A Summer Holiday: Playa d'en Bossa, Ibiza

At the beginning of August, the other half and I jetted off to Playa d'en Bossa in Ibiza for a week of fun, sun and relaxation. Yes, it is indeed nearly October, but having been struck down with suspected glandular fever  straight after coming back, I've been out of action for some time. Better late than never, eh?

We had decided to go all-inclusive for a change, as we usually find  keeping tabs on our funds to be such a burden when trying to get away from it all and have some chill-out time, Money is, without a doubt, one of our biggest stressors in day to day life, so to be able to leave our wallets behind each day and eat and drink whatever we pleased without the worry of running out of funds half-way through, or coming home with a big bill to pay, was bliss.

The hotel we stayed in was beautiful. A newly refurbished four star, it turned out to be a great deal more impressive than it had appeared in the photos - a huge plus, as often it can be the other way round. There was a huge pool with chilled house music playing throughout the day, and we were more than happy to laze around soaking up the rays and making the occasional trip to the cocktail bar to grab ourselves a couple of Mojitos or Coco Locos. Lunch was served in the main restaurant, with plenty of delicious dishes such as traditional Spanish Paellas and salads on offer - not to mention the to-die-for desserts.

Afternoons were spent reading, then taking a dip in the sea, as we were fortunate enough to have direct access to the beach through a gate at the back of the hotel property. The water was crystal clear and the temperature literally couldn't have been more perfect, so it was the perfect time to cool off a bit before heading along the beach for a drink and a dance at the iconic beach club Bora Bora, or Jet Apartments, which was just next door.

Speaking of beach clubs, our hotel was located just a couple of minutes walk from Ushuaia.- if you've ever been to Ibiza before, or even thought about it, then you'll know all about this place, which puts on some of the biggest and best nights on the island - think David Guetta, Armin Van Burren and Avicii, We popped along ourselves to see Guetta and suffice to say he put on a pretty darn good performance. It was by far the best night out we had while we were away, but drinks prices were beyond ridiculous - worth considering if you're ever thinking of going!

Anyone who heads to Ibiza would be silly not to pay the beautiful Eivissa, or Ibiza Old Town, a visit. There is plenty to see and do, with pretty little streets lined with flower-adorned restaurants and shops and beautiful sea views - not to mention the lovely Spanish architecture.

Most people I know who have been to the island before seem to have stayed in San Antonio, but I'm so glad we chose Playa d'en Bossa. From what I hear, San Antonio is cheaper, but also a lot rougher, whereas where we were had just the right balance - we were close enough to a strip of bars along with famous nightclubs such as Space and Sankeys, but were also able to get some peace and quiet when we wanted it. In fact, writing this is making me ridiculously nostalgic, and I'm really tempted to go ahead and book us in again for next year! Let's skip these dull days and wintery mornings and head straight for next Summer, shall we!?

Have you been to Ibiza? Where did you go on your Summer holiday this year?

XX

Summer Skincare Essentials

Ren Rosa Centifolia No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm // The Body Shop Vitamin C Energising Facial Spritz //  Raw Gaia Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil // Apivita Pomegranate Face Mask

For me, Summer is all about August, and while many people around me now seem to have already resigned themselves to the fact that Winter is supposedly drawing in, I very much beg to differ!

Ok, so things might have cooled down somewhat, but last year we had sunshine right the way through until the end of October, and then some. Call me a wishful thinker if you like, but I think we've still got plenty of sunshine to come, and having only just finished this year's summer shopping I'm not willing to go digging out the Winter boots an coats just yet.

With this in mind, I wanted to share some of the skincare products that have been helping me through the warmer months - and incidentally, those which came away with me on holiday to Ibiza this month. I like to keep my skincare light and fairly basic at this time of year, while still maintaining a functional routine, but there are certainly a few types of products I tend to favour that I'd be unlikely to reach for in the winter. That said, there are also one or two surprises.

Ordinarily, I stick to a cream formula cleanser when the weather is good and I'm wearing less makeup than usual, as I find them to be highly effective at removing what I have got on my skin as well as leaving a fresh, clean canvas with no oily residue. Balms can be a little heavy for Summer, but this year I have kept right on going with the Ren No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm, and haven't looked back. This is one formula that is a pleasure to use, removing every last trace of makeup as well as soothing and moisturising skin after it has been assaulted by the likes of sunshine, salt water and sand. What I love about this one is that it leaves my skin feeling unbelievably soft, smooth and comfortable, all without that undesirable waxy residue that so many of its kind leave behind. It's a real winner, and it serves me equally as well in the Winter.

