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WINTER BEAUTY PICKS

The combination of bitterly cold days and drying central heating this winter has left my skin looking a little lacklustre and in serious need of a hydration boost. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel has continued to help to restore my complexion, the cleansing and softening vitamins and pumpkin enzymes of this dreamy pink gel cleanser work well to leave me with radiant, soft skin

I've also pulled out the Sanctuary Spa Therapists Secret Facial Oil for winter, this heavenly oil glides effortlessly over the skin and works wonders as you sleep. Rich in hydrating vitamin e, soothing frankincense and strengthening rosehip oil you only need a few drops to leave you with soft, nourished skin that glows.

Lastly for skin Lush's The Sacred Truth Face Mask has been my favourite skincare treat this month. The papaya enzymes work to exfoliate whilst moisturising honey nourishes the skin, the fresh ingredients combine to leave my skin looking younger, radiant and smooth.

For body care I've been using a dreamy duo to keep my skin silky soft. Packed with exfoliating sugar, vanilla and moisturising murumuru butter, Lush The Rough with the Smooth is the perfect fix for parched winter skin. Paired with a rich moisturiser like Soap and Glory Smoothie Star Body Buttercream they make the perfect match leaving my skin feeling pampered and polished.

On my nails, I've been keeping it simple this month, after December's glittery mani's a swipe of Essie's Apricot Cuticle Oil is all I've been wearing most days. If I do reach for a shade, It's been a pretty nude like Essie's Sugar Daddy, a gorgeous sheer pink polish which gives a delicate no fuss mani.

I've also been keeping my make up quite simple this month, opting for dewy, natural shades. A shimmery champagne pink like MAC's Naked Lunch is perfect to brighten up the eyes, concealing tired peepers effortlessly with just one swipe over the lids.

For blusher, MAC Well Dressed is my top pick for winter, the cool powdery pale pink tones are ideal for the icy cold days. Paired with a shimmery iridescent highlighter like one from the divine Sleek Solstice Palette they work together to give a healthy luminous glow to the skin.

For lips, I can't be without Nuxe Reve De Miel in winter. With honey, sweet almond oil and shea butter it's my lip saviour for the colder months. I've also been reaching for MAC Mehr daily, the latest addition to my lipstick collection this dreamy mauve pink shade is so flattering and a new firm favourite.

What are your beauty picks for Winter?

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It's around the time of the year when my skin tends to look a little lacklustre and is in serious need of a radiance boost. I've pulled together a few of my favourite radiance enhancing products that help to keep my complexion dewy and bright and to keep dull skin at bay.

For dull skin days I reach for the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, you only need a such a small amount of this illuminating cleanser to combat dull, uneven skin. The pink, turkish delight scented gel transforms into an silky oil as you massage it onto your skin and the combination of pumpkin enzymes and vitamins work together cleanse, soften and restore.

The Lush The Sacred Truth Face Mask has been a welcome addition to my skincare routine this month. This pampering skincare treat has totally perked up my complexion thanks to the combination of exfoliating papaya, nutritional wheatgrass and nourishing honey. The gorgeous fresh ingredients leave my skin looking younger, radiant and smooth.

Highlighters are my go to quick fix for dull, lacklustre skin. The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal is an iridescent shimmery golden peach, ideal for that candlelit glow.

Another highlighter pick is the Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette, with four dreamy shades to choose from, it's such a great palette. I've even been using some of the shades doubled up as a brightening eyeshadow, the rose gold shade looks gorgeous washed over the lids!

Lastly, the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream All Over Miracle Oil* has been working wonders on my skin, hair and body. This luxe multi purpose oil gives a mist of moisture, saving parched skin and leaving your complexion dewy and hydrated.

How do you keep dull skin at bay?

Highlighters are my go to quick fix for dull, lacklustre skin. The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal is an iridescent shimmery golden peach, ideal for that candlelit glow.

How do you keep dull skin at bay?

With Christmas parties and festive gatherings on the horizon, I've pulled out the most sparkly & glittery, Christmas appropriate make up that I own. I've lined up my favourite festive red lipsticks, pulled out all of my glittery nail polishes and decorated my dressing table ready for the occasion.

