Current favourites

I am a little bit late this month to do a July favourites- I don't know where the time has gone! So here are my current favourites. I've just got back from a lovely two weeks away and these are the products that I have been using the whole time I've been away and have to say I love!

1. The body shop Mojito body butter. 
As you may have seen from a previous post here, I absolutely adore this scent. It was perfect whilst I was away on holiday for moisturising, preserving my tan  and it's fresh, zesty scent was perfect for the hot summer days.
2. Mac Lipstick in Mehr
This was a Lily Pebbles recommendation and I have to say I love it- see below for a swatch. It is the perfect pinky nude which is great everyday but can also double up for night time when you are travelling light.
3. Charlotte Tilbury- Norman Parkinson collaboration Dreamy glow highlighter
Again, I go on and on about how much I love Charlotte Tilbury but this has been on my cheeks constantly since I bought it. It adds the perfect glow for summer without being too shimmery. I have a full review of it here.
4. The new Chanel chance fragrance in Eau Vive
I have been a trusty Chanel eau Tendre fan for a long time now but when this was released I had to go and have a sniff! I think I actually prefer this one. It has a slightly more fruity, summer scent, maybe a little younger than the Eau Tendre and I really like it. Definitely one to try out if you are a Chanel Chance kinda girl.
5. Charlotte tilbury Goddess skin clay mask

Mac Mehr lipstick, Eyeshadow in Chopper,
Charlotte tilbury highlighter

Again, I have raved about this in a review here. This is one of the best masks I have ever used. I suffer with dry skin and it gives me an instant hydration boost and leaves my skin feeling so soft without drying it out at all.
6. Urban decay eyeshadow in Chopper
As you can see from the swatch, it is so glittery and pretty! It lasts all day with the Nars eyeshadow primer and looks great on it's own or with other shadows. It was a great choice for holiday wear as I could pack light and knew it would still be there at the end of the night.

What are your current favourites?

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

What concealer shall I use? A review of Mac studio finish, Clarins instant and Urban decay naked concealers

From left to right:
MAC studio finish in NW20, Clarins instant concealer in light and Urban decay naked skin weightless complete coverage concealer in light warm)

A review of each concealer

MAC studio finish (£15.50)

What MAC says: 

'it is a lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer. Provides a smooth, long-wearing invisible coverage for all skin blemishes. Water-resistant, fragrance-free and non-blemishgenic. This emollient-based, lightweight concealer is so concentrated that a tiny amount can provide opaque coverage of the skin's imperfections and discolourations. It effectively covers dark circles, blemishes, moles, tattoos and birthmarks. Enriched with antioxidants (derivatives of Vitamin A and Vitamin E), it also contains Silica to help adsorb the skin's oils. 

What I say:

I think this is definitely not a lightweight concealer. I mainly use this concealer to cover blemishes/ red patches as it is pretty thick and opaque. It can be blended well and lasts all day. I think this is my favourite for 'concealing' those problem areas rather than using it to brighten areas or for using under the eyes.

Clarins instant concealer (£21)

What Clarins says:

'Instant Concealer provides customised correction for all types of dark circles. It is tinted to mask the colour of dark circles while restoring the  skin's natural tone. Its fluid texture blends flawlessly into the skin and smoothes the eye contour area'.

What I say:

As quite a new addition to the clarins collection, this is a great all round product. It has good coverage over blemishes and I actually use this on minimal make up days as a foundation for places that need some coverage/ evening out. It lasts well and comes in a lovely little tube- perfect to use with the Zoeva 142 concealer buffer brush or the Real techniques deluxe crease brush. If I had to have just one concealer I think this would be it!

Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer (£17.50)

What Urban decay say:

'Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer gives you buildable, even coverage with a luminous, demi-matte finish. Ultra lightweight, this high-tech formula melds like a second skin effect and gives you full coverage in an instant. 

For complete coverage, just keep building; no matter how much you apply, Naked Skin Concealer always blends beautifully and won’t settle into fine lines. 

Naked Skin Concealer helps improve skin’s youthful appearance and elasticity. Japanese green tea revitalizes and helps reduce the appearance by reducing the appearance of fine lines and giving a brighter, more radiant complexion. The formula is enriched with Matrixyl 3000, green tea, Litchiderm™ (derived from lychee fruit) and sodium hyaluronate'.

What I say:

I really like the packaging of this concealer. It has a doe foot applicator that holds a lot of product (maybe a little too much if you are not careful!). It is quite light weight and reminds me of the NARS creamy concealer in its texture. A great one to try if you like the NARS one. I like this as a highlighter on the nose, chin and a small amount under the eyes. Another great addition to the collection.

My overall verdict:

Best concealer for blemishes: MAC studio finish

Best concealer for dark circles/ red areas: Clarins

Best concealer for highlighting/brightening: Urban decay

Favourite overall concealer: Clarins instant concealer

I hope you found this interesting and useful

thanks

Katherine

xxx