One thing I simply can't live without in the Summer- or perhaps just refuse to - is a facial spritz, and this year I've been carrying The Body Shop's Vitamin C Energising Facial Spritz around in my handbag. It's been an absolute life-saver during those uncomfortably humid afternoons in the office, and a quick spray over my face and neck has really helped to pep me up. The uplifting citrus scent awakens the senses, and makeup is instantly refreshed - what more could you ask for? It also provides a welcome shot of vitamins and moisture, and I tend to use it to wake myself up a bit first thing in the morning, straight after my cleanse.

Some days, I don't fancy using a moisturiser before bed, and a couple of drops of Raw Gaia Organic Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil* are the perfect alternative. Far from leaving my skin sticky or greasy, it sinks easily in, and packed with beauty-boosting vitamins A and C, along with essential fatty acids Omega 3 and 6, it certainly has the desired effect. As well as rejuvenating and nourishing the skin, I find that, when used a few times a week, my complexion appears more even and altogether brighter. It's also great for reducing unwanted pigmentation, so it's a must if this applies to you.

I'm keeping face masks and treatments to a minimum, as I don't find that my skin is quite as needy as it is in the winter and tends to do OK when left more or less to its own devices, satisfied with a minimal morning and evening routine. That said, I will whip out a secret brightening weapon from time to time, and that weapon, of late, has been the Apivita Pomegranate Face Mask. A light radiance mask, it's lotion-like on texture, and only a thin layer is required. Leave it for ten minutes, and hey presto - you've got your glow back. Granted, this is more of a 'keep your skin happy' mask than a problem fixer, but if you've got that happy medium down to a tee then this is your perfect partner.

Of course, these aren't the only products I have been using, but I've certainly pared down my routine for the timebeing and am quite enjoying the results. I shelve my trusty AHA toners when it's warm, as I deem it to be too much of a risk when the sun is out (you should ideally keep out of the sun for a week after use, so reaching for one on a daily basis is a definite no-go), but I've still been following up my evening cleanse with a generous sweep of Liz Earle Instant Skin Boost Tonic. I've also been trialing a fabulous new bedtime moisturiser, which I will be talking about very soon on the blog, and a rather nice serum, to boot. Again, both are light enough to use in warmer weather - I don't know about you, but I like to go all-out with pampering treatments in the Winter, so it's quite the contrast when I go back to basics.

Does your skincare routine chance in the summer? 

Do you have any essentials?

xx

The Summer Sunday Round-Up

Just looking back at these photos reminds me what a fantastic summer I've had so far. The month of June was packed full of great days out, delicious food and the best company, and fingers crossed there's plenty more of that to come over the next couple of months! The weather does seem to have taken an awkward turn this week, but in all honesty, a dreary weekend was fine by me, purely because it has meant I've got stuff done that I've recently been ditching in favour of enjoying the sunshine. Ok, so I'm not talking about the most thrilling tasks in the world, but they had to be done - plus, it's meant that I've had more time available for blogging.

Last week, we took a few days off work and made the most of the sunny weather, and we couldn't have timed it better if we'd tried. Each day was more of a scorcher than the last with azure skies and not a cloud in sight. We headed down to Padstow in Cornwall and did the infamous Camel Trail, a bike trail which starts in Weymouth and continues on to Padstow. It's about a 45 minute cycle, and it's a coastal path all the way, meaning we had stunning views across Cornwall as we made our way along it. As you can see from the photos, the sea was an absolutely amazing colour, and it serves as a reminder of just how beautiful the UK can be in the summer months. It was quite a nostalgic trip, too, as I hadn't done the trail for about fifteen years!

On arrival on Padstow, we chowed down on some of Rick Stein's posh (and overpriced!) fish and chips, which were delicious but cost us a small fortune! We wandered along the seafront before getting the ferry across to the beach, and being able to get my bikini on and lie in the sun to relax was utter bliss. Unfortunately though, we had to skip ice creams, as having overestimated the time for which we had parked back in Weymouth, we suddenly realised we were running late, and the cycle back was fraught to say the least! We made it back in the nick of time, and by then we had definitely earned our 99s!

We spent the rest of our break brunching at our favourite haunts and visiting local parks, castles and other pretty sights with picnics. We definitely had our share of cream teas and pink lemonade, too.

The same week, we were lucky enough to go and see Kasabian live, and it's safe to say they did not diappoint. Unlike some, they really pull it out of the bag when performing live, so it was great to have a dance and sip on a few ciders while we watched. I've seen them in the past at various festivals, but this time was definitely the best.

There are plenty of things coming up over the next few weeks, with more live music, friends visiting and holidays to look forward to, so after these dull couple of days have passed, long may the sunshine continue! I'll be sure to keep snapping away with the camera so that I've got some pretty pictures to share with you as we go along.

