4 Incredible Drugstore Beauty Buys

(A Belated) January Beauty Favourites

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas from Waitrose

I Love Lanolips

My Current Skincare Routine: Dehydated, Combination Skin Type

May Beauty Empties

February Beauty Favourites

Feeling-Better Beauty

The day after Boxing Day I caught some sort of London "bug" and spent the next week feeling completely and utterly gross, doing very little apart from recuperating. As a result, I've spent the majority of my time since then either in bed or on my sofa feeling pretty darn sorry for myself. Other than seriously binging on Netflix very little has managed to brighten these sick-days. However, there were a few beauty bits that I kept reaching for to make me feel and look considerably better.


Aromatheraphy Associates Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil*

I was very kindly sent this shower oil the week before Christmas - it's almost as if someone knew what was coming! I don't have a bath at home and I must admit that at first I was a bit sceptical about these bath and shower oils, they're a ubiquitous blogger favourite and although they may be pretty they're also very pricey. However, after walking around for a week with a head that felt the size of a melon I can sincerely attest to the sheer pleasure of an essential-oil fuelled shower. The Revive Morning Bath and Shower Oil* really did perk me up, almost unbelievably so! I would pour a capful of oil over my torso and arms pre-showering and what transpires is that the hot water releases all the magical, uplifting and sinus-clearing essential oils (of grapefruit, juniper, rosemary and berry) which instantly made my head feel clearer and lighter. I can only imagine how lovely these oils would be in a bath. At £40 a bottle they're definitely an investment, but with each bottle containing 20 capfuls you can easily monitor your usage to get the most for your money, plus over time they actually work out as a more cost effective investment than many of Lush's bath bombs. Personally, I'm giving the Revive Oil a very big thumbs up and I'll definitely be reaching for it whenever I'm not feeling totally myself. Pro-tip: this would be perfect for anyone who parties a little hard over the weekend and needs a regular monday morning pick-me-up.

Mount Purious' Organic Rosehip Oil*

I've been using this for just over a month now and it's become a morning and evening skincare staple that just keeps my skin soft, smooth and all-out happy. It's a wonderful organic rosehip oil - it's much lighter than the Fushi Rosehip Oil I was previously using and it sinks into my skin very quickly but with all the same great results. Over time rosehip oil does a fantastic job of evening out skin tone and rehydrating dry or dehydrated skin. I have combination skin but I found that whilst I was ill my skin was much more dry and dull than usual and this skin oil made a big difference in how my skin felt. If you like easy, straightforward and effective skincare products then I'd definitely recommend incorporating rosehip oil into your routine. Mount Purious' oil is the best one I've come across if you want a product to use day and night and I particularly like using it because I really like the brand's ethos. They're a really environmentally responsible company, they're cruelty free and vegan friendly, they support organic farming and they also give 10% of their profits to charity. If you want to invest in good skincare from a really good brand then I'd definitely point you towards Mount Purious.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

When I'm ill I almost always get bored, and when I'm bored I always go looking for a face mask to use - its the best beauty time-killer. Antipodes' Aura Manuka Honey Mask was definitely one of, if not my absolute, favourite face mask of 2014 and I reached for it twice whilst I was ill. It smells gorgeous and always leaves my skin smoother, fresher and more glowing. It's also ridiculously easy to remove, so it's perfect to use even if you're feeling grouchy and gross. 

Lanolips 101 Ointment*

I don't know if you've ever experienced the discomfort of a really sore I've-blown-it-one-too-many-times nose. Well, that was my hell for the first few days of not feeling well, until I started slathering Lanolips' 101 Ointment* all over my face. It's an almost instant cure for dry, cracked and sorry skin and next time I'll crack this out of the tin as soon as I reach for tissues. If you have dry lips, a dry nose, dry elbows, a patch of eczema on your collarbone (oh, that's only me?), then you can reach for Lanolips' 101 Ointment* and know that it's going to improve your symptoms pretty darn quickly. I love Lanolips' range (especially their Herbal Body Oil and Intense Rose Balm) but the 101 Ointment is the handiest multipurpose product that they stock.

During that week, apart from my cleanser (I'm still using Murad's Essentical-C Cleanser*) and shampoo and conditioner (Toni & Guy's Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner for Normal Hair*) I didn't really use much else beauty-wise (although I did doll myself up for New Year's Eve). Do you have any beauty bits that you reach for when you're not feeling so good?

