June: Beauty Empties

I don't think I have ever done an empties post in all the years I have been blogging, and so I feel it's about time! I have been using some amazing products recently, both skincare and makeup. I have 6 products that I have been reaching for so much over the past month, they've really stood out. So without further ado, here's what I've used up this month!

Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich
I have been addicted to this moisturiser, it's amazing. I suffer with patches of extremely dry skin along with an awful texture, this product has seen me through the worst and tackles it every time. I really love the smell too, it's very spa like and not too overwhelming!  I have fallen in love with Avène and hope to try more from the brand along with a repurchase.

Mitchum Advanced Women 48HR Protection Powder Fresh Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant
I have used this deodorant for months now and have to say it far out-performs any alternative I have tried. The product is everything you could want from an anti-perspirant and smells so fresh, It's definitely worth the extra money as it last forever and is very durable on hot days!

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti Chip Top Coat
After opting for some acrylic nails a few months back I have found my nails to be more prone to chipping and peeling in the after math. I decided to pick up the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri and it is probably the best nail product in the world. It dries nail polish within a minute and works brilliantly as a top coat, it's definitely a manicure essential.

L'Oreal Paris False Lash Sculpt Mascara
I am obsessed with this mascara, it's amazing. I love the sculpt range, but the mascara is definitely my favourite! My lashes look so long, black and curled when using it, I haven't experienced these effects to the same extent with any other mascara, it's fab.

Body Shop Shade Adjusting Drops
I have reviewed this product before, but it just keeps impressing. I always keep this product on hand and this month ran out - it's essential for those of us who struggle to find a shade that matches. I will definitely be repurchasing asap as it plays a vital part in my daily makeup routine. I may also purchase the darker drops too for days where I decide to fake tan - I feel both the dark and light shades would be very handy!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Definer
I purchased the brow definer after falling in love with the brow wiz. I love the longevity of this product and how amazing it makes my brows look. The shade range is amazing and it does not budge - It's also amazingly easy to apply! I haven't seen my brows look the same without this product so it definitely is unique, the consistency is perfect and allows you to gain the desired look within minutes.

Let me know what your empties are this month - I need to repurchase asap because these products have wowed me time and time again!

Collection Speedy Highlighter

COLLECTION SPEEDY HIGHLIGHTER | PEARL SHEEN | £3.99 

Finding a highlighter for my skin is a hit and miss, they're often too dark and more like a bronzer on my pale complexion. I had seen the Collection Speedy Highlighter and thought that the product looked different to my usual powdered compact highlighters, I felt it was time to try something different and so I went ahead and purchased it.

PACKAGING
I really like the packaging of this product, it's so easy to use and absolutely mess free. I like that you can pop the lid off and swipe it over the areas you want to bring out and brighten. I usually use a powdered highlighter which requires a brush, however, this doesn't and so I really do like the design and usability of the product. There is a twisting section at the bottom of the highlighter to push more product up, similar to a lipstick. The product is made well and is very study, the lid is also very secure so don't worry about it falling off and smudging all over your makeup bag!

THOUGHTS
I love the glow this product gives, it's very subtle and gives you a healthy, dewy glow. I like the consistency and the ease of blending it out, it's very thin and not cakey at all. I was initially worried that the product wouldn't sit well once I had powdered my face, however, it was fine and everything looked seamless. I think it's easier to get precision when applying to your nose when using this highlighter, as opposed to using a brush with powder. The shade is perfect and doesn't have any glitter in, it's a very natural, dewy finish. It lasts really well, I have worn it 9-5 and I didn't feel like a reapplication was necessary, this is amazing because it's so inexpensive.

I definitely think this highlighter has given me the perfect summer glow, It's perfect for day time and easily buildable for nighttime or special occasions! Let me know if you have tried it - I am glad have found it just in time for summer!

Cleansing Makeup Brushes

PRO STUDIO SOLID BRUSH CLEANSER | £7

For a long time I washed my makeup brushes with shampoo, there's nothing wrong with this as it works, but sometimes there are ingredients in shampoo that you want to avoid. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and other sulphates are known to irritate skin and these are included in a lot of shampoo products. I have been told in the past that sulphates can irritate acne and make it worse, and so I stopped using shampoo to cleanse my brushes straight away. I also felt that my brushes quickly became dry and rough when using shampoo so I needed something much more conditioning. Of course I could use conditioner, but this is way too much hassle for me and I would rather one product to do both jobs! I came across the Pro Studio Solid Brush Cleanser by Freedom Cosmetics, a brand which I had never heard of before. I decided to pick it up and try it on my brush collection!