How have you been enjoying the summer so far?

XX

Giveaway: Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Candle

Just a quick reminder for you today that my Jo Malone candle giveaway is still running. I've got a full-size candle up for grabs in the gorgeously fresh, summery scent of Lime Basil & Mandarin, and with thee being worth £40 to buy, it's a great chance to get your hands on one without breaking the bank.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Health Series: Fruitbroo Juicy Iced Teas

Fruitbroo Iced Teas in Lime & Elderflower and Peach, Pear & Honey

I am a huge fan of teas. Green tea, peppermint tea, detox tea, and of course, good old English tea - you name it, I'm probably drinking it. But during summer, hot drinks just aren't my, well, cup of tea - and I often find myself yearning for something altogether more refreshing. Cold drinks are what it's all about when the office is hot and stuffy, so I was more than happy when these two new varieties of 

Fruitbroo Iced Tea* arrived on my doorstep.

100% natural, with no caffeine, gluten or dairy, the Fruitbroo teas come as a sort of cordial. Mix two teaspoons with a glass of water, and away you go. I had the chance to try out Elderflower & Lime flavour, as well as Peach, Pear & Honey, and I have to say, they are a really tasty alternative to water, without the calories of your standard soft drink. At just 15 calories per cup, they are great if you're like me and prefer not to drink your calories.

Bith flavours are delicious and really refreshing, although personally I tend to mix even less than advised with my water in order to make it less sweet. I was one of those kids who had really weak orange squash, as I found it far more thirst-quenching, and sure enough, the same applies to these.

Fruitbroo also has a range of hot teas available, some of which I must admit sound absolutely delicious. Liquid 'Skinny' Rhubarb Crumble and Warm Apple Pie sound amazing. 

If refreshing, fruity drinks are your thing then I'd definitely give the iced teas a go - they are great for summer barbecues when you find yourself the unfortunate designated driver!

What are your favourite cool drinks in the summer?

xx

Summer Giveaway: Win a Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Scented Candle

Hi everyone!  No one likes a Monday, especially when it means going to work on a blazing hot summer's day when you could be on the beach, so today seems like as good a day as any to share a little summer giveaway with you.

Up for grabs, and just because I feel like it, is a full-size Jo Malone scented candle in the fresh and summery fragrance, Lime Basil and Mandarin, worth £40. These don't come cheap, so if you've been looking to get your hands on one for a while but just couldn't justify the price-tag, then now is your chance!

Just pop your details into the Rafflecopter form below and keep your fingers crossed. The giveaway will run until the end of the month, and if you happen to be under 16 then  make sure you have permission from your parents to enter.

I think that's about it - best of luck to you all and have a great week!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xx

Review: Apivita Face Mask with Pomegranate

                                                       Apivita Face Mask with Pomegranate

Face masks are undoubtedly one of my favourite little indulgences. There's nothing quite like kicking back on a Sunday evening for a good old relax, and whether my skin is feeling dry, dehydrated, oily or dull, there's usually something on hand that can help.

One of my most recent finds is the Apivita Face Mask with Pomegranate, which aims to rejuvenate the skin, replenishing radiance, as well as offering powerful anti-oxidant protection and a decent hit of moisture.

With 89% natural ingredients, including a green tea infusion to enhance the mask's anti-oxidant action, it was always going to go down well with me. It's  creamy and  lotion-like in consistency - not as thick as you would probably expect a mask to be. With a subtle fruity fragrance, it's pleasant to use, and is applied generously before being left for ten minutes.

I must admit, I was rather surprised by the results after using this product for the first time. Something about fairly liquid masks that don't dry tends to make me assume that they can't be all that powerful, but in this case, I was proved pleasantly wrong. The mask left my skin looking fresh and clean, with a genuinely radiant glow.

I now use the mask a couple of times a week - generally when I'm looking a bit dull or dehydrated - and it does a great job of pepping things up and giving me a bit of a pick-me-up.

This was my first foray into the world of Apivita, and I'll definitely be back for more.

The Apivita Face Mask with Pomegranate is available at £13 from Marks & Spencer.

Have you tried anything else from Apivita? If so, what would you recommend?

xx

What I Wore

Top and Sunglasses, Zara  //  Playsuit, Topshop  //  Necklace, New Look  //  Sandals, Brazil

I'm not going to lie, this isn't what I wore today. As you may have heard me mention, I've had to plan a few of my recent posts a couple of weeks in advance, as I moved out of my house and have been staying with the hubby's family until we arrive back in the UK this weekend. I may or may not have internet, but at the time of writing this I didn't know either way, so this is something I wore out to do a casual bit of shopping a couple of weeks ago. I've actually had this monochrome gingham playsuit for a good few years now, but it was only when packing for the big move that I found it lurking at the bottom of an empty suitcase that had been stashed away in the store room for goodness knows how long. I tried it on and was thrilled to find that all was well, so I popped on a lightweight long-sleeved top from Zara underneath it, as it wasn't quite the weather for going it alone.