Body Care Favourites from 2014

I discovered some incredible new body products this year, but I've also thrown in two long standing favourites that I would highly recommend!

Lola's Apothecary Rose & Geranium Body Oil*

First on my list is this incredibly nourishing and hydrating body oil from Lola's Apothecary. It makes an incredible difference to the feel of my skin and I found that the results I get from this body oil are better and more long lasting than any other moisturising product that I've tried so far. It has a pretty hefty price tag but it is absolutely worth the money. If you haven't already tried anything from Lola's Apothecary then you need to keep your eyes peeled, they're definitely a brand to watch!

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Ultra Nourishing Oil*

This is another incredible body oil and the scent is absolutely gorgeous! It isn't quite as nourishing as my previous mention but I've found that the product goes quite a lot further thanks to its handy spray top. This is a wonderful option for those with dry skin who are looking for long-lasting results with the addition of a beautiful fragrance. I've loved using this, I reach for it a lot and I've been really impressed at how long it's lasted me. It's a product that's definitely worth investing in!

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash*

I really love Balance Me's products and their Rose Otto range is quite simply beautiful. I've been a big fan of the scent of Lush's Flying Fox Shower Gel this year, but the quality of Balance Me's Body Washes completely won me over. It was a real pleasure to find something so nice to use that's also sulphate-free. I'll definitely be repurchasing it and I'm really looking forward to trying more products from Balance Me over the coming year.

Lanolips Intense Rose Hand Balm*

This was a last minute rediscovery! I loved this hand balm last year and got through a full-size tube pretty darn quickly because I couldn't put the stuff down. I recently was sent a half-size tube and it's been sitting in my handbag ever since. I can't believe I forgot to repurchase it this year, I think that in terms of effectiveness its on par with L'Occitane's Shea Hand Cream but I definitely prefer the formula of Lanolips' Intense Rose Hand Balm.

L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate
This will forever be a favourite of mine - it's one of those beauty products that I've loved from the moment I discovered it. Tom very kindly gave me a L'Occitane Almond Gift Set for Christmas and it's completely rekindled the fire in my heart. If you like gel-textured moisturisers that smell sweet and musky all at once, then L'Occitane's Almond Milk Concentrate might just be the next product that you need to try.


What have been some of your favourites from 2014?

A Last Minute Gift Idea: Lanolips' Artist Tin

I wanted this Lanolips Artist Tin* ever since I first spotted it on twitter! Its the result of an exciting collaboration between Lanolips and Australian Fashion Illustrator Kelly Smith, and I for one think that it's just lovely. I've been a big fan of Lanolips ever since I discovered the brand last summer. All of their products are 100% natural and contain high levels of "ultra pure grade" lanolin (a really hydrating ingredient that holds up to 200% it's weight in moisture). I've gotten along really well with everything I've tried so far - particularly their body oil which I think is one of the best ones that you can find on the highstreet!

Inside the Lanolips Artist Tin you'll find a full size Lanolips 101 Ointment* as well as a mini Intense Rose Balm*. I already really love both of these products - the 101 Ointment is a great all-purpose product and I've already written up a review of the Intense Rose Balm. It's a seriously impressive body balm and I love using it as a hand cream. It doesn't sink into the skin instantly but it does seriously work wonders on even my dry and eczema-prone skin - so I'm so happy to have this half-sized tube to throw in my handbag!

Now that I've opened my tin, I'm going to be using it to store all of my various Lanolips products (you can see that I have quite a few!). It's a really cute addition to my beauty storage and I'm going to be keeping it close to hand on my bedside table.

You can find Lanolips' Artist Tin* in Wholefoods stores for £15.28 - this works out as quite a good deal as Lanolips'  Intense Rose Balm costs £9.18 for 50ml (£4.58 per 25ml) and Lanolips 101 Balm costs £11.22, so essentially you're getting the beautiful tin for free! If you're on the hunt for a last minute Christmas gift then I'd definitely recommend hunting this down in your local Wholefoods store, plus it's limited edition so it won't be around forever.