PACKAGING

The product comes in a sturdy, plastic tub with a screw top. The branding is very minimal and features a holographic/mirror style label. I love the look of this product, it's very sleek and although it was a pain to photograph (lighting and all), it looks pretty in my white room.  The product is easily picked up and holds 100ml of solid cleanser, it also lasts up to 12 months which is fab! The product describes that the cleanser should sanitise, condition and cleanse brushes along with simple to follow instructions.

HOW TO USE

When you open up the tub, you're met with a solid soap which to me, smells really refreshing and clean. As instructed, I wet my brush and swirled it around in the jar until it began to lather. Once my brush started to lather, I then transferred it to the palm of my hand where I worked the product into the bristles. I found that using a circular motion really cleansed the brush well without needing hard pressure or rough scrubbing. The soap in your palm will start to colour itself using the pigments from your dirty brushes, once I see this has happened, I rinse the brush and repeat if the brush is not fully clean. I also give the pot a quick wash with water to remove any makeup/dirt that may have contaminated the product. 

THOUGHTS

I really like this product, it works so brilliantly well. I had never put much thought into cleaning my brushes as it was just one of those jobs that had to be done, I now really enjoy the process. It's almost theraputic because the product is so lovely to work with, I love the smell and the feel of it. I think the process of using the product is so easy and much more effective than any shampoo I have used in the past, my brushes are far more conditioned and return to their pre-makeup form. I love that my brushes look new again once I've washed them, the cleanser does a brilliant job of maintaining them and keeping them soft to use. You only need a tiny bit of product which is great, I used to have to use so much shampoo and now I only use a small swirl of the brush. 

I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who wants clean, sanitised and conditioned brushes, it works a treat and lasts for ages. I love the easy of opening the pot, swirling my brush and seeing the makeup and dirt dissolve away. 

My Favourite Eyeshadow Palettes

Left: Fleur De Force Quad - Cosmic Bronze  | Right: Soap & Glory - Lid Stuff in What's Nude

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette

Collection Eyes Uncovered Palette in Nude Bronze

Everybody loves a good eye shadow palette - they're fairly addictive and I could possibly find a new one to buy each week. Although I'm always drooling over the latest release, I have a few palettes that I find myself going back to every time. My favourite palettes range in both price and size, some high-end and some high-street. I do feel that there are lot's of high-street options that work just as well as high-end, especially when you use the right primer. 

My ultimate favourite palette has to be the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette. This palette retails at £45 and is one of my only high-end palettes. I received this product for christmas as I had been lusting over it for weeks, it has definitely lived up to it's hype. The palette genuinely smells like chocolate, this is because each shadow is infused with cocoa. I love so many of the shades, theres both matte and shimmer so it's perfect for both day and night looks. The shadows have amazing lasting power and have a very pigmented colour pay off. 

When Fleur De Force announced that she was launching a beauty line, I was very excited. Fleur was one of the first YouTubers I ever watched, I specifically remember which video too! Click here to find out which one! I ordered both of Fleurs eye shadow quads on their release date and I was so happy to find that the quality was just as I'd anticipated. You can see that Fleur has a real passion for beauty, and to me, that's why the palettes have turned out so well. The four shadows work seamlessly together and create the perfect day time smokey eye. 

The Soap & Glory Lid Stuff Palette is so dreamy, I have hit pan because I use it so often. There are 4 shades, 3 matte and 1 shimmer. I love the cream shade as well as the muted pink shade, they both look so lovely together and work well for a very natural day to day look. If I want to add more depth to my eyes I use the matte brown too which creates more of a contour, it blends perfectly with the pink and cream shades. I get a twiggy vibe from this palette when I use the cream shade all over the lid, it's so pigmented and feels very 60's.

Lastly, I always find myself pulling out the Collection Eyes Uncovered Palette on special occasions. The shades are all shimmer and create a very elegant and glam look. I like the range of nude shades, they work well all through the year and allow you to choose whether you want a dark eye or a lighter eye. Because of the shimmer, the palette is perfect for summer or going abroad, it creates such a beautiful look when you have a tan! 