I'm sure it'll come as no surprise to see that I've finished the look with my trusty studded sandals - I still love these, and they go with absolutely everything. They're also incredibly comfy, which is a rarity when it comes to sandals. Speaking of favourites, I'm also wearing my much-loved statement necklace from New Look. I got it as part of my birthday present from my parents earlier this year, and have been mildly obsessed with it ever since.

Normally I'd be a bit more chatty about what I've been up to today, but since I don't have a crystal ball I will just have to guess. Today I am supposed to be in Rio de Janeiro, more than likely sunning it up on Copacabana before leaving for the flight home on Friday. I'll be sure to take lots of pictures along the way, so you can expect so see those some time next week when I am all settled back in the UK.

Between now and then, you should get a couple more posts that I've prepared in advance, and you should still be able to find me on Twitter and Instagram the whole way through - if you don't already follow me on those then just click on the icons over in my sidebar. There's also one for my Youtube channel, so do check that out if you fancy it.

Hope everyone is having a great week.

xx

Summer Beauty Essentials

When it comes to summer, we all have different ideas about which products are absolute essentials, but there are some things which we can all agree on. Today I thought I'd share with you my most reached-for products over the summer months, and it wasn't easy narrowing them down!

I definitely have to have a tinted moisturiser on hand in the summer, as when the weather heats up there is nothing I like less than the feeling of a heavy foundation on my skin. My current weapon of choice is the Caudalie Teint Divin Tinted Moisturiser in Light-Medium, as it blends easily, gives a healthy, dewy finish and adds a bit of colour without looking artificial. On my cheeks, I love a bright cream blush, and my favourite of all is the Topshop Cream Blush in Flush (yep, that old chestnut). I got this a couple of months ago and have been pretty much in love with the vibrant coral pink shade ever since. You may have noticed, since I have mentioned it a fair few times before! 

Bright lips and nails are an absolute must for me in the summer time, as I'm all for using cosmetics to reflect the current season. Vibrant shades tend to perk me up and leave me feeling energised, so I've been going for Revlon Posh and Make Mine Mango on my nails, and Mac Impassioned on my lips. Saying that, I do seem to have a plethora of orange, coral and pink lip colours on hand to see me through this time of year - other favourites include Topshop Infrared, and Mac Coral Bliss, Vegas Volt and Lady Danger.

Skincare-wise, I like to keep things light, and the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask is just the ticket when it comes to weekly treatments. The manuka honey intensely moisturises the skin, and helps combat blemishes with it's antibacterial properties all in one go. The Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner will also help to keep things running smoothly, aiding the skin's natural exfoliating process by sloughing away any debris and dead skin cells. The result? Soft, smooth skin. Do make sure you use a really high SPF on your face if you are going out in the sun after using this though - the AHAs it contains can make you more susceptible to sunburn, and nobody wants that.

In terms of moisture, I often struggle to find a cream that will keep everything balanced and hydrated without being too rich or heavy, but the Ren T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid does a great job.

I like to go for fruity-scented body products and fragrances when the sun is shining, so the Nip & Fab Mango Smoothie Body Butter and Nina Ricci Eau de Toilette make the perfect finishing touches. The former smells exactly as you'd expect, while the latter has a gorgeous aroma of deliciously sweet apples, and has been a favourite of mine for some years now.

What are your Summer essentials?

xx

The Summer Shopping List

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray  //  Tigi S-Factor Serious Conditioner  //  Jo Malone Cologne in English Pear and Freesia  //  By Terry Soleil Terrybly Hydra Bronzing Tinted Serum  //  Nars Multi-Protect Primer  //  Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder  //  Topshop Cream Blush in Head Over Heels  //  Oribe Dry Texturising Spray

Hi everyone, can you believe how long the sunny weather is continuing in the UK? It's almost unheard of these days that there be an actual summer, but this July really seems to be going above and beyond - it's almost as if it's trying to make up for all the dreary washouts of the past few years. It does make me laugh scanning my Twitter feed though, as inevitably the same people who were complaining about the bitter cold just a couple of months ago are now feeling all hot and bothered in the warm weather. I think complaining about the weather is something quintessentially British - we are never satisfied, are we!?