January Beauty Empties

Prep'n'Pout

Lush's Lip Scrubs are an essential part of my beauty routine. I reach for them whenever my lips need a little bit of help (which is quite often) and the follow up with one of my more intensive lip balms. I won Lanolips' Lemonaid* last summer (which you can read about here if you're interested) and I only recently opened it up. What I discovered was quite possibly the loveliest lip product I've ever stumbled across. Not only is it incredibly moisturising but it also has the most gorgeous lemon scent that lingers even after the product has sunk into my lips. Once I've given it a few minutes to get my lips looking and feeling their best I reach for my lipstick. As I mentioned last month I've been loving red lips and Rimmel's Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 111 is my shade of choice right now - it lasts really well without being drying and never bleeds or smudges. A simple little routine but it is keeping my lips happy.

What exfoliating and hydrating products do you use on your lips?

My Red Lip Wardrobe

For me, putting on a red lipstick is like putting on a new dress or a pair of high heels. It is an instant, fool-proof way to make myself feel dressed up. However, it dawned on me recently that although I have a passion for trying out new lipsticks I don't actually have many options when it comes to a red lip. I'm not one to really experiment with red lips, I definitely know what I like (blue based shades that aren't too much on the bright side) and my collection of red lip colours really testifies to that! I am starting to wear red lips a lot more frequently - nothing like bringing a little bit of glam into my student life - so I felt as though a post dedicated to the subject would be quite fitting. Today's post is just going to involve me showing you the six red lip colours that I have in my collection and walking you through which are my favourites and why. 

LEFT TO RIGHT: Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 107, Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 101, MaxFactor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Revlon Red, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic and Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour in Apple.

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 107

This is probably my most worn dark red lipstick. It is a red that is definitely on the berry end of the spectrum and I find it incredibly flattering year round. I do tend to reach for this lipstick more in the autumn and winter months and lately I've been really loving it. This lipstick has a satin formula - so it is on the matte end of the spectrum but it isn't too drying on the lips. I find that it lasts really well (a must have if I'm going to wear a bold lip) and it is a shade that I often get compliments on.

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 101

After the success of the shade '107' I couldn't help myself but go back this year and pick up another colour to try. Rimmel's Kate Moss Lipstick in 101 is a gorgeous true-red and I must admit that I find it quite bold to wear. When I brave this one out of the house it does make me feel quite wonderful. It has the same formula as '107' so it lasts really well even when I sip on drinks or nibble on food and I feel comfortable that it won't smudge or bleed. I love Rimmel's Kate Moss lipsticks, especially these 'matte' ones in the red packaging.

MaxFactor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday

The formula of MaxFactor's Colour Elixir Lipsticks is absolutely gorgeous and I definitely think that they're highly underrated. Ruby Tuesday is a gorgeous blue based red that really brightens up my face when I wear it. The formula is very creamy, opaque in one swipe and lasts through meals. I'm incredibly impressed with it whenever I wear it and it is normally the lipstick I reach for when I want a bright red lip instead of a darker berry-red.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 107, Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 101, MaxFactor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Revlon Red, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic and Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour in Apple

 Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Revlon Red

The colour of Revlon Red is intense and its brightness often puts me off wearing it. I find Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipsticks very light and moisturising but that does mean that the lasting power isn't as good as the lipsticks that I've previously mentioned. Additionally, I always use a lip liner with Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipsticks because I find that they have more of a propensity to bleed and smudge than my other red lip colours. That being said, the effect of this lipstick really is quite something and if you're after a vivid colour to wear to a party or event then I'd definitely recommend this one.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic 

This is probably the easiest 'daytime red' lip colour that I've come across. The shade is slightly more orange toned than I would like but sheerness of it means that it's easy to layer up to an intensity that I'm happy with and then the lasting power (because it is a stain) makes it effortless to wear. I'd highly recommend Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains and I've been raving about them all year long!

Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour in Apple*

Lanolips' Lip Ointment with Colour in Apple is the best option for anyone with dry or sore lips. It is a thick, very effective lip treatment that just happens to have a gorgeous touch of colour to it. I tend to wear this when my lips are having an off day (central heating and wind are doing them no favours) but when I still feel I need a little colour added to my face. The colour only lasts about an hour before you'd need to reapply but it fades evenly and it isn't sticky like a lipgloss. In my books it scores very highly! I'm quite the Lanolips convert.

So there you have it, those six red lip colours make up my red lip wardrobe. I'm definitely on the hunt for new shades to try in the new year as compared to say pinks and neutrals I really haven't tried many red lipsticks! Which lip colour did you like the most? And do you have a favourite red lipstick?

