The Back Ups

There are a few products that I adore so much I wouldn't even have to think about if I would repurchase them. In fact I love them that much I end up hoarding doubles, just incase that lipgloss or concealer comes to an end and I'm left running to find a replacement. 

Currently only two haircare products are worthy of the back up plan, Oribe Dry Texturising Spray, of which I have a large bottle for my dressing table and a smaller handbag sized. Whenever I opt out of using this in my hair the difference in volume is phenomenal. It provides lift in my hair like no other as well as adding texture. Not only is Ojon Rare Blend Oil the most beautiful hair oil around it's also nourishing, tames frizz and leaves hair smelling amazing. 

Three mascaras I couldn't see myself living without...

1. Dior DiorShow Lash Serum & Primer - I apply before mascara to lengthen, thicken and give the appearance of longer lashes

2. MaxFactor False Lash Effect Mascara - is an absolute drugstore gem, that manages to take my lashes from short stumpy lashes to long and fluttery. 

3. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black - I normally add as a boost after any mascara as it adds the most incredible volume and seems to work well with any formula

For my chapped lips Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips does the trick for bringing cracked lips back to plumpy, it's a bit of a sticky ointment so reserves a place on the bedside table for overnight use. Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky is one I had to search Space NK stores desperate to get my hands on some back ups. It's the most beautiful peachy pink with a golden shimmer running through it that illuminates the lips making them appear fuller. 

Avon SuperShock Gel Liner is the most incredible gel eyeliner around, it lasts the better part of 8 hours on my waterline and has an unbelievably creamy formula that's easy to blend out but once set it won't budge. 

For concealer my two couldn't-live-without favourites are, By Terry Touche Veloutee and Collection Lasting Perfection, nothing beats these. Touche Veloutee gets swept under my eyes for concealing bags as it has the most lightweight formula and invisible texture. Lasting Perfection anywhere else like covering redness as it's pretty full coverage and blendable. 

So there you have it, my backups. Favourite products, these truly ones I could not even dream of being without. 

Do you own any backups? What would yours be?

Loves Of The Month: August

Something that won't come as a surprise to many of you is the fact that my most loved products in the past month are mostly holiday themed. Thanks to the humidity it's been mostly about skin and hair this month as opposed to makeup. For the rare evening that I apply makeup it's been the same products all month!

Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe - post here

In sunlight it's pretty difficult to pass fake tan off as real. This stuff is easily the most natural fake tan around! Applied with a mitt and buffed into the skin gives the most natural finish that lasts around 6-7 days. Didn't streak in the heat and has a gorgeous olive (as opposed to orange) undertone.

Yes To Carrots Body Butter - post here 

Unlike your average body butter as it dries matte, as opposed to leaving you feeling sticky. Left my skin feeling silky smooth almost to the point where I couldn't stop stroking my arms ;)  

L'Oreal Studio Matte & Messy - post here

This salt-spray provides instant texture and lift, giving my hair a messy 'lived in' effect with such ease. Perfect for days at the beach or just in general a lazy hair day. It's a fantastic dupe for the Bumble & Bumble's Surf Spray too! 

Klorane Conditioner With Pomegranate

Really balmy and moisturising, smells amazing and leaves hair tangle free. My sister & I went through 2 bottles of this stuff in the past month - it's addictive!

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment - post here

A recent hair mask discovery that leaves my hair feeling instantly softer, shinier and feel much more hydrated - in one use! This is a mini size but I will definitely be picking up the full size soon!

Dior DiorSkin Airflash Spray Foundation - post here

I've been relying on Dior's spray foundation for giving me a flawless base. It's a spray foundation which means the finish is much more natural as opposed to the usual liquid or powder. The spray lightly mists the face to leave a semi-matte but glowing finish that lasts hours! Major plus point - the total application time is around 5 seconds! 

