My Must Have Products for a Sick Day

As we are fully into the winter season, it also means coughs and colds are everywhere, with nearly everyone I know under the weather in some way or another. As I myself have only recently recovered from a particularly horrible bout of flu, I thought I would share my must have beauty products for a sick day, which help me feel refreshed and ready to face the day ahead, despite just wanting to spend the day snuggled up in bed...

 

 
My skin really suffers when I am ill, becoming dull, grey and dehydrated. This Radiance Exfoliator from Sanctuary Spa is amazing at brightening the whole face, as it has ultra fine beads that leave my skin looking and feeling smooth and soft. The gel-like consistency contains apricot and grape seed to refine and even the skins tone and texture, leaving it looking radiant and glowing.

 Whenever I am feeling a bit under the weather, I can never be bothered to do a full makeup routine with foundation, concealer etc... so instead I reach for my Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream, as it helps give a fresh luminous appearance to the skin. The green pigments eliminates the redness that sometimes appears on my skin when I am ill, as well as brightening the face with apricot and white pigments. 

As for my eyes, I like to give the appearance of looking more awake and Urban Decay eyeshadow in Half Baked does the trick. It is a bright gold shimmer that makes my eyes pop, so I no longer look like I am sick. I skip the eyeliner with this look, and instead just curl my eyelashes before applying copious amounts of my Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara, which adds an instant eye-opening look.

 

 To further enhance my eyes, I use the Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer, which reduces puffiness and the appearance of under eye circles, instead smoothing and brightening the under eye area, giving it a luminous look, rather than the half dead appearance that I usually sport when I am unwell.

Lastly, I can't be bothered with wearing lipstick or lipgloss as they require too much effort to maintain throughout the day, especially when I am ill. I therefore favour a lip balm, with this Soap & Glory lip balm being my first choice. It has a lovely peach flavour, as well as being super hydrating for my lips, perfect for when you are suffering with a cold or the flu. 

What products do you reach for when you are ill?

Megan x

My Top 5 Makeup Brushes

 I have built up quite the collection of makeup brushes over the past couple of years, and whilst I do use all of them regularly, there are a certain few that I would consider 'holy grail', as I use them everyday as part of my makeup routine. Makeup application has certainly come a long way since using sponge applicators and fingers, and these five makeup brushes help me to achieve that flawless professional appearance...

Real Techniques Buffing Brush- Foundation application has never been so easy, as this brush allows liquid foundation to glide on smoothly and quickly. I use small circular motions with the brush to gently buff the foundation into my skin, achieving that coveted flawless, airbrushed appearance with ease. Although I have my eye on more foundation brushes that I would like to try out, this will always have a place in my collection. 

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush- Despite being part of the eye starter set, I actually favour using this brush to apply concealer, whether that is to eliminate redness and cover blemishes, or conceal dark circles underneath the eyes. It seamlessly blends concealer into the face, due to the dense bristles and small size, and I wouldn't use anything else. 

MAC 217 Brush- I have only recently added this to my collection, as I had other eyeshadow brushes that I used and I just never got round to buying it. However, after using this for only a few weeks, it has changed the way I apply eyeshadow. It makes applying eyeshadow so much more easier, fitting perfectly into the crease to blend beautifully. A smoky eye has never been so easy!

MAC 168 Brush- I also picked this up at the same as the 217, as it is the perfect brush for contouring, due to the angled shape. It is extremely soft, and fits into the hollows of the cheekbones perfectly, adding instant sculpture and definition to the face. As well as contour, I also use this for applying blush, highlight- It's my do-it-all cheek brush. 

Real Techniques Powder Brush- Ideal for applying a dusting of powder to the face to set foundation in place, this huge powder brush is always in my makeup bag for on the go touch ups. I also use this with bronzer for adding a  summer glow all over the face. 

Have you tried any of these makeup brushes? Which makeup brushes do you love?

Megan x

My 2014 Hair and Body Favourites

 The third and final installment of my favourite products focuses on my favourite hair and body products of the past 12 months. As there are not that many products in each category I decided to combine the two into one post. So without further ado, here are the top hair and body products that I have been loving in 2014... 