Anyway, with the soaring temperatures in mind (it's still roasting where I am too), this week I have put together a little bit of a shopping list, consisting of a few products that would get anybody through a long hot summer, with no need to compromise on looking up to scratch.

First and foremost, I tend to reach for texturising hair sprays at this time of year, and I'm certain I'm not alone on that score. Fortunately, my hair has a natural wave to it when left to dry naturally anyway, so with a bit of a helping hand from something like the Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray I'm well on my way to a laid-back, beachy look. For night time, the Oribe Dry Texturising Spray would be perfect - as well as giving it that tousled look, it claims to add incredible volume as well as absorbing oil at the roots - and let's be honest, who couldn't do with a bit of extra help in both of those departments when your hair is frizzing out and slicking itself to your forehead in a less than attractive manner? Speaking of which, it's impossible to get through summer without a good deep conditioning mask like the Tigi S-Factor Serious Conditioner. Spending long periods in the sun tends to dry out ends to the extreme, especially if you've got colour treated hair. I haven't tried this one yet, but it sounds like a really nourishing treatment that hair would drink up gladly a couple of times a week - and better still, it smells like strawberries, so it's pretty much a win-win.

Something else we could all do with is a bit of extra colour in our cheeks, and the By Terry Soleil Terrybly Hydra Bronzing Tinted Serum sounds like just the job for giving you a naturally bronzed-looking, sun-kissed complexion. Add to that a light dusting of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder for evening and skin should be glowing in no time without looking oily or shiny. Of course, to keep it all in place it's always a good idea to pop on a bit of primer first, and the Nars Multi-Protect Primer seems a good choice for both day and night, aiming to protect and soothe skin as well as keeping everything where it should be (it's SPF30, making it a great choice for summer, but it might be an idea to swap it out for a different primer at night to avoid the dreaded ghost face if you are planning on taking lots of photos!).

A pop of colour on the cheeks is a must, and I currently favour cream formulations, and having spotted Topshop Cream Blush in Head Over Heels I am keen to add it to my shopping basket. I already own Flush, which is a bright coral pink and is an absolute summer staple. Head Over Heels is a slightly more delicate, peachy coral, and would look fabulous with a tan.

At this time of year, I find myself wanting to smell like summer itself, and that means whimsical fragrances like the Jo Malone Cologne in English Pear and Freesia. In fact, there are a number of fragrances in Jo's collection that to me are the absolute epitome of summer - light fruity scents merge with delicate summer garden florals to create that perfect balance, and with choices like English pear, fig and nectarine they truly do sound good enough to eat.

What's on your summer shopping list?

xx

Review: Sleek Blush in Life's a Peach

I love Sleek blushes. They're cheap, highly pigmented and easy to work with, and they come in a generous compact with a huge mirror. What's not to like?

Life's a Peach s no exception to any of the above, and being a pretty, warm orangey-peach, it's the perfect shade for giving your cheeks that summer glow we all crave at this time of year. It might look a bit scary in the pan, but while it is very pigmented and easy to pick up on the brush, it's pretty buildable, giving you options about how you choose to wear it. A light wash of colour is really flattering on bronzed skin, but if you really want to stand out from the crowd then this blush will easily do that job too. 

While it is easy to work with, I must admit that it doesn't pick up on the brush quite as well as some of Sleek's other shades - but saying that, it does blend out more easily than, say, Rose Gold. It's also nice and finely milled, making it silky soft in texture, and wears really well without becoming streaky or patchy.

Left: blended out. Right: Swatched quite heavily. 
(Excuse the hairband mark on my arm in the middle of the blended swatch!)

This has quickly worked its way up in my blush repertoire and is up there in my top three for the summer months. 

Sleek Life's a Peach is available at a bargainous £4.49 from Superdrug.

Have you tried anything from Sleek?

If so, what is your favourite?

xx

Summer Skin

Whenever the weather starts to get a bit warmer, I'm the first to crack open the tinted moisturisers and lighter bases, and skin-permitting, I am much more of a fan of a barely there, natural look. For the last few months, however, as I'm sure you know, my skin hasn't been at it's best, which has left me reaching for medium-coverage foundations to hide a multitude of sins - otherwise known as unwanted hormonal breakouts.

With a few adaptations to my skincare routine (think AHAa), diet (lots more Omega 3 and minimal dairy), my complexion is looking a lot clearer now, and fingers crossed, is on the road to recovery. Currenty, I'm blemish free, so it's just a case of getting rid of the pesky scars that have been left behind (more on that in an upcoming post).

