Last month I brought you my year-end favourites so there was no monthly beauty report (besides I wasn't exactly buying myself much last month!) So today you have December and January's beauty update rolled into one.
Favourites
MAC Strobe Cream in Goldlite | £24.50 | I've long wanted to try the MAC strobe cream but iridescent pink highlighters are pretty much the opposite of what suits me! So when they released a gold shade it went straight on my Christmas list and I'm so glad I've got my hands on it. You can use it as a moisturiser but I prefer it as a hydrating primer. As you can see from the swatch below, it has a very subtle yellow gold sheen that gives my skin a natural, dewy glow.
Kat Von D Lock It Creme Concealer (M27) | £20 | review | This wasn't love at first swipe but it's really grown on me! (I feel like this is always the case for me with base products.) It's a very full coverage concealer but isn't at all drying or caky. I use this as a highlighting shade under the eyes and it's amazing at hiding my dark circles.
Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion in 30M Sienna | £28 | review | Recently, I've actually found myself reaching for this more than my beloved Urban Decay Beached Bronzer! I think the slightly cooler tone is perfect for this time of year and the formula of this is unbelievably smooth, easy to blend and natural on the skin.
Zoeva Caramel Melange Eyeshadow Palette | £18 | review | This palette had my name written all over it and is so perfect for this time of year. If you love warm tones then these are perfect and the quality is just amazing (especially for the price) because there isn't a single dud in here. The shimmers have this gorgeous dewy metallic finish and the mattes are both pigmented and easy to blend. I use all of these shades and I love creating a copper-toned eye look with them.
Huda Beauty Liquid Matte & Lip Contour in Trendsetter | £16-18 | When I got these for Christmas, it was fiiiinally my chance to try out this brand after hearing so many amazing things. Trendsetter is a gorgeous terracotta nude tone, though I'd say the lip pencil has a slightly pinker undertone to it. The liner is so smooth and creamy but still very long-wearing; it's rare to get both in a product. The liquid lipstick gives a true matte, lasting finish but doesn't feel drying or uncomfortable.
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Boy Band | $5 | review | This is one of the discontinued shades ColourPop recently brought back and I'd heard so much about it. It has a cream formula with a bouncy, mousse-like texture. The colour is an almost berry-toned red shimmer and I like to use it to smoke out the bottom lash line using the Zoeva Cream Shader brush.
Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil* | £22 | When it comes to rosehip oil, I didn't think anything would top the one I'd been using from Trilogy, however I think this might have proven me wrong! It's just so nice and lightweight, despite being an oil it absorbs nicely without any overly greasy excess. It leaves my skin looking clear, radiant and gives so much hydration.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil | £28 | This has been a favourite for a while but I got my hands on the full-sized product for Christmas. It has a spray pump which prevents me wasting any product. I'm using this pretty much every day at the moment, as the cold weather has left my skin so dry. It's intensely nourishing but isn't slippery or greasy. You can also use this on the ends of your hair to hydrate any dryness.
ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Boy Band | $5 | review | This is one of the discontinued shades ColourPop recently brought back and I'd heard so much about it. It has a cream formula with a bouncy, mousse-like texture. The colour is an almost berry-toned red shimmer and I like to use it to smoke out the bottom lash line using the Zoeva Cream Shader brush.
ColourPop Creme Gel Liner Pencil in Over Board | $5 | review | I actually just picked up a backup of this because I like the creamy, yet long-wearing formula almost as much as the ones I have from Urban Decay (which are a little more pigmented but also 3x the price...) Over Board is a deep, warm bronze-brown shimmer with reddish undertones.
Heimish All Clean Balm* | £14 (for a full-sized tub) | This is such an effective makeup-remover that practically melts into the skin. Despite being oil-based it isn't at all greasy or heavy. It doesn't sting my eyes and I actually think it's great value for money so I'll be purchasing the full-sized product as soon as I've used up some more of the other makeup removers I currently have on the go!
Foreo Luna Mini 2* | £119 | When this arrived unexpectedly, I assumed it was the disposable version, however on closer inspection this turned out the be the rechargeable Mini! I am so grateful to have received this, not least because I think I have to declare it as my favourite cleansing tool out of all the ones I've tried so far. A full review is on its way but the tiny silicone bristles mimic a traditional cleansing brush but are more hygienic and incredibly gentle. My skin has been looking healthier and clearer, feeling softer and just much more thoroughly cleansed. This is well worth the hype, though if you don't want to invest right away, I'd recommend picking up the disposable version for a purse-friendly £29 to see if you like it.
