Post Party Pick Me Up.

The party season is quickly coming around and if you don't have the luxury of hiding under a duvet the day after the office party, it's always useful to have a few tools in your inventory to fake a fresh face.  

If you're anything like me the day after a night on the tiles my skin feels in desperate need of moisture and refreshing. The Body Shop Nutriganics Drops of Youth* is an essential weapon for preparing your skin to fake a glow. The light fresh concentrate smells fresh and sinks in instantly, it's the perfect product to quickly pick you up if you spent a few extra minutes in bed. Before you go wild with the concealer, sometimes less is more when you're trying to fake functionality. I'm a big fan of the The Body Shop All-In-One BB Cream* as it is very similar to my much tried and tested Origins Vitazing. It alters to your own skintone as you blend and is light and easy to work with. It won't cake or sit on the skin and really gives a healthy sheen to the skin. 

Eyes are the window to the soul and a good eye gel or cream will do you proud in the fight against fatigue. This No Bags Allowed Eye Gel from Anatomicals is packed full of witch hazel which will battle your bags. It's also really purse friendly if you're looking for an affordable treat.

Finally I'd be lost without a good pair of lash curlers to open your eyes and make you look more awake, the good old Shu Uemura are always a winner in this department. Finally, I always need to fake a flush when I'm heading out the morning after the night before. I'm currently in love (again) with the Korres Lip Butter in Plum. It's perfect for looking rosy on the lips and if you're in a rush a small amount buffed into the cheeks is more than acceptable. 

What do you do to fake a healthy glow after you've partied the night away? 

xx

Ode to Origins.

As a perpetual beauty enthusiast (fickle product fiend) It's rare for me to build up a lasting affinity with a brand. If you find me going back again and again to multiple products, you know it's the good stuff. 

After an initial accidental encounter with the brand (a very generous but unrequested Christmas haul) I found myself pleasantly surprised with what they had to offer. I appreciate the no nonsense approach when it comes to skincare nasties, but It's done without the healthy dose of patchouli soaked self righteousness that often comes with it. Yes they're proud of it, but it seems to strike the balance between natural and a little bit slick. 

Now, what is there to shout about? A Perfect World moisturiser is the only moisturiser I have gone back to multiple times over recent years. I find it strikes the right balance between nourishing yet light. Throw in that refreshing brand of scent that Origins do so well and I'm sold. 

If you're even halfway familiar with Origins, you'll undoubtedly have sniffed the Ginger Essence at least once. I've banged on repeatedly about the wonders of this fresh ginger aroma but it really is a beaut. The last time a package from Origins arrived I was welcomed by the very scent when I opened the box. Dreamy. 

Last but not least is the latest addition to the family. Hello GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. A few days in and it's already an integral part of my morning routine. A soft pearlised eye cream that's packing with light reflected goodness and de-puffing wizardry. It's a real treat. 

Origins, I salute you. 

xx

Product Rave: Bourjois Cream Blush 03.

If there is one make up item I'm a sucker for, it's a good old cream blush. However, the all time greats undoubtedly come from the high end make up department. Like all good things, where high end goes the high street will inevitably follow. It may take them a little longer to get it bang on, but when they do it's a purse friendly revelation. 

Enter Bourjois Cream Blush. 

I perused each of the four new shades (01 Nude Velvet, 02 Healthy Glow, 03 Rose Tender & 04 Sweet Cherry). Whilst all shades delivered, Rose Tender hit the nail on the head. Not too pink, not too peach. In fact, for all of you Penny Lane fanatics...give Rose Tender a go. Spend your £13 change on something else pretty.

So, Why is it a rave? 

At £7.99 you're looking at a real winner. It's a rich creamy texture and a beautiful natural colour payoff that far surpasses it's price tag. Lasting power is similar to most high end brands, you can't expect miracles with a cream blush but it pops easily into your bag to top up without caking. 

Definitely a rave. 

xx

Product Rave: Blink + Go Long Lasting Mascara

As a bona fide mascara junkie, when this popped up in a Glossybox a couple of months ago I was so excited to try it. 

I've been meaning to rave about this particular mascara for ages, but for some reason kept putting it off. But here we are, and it's still a raver! 

The wand is a slightly tapered bristle brush which I prefer and does a good job of coating the lashes. The overall finish of the mascara is long, separated lashes that are perfect for everyday wear, you won't get masses of volumes or drama but if I'm going "natural" this is the perfect compromise. 

So, what makes this product a rave?

This has been my gym saviour. I'm not the sort of girl to go completely bare faced to the gym. I don't go with a face full of slap, but brows and lashes are a must. I usually hit the pool/sauna/jacuzzi after a workout and the thought of panda eyes isn't welcome. 

The beauty of this particular mascara is it is long. lasting. It certainly delivers on it's promise and when it comes to removing it, it comes off almost in tubes. I haven't channelled Alice Cooper once when I've worn this, so in my book, rave away! 

RRP £12.95 

I am more than willing to pay a little more for my mascara that delivers this much. 

What is your favourite mascara? 

xxx