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I haven't shared a favourites post in a long, long time, but I think it's time to talk beauty again. Skincare and self care in general are much needed, when my mental health isn't great and a new blog post was well overdue. So here are some of my latest beauty must haves.
I am going to start with the most revolutionary product from the bunch - Lola's Lashes magnetic lashes! let me tell you... these are a game changer. I raved about these on my Instagram far too many times and I am still obsessed almost a year later. So, so good. You apply the magnetic liner to your lash line and then just pop these on and that's it! MAGIC! I have an IGTV with a video tutorial HERE if you want to have a look. My favourite from the whole range is the Sapphire Starter Kit* (£35.00) which I recommend to anyone wanting to try magnetic lashes, but the the newest Throwback Collection is so fun (see the packaging on the photo above).
Next, we have the Lush Twilight Sleepy Body Spray*(£20.00). It smells like the Twilight bath bomb and oh my god, it is divine! Whenever I use it, I feel like I've been teleported to a Lush store and it's just amazing! With notes of lavender, tonka and Ylang Ylang, it is very relaxing and you can spritz on your body, clothes, pillows and bedding for a sense of ultimate calm. I use it on my body and hair as a fragrance and it is such a great product. The scent really helps with my anxiety as well. I struggle with sleep a lot, so I'm always looking for new calming scents.
Does anyone remember the La Roche-Posay Serozinc hype? We were ordering it from France back in the day? LOL! The desperation of a beauty blogger was REAL! Kids these days don't know what it was like 10 years ago, but I am glad those days are over and we can get almost everything in the UK. Anyway...I am still a huge fan of it, especially in the Summer when my skin tends to get more oily. It is specifically formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin and you use it after cleansing, like you would use a toner. It is soothing and purifying and has anti-shine and pore tightening benefits and feels very refreshing on a hot day as well.
The CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum*(£17.00) is one of my favourite discoveries this year, I used it up so quickly, my skin just can't get enough of this stuff! It is a lightweight serum offering 24 hour hydration and moisture, formulated with 3 Essential Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 to help protect the natural skin barrier and retain moisture on the skin. It does exactly that and I would recommend it for all skin types and skin concerns. You just can't go wrong with this kind of product. I love the gel cream formula, as it sinks into the skin quickly but adds a barrier to retain moisture at the same time. I used it day and night and it works well under makeup as well. Huge thumbs up from me and I will definitely repurchase. I often have zero energy and want to just slap a product on knowing my skin will be ok and this is perfect.
For a safe tan, I treated myself to another bottle of St Tropez Purity Vitamins Face Serum (£22.00), as I used up my previous one and the Purity mist too. I just love the Purity range so much. It adds a lovely natural looking golden glow to my skin, doesn't stain or transfer and smells gorgeous!
The St. Tropez Purity Vitamins Face Serum is enhanced with Hyaluronic Acid, nourishing Vitamin C and Green Mandarin Water to make your skin glow from within. It is very light and hydrating and I hope they make it forever, because it's such a game changer for girlies like me, who struggle with routine and want something quick and effective. If you haven't tried the Purity range, you definitely should. I was gifted a few bits years ago at the launch of the products and I've been a fan ever since.
And speaking of self tan and being safe in the sun. I was kindly sent some products to try by That's So and let me tell you, the Nature Tan Intense Bronze*(£27.00) blew my mind! It is an instant tan in a spray can and honestly... it is incredible! It is so light and seamless, you can't tell that you just spray tanned your skin! I didn't expect it to be this good, especially after trying similar products like this. You spray it, rub it in and you're ready to go. The instant guide colour is beautiful - a glowy golden brown, just like a real tan and then it develops a bit more in the next few hours. It is a bit pricey, but you know those days, when you want to wear a dress and realise that your legs are pale and need an instant tan - well, I found your hero! It leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft as well and it smells lovely. No fake tan smell at all, just a very pleasant smell. It doesn't transfer onto clothes either, which is always a big concern and you simply apply it and you're ready to go. I have the Intense Bronze shade because I have slightly tan skin naturally, but you can get it in a light shade as well, suitable for paler skin tones.
Here's a before and after, right after applying the product to my legs. I have naturally soft and smooth skin, but this product makes my legs look even better! I just love it! Left leg is before and right leg is right after I applied one subtle layer of the spray. See how even and natural looking the finish is? 10/10!
And to add a glowy shimmer to my skin, I use the Glowy Gold*(£35.00) oil. I am a huge fan of shimmering oils and you will find many different ones mentioned on my blog. I just love the feel and look of it in the summer or for an event. It makes your skin look healthy and radiant and reflects light beautifully, while keeping it soft and moisturised at the same time. The formula is packed full of hemp and rice oil to nourish your skin with all the omegas and it smells lovely too (very similar to my favourite Nuxe oil). My Summer essential! And the packaging is very luxe too, so it would make an amazing gift.
Next, we have the La Roche-Posay Rosaliac Anti-Redness Light Cream SPF 15 (£17.50). I actually got it massively reduced in my local Boots and I am so glad I did. It is only an SPF 15, but I find it so soothing and calming for my skin, as I tend to get some redness on my cheeks and it really helps with that. The SPF 15 broad spectrum protection is an added bonus.
Lastly, looking holistically at beauty, let's not forget about beauty sleep and the comfort of our bed, pillow, duvet etc. It is so important to have a comfortable mattress and fresh, high quality bedding. I am a huge fan of Simba, and their mattress has been an absolute game changer for me and my husband. We have the original design and it gives so much support and comfort. I also just received their Hybrid Duvet and Stratos Pillow this week and I am soooo exicited to use both. I take my sleep and comfort very seriously, so I can't wait to share a proper review with you, once I had a chance to test these. But going by how much I adore my Simba mattress, I have no doubt these will be amazing. OK, now I am off to set up a princess bed! :) Cannot wait for my beauty sleep tonight!
What products have you been loving lately?
Sandra
*products marked with an asterisk were gifted for consideration