Mac Style Blush - post here

One of the most stunning blushes I've ever come across! It's absolutely beautiful on the skin. The golden finely milled shimmer running through it helps fake that 'lit from within' glow and aids enhancing a tan.

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows - post here

Everything I look for in an eyeshadow - pigmented, blendable, creamy and lovely metallic shades!

Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky - post here

As much as I've looked, there doesn't seem to be another lipgloss as beautiful as this. A lovely peachy pink shade with tiny flecks of golden shimmer running through it that reflect the light and highlight the lips, making them appear fuller. 

Beauty On Location: Water Skiing

Those fellow water skiers amongst you will know that the optimum water ski is when the water is completely flat, usually early in the morning, which means it's hello to the early starts. Getting out of bed that early is such a task that I rarely do anything makeup wise. For the sake of this post I decided to slap on a few more products than usual, but let me assure you, this won't happen again - that extra five minutes of sleep is far too important for me      

Some of Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 was applied with some Make Up For Ever Waterproof Concealer under my eyes and over any redness. Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Serum was run thoughout my hair to avoid any frizz with a couple of spritz's of L'Oreal Matt & Messy Spray for some beachy texture. For sun protection Instiut Estederm was applied on my body. Lastly, to add some definition to my eyes I ran my lashes over with Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof.

Not too much here, but that's what these posts are all about and on this occasion it was very little!

My Makeup: Summertime Smoke

When it comes to an evening makeup look smokey eyes are what I favour. No surprises here, but in holiday time where I'm cutting back on makeup I tend to apply something a little lighter and more summer appropriate, nothing like this makeup here. I do like to have a little eye makeup on, especially for the evenings and this look is perfect for something a little natural yet smokey at the same time.

For my skin I've been loving some added glow curtsey of Mac Style blush and a recent Sephora purchase, Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Starburst. The combination of the two makes it look as though I've been in the sun for days when really I've been hiding behind a hat and factor 30-50.      

Skin

- Sprayed on a light layer of Dior DiorSkin Airflash Foundation which I've proclaimed my summer saviour (review here) followed by Mac Style Blush and Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights in Bakes Starburst

Eyes

- Chanel eyeshadow duo in 37 Sable - Emouvant, which is from their summer collection and is just a simple easy set perfect for creating a smokey eye. I then lined my upper lash line with Eyeko Skinny Liner and applied another recent purchase of mine, Make Up For Ever Smokey Lash Mascara, which I don't think does anything too spectacular. Just lengthens and adds a touch of volume, nothing as much as Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill or Max Factor Mascaras. 

Lips

- Of course, what did you expect, Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky! I'm almost out of this stuff which would mean a huge record for me, the first lip gloss I've ever finished!

Hope you're having a great week!

Beauty On Location: The Beach!

It's not often I venture out to the beach, I'm more partial to sitting in the comfort of my own home totally sunscreened up looking all white and greasy      
Minimal products only here, of course going to the beach means sunglasses are on which rules out eye makeup, and knowing me they are massively oversized which also rules out quite a bit of face products causing me to only reach for concealer!

When I'm not applying too much on my face I like to apply something really lovely to my nails to make myself feel a little more polished. Beachy makeup isn't really my thing, it gets sweated off (lovely) or washed away by the sea water, this 'On Location' post is a little more than what's included on my face, it includes hair nails and body too! 

Nails

- Essie Tart Deco - a gorgeous bright peach that really enhances a tan

Body

- For some sun protection I've been using Institut Estederm Adapta sun (post here) which doesn't work like a typical sun protection with SPF but instead uses ingredients to help your skin adapt to its environment. I've still got a little left in my UV InCellium Spray which I'm using as a refresher whilst tanning (post here)

Face

- Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ o (post here) for some sun protection as it leaves absolutely no white residue on my face and leaves a lovely matte finish. Followed by Make Up For Ever Waterproof Concealer on any blemishes or redness (post here) 

Hair

- Alright so my hair is a little on the frizzy side in this humidity and to combat that I use Fekkai Silky Straight Ironless Serum and a little bit of Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray to enhance beachy waves and add some texture and volume. If the wind causes some out of control knots a little spritz of Klorane Leave In Detangler will sort that out. 