Hair

Favourite Shampoo- Dove Daily Care Shampoo

As my hair is unfortunately prone to becoming oily within a couple of days of washing, I decided to try this, which is suitable to use every day as it doesn't weigh hair down with excess products. I have been using it now for well over a year as it makes such a difference to how my hair looks, even on days when I haven't washed it. It will definitely be staying as part of my hair care routine as I love it!

Favourite Conditioner- Herbal Essences Bee Strong

I am always trying new conditioners as there are so many different varieties out there, all claiming to do different things to your hair. However, I always end up coming back to this one as I love the way it strengthens my heat damaged hair, leaving it feeling silky smooth and healthy. The honey and apricot extract also leaves my hair smelling super fresh.  

 

 Favourite Hairspray- Toni & Guy Glamour Hairspray
I am quite low maintenance and lazy when it comes to my hair, the most I am normally bothered to do is wash and straighten it. However, when I do decide to style it, I reach for this hairspray, as it holds my hair in place, all day and night, without leaving it feeling sticky or stiff. A definite must have product to use before a night out!

Favourite Heat Protector- VO5 Heat Protect Styling Spray
As I mentioned before, I use quite a lot of heat on my hair at times, so a heat protect spray is a necessary product in my hair care routine. I just spray it a few times throughout damp hair, and it helps protect my hair from blow drying and straightening, as well as making it easier to style once dry. It leaves my hair feeling very smooth and soft, as well as adding shine. 

 Favourite Hair Mask- Pantene Expert Advanced Keratin Repair Mask
This is not a product that I particularly use on a regular basis, but when I do use it, my hair is left feeling amazing. It is a 2 minute mask to use after shampooing and conditioning, and fights damage such as split ends, frizz, dullness and dryness. The results are extremely obvious after using it, and my hair looks and feels super soft and healthy.
 

Body

 Favourite Daily Tanner- Dove Summer Glow Lotion
During summer, I love to add a subtle golden glow to my skin. I used this product constantly throughout Summer 2014, as it is a light moisturising lotion with a subtle self-tanner, which gradually builds up a summer glow as well as nourishing skin. It looks completely natural too, so is a definite must have product for summer.

 Favourite Body Wash- The Body Shop Mango Shower Gel
 Not the most exciting product to discuss, but one that I have been loving recently. I received this as part of a gift set recently, and have been addicted to using it ever since. The scent is amazing-fresh and fruity mango which instantly wakes me up in the morning, leaving me feeling energised.

Favourite Body Moisturiser- The Body Shop Argan Oil Body Butter

I must admit, I am quite lazy when it comes to applying body moisturiser, but when I do decide to use it, I always reach for this Argan Oil Body Butter. As it is a body butter, it is extremely rich, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. However, what I love most about this product is the smell. I could happily sniff it all day, as it has a very luxurious and indulgent scent, making you feel as though you have spent all day in a spa.  

Favourite Hand Cream- Aveeno Hand Cream

As I suffer with quite dry and sensitive skin on my hands, particularly during the winter months, I have recently started using this hand cream by Aveeno, which has swiftly become my favourite hand cream. My hands are left feeling soft and hydrated after applying, yet although the formula is quite thick and heavy, it quickly sinks in, without leaving my hands feeling greasy and sticky. 

Have you tried any of these? What were your favourite hair and body products of 2014?

Megan x

My 2014 Skincare Favourites

  
Continuing with my favourite products of the past year, today's post is dedicated to the skincare products that stood out to me during 2014.  I will also be posting my favourite hair and body products of 2014 in the next few days, but for now, here's my top skincare products  of 2014... 

Favourite Makeup Remover- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 
 Micellar waters are my favourite way of removing all of my makeup before cleansing, and this Garnier one has been my favoured one of choice for the past year. It effectively dissolves and melts away my makeup, without stripping my skin, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin. I have repurchased this a couple of times throughout the last year and I am sure I will continue to do so.

Favourite Cleanser- Yes to tomatoes Daily Clarifying Cleanser
After being on the hunt for a suitable cleanser for my combination/oily skin for a while, I eventually stumbled across this one, aimed specifically at those with combination skin. It is a gel cleanser that lathers up to a foamy consistency, and purifies and refreshes my skin without leaving it feeling dehydrated. My skin feels smooth and thoroughly cleansed after using it. I love it!

