Spring Skin

My skincare routine definitely changes with the seasons and these are the three products I have been reaching for all the time recently to help the transition from Autumn/Winter to Spring Summer.
First up, the Tea Tree Toner Water from Lush. It is no secret that I am a huge Lush fan and this buy has fast become one I cannot survive without. You can use it on cotton wool to cleanse the face and remove dirt/make up or you can shut your eyes and just spray it straight on to clean skin. It is in no way overpowering in scent or sensation as some tea tree products can be; it feels really gentle on the skin but you can also feel it working. Since using this, my skin feels so much fresher, my pores are definitely less obvious and it halts evil break ups in their tracks. My routine is not complete without this anymore.
Secondly, The Body Shop's Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil: A slightly strange product that feels a bit risky slathering on to your face at night. As my skin can vary from normal to oily/spotty, adding more oil into the situation just feels stupid. But this stuff is fantastic! You wake up with skin feeling clean and fresh with no lingering greasiness as you would expect. My face definitely feels more radiant and fresh after using this, something I am definitely a fan of as I tend to stop wearing foundation and the like in summer.
Finally, another Body Shop product; Honey Bronze. A slightly oddly described "shimmering dry oil". This is something I have had for about 2 years and only recently fallen in love with. You can apply it wherever you fancy really, for a glowy effect that you can usually only achieve after a week abroad. I love using it as a bit of a highlighter on my face, dabbing a small amount in the usual places, cheekbones etc. For a glow that as I said, a week in the sun usually provides. If I am going out or dressing up a bit or what not, I usually like to rub a bit of this on my shoulders/collarbones as it just adds a beautiful depth to the skin.

These three combined are slowly making my skin feel like it is ready for summer.
Are there any products you can't live without? Or would you recommend any other things for me to try out?

Becca.

Body Shop Baked Bronzer

I remember buying a baked bronzer a few years ago when The Body Shop First released them and shortly after that, I remember being devastated when it smashed and had to be thrown away. I forgot about this until recently whilst perusing the store for a birthday present. I was instantly drawn to this shade (02) as it just looked so summery and glowy and lovely. It has not disappointed me! You can apply a light layer for a slight glow or build it up to add that healthy look you usually only get from a few days in gorgeous sunshine. I really love it. The pink undertones mean that blusher isn't really necessary and highlighter is optional. It has quickly become a make up staple for me and I can't wait to be able to wear it with a proper tan come summer!

Have you guys got any favourite Body Shop products?

Becca.

Topshop Finishing Powder

I was drawn to this powder as soon as I saw it at work. It seems impossible to capture its beautiful shimmer in photographs which is frustrating as it is so so pretty. As well as that, it feels like velvet and makes your face feel just as lovely; and it smells incredible!! Although it appears white in the pan, it is completely translucent once applied to skin. I have been using a standard round make up sponge to apply it on top of my foundation and concealer and it really does set everything in place and keeps your face looking fresh and lovely all day! It seems pricey at £14 but I think it has been worth every penny.

Have you guys got any setting products you can't live without?

Becca.

Foundations

I'm quite picky when it comes to my foundation; I want something that gives me fairly good coverage but that is light and airy on the skin. I have gone through most brands available and I think I have finally found a winner! I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting miracles when I picked up the Wake Me Up foundation by Rimmel, but my other foundation was out of date and I decided it was time for a change. Oh my gosh, I love it!! It makes my skin look so fresh and lovely. I have noticed such a difference since using it, I genuinely feel more confident with it on because it is super light so I don't feel over the top but it really seems to have a brightening effect as claimed. I have shade 200 Soft Beige which blends perfectly with my skin tone, covering blemishes or discolouration but as I said, kinda makes you look like you are fresh faced. I will definitely be re-purchasing this for as long as I can!

Whilst on the topic of foundation, I also got for Christmas the Real Techniques Stippling Brush and Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. The brush is one I have wanted for ages as I just never liked flat foundation brushes or sponges that much and I was always hearing such good things. I really enjoy using this, it makes applying and blending foundation sooo much easier, I can't imagine not using it! As for the Double Wear, it was a bit of a "hype" buy; everyone raves about it so much, I wanted to know what the fuss was about and so was super chuffed when Santa delivered it. However, my wise and wonderful pal Billing was definitely right when she said ages ago that I would probably like the Double Wear Light foundation as the original is rather heavy/thick coverage. She was totally right, as I do love that fresh feel and look to my foundation, I just find Double Wear a little too much for me. It does have amazing concealing and evening qualities but I just feel a little too uncomfortable with it on my face.  