To keep my skin in top condition I've been reaching for nourishing serums, rich moisturisers and enriching oils. The Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel is a staple for me this month to combat dull, uneven skin. The pink, turkish delight scented gel transforms into an oil as you massage it onto your skin whilst the pumpkin enzymes and vitamins work to cleanse, soften and restore leaving you with a radiant and smooth complexion.

I've also been using my Estee lauder Advanced Night Repair II again, pairing it with the Origins Make a Difference Overnight Hydrating Repair Cream, together they make a dreamy combination and leave me with plump, glowing, hydrated skin.

On my nails, I'm planning on wearing as much glitter as possible throughout December. Whether it's gilded tips courtesy of Essie Rock At The Top or full on Christmas Nails thanks to Essie Leading Lady, a sparkly festive, deep red I'm planning on keep my fingers and toes pretty festive all month!

I've noted a run down of my favourite festive eyeshadow shades here and whilst most of these shimmery shades are well suited for the party season, Topshop Shuffle the cards, a sparkly iridescent rose gold and L'oreal Sable Lame, a gel infused, buttery soft shimmery gold are my top picks this month for every day wear.

It's not really Christmas for me without rocking a bright red lip at least once during December. L'Oreal Color Riche Lipstick in Blake is a flattering, cool toned red that when applied gives a polished, classic look. My second pick, Nars Cruella is a gorgeous Christmassy red lip it's creamy on application, dries to a matte finish and lasts for hours on the lips.

Lastly, on my cheeks, I've pulled out my favourite festive rosy wine blusher MAC Mineralised Blush in Gleeful for shimmery, flushed cheeks. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure is perfect to pair with a red lip as it sculpts the cheeks effortlessly whilst leaving a subtle pink radiant sheen. For highlighter, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, an iridescent, shimmering golden peach highlighter is my top choice to give me that candlelit, luminous glow.

What are your festive beauty picks this month?

I love reading beauty tips and tricks, ways to speed up my make up routine and ways to improve my technique. I've picked up a few invaluable tips over the years from beauty blogging, working in make up and from award winning make up artists that I was lucky enough to chat with when working at IMATS.

I thought I would list a few of my favourites that I've learnt and that I often use, I'd love to hear yours too!

1. Brush hair from the ends up to reduce breakage and split ends.

2. After applying lipstick, take a tissue and separate into 1ply, place over your lips and sweep a fluffy brush loaded with translucent power over the tissue to seal in the lipstick - MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder is great. Dab on another layer of lipstick and then tissue, powder and seal in once more for long lasting lipstick.

3. Wrap false lashes around a pencil or make up brush to make them more flexible and easier to work with.

4. Use hairspray on a brow brush like Daniel Sandler's Brow Groomer brush as an alternative to brow gel, spray the spoolie and then comb through to tame unruly brows and hold them in place all day!

5. A good skincare routine helps to create the perfect base for make up. Oskia Renaissance Cleanser, La Roche Posay Serozinc & Origins GinZing Moisturiser are a few of my current favourites.

6. Mix foundation with a little moisturiser to give you lighter coverage for Summer.

7. Watch make up tutorials on youtube for incredible looks, tips and techniques.

8. Invest in a concealer palette like Collection Conceal and Light Like A Pro Palette. Green cancels out redness, yellow is great to diminish dark circles and purple brightens dull skin.

9. With eyeshadows, uneven numbers tend to look better. I like to stick to either just 1, 3 or 5 shades.

10. It's only make up, it's easily washed off - experiment, test out looks and start again!

11. There's no real right or wrong way to apply make up, use brushes, sponges or clean fingers to apply products. Use eyeshadows as highlighters, cream blushers as lipsticks and bronzers as eyeshadows - whatever works best for you!

12. Hygiene is important. Check use by dates (Meg's guide is great), deep clean brushes often (Dr Bronners Liquid Soap is amazing) and keep note of any ingredients that you are allergic or have reactions to.

As the weather gets colder, my lips start to suffer. With biting, gale force winds, dehydrating central heating and drying matte berry lipsticks I need lip balms that really help to heal and nourish my lips. Each year I pull out my favourite and most used lip scrubs and balms to work their wonders.