Let me know what your favourite palettes are, I think it's obvious that I love a good brown smokey eye! I use the Soap & Glory Lid Stuff most often due to it's lasting power and every day shade range, it's a fab product. I really want to try some Zoeva palettes next so please suggest what I should go for! 

NYX CONCEALER + EYE SHADOW PRIMER REVIEW

Proof it! waterproof eye shadow primer £5.50  |  Concealer Jar in Orange

I love NYX, I've said it before, but they're just so affordable and their products perform so well. I was recently at Boots when I noticed a very tempting NYX display. As expected, I indulged in a few new products. Two of the products I picked up were eye concentrated products. Firstly I decided on picking up an eye shadow primer as I've never tried one before, I also picked up an orange concealer to try and combat my blue-toned under eye area.

PACKAGING
The Proof It! primer comes in a nicely designed box with information concerning application, including a picture style tutorial. I really appreciated this as it makes the product look much more eye-catching and allows you to know exactly how to use it. The applicator is sufficient enough, it isn't really used for much apart from applying the product before you blend in using your finger. The concealer comes as is, within a glass jar that's not too heavy. I love that the glass jar is transparent as the orange shade is really pretty when contrasted against the black lid.

PROOF IT! WATERPROOF EYE SHADOW PRIMER
I wear eyeshadow most days, usually opting for a two shade smokey eye and finishing with a black eyeliner flick. I must stress that you only need a little bit of this product, using too much leaves the product tacky and/or prone to creasing/dry patches. When the right amount is applied, the finish is very smooth and creates the perfect base for shadow. When applying shadow, the primer really grabs onto the product and gives a much more vibrant pay off. I definitely feel like my shadow lasts much longer, my smokey eye barely budges during the day. The product actually has a very good waterproof ability which I think hugely contributes to the increase in the lasting power of my shadows. Despite the waterproof element, my eye makeup still removes easily at night and I don't need to scrub in order to budge it.

ORANGE CONCEALER JAR
I have a very blue-toned under-eye area and so I knew I wanted an orange concealer to neutralise it. I like the texture of the product as it's a nice consistency, it glides on nicely under the eye without having to pull the delicate skin. I apply it with the Zoeva concealer brush in a triangle shape, it blends out well and has a lighter, peachier colour than you can see in the jar. Once I am happy with the coverage, I apply my regular shade of concealer and watch my dark circles disappear! I definitely look more awake when using the orange concealer - the area is generally more flawless and less puffy looking. I was initially scared that the orange tone would show through but after applying my foundation/concealer, it's completely unnoticeable.

I have definitely been impressed by these two NYX products - the quality and finish is amazing for the price. The amount of product is brilliant when you realise how much they actually cost, they perform very much like high end products. I think I may try a green concealer next to tackle some of my red patches/blemishes. Let me know if you have tried these products and if you have any recommendations for my next NYX haul!

NETFLIX: WHAT TO WATCH

We have all been there, searching Netflix for hours and trying to find something to watch. Thankfully, there are a couple of series which I keep going back to over and over again. I have picked 4 series which are my current favourites, they are all different genres and completely different acting styles. Theres a range of time periods and even worlds, so no two are the same. So without further ado, here are my must see series.

1. SCREAM 

Scream is such a breath of fresh air in terms of the horror genre. I hate watching films where the main character acts completely naive and ends up being killed because they walked down the dark stairs into the basement. I love the mix of sarcasm and scare in this series, it's a nice balance of both. I love the characters and the way they have been casted, so typical, yet so perfect. 

2. ORPHAN BLACK

Orphan Black is amazing, it's so different to anything I have ever watched. This show is brilliant, the characters are amazing and the plot is mind blowing. It starts off pretty serious but the sarcasm slowly seeps in and the plot gets very intesnse. I don't want to say too much as I'll give it away, but just think clones, big evil organisations and hilarious characters. 

3. PEAKY BLINDERS

Peaky Blinders is everything I could possibly want in a series. 1920's gangsters. In suits. Doing Bad things. IN SUITS. I am addicted to the Shelby boys, they are everything you would expect from a gang of bad boys. If I haven't convinced you already, it features both Cillian Murphy and Tom Hardy. 