So, to celebrate my skin getting it's act together, I've been cracking out two of my favourite tinted moisturisers this week, the first of which being the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20 in the shade Sand (the fourth darkest out of twelve options). It's such a light product, and blends seamlessly into the skin, giving a polished, dewy finish while still looking completely natural. Sand is the perfect match for me at this time of year.

I must admit that, were I to repurchase this product I'd be tempted to give the oil-free version a try, as my t-zone does tend to start misbehaving later on in the day and I really don't want to be using powder on my skin when I'm going for the natural look.

Another favourite of mine is the Caudalie Teint Divin Creme Teintee Tinted Moisturiser. This one is SPF free, which I like in the sense that my skin isn't always the best of friends with SPF, but on the other hand it is a necessity, and I'm not a fan of including it in my skincare routine, preferring to get my protection from my makeup. That aside, this is another nice, light option. It does look alarmingly orange and a bit too dark when you first squeeze some out of the tube - this is only available in light/medium and medium/dark (mine being light/medium), but once blended out it provides a lovely summer glow, giving my skin an extra hint of colour without being too mask-like or overpowering. It does look surprisingly natural, as it does seem to adjust to the skintone to some extent, but a word of warning for the palest of ladies - this one might not be the best choice for you.

Until I got my hands on this at the end of last summer, I had no idea that Caudalie did any such products, and I'd love to see them dip their toe into the world of makeup a little bit more. I really enjoy using their skincare, and the standard is so good that I think they could be onto a winner if they were to branch out a little bit.

A quick word on BB and CC creams, if you're wondering why I haven't included any such products in my Summer picks: I'm not a fan. The BBs I've tried have been disappointing at best, leaving me looking washed out and grey. On the rare occasion that I have worn one out, I've been horrified to catch sight of myself in the mirror later that day and reached straight for my makeup bag to cover the damage. 

As for CCs, I was reluctant, but did decide to give one a go a couple of months back, holding out the tiniest bit of hope that they might be an improvement on BB creams. The result? A bright orange, broken out face. No thanks.

The full-size tube of Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser is available for £33 from Space NK.

A 30ml tube of the Caudalie Teint Divin will set you back £18, and is available from the Caudalie Website.

What are your favourite Summer products for glowing, radiant skin? Do you favour foundations, tinted moisturisers, or just going au naturel?

xx

Summer Blushin'

L-R: Topshop Cream Blush in Flush, Sleek blush in Life's a Peach, Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Peachykeen

Topshop Cream Blush in 'Flush'

                                                    

                                                                                          Sleek Blush in 'Life's a Peach'

       Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in 'Peachykeen'

There's nothing like a bright pop of colour on the cheeks to brighten up the dullest dud of a 'Summer's' day, and now that the UK is actually basking in sunshine for a change, a vibrant blush fits the bill more than ever before (well, at least this year).

I am very much a corals and peaches girl, and will use any excuse to crack them out when the warmer months begin to roll round. In fact, you'll often catch me trying to sneak them out in the cooler months too, especially in terms of blushes. I just find that they are so flattering, even on a paler skin tone, and really add a bit of extra oomph when I'm looking a bit washed out or lacklustre.

Today I thought I'd share with you my three most reached-for blushes for Summer 2013, and I can honestly say that since about March time, nothing but these beauties has graced my cheeks - that's how much I love them!

First up is the Topshop Cream Blush in Flush, which I reviewed within the last couple of weeks (for that post, click here). I think we all love a good cream blush at this time of year, and this one is no exception. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this bad boy is my favourite specimen of all time, and I have been loving the pinched effect I get by dotting this onto my cheeks and then blending it lightly with my Real Techniques stippling brush. In terms of the shade, it's absolute perfection - a bright coral pink that is highly pigmented but also buildable. I have been wearing and wearing this, and particularly love teaming it with Mac's Cremesheen lipstick in Coral Bliss. Love.

Next up is the newest addition to my blush collection (it finally arrived last week), a Sleek powder formulation in the shade Life's a  Peach. This is a really gorgeous peachy-apricot, and is a slightly different hue to the others I've got squirreled away in my arsenal of cheek products. My only gripe with it is that it's a little bit backwards in coming forward when it comes to swatching, but that said, it does seem to pick up reasonably well on a nice soft Eco Tools brush and blends out to give a lovely wash of colour that's bright without being too much. 

And last but by no means least is my Mac Sheertone Shimmer blush in Peachykeen (full review and swatch here). This is definitely a darker, dirtier peach, and contains a beautifully subtle hint of shimmer that I find provides a gorgeously luminous, healthy glow. While there is a hint of glitter in he pan if you look closely, it won't translate onto the cheeks, so no risk of the glitter ball effect here. I'd say that of the three, this is the best option for day to day, as it won't clash with any other bright makeup choices on the eyes or lips. When it comes to the other two, they really do do all the talking, and become the main feature of the look.

