January Favourites


It's time to share my monthly favourites again :) All products featured in this post (except one) are brand new or relatively new discoveries and I absolutely looooove them! I tried to keep a nice balance between makeup, haircare, bodycare and skincare this time and I will do my best to avoid writing a long essay :)

BECCA RADIANCE PRIMER (RRP £32.00)

I got this high end primer from Fragrance Direct for only £5.99 and I am really impressed with it. It has a light, hydrating formula and adds the most beautiful glow to my skin. I use it allover my face before applying foundation and mix in a little bit with my base products as well. It is now sold out on FD, but you can buy it from other places really cheap - I think it is being discontinued.

BENEFIT POREFESSIONAL* £24.50

I had some samples of the Porefessional in the past and I really liked it, but having the full size made me appreciate it's magic powers again :) haha. It smoothes my skin instantly, especially when I pair it wit the Porefessional Powder. I use it on my T-zone, around my nose and on my chin to reduce the appearance of pores and fine lines. It is a cult product and I think it is worth every penny.

ANASTASIA BROW WIZ- BRUNETTE £15.50

Very expensive for a tiny eyebrow pencil, but I am pretty sure I will be repurchasing it before it even runs out. It is foolproof! The super fine nib makes it ideal for filling in any gaps in my brows and shade Brunette is a great match for my hair and skintone. It is definitely worth the hype, but I wish it was a bit cheaper. Oh, I have to mention the AMAZING spoolie - it is really dense and will brush through the most bushy brows easily! Perfect!


I still can't believe how much this little pot of lip balm retails at, but... I got it for only £23.00 so I am not feeling guilty. It actually contains real 24carat rose gold! I adore the rose scent and the subtle sparkle it leaves on my lips. It is also very hydrating and... absolutely stunning! It was limited edition though, which is probably a good thing. You can buy the original Baume De Rose (£38.00) without rose gold sparkles, but I don't think it is special/unique enough to be soo overpriced.

ANYTHING VANILLA!

Last years vanilla obsession continues... It started with candles (I blame my husband) and quickly overtook my full life :) haha. I am now obsessed with Vanilla perfumes, Vanilla body lotions, bath products and even antibacterial hand gels... I turned into a walking cupcake...and even strangers stop me in the supermarket to ask about my EDP. I mentioned the Serge Lutens Un Bois Vanille EDP* and Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille Body products in my December favourites, but I am still obsessed with them and they had to be included. Since then, I also ordered the Laura Mercier Ambre Vanille EDT (£41.50) and I wear it with Un Bois Vanille or switch between the two scents. To feed my vanilla addiction during the day, without breaking the bank, I have been using the Bath & Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Anti-bacterial hand gels, recommended by Vicki from Let's Talk Beauty. I am on my second bottle right now :) They are really cheap on ebay and perfect for keeping in your handbag.

ORGANIC SURGE OVERNIGHT SENSATION NIGHT CREAM* £8.99

Made with 98.99% natural ingredients, this night cream restores, revitalises and rehydrates the skin, without leaving a greasy residue. It works wonders on dry areas of my face and... it doesn't cost a fortune. It contains organic rose geranium essential oil, aloe vera, green tea and Vitamin E and leaves my skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.

THIS WORKS SLEEP BALM (£12.00)

I got this balm in the Space NK sale and I have been using it every day since it landed on my doorstep. I keep it on my bedside table and massage a small amount onto the back my wrists, my temples and under my nose, before I drift off to sleep. The relaxing scent of Lavender, Cocoi and Coconut Oils is very soothing and it really helps with anxiety and sleep deprivation. I also use the pillow spray from this range - it's amazing!


NIOXIN SCALP & HAIR SYSTEM 2 KIT* (£19.99) via hairtrade.com

I have been curious about Nioxin products for a while and I decided to give one of their starter kits a go. The brand focuses on those who struggle with hair loss, but after the big blogger campaign, everyone was raving about their products, especially those with fine hair. The kit contains three products:

Nioxin Scalp & Hair System 2 Cleanser (150ml) - it is a daily shampoo, designed to add volume and gently cleanse the hair. It contains vitamins, proteins and amino acids to help promote a healthy scalp.

Nioxin Scalp & Hair System 2 Scalp Revitaliser (150ml) - this products is a conditioner, containing soothing essential oils, anti-oxidants and enzymatic complexes. It leaves my hair feeling soft, voluminous, bouncy and hydrated and helps too sooth my scalp as well.

Nioxin Scalp & Hair System 2 Scalp Treatment (40ml) -  I have never heard about suncreen for the scalp, but this products contains SPF 15 to protect the scalp from harmful UVA and UVB rays and nourish it with essential botanicals, nutrients, antioxidants and proteins. I will definitely get the full size for my summer holidays.

I started using the kit at the beginning of December and after two months of regular use (twice a week), I noticed that my scalp is looking much healthier and doesn't feel irritated and sore. Most volumising products aren't good for my scalp and end up leaving it flaky and itchy, but this trio is a real godsend for my fine hair and my sensitive scalp. The shampoo and conditioner add volume and help to make my hair stronger and healthier. I am not sure if my hair became thicker, but it definitely feels healthier and I actually noticed some fuzzy baby hair growing on my hair line :) Not an amazing look, but it means that my scalp is actually reacting  to the treatment. Overall, I am really impressed and I will definitely repurchase all the products full size.

TONI & GUY JUMBO TONG* £20.00

I must admit, after trying Babyliss Pro Perfect Curl, I wasn't even looking for another hair tool, but the jumbo tong caught my eye and I decided to try it. It features a 38mm ceramic barrel for big glamorous waves and added volume and heats up to 180°C (very quickly). It is easy to use and  perfect for those who don't like tight curls or want a little change. It creates an effect similar to big heated rollers, but you have more control. Retailing at only £20.00 it is worth a try and surprisingly, I have been reaching for it a lot.


Have you tried any of the products mentioned in this post? Do you have any recommendations for a cheap Vanilla Perfume? My current two are far too expensive and I need more affordable alternatives :)

*products marked with an asterisk are PR samples


  
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