Kiehl's Blemish Control Facial Lotion* | £38 | review | This is a slightly pricier option but it's so worth it because it combines amazing anti-blemish ingredients with a moisturising formula that gives my skin a grease-free, satin finish.Foreo Luna Mini 2* | £119 | When this arrived unexpectedly, I assumed it was the disposable version, however on closer inspection this turned out the be the rechargeable Mini! I am so grateful to have received this, not least because I think I have to declare it as my favourite cleansing tool out of all the ones I've tried so far. A full review is on its way but the tiny silicone bristles mimic a traditional cleansing brush but are more hygienic and incredibly gentle. My skin has been looking healthier and clearer, feeling softer and just much more thoroughly cleansed. This is well worth the hype, though if you don't want to invest right away, I'd recommend picking up the disposable version for a purse-friendly £29 to see if you like it.
Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil* | £22 | When it comes to rosehip oil, I didn't think anything would top the one I'd been using from Trilogy, however I think this might have proven me wrong! It's just so nice and lightweight, despite being an oil it absorbs nicely without any overly greasy excess. It leaves my skin looking clear, radiant and gives so much hydration.
Disappointing Products
I have none! Quite a feat given that this is two months wrapped into one post.
Products on Trial
I have none! Quite a feat given that this is two months wrapped into one post.
Products on Trial
Benecos Apricot & Elderflower Shower Gel* | £4.95 | I was actually slightly disappointed in this shower gel! It actually foams up really nicely compared to other natural ingredient shower gels I've tried, however I just didn't think the scent was strong enough; I wanted my bathroom to be filled with a fruity floral scent but it didn't really linger on my skin afterwards.
Weleda Mini Body Wash Selection Gift Set* | £14 | This is a little set of mini shower gels. They don't have the most foaming formula but make up for it by being so creamy and nourishing. In this set you get the scents: Almond (specifically for sensitive skin), Wild Rose, Sea Buckthorn, Lavender and Pomegranate. Lavender (because I find this scent so relaxing) and Almond (which is nice and subtle) have to be my favourite fragrances.
Weleda Arnica Sports Shower Gel* | £7.95 | The scent of this shower gel is really difficult to describe - a sort of warm, floral scent that I find so relaxing. It's billed as being amazing for using in the shower after workouts because of the calming lavender it contains. It contains natural essential oils so doesn't foam as much as some shower gels, however I do like that it leaves my skin feeling soft instead of stripped.
Andrew Collinge Firm Hold Hairspray - Small* | £5.50 | I hadn't come across this salon haircare range before but this was the first product I tried from it and I was pleasantly surprised. I like that you can get this mini size to put in your handbag and the price-point makes it really good value. I find that this holds a style in place without any horrible sticky or crispy feeling. It's one I can use right after washing and styling my hair without waking up the next day feeling as though I need to wash it again. It just brushes right out!
Andrew Collinge Hair Moisturiser* | £8 | This is a wet spray that I have been using on my damp hair before blow-drying. I really like that this isn't sticky and doesn't leave an unpleasant excess in my hair once it's dried. I find my ends are a little more nourished than usual on the days I've used this. I also find that I experience much less breakage when I use this before heat styling.
Andrew Collinge Definer* | £10 | This is a gel-serum product which personally isn't the sort of thing I tend to use. I did find it handy for holding stray hairs in place at the front of my hair though. I actually passed this on to my mum who has shorter hair and tends to use more styling products than me and she loves it. So if you're someone who does like mousses and sculpting products, this might be one to check out.
Andrew Collinge Denman Paddle Brush* | £8.49 | You just can't go wrong with a Denman brush, can you? This is a large paddle brush and I love that the bristles are completely smooth so there are no ridges to snag or break your hair. It glides through my hair, detangling it with minimal effort. You can use this both on dry and wet hair too.
Cohorted Beauty Box* | £35 per month | This was my first ever box from Cohorted, after having heard great things about it, and I wasn't disappointed with the contents. This is definitely a bit more of a commitment than some of the £15 a month options but from what I've seen, Cohorted do deliver high-quality products from recognisable brands month after month. There was a bar of soap from the English Soap Company, which has the most warm, festive scent and a nourishing formula with shea butter. I was really pleased to get a cream blusher from Clarins in the shade 03 Grenadine too (worth £18.50 in itself). The formula is nothing too greasy and looks so natural on the skin; I just know it'll be one of my spring go-tos! I also got two of these Lucy Annabella candles, which have a festive winter orange scent; kind of like cloves and mulled cider. Finally, there's the Plum and Ashby Lavender Barth Essence. Can we please just take a moment for how gorgeous this is? I almost don't want to use it up because it makes such a gorgeous decoration on my bathroom shelf! It has the most relaxing lavender scent that's perfect for a chilled out bath when it's freezing outside. Overall I'm really impressed with the contents of the box and think this is one you'll get your money's worth out of.