With the delicious scent of mint chocolate and the promise of smooth lips, Lush Mint Julips lip scrub is a staple for the colder months. It contains moisturising jojoba oil and exfoliating sugar to buff away any dry patches and leaves you with soft, smooth lips.

For an everyday balm, I love EOS lip balms, they contain vitamin e, jojoba oil and shea butter and are natural, 95% organic and petrolatum free. They're the perfect size to pop in your bag and a quick swipe leaves lips feeling soft and hydrated.

A balm that I've been reaching for more and more is The Body Shop Honey Mania Lip Balm, it uses beeswax instead of shea butter which helps to retain moisture for a longer time. You only need a small amount to leave you with supple and hydrated lips.

Figs and Rouge Lip balms win for me with their dreamy scents and packaging. The formula is divine, it's 100% natural and melts onto the the lips. It leaves lips feeling so soft and moisturised, apparently Emma Watson's a big fan of them too!

Lastly, my favourite lip balm for an overnight treatment is Nuxe Reve De Miel. This balmy, citrus and honey scented lip balm transforms my lips overnight. It contains honey, sweet almond oil, calendula and shea butter which help to leave your lips plump, hydrated and incredibly soft.

What is your favourite lip balm?

With my bright and coral hues tucked safely away for another year, I've pulled out some of my favourite autumn shades to wear for the upcoming months. My dressing table is looking a little more autumnal and I'm excited to embrace burgundy, plum and berry shades.

With darker nights and mornings slowly creeping in I've been left feeling quite tired and my skin has been looking a little lacklustre. Origins High Potency Night a Mins is great for autumn as it's a thick, creamy moisturiser that helps to combat dull, tired skin. It contains vitamins E, C and H, helps to fade acne scarring and gives a boost of radiance to your skin.
Nuxe Reve De Miel is my lip saviour for the colder months, it contains honey, sweet almond oil, shea butter and calendula to keep lips soft and supple.

For blusher, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure is so perfect for autumn. It's a beautiful rose/plum shade with swirls of ambient lighting powder running through that leaves you with a flawless, radiant finish. Nars Orgasm (worn here) gives a warm, golden pink flush of colour to your cheeks that helps to keep your make up looking fresh and glowing on gloomy days.

On my eyes, I've been gravitating towards MAC Quarry, a muted plum and MAC Sable, a bronze with plum pearl. Both look great smudged under the lower lash line for a hint of colour or blended through the crease for definition.

I'm a huge fan of autumn nail polish shades and so it makes me so happy to be wearing berry shades again. Essie Bahama Mama is a divine rich plum and one of my favourite nail polishes, it works so well paired with Essie Summit of Style, a bronze chunky glitter to give you gilded tips.

Autumnal lipstick shades are some of my favourites to wear, Topshop Beguiled (worn here) is a beautiful berry/red with slightly shimmery undertones, it's velvety formula glides easily onto the lips and is such a flattering shade to wear. MAC Rebel is a gorgeous autumn berry lipstick that's perfect for blustery autumn days as it stays put for hours. I opt for MAC Plumful (swatched here) if I want something a little more subtle on the lips, it's a pretty mauve berry that's buildable and feels soft on the lips.

Lastly, I've been running a little Beauty Protector Protect & Oil through the ends of my hair for silky soft tresses. This smells incredible - like candyfloss, doesn't weigh down my hair at all and a little goes a long way, I only need to use a couple of drops for glossy, bouncy hair.

What are your beauty picks for autumn?

I've been using the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel every day for a couple of weeks now and the change in my skin has been unbelievable. It's a new level of skincare for me, delivering incredible results by improving the texture, pigmentation and radiance of my skin.

You only need such a small amount of this illuminating cleanser to cover your whole face and neck as the pink, turkish delight scented gel smooths effortlessly over your skin whilst melting into a silky oil. When you add a little water, the oil emulsifies and turns milky, it's then easily wiped away with a face cloth soaked in warm water.