4. ONCE UPON A TIME

If you're a disney fanatic like me, you'll love this series. Somehow this show has managed to incorporate every fairytale character into a long string of events and relationships, it's brilliant. I love the plot and each episode surprises me with something new, it's the perfect modern take on the fairytales we have grown up with. 

Let me know what your favourite Netflix series are, also let me know if you've watched any of the above! I also use the Amazon Firestick so will do a post soon talking about my favourite series on there! 

The Hero Project*

Hyasoft £19  | Glow Drops £21

I love skincare, I would probably go as far as saying I love it more than makeup. To me, having a good skincare routine is vital, especially if you have problematic skin like mine. When offered to trial new skincare products, I jumped at the chance! I had never heard of The Hero Project before, so as expected, I was very intrigued. I was sent both the Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost and the Glow Drops Dry Oil. 

PACKAGING

When both products arrived I was immediately obsessed with the packaging. Both products come in sturdy boxes with a very sleek and minimal design. The boxes aren't covered in unnecessary information, instead they have the important stuff such as application, ingredients and intended outcome. I like products that don't bombard you with irrelevant waffling, so this packaging was a breath of fresh air. The Glow Drops feel very luxurious as the bottle is quite a heavy glass. The pipette has a really handy button on top so getting to the product is extremely easy! I have never seen this before, but there is a dimple at the bottom of the product so that the pipette picks up every last drop once the product is finished, such a lovely idea! I really like the look of the Glow Drops and the feel of the Glass bottle, it's really nice to use and also lovely to look at! The Hyasoft Moisture Boost comes in a long tube with a sturdy screw cap, simple and effective. 

INGREDIENTS

The Glow Drops have some wonderful sounding ingredients, including 10 natural essential oils and vitamin C. I love natural products so finding out that this product is 93% naturally derived makes me a very happy girl! Because of the essential oils, this product smells absolutely dreamy, it's especially perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere before bed! The Hyasoft Moisture Boost is made from a blend of multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. This sounds very fancy but to cut it short, this helps lock in moisture on multiple levels of your skin. 

THOUGHTS

After cleansing my face, I applied a 10p sized amount of product all over my skin and immediately, the product felt like nothing I had ever used. It's a very thin, silky gel which absorbs very quickly. I like that the gel isn't sticky because it's a pain having to wash your hands if a product leaves a horrible residue. I then massages 2-3 Glow Drops all over my skin, using soft, circular motions. The glow drops felt very luxurious and absorbed really nicely into my skin, leaving a glowing, soft finish. When I woke up the next morning, my skin felt amazing, as if I'd had a facial. I have nothing but positive comments on these products because they have really given me such an excited reaction. 

After using both products for a week, I have seen an increasing, ongoing change in my skin. My skin is brighter and smoother than before, I also seem to have a natural glow which is amazing! I find that my makeup has been applying far better than usual, I normally find that foundation sits on my nose in an awful way but now makeup looks much more natural and flawless. I can't praise these products enough because they are very lovely in every aspect, packaging, application and finish. It's always nice to find a product that works and these work very well together. I will definitely be using these products daily as I can't get enough of them, I love it when a product makes me this excited!!

Let me know if you have tried any of these products! I'm obsessed and very happy to have been introduced to such a lovely brand! 

*This product was gifted to me for review, however, all opinions remain my own

INSTAGRAM HASHTAG GUIDE PART 1

Instagram has to be my favourite social media platform, it allows you to interact with like minded people and share photos that you've put your time and effort into. I love the whole process of taking a photo, editing it and then positioning it carefully into my selected grid of images, I don't know what it is! For some, Instagram may be a place to upload personal photos onto a private account. However, for a large proportion of us, Instagram is a place to network and promote our blogs whilst supporting others in the process. 

I remember when I first started using Instagram, I would hashtag every word under the sun. I was definitely one of those people who would turn an irrelevant sentence into a string of hashtags. #What #Was #I #Thinking? For the blogging community, there are a number of hashtags that allow us to find relevant content. Instagram takes whatever hashtags you have been searching as well as monitoring the ones used by photos which you've liked and posted, this way, you get a custom recommended feed based on your preferences. This is why it's important to chose wisely when hash tagging your photos, you want to be promoted in the correct places and to the correct people.