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A Winter Treat: Lanolips Herbal Treatment Body Oil

It's no secret that I'm a fan of body oils! The last body oil I reviewed was Garnier's Ultimate Beauty Oil and today I'm going to be talking about a body oil that's impressed me even more, Lanolips' Herbal Treatment Body Oil*. I won a whole selection of Lanolips' products in the summer and, like many people, before I received these products I didn't know that Lanolips made anything but lip products. Were I not to have won their Instagram competition I would probably never have tried any of their body care range! After using this body oil for a while now (I've actually just finished it) I've come to the conclusion that Lanolips' Herbal Treatment Body Oil is one of the most effective body oils I've ever used. 

Lanolips' Herbal Treatment Body Oil isn't the most glamorous looking product in the world, and it doesn't have the mouth watering scent that I usually go for. What it does have is incredible mositurising capabilities. You don't need much of this product at all; a couple of drops will do both your arms, a couple of drops will cover your torso etc. However, on contact with damp skin (I use this when I get out of the shower and have towel dried my body) it remains an oil but is has a creamy quality to it that makes small amounts go really far and also seems to help it speedily absorb into the skin. Once applied it doesn't take long to absorb, a couple of minutes but nothing near as long as my current body butter of choice - Soap and Glory's The Righteous Butter, that takes bloomin' ages! The effects of the body oil are quite considerable, it leaves skin incredibly soft and smooth and this softness lasts more than one day which is great if you can't be bothered to moisturise daily. All things considered it is just a fantastic product, I'm really super impressed with it. 

You can find Lanolips' Herbal Treatment Oil* in Boots for £9.99, which might seem expensive but I think that it does a far better job than all the other body oils I've tried this year. 

Do you use body oils? Have you tried any of Lanolips' products?

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Hands like the Sahara?: Lanolips Intense Rose Hand Balm

My hands are always the first port of call when dry skin comes sailing along, heralding the changing seasons. As of yet, I don't have a 'holy grail' hand moisturising product - I tend to flit pretty indiscriminately between L'Occitane's Shea Butter Hand Creams and Soap and Glory's Hand Food - indeed, in last month's favourites post I mentioned that I'd been reaching for a rose scented offering from L'Occitane. However, since I won a whole host of Lanolips' products back in August I've been reaching for their Intense Rose Hand Balm  (for Very Dry Hands and Nails) with increasing frequency.

The tube only houses 50ml of product but it feels quite hefty in size compared to other hand creams I own, so as a result it doesn't tend to make it into my handbag. Instead, this is the moisturising product that I like to use on my hands in the evening. The texture of the product is thicker than a traditional hand lotion but a little less thick and creamy than a moisturising 'butter' texture. I apply a generous dollop into one hand and then massage this across both my hands until it is evenly distributed, and then I keep massaging my hands together until the product is totally absorbed. It is a very intensely hydrating product so it doesn't sink in immediately (like I feel Hand Food does) but its effects can be noticed immediately and they last for quite a long time. When I use this Rose Hand Balm before bed I always wake up with incredibly smooth, soft skin. 

Although it contains rose oil and is advertised as a 'Rose' product this Hand Balm doesn't have a particularly strong rose scent. It smells a little bit similar to Lanolips' Lip Ointments (if you know what those smell like), it has that distinct, unique scent that I can only assume comes from the product's high lanolin content. The smell, however, isn't particularly strong so even if you're not keen on it there won't be any continued assault on your senses. I personally also really enjoy the aesthetics of the packaging. I like the pink tube, the lipstick'd sheep's face etc. I find it all very endearing and I like how this looks on my bedside table.

Lanolips' Intense Rose Hand Balm costs £9.18* at Boots which certainly feels like quite a lot of money. However, the quality of the product is incredibly high (it performs at the same standard as L'Occitane's Shea Butter hand creams, although it feels very different to use) and I think the packaging helps make this product a lot more suitable for gifting. If you're thinking about a present for a friend or family member, especially those concerned with keeping their hands youthfully smooth and soft, then I'd bear this Lanolips Hand Balm in mind. I personally don't think I will be repurchasing it, or at least not for a long time, as I have a whole host of other hand creams to use and I imagine they will last me throughout the whole of the next year. I may, however, buy another tube to give to my Dad who I think despite all the pink packaging would enjoy the hand cream's moisturising benefits because, honestly, that man has hands like the Sahara.

What hand cream are you using right now? 

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