The dress I'm wearing was a market find from Ibiza and I'm in love with it! It's probably my most worn item this summer, something that's so easy to throw on and will go with anything      

What do you wear to the beach?

Beauty On Location: Beachy Drinks In Cannes

Please tell me I'm not the only one that becomes unbelievably lazy on holiday?! Suddenly my usual excitement of applying a smokey eye becomes somewhat of a drag to the point where I wish I could come off the beach and look semi-decent in a matter of minutes, which is, of course, not the case. Out come the lazy girl products that consist of:

1) a spray foundation which allows me to apply my base in a matter of seconds

2) cream eyeshadows that hardly require a mirror let alone a brush

3) that blush/bronzer/highligher product I've been raving about for a while. Yes, you guessed it, Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel is Sable Rose

Baggy dresses also become my clothing of choice as they require no thought of putting something together while looking summery! This one, from Parker at Shop Bop is very light and weightless - great for hot summer evenings      

Skin

- My lazy girl holiday face has even caused me to ditch the primer, madness I know, but the Dior DiorShow Airflash Foundation will last around 6 hours on my skin before it needs a bit of powdering, perfect for one evening!

- For concealer the usual By Terry Touche Veloutee (post here) followed by Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel in Sable Rose (post here)

Eyes

- Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Eyeshadow in Sandy Gold (post here) with Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow in 15 (post here) along my crease and Avon SuperShock Gel Eyeliner in Blackberry (post here) along my lash line

- Coated my lashes in Lancome Hypnose Star (post here)

Lips

- Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky (post here)

The Glowing Lip Shines: Holiday Edition

Seeing as on holiday the majority of my face is hidden behind sunglasses the majority of the time the beauty addict in me feels the need to compensate by overly applying lip products, as those are the only bits on show! Nothing new here, all you ladies know how addict to lip products I am. Balms, gloss, stick, you name it, if it goes on my lips I have it and love it. There are three little products I've been reaching for to add some glow to my lips as well as adding a little bit of 'something' to my non-made up face.

Firstly, something you may have seen here before, L'Oreal Glam Shine Fresh in 186 Aqua Grapefruit, which doesn't add any colour just a lovely glow to the lips. It's not sticky, lasts a good while and smells of grapefruit!

If I'm feeling a little adventurous I'll reach for a colourful stick, like Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Sheer in 502, a bright coraly pink. The perfect shade for summer! It's very moisturising and doesn't require attention when applying so no mirror is needed - perfect for the beach (especially as it hasn't seemed to melt in the heat!)

Lastly my favourite of them all, one I'm actually almost out of (which I don't think has EVER happened with me and a lip gloss) Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky (post here). This has the most gorgeous flecks of gold running through it, which reflect light on the lips and make them appear fuller. Definitely my favourite lip gloss of them all! 

Now share your favourite lip products with your fellow addict!

Beauty On Location: Olympics!

(it's the background you're looking at!)

Mondays adventure was attending the Equestrian Olympics at Greenwich Park, which was absolutely fabulous! I do have a soft spot for anything horse related, which you may have guessed from this On Location post here! It was mostly standing and luckily we were right at the front, saw Zara Philips amongst others doing cross country along with Will & Kate!

Not that I really bothered about my makeup that day but I did manage to wake up a little earlier than planed (purely due to excitement) so out came the gold eyeshadows for something slightly Olympic themed. I could’ve gone all out with my british flagged lips (link to post here) but I didn’t want to spook the horses ;)

Skin

- Just a usual layer of Estee Lauder Matt Perfecting Primer (post here) with Chantecaille Just Skin and Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, which has been my little trio for a while now and I'm really enjoying it!