Statistics show that those who use 11+ hashtags on their photos have the highest engagement. It is clear to see that hashtags are an important aspect for the growth of your account, following and interaction. Instagram allows 30 hashtags maximum on each post, social media pros have suggested that we should use all 30 opportunities to see the best results. However, it is important that you only use hashtags relevant to your post, don't spam. 

Firstly I want to talk about brand hashtags, these are hashtags created by a brand for you to use. This allows them to find your post on Instagram, often for purposes of reposting and sharing with their followers. I get so irritated if I'm posting a photo of a product and I find myself forgetting what hashtag that brand uses, therefore, I have created a little hub here for some of the most popular brand hashtags. I will add to these as time goes on so that it stays up to date, I want to use it as a reference point to make my life a little easier!

I have created a downloadable print out (click here) which is in a pdf format. This will allow you to keep a paper copy of the hashtags with room at the bottom to add your own. You can also download this pdf straight to your phone for quick reference during posting. Below is a text version of the hashtags which may be kept as a screenshot, I keep mine in the notes app on my phone so that I can get quick access to the relevant hashtag.

Summer Skincare Essentials

I have always loved reading or watching beauty gurus talk about new products. I would go through numerous posts about "the best foundations" thinking it would make me look exactly the same as the flawless girls in the photos. Oh how wrong young Sophie was. It only hit me over the past few years that the key to such skin was all down to the skin care routine. Suffering with acne throughout my teenage years, I realised very quickly that there is no foundation/concealer quick fix. There is only so far makeup can go and unfortunately, photos do not always represent real life (not to mention the use of skin smoothing apps nowadays). 

Over the past few years I have invested so much into researching the best creams, exfoliators and treatments. I have probably been through every cleanser, moisturiser and treatment on the market, searching for my holy grail. When you find something that works it's such an amazing feeling and even better when you find products that work well together. I have recently traveled abroad and so I was limited in terms of what products could travel with me. Due to my overspending on summer clothing, I really had no choice but to only take essential skincare. I love all of these products and they work well both on their own as well as together.

LIZ EARLE - CLEANSE & POLISH 

This product is perfect for summer in so many ways. Firstly, I love the refreshing smell and feel you get when applying, the application is very relaxing and removes all traces of makeup. I find that having fresh feeling skin in hot weather is vital, especially due to the change in weather. The product is also nicely sized so it will last you a long time, for an inexpensive price.

PIXI - GLOW TONIC

For a while I let this product sit on my shelf, I just didn't see the hype. I decided to start using it again when my skin hit a bad patch, and suddenly I had a healthy glow again. I love using this product in summer because it really leaves your skin feeling bright and exfoliated. I use this daily and feel it gives my skin a soft exfoliation that helps keep skin from clogging up.

NIP + FAB - GLYCOLIC SCRUB

I absolutely love this scrub - it's by far the best I have ever used. It leaves skin feeling like you've just had a facial, removing any rough skin. I love the buffed finish you get after using this product, it's wonderful. I use this twice a week in order to give my skin a deeper exfoliation and I feel it does just that.

SOAP AND GLORY - RUB YOUR NOSE IN IT 

I like to use this product for my nose as it is by far the most problematic area in terms of dry skin and texture. I love this scrub as it removes all rough skin, leaving a glowing, smooth finish. I can see such a difference in skin texture after using this scrub, my makeup applies much better and lasts much longer. I feel that this product works best with my nose, better than a general all over face scrub.

INDEED LABS - RETINOL REFACE

I had debated buying this product for so long, and I finally gave in. This product is brilliant, perfect for those of us who suffer with acne scarring. I have seen such a decrease in acne scarring since using this product which is something that has given me so much more confidence. I had always worried about resurfacing products, thinking they would cause peeling and sensitive skin, however I didn't experience any of this whilst using this product. I would definitely advise this product for anyone who is anxious about scarring or uneven skin.

AVÈNE - RICH HYDRATING CREAM

This is my new favourite moisturiser, I am obsessed. Avène is a brand which I have only ever had positive opinions of, every product has impressed me over and over again. I love this product as it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and supple, just what I need during the summer. The product is a thin cream and absorbs quickly, something that is useful during hot summer days.