 Favourite Face Mask- Superfacialist by Una Brennan Pore Purifying Clay Mask
 Face masks are one of my favourite skincare products, as the effects of using them are obvious as soon as they have been used. As I suffer from combination/oily skin, this pore purifying clay mask unclogs my decongested skin, leaving it feeling smoother and looking a lot clearer. Despite it being a clay mask, it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry, so is the perfect face mask for my combination skin. 

Favourite Exfoliator- The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion
I love using this product when my skin looks slightly dull, as it effectively removes dead skin particles, giving the appearance of brighter and more radiant skin. The tone and texture of my skin is improved, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. A must have product for brightening up dull skin!  

 Favourite Day Moisturiser- Garnier Fresh Essentials Day Cream
I tired a fair few moisturisers last year, yet this is the one that I reached for after my morning cleanse the most. It is a gel-cream, enriched with grape water, so refreshes and hydrates my skin, whilst being suitable for my skin type. It also smoothes my complexion, making it perfect for wearing underneath makeup.  

Favourite Night Moisturiser- No7 Essential Moisture
I always used to use the same moisturiser for both morning and night, however I recently switched up my evening skincare routine, using a different moisturiser more suitable for night. It is a rich cream leaving my skin instantly moisturised at night, whilst in the morning my skin feels soft and smooth.  

Favourite Eye Product- Simple Kind to Eyes Revitalising Eye Roll- On
I have never really used an eye product religiously, yet whenever my eyes look tired and in need of revitalisation I reach for this roll-on eye gel which instantly cools the area underneath my eyes. Containing cucumber extract, it refreshes my eyes, making them appear brighter and more awake. 

Favourite Lip Product-Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm
I have raved about this product numerous times before, yet it remains my favourite lip balm, as it is the best one I have ever used. With beeswax, peppermint and Vitamin E, it hydrates my lips as well as soothing them, especially in cold weather. It is always with me wherever I go, and I couldn't live without it, it's that good!

What were your favourite skincare products of 2014?

Megan x

My 2014 Makeup Favourites

I love reading these types of posts at the beginning of a new year as it gives me many ideas for products that will end up on my wishlist for the new year. With that being said, I thought I would discuss what my favourite products of the past year have been, in three categories-Makeup, Skincare and Hair/Body Products. These are all products that I have reached for consistently throughout 2014, with some of them being used on a daily basis. Without further ado, let's get started...

Favourite Foundation-Revlon Colorstay

I switch up my foundation on quite a regular basis, yet this is the one that I always end up coming back to, as it suits my oily/combination skin perfectly. It provides a medium to full coverage depending on how much you build it up, as well as giving a velvet-matte finish, perfect for those with oily skin like me. With a £12 price tag, you can't really get any better. 

Favourite Concealer- Maybelline Fit Me

For me, concealer is more important than foundation in my makeup routine, as it covers any blemishes and imperfections which foundation doesn't do as well. I have repurchased this a couple of times throughout last year, as it is probably one of the best drugstore concealers on the market, being super creamy with high coverage, without being cakey or heavy. It is also great to use under eyes as well, as it gives a brighter, awakened look.

Favourite Brow Product- MAC Charcoal Brown

I finally added this to my Mac palette last year and I am so glad I did. It is the perfect brow shade for me, being a cool-toned brown shade, that looks completely natural when I fill in my eyebrows using it. As you can see, I have hit pan on it, due to using it probably most days last year. It is also a great crease shade too, due to the matte finish, and so is a perfect all around colour to add to your Mac  palette.

 

Favourite Eyeshadow Palette- Urban Decay Naked 

I would be hard pushed to find a palette that could rival this one in my opinion, as it has every colour necessary for day or night looks. The shades are extremely pigmented, as well as long lasting, and with a mix of shimmery and matte shades, there are numerous looks that could be created. I reached for this  constantly throughout last year and no doubt I will continue to do so this year. I love it!

 Favourite Mascara- Maybelline The Falsies
I have tried numerous Maybelline mascaras over the years, yet this one is the best I have used. It adds instant volume and length without looking clumpy, as well as the wand being curled, adding a flared look to your lashes. Definitely one that I will continue to repurchase.