Are there any blushes you've found yourself reaching for over and over this season?

What are your favourite formulations for Summer?

xx

Review: Topshop Cream Blush in Flush

Yes, I've been naughty again and had a sneaky try of this before getting my camera out, but just look at it. It's just such a beautiful bright coral that I challenge anyone to resist dipping into it the second they get it home.

Now I do love a good cream blush, especially when spring and summer roll round, and Topshop's offerings are no exception. The lightweight cream to powder formula is a dream to work with, blending easily into the skin to give a luminous, radiant finish. Personally, I can't see anything powdery about them at all, even after application, as they leave a dewy, just-bitten effect on the cheeks, and as an added bonus they are really buildable. So for anyone who is new to brighter blushes and just fancies dipping their toe in, then look no further - a light application of this with my Real Techniques stippling brush creates a subtle wash of colour, while a heavier hand results in a vibrant pop.

Flush itself is what I would call a true coral, which along with the light consistency makes it a match made in heaven when it comes to fresh, summery makeup looks. In terms of the photos, there is quite some variation in the way that the shade comes across, so go by the last image for the greatest accuracy, as it's pretty true to life.

The only down-side, I would say, is that I find the wear time a little lacking when compared to, say, a Mac powder blush. I do find that I have to re-apply about half way through the day, but personally I can live with with that in exchange for this stunningly beautiful colour.

Flush has fast become my most reached for blush of the season, and between this and my Mac Peachykeen there's not much more I could ask for for the next few months. Saying that, I have been eyeing up one or two of the other Topshop shades, most notably of all Head Over Heels and Morning Dew.

All shades are available from the Topshop website, for a very reasonable £6.

Have you tried any of the Topshop cream blushes? What are your favourite cheek products for spring and summer?

xx

Review: Mac Blush in Peachy Keen

As we all know very well, a girl can never have too many Mac blushes, and you might remember seeing in last month's beauty haul video that on my last trip to my closest shop, I picked up a new Sheertone Shimmer blush in the shade Peachykeen.

Sheertone Shimmer blushes are, as you would expect, quite sheer, but can be built up to achieve a bright pop of colour if that's the look you prefer. They also contain hint of shimmer, and while tiny flecks of glitter are detectable in the pan, they don't transfer onto the face at all, appearing only as a beautifully subtle golden sheen. 

 Peachykeen is described by Mac as a 'very baby peach', and I have to say, it looks nothing like the swatch on their website, which is more of a reddish plum shade. It's a good job we have beauty blogs to help us out with things like this! Personally, I'd describe Peachykeen as a dark pinky-peach - it's not a soft pastel peach, and there is definitely something a bit earthier about it.

I had actually had no intention of taking home a blush when I popped into the Mac shop, but the assistant there kindly swiped some onto my cheeks to complement a couple of other products I was trying out, which I purchased, satisfied, and left. But for the rest of the day, which I was spending doing a bit of clothes shopping, whenever I caught sight of myself in the mirror I was impressed with the healthy glow I seemed to be exuding. Of course, I had the blush to thank for this, and by the end of the day I had swiftly popped back and snapped it up. It's now become my most-used powder blush, as it's such a flattering, wearable shade, and the subtle, radiant glow it provides is enough to perk up any tired, run-down or lacklustre face. Although it's sheer, it's also highly pigmented, so a light hand is recommended when applying it. It wears well too, and is still going fairly strong by the time I get home after a day at work. For me, this was my first Sheertone Shimmer blush, and after it's success I have now got my eye on Springsheen and Peachtwist.

What's your favourite Mac blush formulation?

Have you tried any of the Sheertone Shimmer shades?

xx

What I Wore

    Leather-Look Shorts, River Island  //  China-Print Shirt, New Look  //  Leopard Print Boots, Ebay  //  Statement Necklace, New Look  //  Chunky Pyramid Stud Bracelet, Ebay  //  Sunglasses, Zara  //  Tan Studded Clutch, Primark (old)

Hello lovelies, I'm posting a bit later in the day than usual, but that's down to not having taken any snaps of this outfit in advance as I really did wear it today. I've also popped up two sets of photos, basically because I couldn't decide which one to go for!

It's still nice and sunny here, so I went with my trusty leather-look shorts from River Island and teamed them with my new china-print shirt and statement necklace, both from New Look. On my feet, I'm wearing some suede black and leopard-print ankle boots, and I've finished the look with a pair of Zara sunglasses and a Primark clutch, which is actually pretty old but is still going strong! Nail-wise, I chose this pretty pastel green, which is called Talisman, from a Brazilian brand called Ellen Gold. Unfortunately you can't get these in the UK, but this one is a really similar shade to Essie Mint Candy Apple, but I'd say it's definitely brighter and slightly less milky.