- Slapped on some good old Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel in 917 Sable Roses, which is this summer's limited edition collection! (post here)

Eyes

- Nothing too fancy, just the usual eye makeup here but in gold! Using Mac Gold Eyeshadow all over the lid, with Woodwinked Eyeshadow in the crease followed by L'Oreal Super Liner in Black Vinyl and lashings of Lancome Hypnose Star (post here)

I've seen some amazing olympic themed nails which I'm thinking about giving a go! Have you been keeping up with the Olympics?

Loves Of The Month: July

I've become a bit more religious with my skincare routine this month, trying to take everything back to basics and learning a little more about what goes into my products. That said I've decided to turn to my favourite brand, Ren which are now the majority of my skincare routine. I've only been using my new bits for a week so it's too soon to tell but I will be sure to let you ladies know! In the meantime here's what I've been loving this month...

Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream

Part of their new Bee Lovely range and my favourite item is the Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream. It's not sticky, really moisturising and smells incredible. Neal's Yard will be donating 5% of sales to charities that support awareness of the decline in our precious pollinators too!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm

I've raved about my love for cleansing balms, how the don't strip the skin and remove makeup easily here but the Amazing Face Cleansing Balm is my latest favourite, purely because of the scent! It doesn't sting eyes too which means it can be used all over the face and removes makeup with such ease.

Ojon Dry Recover Conditioner - post here

I was more than happy to return back to my favourite condition after the ends of my hair drying out a little on holiday. This is by far the favourite conditioner I have ever used! Smells amazing, really nourishing and helps detangle hair easily.

Institut Estederm UV Incellium Bronzant & Adaptasun - post here & here

My usual tanning routine every summer consists of Institut Estederm but this time I added UV InCellium Bronzant into the mix, which claims to adapt your skin to the sun and prepare it for the rays. I don't want to speak too soon but so far so good - I didn't burn!

Melvita Eye Makeup Remover - post here

With all this waterproof mascara I'm applying I've been reaching for Melvita which removes it with such ease and there's no need to rub and tug against my eyes!

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask

I'm not sure what's happening to my skin at the moment, if it's just being a bit hormonal or I haven't properly been removing all the SPF I've been wearing but I've come out with a few blemishes. Something that I've been dabbing on them overnight is the Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask which seems to be doing a good job of keeping them at bay whilst reducing redness.

Instutue Estederm Pure System Shine Control Fluid - post here

As it's been a little hotter I've been a little shinier so I've been reaching for a mattifying primer, I've raved about this fully here, but it's gel texture really helps keep shine at a minimum and is a perfect base for foundation

Yes To Carrots Body Butter - post here

This was an outstanding body butter that came in a Travel Essentials set from Yes To and the full size has already been added to my list as it's really nourishing, not sticky and dries matt so there's no need for waiting around before putting clothes on!

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser

I'm still in two minds about this product, yes it's amazing, gives flawless coverage, lasts well throughout the day but is it worth the price tag of £55? I'm still deciding but for now it's my go-to summer product that I've been reaching for everyday for its weightless finish and healthy glow. 

Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Powder - post here

For when I don't want to cake myself in powder but just add a light sweeping this is what I've been reaching for, very light in texture and gives a flawless finish - love!

Lancome Hypnose Star - post here

I'm definitely one for thick dramatic lashes and my latest discovery - Lancome Hypnose Star has been gracing my lashes for the majority of this month. It's very similar to my favourite mascara Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill (post here) but a tad more dramatic. 

What have you been loving this month?

My Makeup: The Summertime Face

I've been reaching for different products in this heat over the past week, my beloved tinted moisturiser, some long lasting concealer that's slightly more coverage and a beautiful eyeshadow palette I've raved about a hundred and one times. Something really strange happened this week - I didn't reach for blush. I think that's partly because I've been slapping on more highlighter than usual and trying to embrace some summer glow. Don't worry I haven't totally ditched powder, that still goes down the centre of my face where I get a little shinier. I've also rediscovered one of my all time favourite lip glosses, as there's no way I can carry around a lipstick in this heat, it would just melt away!