Have any of you tried any of these products? What's your favourite foundation? Would you recommend Double Wear Light or any other make up brushes?

Becca.

Brows That!

In the last year, I have really learned to appreciate the difference your eyebrows make to your face and following this, have experimented with the best way to keep them looking pretty. My mum kindly bought me this kit for Christmas and I am actually very impressed! To say it is just a drugstore brand, Seventeen has really hit the nail on the head with this little package.

A really handy large mirror, a mini eyebrow pencil, a dark powder, a wax and a highlighting powder. It also included a handy little instruction slip but naturally, I've lost that. You start by filling in your brows with the pencil, creating the shape you want your brows to be. You then even out the colour with the powder and top it all off with a layer of the dark wax. The highlight goes just underneath on the brow bone to add that extra definition. I'll be honest and say the pencil isn't all that great and it doesn't sharpen well however, I don't always feel the need to use it. The powder and wax create a really beautiful effect. They add definition and shape and obviously a bit of colour without making them look like you have coloured them in with a sharpie. If you are looking to experiment with your brows, I would seriously recommend picking this little set up from your local Boots.

Have you got any stand out brow products? Please let me know your favourites as I am always looking for something new to try!

Becca.

Baby Lips and Baby Skin

Maybelline's Baby Lips has been a bit of a cult product for a while, but I didn't actually give it a whirl until recently when I also purchased the new primer from the same range, baby skin. The first thing I have to say is that I am really impressed! I wasn't really expecting much but both products are actually pretty damn good. There are a few options when it comes to Baby Lips, with colours tints, SPF and intense moisture, I went for the latter. It is a really good lip balm! It applies smoothly and feels lovely on and after a couple of days using it, I can really notice a difference! Hello lovely smooth lips! A rare thing in this cold weather.
On to Baby skin: A silicone based primer claiming to minimise pores and generally improve the appearance and feel of skin so you can use it alone or under your foundation. Although it doesn't really seem to improve the look of skin quite as much as you might like, I found that it did provide a great base for the rest of my make up. It allowed foundation to glide on smoothly and stay put all day. I know there can be mixed reviews regarding silicone based primers as some find they just form a layer between the skin and the foundation that can actually make applying make up worse but I have yet to have a really bad experience.
If you are looking for an every day product to keep your skin and lips feeling lovely, I would definitely recommend these two!

Have you tried either of these?

Becca.

Skin

One of the things I have realised since following so many beautiful and talented bloggers is that I am seriously lacking in certain beauty regimes; particularly skin. This was a bit shocking to me as I am a huge creature of habit and cannot function without my little routines and I also love it when my skin feels lovely, it makes me feel ten times better.
With this in mind, I thought I would invest in a few things to try and keep my face in tip top condition.
Firstly, I got the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit face wash. I just wanted something simple and refreshing for my face in the morning and at night and this seemed like a good choice. Nothing too complicated or chemically and it smells divine. It leaves my skin feeling really clean and fresh so I don't think I could ask for much more.
Secondly, I went for Loreal's Skin Perfection Toner: This is a new range and I recently posted about the Magic Touch Instant Blur from the same range. As I said, I don't suffer too badly with my skin so I just wanted something that would maybe minimise my pores a bit and keep me looking fresh. This definitely feels like it is working when applied and soaks into the skin within a few minutes, leaving the velvety touch it claims to. The only thing I will say about this is that it is a bit thicker than usual toners and so doesn't soak into cotton wool as easily, therefore, take care when using it as it will go everywhere..
Finally, as a bit of a treat (Tesco are running the double up voucher thing on pretty much all beauty products right now, amazinggg) I opted for another product from the Skin Perfection range; the Advanced Correcting Serum. This claims to refine skin texture, tighten pores and even and brighten skin tone; basically everything I want from a product. Although you cannot expect miracles, I did have high hopes for this and I have noticed a difference after just under a weeks use. My skin actually does feel way nicer, my pores way less noticable and I just feel a bit better. I think this may become a bit of a favourite for me from now on.

Have you guys got any particular routines? Are there any skin products you can't live without?

Becca.