Today I've been busy running errands with the hubby - just boring stuff like paying bills etc. - and we spent the afternoon reading our books at our local coffee shop, which is always a nice way to wind down on a Friday. I'm currently reading The Age of Miracles, by Karen Thompson Walker, and I'd love to know if any of you have read it and what your thoughts were.

I've also been busy taking photos for up-coming posts, and this evening my plan is to catch up with a couple of people on Skype, burn my new Spring Yankee Candle, in Peach Orchard, and as is customary on a Friday night, do a spot of pampering. I am loving several face masks at the moment, and finding them really effective, so I've been looking forward to it even more than usual.

I do have a few more bits to chat to you about from this week, but I'll save them for my Sunday Catch-Up post, otherwise I'll have nothing left to say!

Hope everyone's had a good week and that there's a fantastic weekend ahead for us all!

xx

Review: Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipstick in Play Peach

I'm usually more of a Mac or Topshop girl when it comes to lipsticks, but a month or two ago I was browsing a bit more locally, in search of the perfect Spring peach lipstick, when I stumbled upon the Maybelline Moisture Extreme Matte Lipstick in the shade Peach Play. Obviously with Maybelline's reasonable prices I didn't hesitate to pick it up, and having already tried and enjoyed one of the normal Moisture Extreme formulations in Sugar Plum (a lovely warm nude) I was intrigued to see how this one would measure up.

From the very first application it was love. Although I'd originally been after more of a pastel, nudey peach, the moment I swiped this on my lips I knew that it would become one of my most reached for lipsticks as we head into Spring and Summer. It's a bright, vibrant peach, quite orange but with a hint of pinky red which makes it far more wearable for those of you with paler skin, or anyone who is a little bit nervous about going for anything too full-on. It's just such a flattering colour and really warms up my face when I have it on. It makes me think of juicy fruit and refreshing summery cocktails,and in my eyes that can only be a good thing!

Wear-wise, it definitely stays put a bit longer than the normal formulation, and was still going strong after I'd had my morning cuppa today. Obviously it does start to fade a bit more if you're a constant water-guzzler like me, but it does so pretty evenly so you're not left with any patchiness. Saying that, being matte it's not the most forgiving when it comes to dry patches on the lips, so a good exfoliation beforehand is definitely in order.

Over all, a really lovely lip colour that's perfect for sunny days, and one that has firmly secured it's place in my makeup bag.

What are your must-haves lip products for Spring?

xx

Dear Santa.....

Now, I don't usually shop at Dorothy Perkins, but I have to say, I am ridiculously in lust with this sequined Peter Pan collar blouse. It's absolutely gorgeous, and would look great this winter with black, high-waisted shorts, black tights and wedge shoe boots during the day, and can also be easily dressed up for night, thanks to the sequin detail. I'd wear it with a pair of black star foil skinnies from Topshop, and some seventies tan, knee-high boots for casual drinks with friends, or go a bit more glam with a high-waisted skirt and chunky, colour-block heels, with a faux fur gilet slung on over the top for extra warmth.

I'm also a little bit in love with a couple of other marvellous finds from Dotty P's, those being this lovely cream batwing jumper, which looks perfect for winter layering, and this dalmatian-print blouse.

I'm a little bit obsessed with blouses at the moment, mainly because I think they give a chic, elegant edge to any outfit, even when paired with slouchy hareems or, again, tucked into high waisted shorts, with a slouch cardigan thrown on over the top.

Actually, I should explain that I have been living abroad for a little while, so that means that I am absolutely raring to get to the shops when I arrive back in England a few days before Christmas. My winter wardrobe is severely lacking at present, and I just cannot wait to fill it up with some gorgeous sheer fabrics, chunky knits and LOTS of new shoes, boots and shoe-boots.  I do hope Santa is feeling generous this year though, because my bank balance is, well...not. As much as I love the sun, I have really missed layering and being able to go mad on accessories. When it's this hot (currently 34 degrees), you just want to be wearing as little as possible, and even then it feels like too much. When I first arrived here, I defiantly soldiered on, continuing to accessorise with waist belts, bracelets....you name it. In fact, I was really stubborn, and refused to let the weather compromise my style! Some time later though, I did have to give in slightly and embrace a more simplistic, 'less is more' way of dressing to get me through those unbearably hot days. But even in these situations, we can still find a way to 'own'whatever outfit we are wearing!