Skin

- To avoid having a makeup meltdown I've been applying some primer, my sister has ran away with my beloved Estee Lauder Matt Perfecting Primer so I've been using another favourite, Insitut Estederm Pure System Shine Control Fluid (post here)

- I've then reached for my favourite tinted moisturiser with slightly more coverage, Chantecaille Just Skin in the shade glow with some Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer around my nose, under my eyes and on any redness with a quick dusting of Bare Minerals Matte Powder down the centre of my face 

- For cheeks I've been applying some Une Healthy Glow Mineral Powder in H07 with some Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in a new shade, Moonstone, but more on this at a later date!

Eyes

- I've been applying some gold shimmer shades from the Estee Lauder Bronze Sands Palette followed by some L'Oreal and lashings of Lancome Hypnose Star (post here)

Lips

- Fallen back in love with Chantecaille Brilliant Gloss in Lucky (post here) It's the perfect summer shade!

What have you been loving this week?

Most Used Makeup: Ibiza Edition

As my holiday in Ibiza is coming to a close I've been eyeing up my most used items, that I would definitely bring on holiday again and reassessing untouched items I should've left behind. As always being my hoarding self I brought far too much makeup for a week but heres what I reached for the most...

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++  

I won't go into too much detail as it's all here but this product is definitely worth the splurge, non oily, a little goes a long way and blends like a dream into the skin. It's really important for me to achieve a great base for applying makeup which can be quite hard with an SPF but this does it brilliantly!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette

Something I'm so happy I brought with me! Lots of lovely shades to glam up an evening look to a smokey eye. All the eyeshadows are extremely well pigmented, very creamy and easily blendable! Perfect packaging too      

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Concealer

For some reason I didn't get on with this last summer at all, it clumped separated and in general looked pretty cakey. I'm not sure what's changed but it's really saved me this year! I apply the teeniest amount with a 217 Mac blending brush and buff it into the skin. It will last in the pool just so long as it's not rubbed so I make sure to keep hands away from eyes!

Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara

I've raved about my love for Max Factor mascaras here, they are all absolutely incredible and this waterproof version was no exception. Really black, lengthening, thickening and volumizing - perfect!

Japonesque Brush Set Touch Up Tube - link

Even though I had this I didn't open it for a while as I just assumed the brushed would be those tacky flimsy things I had as a teenager. As all my makeup brushes were packed the morning of my flight I reached for these to slap some eyeshadow on and was blown away with the quality! Serves me right for assuming as they are beautifully soft and distribute eyeshadow perfectly. Such a handy little set too!

Hourglass Superficial Waterproof Bronzer

So I didn't actually swim with bronzer on but for days and evenings in the sweltering heat this would not budge or go blotchy - perfect! I have a feeling this will be a summer staple...

Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadows

I've already talked in more detail about these here but as a repeat - great wash of colour, waterproof and blend like a dream. Just what I look for in holiday products!

Do you think I chose well? What are your most used items on holiday?

Beauty On Location: Seeing Swedish House Mafia in Ibiza

Last night we all ventured out of our villa to see Swedish House Mafia at an open air party in Ushuaia, Ibiza and I am feeling slightly delicate this morning but it was well worth it & was absolutely incredible!

Like I mentioned it was an open air party that we attended after lunch at around 8 and went on till the early hours of the morning. Luckily we were on a secluded table so avoided the sweaty mosh pits but nevertheless my makeup ended being sweated off anyway -lurverly! I did have my trusty fan which I purchased two hours previously to save me from the heat which came in very handy.