GARNIER - PROTECTION LOTION SPF50

We all know how important sun cream is, especially when it comes to your face. I apply this product before makeup as a pre-primer to make sure that I don't burn or damage my skin. I found that this product was really nice to work with in terms of applying makeup, it left my skin feeling very supple and fresh. I like that it's not too thick like most sun creams, I hate the feeling of unabsorbed products! A little went a long way with this product which is very impressive, as it's only a travel size!

BLISTEX - INTENSE MOISTURE LIP CREAM

Dry lips on holiday or at any time really is just a big no no. I like to wear lipstick most of the time and so I feel this product is absolutely vital. It's quickly absorbed and really does moisture very well. I love the fresh smell and the plump finish I get after using the product.


Most of these products are repurchased as I enjoy using them so much, I really love finding a product that works and makes me feel confident in my skin. Most products mentioned are extremely affordable too, which is always a positive! Let me know if you have tried any of these products or if you have any suggestions for new products, i'm always on the look out for new products to try!

Top Foundations For Summer

Rimmel - Wake Me Up  |  Bourjois - City Radiance Foundation 

Mac - Face and Body  |  L'Oreal - Infallible Sculpt

When you're going abroad, there are a number of makeup dilemmas in which you need to tackle. For me, my biggest concern is foundation. It is so important to find a foundation which is the right shade whilst still achieving your desired finish. Because I'm very pale, I tend to fake tan before and during my holiday, this meaans choosing the right shade to match my tanned skin. This year I took two approaches to finding the right foundation; pre-holiday purchase and airport-purchase. I had a few foundations which I felt would do the job, however, I came across a further option whilst browsing within the airport. 

When it comes to buying base makeup at an airport I tend to go for high street brands. The base that I purchase isn't likely to be an everyday shade and will probably only be used on holiday and during times I choose to tan (rarely). I don't think it would be wise to indulge in a base product when the usage wouldn't be often - I'd much rather invest in a high end lipstick or shadow. Is this justifying why I overspend on lipsticks at the airport? probably not. 

I have decided upon 4 foundations which I feel are perfect for holidays in a hotter climate. They would also be perfect staples during the *hopefully* hot summer here in the UK. 

RIMMEL WAKE ME UP 

This was my airport purchase - both affordable and offered in a range of shades. I have always read about this product and its many positive attributes, however, it's lightest shade has always been to dark for me. Finally having a (fake) tan, I decided to give it a go. I definitely feel this product lived up to its hype - I absolutely love it. When thinking about holiday skin I wanted a dewy (non-greasy) finish with a good coverage and light texture. This foundation ticks all the boxes. I didn't once feel that this foundation was too heavy or cakey, which was my main concern due to acne scarring. I would definitely recommend this product of you are looking for something very silky and blendable. I applied the product with a wet beauty blender and the finish was perfect, not to mention it lasted through the beautiful sunny days. This is definitely my favourite of the four, it was just so enjoyable to wear and gave me a boost in confidence. 

BOURJOIS CITY RADIENCE FOUNDATION

I use this product at home, it's slightly to dark for me, but it's easy to blend down my neck. I love this product and so I knew it would be perfect in terms of finish and shade. The lasting ability of this product is not as strong as the Rimmel Wake Me Up, however, I didn't expect it to be. This is a BB cream and is perfect for days where a very light, dewy touch up is required. I don't expect it to cover every imperfection, I just want it to brighten up my skin and even out the texture/colour. I would recommended this product for those who want a quick, dewy and light coverage. It smells amazing, so just be aware that you will spend a significant amount of time smelling it. 

MAC STUDIO FACE AND BODY 

I purchased this product a while back and it has been sat on my shelf for a good few weeks. I decided to test it out on holiday to see how it would look and last during the heat. I felt this foundation was similar to the Bourjois City Glow in the way that it feels extremely light on the skin. I would say that this product is the most natural and lightest foundation of the four, feeling very much like you have no makeup on. This is perfect for a no makeup, makeup look which is what I like on holiday when I'm relaxing and trying to look like a Greek Goddess. The product is said to be waterproof too which may be a bonus if that's what you're looking for. 

L'OREAL INFALLIBLE SCULPT

This is another of my favourite foundations which I use regularly at home, however, I normally have to blend it with a white foundation. The finish of this product is between matte and dewy, not more one way than the other. I love this foundation as it applies really nicely, blending into the skin without much effort. I also like to use this with the L'Oreal contour kit which is uh-mazing. This foundation has good lasting power and gives a very flawless finish to your makeup look. I also loved the colour of this foundation, very tanned and not orange like most. 