What do you think of December & January's beauty discoveries? Which products have you tried this month?
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Disclosure - products marked * were sent to me for consideration however all opinions remain my own.
Don't forget to follow me on:
Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram
Disclosure - products marked * were sent to me for consideration however all opinions remain my own.
I really want to try the MUFE Bronzer! I have been trying the Tarte Tape Shape Concealer, Rimmel Sculpting Kit and the LA Girl Strobe Powder and I am really impressed with all three so far.
ReplyDeleteEmmysBeautyCave | Blog Header Designs | Instagram
The LA Girl highlighters are something I need to try out! Shape Tape is also on my wish list xx
DeleteThe MAC strobe cream is definitely something I would love to try out.
ReplyDeleteCandice | Beauty Candy Loves
I really want to try the Kat Von D Lock It Creme Concealer, I'm just the same, especially with concealers, I always feel like I need to learn how to use them properly to start enjoying them! I agree about the Trendsetter Lip Contour's light pink undertone, that's why I sometimes struggle to wear it!
ReplyDeletehttp://fannyanddailybeauty.com
Love this edit...! I am super impressed with the Heimish All Clean Balm too. It leaves the skin so clean and soft. The Cohorted box has always tempted me...and these goodies look incredible xxx
ReplyDeleteSal | UmmBaby Beauty
Yeah I'd been wanting to try it for a while too! I really need to get the full-sized Heimish balm...xx
DeleteI really want to try the Foreo Luna now after that statement!! The Cohorted box looks great but I don't think I would subscribe at that price xx
ReplyDeleteBeautylymin
So many amazing bits and pieces here! I love the look of all of them! I need to try the Heimish All Clean Balm, sounds so good! Brilliant price also, sold!
ReplyDeleteFix Me In Forty Five - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Blog Lovin' // Instagram
xx
I love strobe cream, everytime I order from MAC I get a little sample of it! :) The gold shift is really beautiful. The new Zoeva palettes also look amazing!
ReplyDeleteBeauty From Katie
I've always wanted to try the Strobe Cream too. Definitely going to try and pick up the Goldlite! It looks really nice!
ReplyDeleteNicole | The Glam Surge
It's definitely worth picking up :) xx
DeleteSo many of my favourites here. I love the Kat von D concealer and the makeup forever highlighter. I've also been really liking the pai oil. The sound the Andrew Collinge hair moisturiser - it sounds like something my hair needs! xx
ReplyDeleteLPage Beauty
I love the Nuxe Dry Oil, it's one of my most favourite products! I mainly use it on my face but it's a great body oil too, I keep meaning to try it on my hair as well as I have really dry ends. I want to try the Foreo Luna, I might give the disposable one a go. xx
ReplyDeleteLaura | Blush and Bronze
Can I ask you how you use that Kiehl's anti blemish lotion? Do you put it on in the evening, after cleansing and toner and before serums and other moisturiser? Or do you use it as a moisturiser during the day/night? It sounds right up my alley ^^
ReplyDeleteI just use it as a moisturiser during the day xx
DeleteI've always wanted to try a strobe cream and everyone speaks about the MAC one and I'm really tempted to get it. I love the sheen that it gives to the skin. The Kiehls blemish control lotion sounds like something I need to invest in..even if it is a tad pricey!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte / Charlotte's Picks
I'm really glad you've had no disappointing products! There is nothing worse than spending your money on something that's not worth it. I love the look of the MAC highlighter. Also, i really would love to try the Kat Von D concealer!
ReplyDeleteCyber Mermaids | Alternative beauty, fashion and lifestyle blog
Ah I actually went to Kiehls recently and got properly "assessed" and they recommend that blemish lotion, I didn't buy it as I was already picking up a moisturiser but now I'm very tempted. Glad to hear it's good as I hadn't heard much online. Will check it out again! Great favs!
ReplyDeleteThe Makeup Directory
Ah it's so good! Definitely try it once you've used up the one you got :) xx
DeleteIf I ever see a concealer on somebodies favourites post I am already sold on it completely, plus if the Kat Von D is good at hiding dark circles it has my name all over it!
ReplyDeleteDanielle xx
http://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/
The MAC Strobe Cream has been on my wishlist for the longest time! The swatch of it was absolutely beautiful as well. I'm trying to minimise my spendings this year, however I'l definitely have to budget in a few of the things on this list!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
xx
Imogen | www.faux-silk.com
Thank you for your comments! xx
ReplyDeleteI love Pai Rosehip oil! It's really changed my temperamental skin! Really keen to try the MUFE bronzer too!
ReplyDeleteBeekeyper - latest - Tarte Maneater Eye Palette Review and Swatches
Great post! Thanks for sharing.
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