to not only brighten, but reduce the appearance of sallowness in the face.
Finally, those with a darker complexion have a few different options. A candy apple orange-based red contrasts beautifully against darker skin tones, though if you’re hoping to make less of a statement, a plummy or oxblood-toned red is a little more subtle for a day-to-day look.
We’re smack bang in the middle of a heat wave, and while I’m melting at the thought of having anything more than eyeliner and a bit of mascara on my face right now, I wanted to share some of my favourite beauty products that I’ve been reaching for most days as of late.
I’m a creature of habit when it comes to base. In the summertime, I always, always reach for the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser; this is so lightweight and I love the way that it looks on my skin. I like to apply this with a flat top kabuki brush from Sigma, it’s just a perfect match (and their brushes are so soft!).
I tend to find myself getting a lot of redness around my nose – eczema that I just can’t seem to beat – so for those days when it’s really flared up, I’ll apply a bit of concealer to help mask the redness. I absolutely love the Urban Decay concealer but most days I’ll reach for one from Rimmel, either the Perfect Match or the Wake me Up concealer, applied with a tapered brush from Real Techniques. To set that down I’ll use the it Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Powder, which is just one of the most incredibly mattifying setting powders I’ve ever come across.
When it comes to brows, there’s really only one product that’s been doing it for me lately, when I want a bold brow; the Precisely My Brow Pencil from Benefit. I went to a Benefit breakfast a few months back and felt inspired to pick this up after having a little play around with their products, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since. I used to be all over the Anastasia Brow Wiz but personally I think that this is – dare I say it… – much better, and it’s taken out the top spot as my currently holy grail brown product.
Eyes are definitely my favourite part of my makeup routine, and I seldom will leave the house without eyeliner on. I’ve been reaching for two eyeshadow palettes a lot lately – the Gwen Stefani X Urban Decay palette (limited edition, unfortunately!), and the MAC palette I put together when I was in New York. For eyeliner, I’ve been using my Tom Ford Eye Definer pen, which while it isn’t my favourite, I’ve come around to it a lot more than when I first picked it up. Given I tend to get quite oily eyelids, a good mascara that doesn’t smudge (and that isn’t waterproof) is a must for me. Lately, this has been the L’Oreal false lash wings mascara which truly makes your lashes look like no other.
Peachy cheeks are a must for me in the summer time, it just seems to go hand in hand with a good tan, and my go to is from NARS, their blush in the shade Gina. This is matte, has incredible colour pay off, and blends really beautifully on the skin. When I want something a little more glowy, I’ll reach for my Milani blush in the shade Luminous. And to highlight, I’ve been loving the Photoready Highlighting Stick from Revlon – this is such a pretty pink-toned pearlescent highlight, and it is so easy to apply. I’ll always pick a cream highlight over a powder one any day, and this is no exception.
I don’t always wear lipstick, and when I do, I usually like to go bold with a bright red. But, a formula that I have been absolutely loving since my wedding are the Lip Pops from Clinique. I have the shade Beige Pop which is the perfect cool-toned MLBB shade, and one that is really easy to apply (and forget about, and then re-apply). While I can safely say that I don’t really need any more lipsticks, I’d love to add a few more Lip Pops to my vanity come the new year…