For me, all four foundations offer something which I look for in a holiday foundation. I think that most of us look for light and long-lasting products during the sunnier months and these products do just that. Let me know if you have any holiday favourites, I'm always on the look out to try new products! 

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DGJ ORGANICS HAIRCARE*

DGJ ORGANICS SPECIALIST HAIRCARE | £5-7

Haircare is something I usually take the least interest in. I generally use the same products day in day out and have never really made an effort to try something new. When I was contacted to trial some new haircare products, I thought it would be the perfect chance for me to see if there would really be a difference with my hair. DGJ Organics is a brand that is invested in creating organic haircare products, using lot's of lovely ingredients such as vitamin E. I was sent the Argan Oil range to try out, which sounded perfect for my salon treated hair. 

After washing my hair with the shampoo, I noticed quickly that the product lathers into a lovely, silky foam. Because my hair is bleached I often find shampoos feel very coarse and drying, however, the product felt very moisturising and didn't leave my hair feeling stripped. The conditioner was just as lovely and really complimented the shampoo, making my hair feel like silk! I was quite apprehensive about using an oil treatment, my hair becomes greasy very quickly, and so I was worried this would make matters worse. I applied the product and began to blow dry my hair. I firstly found that my hair dried much quicker which is brilliant because my hair is extremely thick! I also found that there was literally no frizz to my hair, which I often get every time I  dry my naturally curly hair. I feel that the combination of all products really made my hair much more manageable, both during drying and styling. I always opt for loose, beach curls and my heating tool glided perfectly through my hair the next day! 

I always felt like Argan Oil was a bit of a faff, one of those trends that don't follow through, however, I have completely changed my mind! I love this range and the way it makes my hair routine so much easier. The products are extremely well priced, ranging from £5-£7. They are also moderately sized and so you get a very reasonable amount of product. I love that they are organic and that I can see a huge difference in my hair, I will definitely be repurchasing. 

*This product was gifted to me for review, however, all opinions remain my own

NYX LIP LINGERIE SWATCHES

NYX Lip Lingerie Lipstick | £6.50

Liquid matte lipsticks have quickly become a serious obsession of mine, I can't stop myself purchasing them. I have had my eye on the NYX Lip Lingerie Lipsticks for a few weeks now and had signed myself up to the waiting list over at Boots.com. As soon as the email informing me they had arrived hit my inbox, I swiftly made my purchase. I had already watched a few swatch videos on YouTube and read some reviews online so I kind of knew what to expect. 

When my order arrived I couldn't open it fast enough, I love NYX, their products are really nice quality and very affordable. I decided to go for a light nude as well as a mid range. Both Corset and Honeymoon caught my eye as they were more of a brown shade than a purple/pink. The product itself is packaged really nicely and actually feels quite expensive. The product design is really pretty and the tubes are quite large, meaning you get a lot of product!

Before using a matte lipstick I make a conscious effort to moisturise my lips to avoid that awful flakey, dry look. The lip wand is a really nice size and very easy to manoeuvre The product applies really nicely, its super silky and isn't too thick. Once you've applied the product it begins drying and transforms from a wet liquid to a dry matte finish. I am so happy with the two shades I picked, they are very wearable on a day to day basis so you get a lot of use out of them. The first day I wore the product was on a long university day. This day involves catching a train outside, walking to my destination and also eating/drinking. I am quite understandable in terms of product wear, I understand that products can't stay on forever and sometimes they need to be reapplied. However, I couldn't believe how long these lipsticks stayed put. I applied at 7:30am and didn't need to reapply until 2pm! Bearing in mind I had given a speech as well as consumed both hot and cold drinks! My lips stayed moisturised throughout the day until around 2pm when I decided to reapply, and when I say dry, I mean hardly. 

I am so impressed with these two beauties and hope to purchase more from the range  - they seem like the perfect staple lipstick. The duration they last is so amazing, especially when you consider that these are highstreet products. They have outdone my expectations. , beautiful shade, long-lasting and inexpensive. Let me know if you have tried or are planning on trying these out, I would love to know what shades you're loving!