Having all these late nights means there are no heels involved (yes!) and as the clubs are very hot so clothing is as minimal as is acceptable      
Here I chose to wear my one piece swimming costume with some plain black shorts and keep my makeup pretty simple as being in a house with 15 people means minimal time to get ready!

This was the only shot I was able to get so apologies for that but here's what I slapped on in tiny mirror previous to last nights shenanigans... 

Skin

- As my body tends to tan a lot faster than my face I firstly slapped on my bronzing makeup base by Chantecaille. The Radiance Gel Bronzer to make sure my skin tone on my face and body matched

- I then slapped on some Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser with some Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Concealer which never moves!

- For blush and bronzer I grabbed Burberry Sheer Summer Glow as a natural yet effective highlighter - link to post here with a little of Hourglass Waterproof Bronzer that doesn't come off in the heat...or sweat. 

Eyes

- With minimal time to get read it's goodbye brushes and hello fingers so I've been reaching for some cream eyeshadows. Firstly I applied Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow in 4 Sandy Gold all over my lid with Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 2L in my crease
- To line my top and bottom lash lines I grabbed my Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Pointe-Noir and blended it with my fingers
- As I expected it to be pretty hot I slapped on some waterproof mascara by MaxFactor

Lips

- Just a quick layer of Topshop Lipstick in Pillow Talk as I was leaving!

What do you use when you have to get ready in a rush? Do you like Swedish House Mafia?

My Makeup: Getting Into SPF

Being more aware of the negative effects of tanning, I've declared that this summer I will no longer be baking myself with factor 6 oil for eight hours a day as I have done previously (guilty). Let's see how long that will last but for now I've really been getting into wearing an SPF, especially on my face on a daily basis, to avoid sun damage. 

To try and avoid that white cast over the skin that SPF can give I picked up quite a few. As well as needing them to act as a primer for makeup. I narrowed it down to four favourites that each have their pluses and minuses...

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++  (£75) is a really fantastic luxury purchase that doesn't even feel like a sunscreen. It's oil free, so particularly great for combination or oily skin. The consistency is very runny and a little goes a long way. It doesn't give off that white layer on the skin and leaves a  semi-matt non drying finish so is a perfect base for makeup. Definitely my favourite!

Supergoop! SPF 30 PA+++ City Sunscreen Serum (£35) is a little thicker in consistency but has a wide range of skincare benefits such as anti-ageing as well as a repair complex. It does dry with a slight oily overlay on my skin. I say slight because I'm talking minuscule but given five minutes to dry it settles down. Apart from that it's really fantastic and works as an excellent moisturising base for makeup.

Shu Uemura UV Under Base Mousse SPF 30 Pa+++ (£29) probably the best for oily skin days as it really sets and dries very matt, it does leave a white finish on top of my skin that's easily covered when continued with foundation.

La Roche-Posay High Protection Fluid SPF 30 (£16.50) is a really watery consistency so not much is needed. It does need working into the skin to avoid that white overlay but is fantastic for no makeup days.

Now that rant about SPF is over here's what I've discovered & been wearing this week...

Skin

- Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ which I just talked about above

- The new YSL foundation, YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat, which I'm still giving a test drive, but stay tuned for a review to come!

- Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel in 917 Sable Rose which you're probably bored of me raving about by now but I just love it too much! A bronzer highlighter and blusher all in one - great for enhancing my complexion.  Full post here

Eyes

- A recent purchase, Avon SuperShock Eyeshadow Pencil in Chocolate Melt & Cream Dream, which is fantastic as it has one cream end for an all over the lid shade as well as a brown end for some definition. Also used my beloved Avon SuperShock Gel Eyeliner in Blackberry along the lash line and blended with my fingers
- For Mascara I've almost finished L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic with layers of Dior Lash Serum & Primer underneath (post here)

Lips

- Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 437 Empreinte from summer collection, Summertime de Chanel which I wrote about here

Any new products your loving? What SPF do you use?