Favourite Liquid Liner- L'Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim
I wear eyeliner on a daily basis, and when I discovered this L'Oreal one last year I immediately loved it. The super fine tip is really easy to use, creating smooth lines and flicks easily. It is also really black, as well as long lasting, perfect for a smokey night time eye look.

Favourite Pencil Liner- Soap & Glory Smoulder Kohl
As I mentioned above, I wear eyeliner daily, and I have been wearing this Soap & Glory kohl pencil on my waterline for many months now. It is super black and intense, lasting all day without the need for a touch up. It doesn't smudge underneath the eyes either, so you avoid the dreaded 'panda' look. It is definitely a staple in my makeup bag. 

 Favourite Blush/ Highlighter- Dior Rose Diamond
I have raved about this product a few times on the blog, but it is one of my favourite makeup products ever, and I am so happy i managed to get my hands on it. It is labelled as a shimmer powder, and I prefer to use it either as a blush, using the darker pink shades, or as a subtle rosy highlighter with the lighter pink/champagne shade. It gives skin a healthy glow which suits any makeup look and I know I will continue to use it for a long time. 

 Favourite Contour Palette- Sleek Face Form
A relatively new purchase, but one that I completely fell in love with is this contour palette from Sleek. I was dying to get my hands on this for a while, as I know it is such a great contour product, and I wasn't disappointed when I finally tried it. The bronzer is great for adding definition to the cheekbones as it contains no shimmer, whilst the highlighter and blush also help in creating a sculptured, contoured face. The perfect palette for contouring beginners. 

Favourite Lip Products- Rimmel Kate Moss "101", Tanya Burr "Picnic in the Park", Revlon "Backstage"
I couldn't only pick one lip product as my favourite from the last year as there were just too many to choose from. However, I finally settled on three that I reached for on a regular basis, two lipsticks and one gloss. The Rimmel Kate Moss one was on my lips constantly as it is the perfect pale pink that can be paired with any makeup look. I love Tanya Burr's range of lip glosses as they are great to wear alone or over lipsticks. Picnic in the Park is a pretty coral/pink shade, which is super glossy, as well as being very long lasting. I will definitely be adding more of these to my collection. Lastly, this Revlon lipstick is one of my favourite Autumn/Winter colours, due to the deep plum tone. These lipsticks are extremely pigmented, with one swipe you are good to go, as well as being hydrating, making them easy to wear throughout the day. 

What were your favourite products to use last year?

Megan x

Goodbye 2014, Hello 2015...

So another year has passed us by and we are now in 2015, the year of flying cars and self-tying shoes according to Back to the Future II. I am not the biggest fan of New Year, as the more exciting things for me always happen towards the end of the year, and I always find January and February to be quite dull and miserable months. However, I always set some resolutions at the beginning of the year as a personal challenge for myself, even though most of them have been forgotten in a couple of months. I am going to try my hardest this year though, and make 2015 even better than 2014...

1. Become more active

Every year this ends up on my list of resolutions as I am really not an active person at all. However, I am going to make the effort this year and get into running, as I would love to run the half-marathon in my home town towards the end of the year. I have only ever occasionally gone running, so this should be quite the challenge, but one I am really going to push myself with. 

2.Wear sunscreen more often

Quite a random resolution, but one that is actually very easy to carry out. As most people know, wearing an SPF daily, even on cloudy days, is essential for healthy skin, as well as preventing early aging. As it is just an extra step in my skincare routine, it is definitely a resolution that I can easily complete. 

3. Eat more healthily

I am always trying to incorporate more healthy food into my diet, yet I always end up reaching for the pizza, chocolate etc. However, as I am to become more fit this year with the running, I also need to clean up my food habits, swapping more of the bad stuff for the good green stuff, and finding a balance that is easy to maintain throughout the year.

4. Blog more

Towards the end of last year I managed to upload to my blog a lot more regularly, finding a good balance between schoolwork and blog posts. I want to continue with that improvement, uploading more than once a week, with fresh and exciting content, as well as keeping more organized with my blogging. 

What are your New Year's Resolutions?

Megan x