My Makeup: The 16 Hour Day

My student days of lounging around, revising and essay writing are over for summer and it's time for work, and a holiday of course but that's a little later! I absolutely love having a routine, something I know happens on a daily basis and is a regular procedure. Something I can't quite work out is my makeup routine for these long days, I'm applying my makeup half asleep at around 7am and most likely won't be returning home till around 9. Which means around fourteen hours of makeup staying power is needed! 

I honestly don't think there's products out there, or complexion ones at least, that last perfectly for fourteen hours. As I was experimenting around this week dabbling in my different primers, foundations and setting sprays I think I found a pretty good combination. I'll of course keep you updated on my routine in upcoming posts too      

Skin

- I don't have the oiliest of skins, I'm around the combination mark but I do like to apply a mattifying primer. Givenchy Mister Matt being my one of choice followed by my foundation, Chantecaille Just Skin, which I set with a pretty full on powder Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder. (Wow, that is one high end combination but it seems to be working so far! Like I said, I'll keep you updated)

- For concealing my bags I've been using Dr Perricone No Concealer Concealer as it has SPF 35 so is fantastic for day time! More on this later...

- I then go on to apply some cheek colour, which at 7am I'm not so fussy about so I've been slapping on whatever I reach for first, a bright awakening colour like Mac Peaches. 

- I then finish off spraying my face with Urban Decay De Slick Spray to set all the foundation and powder

Eyes

- I only apply a couple of products, mainly because that's all I have time for! Did I mention it's early? Just Mac Paint Pot in Painterly to even out the lid a wash of a neutral eyeshadow and an Avon Supershock Gel Liner in Blackberry which I messily blend out with my fingers. 

- For mascara I've been trying to finish up by L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara which is a lovely day time option as it doesn't budge. 

What are your tricks for getting makeup to last all day?

Beauty On Location: Frolicking In The Sun

I'm know I'm not the only one who's been hanging around in the sun the past week, going from barbecue to barbecue! It has been a lot of fun enjoying the sunshine, but this year I have proclaimed I won't be baking myself and have cranked up the SPF from factor 6 (tut tut I know) to Factor 30 for my body and 50 for my face. A very big improvement wouldn't you say? Apart from upping the SPF number there have been a few changes to my makeup routine in this sweltering heat. I've made the move to tinted moisturiser as I've been trying out a few, even though I'm not sure which one is my favourite yet. I'll keep you posted...apart from that heres what I've been wearing for the many bbqs in the sun! Clothes wise in this heat I've been wearing as little clothes as is socially acceptable! Most likely something loose, light and baggy with a pair of shorts and sandals      

Skin

- As I said I've brought out the SPF and my one of choice recently is this Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50, which is the highest sun protection! I'm still making up my mind about this one, its a little greasy but at least it doesn't give that white film over my face like some sun protectants do

- For tinted moisturiser I've been using the new one from NARS. Its very light and weightless on the skin which I like but I do need to top up with some concealer, By Terry Touchee Veloutee, in places like around my nose where I need some extra coverage

- To add some 'summer glow' Ive been applying Chanel's latest release to the high points of my face, forehead, down my nose, and on my cheeks. It's called Soleil Tan De Chanel in 917 Sable Rose. 

Eyes

- For days where it isn't a 'makeup slipping off face day' I've been using my Laura Mercier Creme Eye Colour in Platinum all over the lid followed by Maybelline Colour Tatoo for lining the eyes and adding some definition

- I then go onto apply mascara, my latest find - Anastasia Lash Genius lets me choose whatever non waterproof mascara I desire and helps me make it waterproof so won't slide down my face in the sun! (post & proof here) I'm trying to use up my Collection Multiplier Mascara so thats what I used here

Lips

- Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 437 Emprente another piece from Chanels latest collection! I'm loving the Chanel Rouge Coco shines as a moisturising lipstick especially for the sun as they are so weightless!

Have you been applying the SPF if you've been in the sun? Which one do you use?