With pumpkin enzymes to deeply cleanse pores, vitamins c & e to restore and vitamin a to soften, this cleanser combines wonderful ingredients to leave you with incredibly soft, radiant skin. Since using this my skin has felt the softest it ever has, fine lines have improved and it's really helped to even out the pigmentation in my skin.

I use this either in the morning before applying my daily moisturiser if I'm having a no make up day or in the evening after taking off my make up if I am wearing make up. I only feel like I need to use it once a day at the moment as it works so well for me, that way it feels like a real treat to use and hopefully this bottle will last me a long time.

I love Oskia as a brand, their products are 98% natural, free from parabens, sulphates and petrochemicals, their products are not tested on animals and the Oskia Renaissance Cleanser is suitable for vegans.

I've definitely found 'the one' with the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel and it's become my skincare staple for autumn to combat uneven, dull skin. I just need to find a good, nourishing moisturiser to use afterwards now that the weather is getting colder!

Have you tried this Oskia Cleanser?

Skincare: Origins has been my choice for skincare for a while now, their products are formulated with natural oils, certified organic ingredients and without parabens, petrolatum and paraffin. It's not only the great ingredients that really set Origins apart, their products deliver great results time after time and they're good at giving out samples so that you can really find the right products that work for you.
My favourite Origins product has to be the GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser, a lightweight, hydrating and radiance boosting moisturiser that leaves skin incredibly soft. I also absolutely love Origins face masks, Out Of Trouble Face Mask contains Zinc oxide, sulfur and salicylic acid and so is perfect for bad skin days, Clear Improvement is an active charcoal based mask that unclogs pores and Drink Up 10 Minute Mask and Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask are rich, nourishing masks that keep skin plump and hydrated.

Highlighter: There's something ethereal about Topshop highlighters, they give an iridescent glow to the skin and are so pigmented and long lasting. Topshop Sunbeam is a golden highlighter that instantly brings light and radiance to the skin, making it perfect for Summer. Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polish is a dreamy champagne shade that blends so seamlessly onto the skin and leaves you with a lumiescent glow, see me wearing it here.

Lipstick: When it comes to lip products, Nars Lip Pencils win on formulation, longevity and pigmentation for me. The creamy formula of the satin lip pencils apply seamlessly thanks to the pencil/crayon style applicator and the matte shades are highly pigmented and long lasting. My favourite shades are Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, a scarlet red, Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu, a shocking pink and Torres Del Paine, a pretty peach coral and my absolute favourite shade, I really need to find a dupe for as this was limited edition to the Digital World Lip Pencil Coffret Set (swatched here).

I also have to give a little mention to Revlon lip products, with lip butters, matte balms, stains and creamy lipsticks, they're my favourite high street lipstick brand. They have some great high end dupes and are pigmented, fairly long lasting and have an incredible shade range. My favourite shades are Revlon Wild Orchid (a great dupe for MAC Show Orchid), Revlon Lip Butter in Raspberry pie, a pretty berry pink and Revlon Balm Stain in Showy, a dupe for Chanel La Diva, see comparisons here and me wearing it here.

What are your favourite brands for these products?

See my favourite brands for eyeshadow, nail polish and shower gel here.

The beginning of July passed me by in a haze of sleepless nights and early mornings spent trying to tempt in a breeze. The heatwave saw my flat's temperature soaring to above 30 degrees and I didn't really get much of anything done! It cooled down a little towards the end of July as gloomy, rainy and almost autumnal days took over, making me excited for the colder months ahead.

Doughnut Peaches always make an appearance in our home during the warmer months, I've been so addicted to them, somehow they're sweeter and more fragrant that a regular peach. They're deliciously moreish and they've been helping to ward off my sweet cravings until candy floss grapes come back into stores.

Beauty:

For blusher, I've been switching between my all time favourite blush Sleek Rose Gold, a dreamy, coral pink blush with golden shimmer running through it and Topshop Flush, a creamy coral pink blusher. Topshop Flush was perfect for the warmer days, it blends seamlessly onto the skin as a cream before setting in place as a powder and Sleek Rose Gold helped to brighten my complexion on July's gloomier days.

For a long lasting, bright coral pink lip, Sleek Matte me in Party Pink* has been perfect for days spent sipping ice cold smoothies and soaking in the sun. Sleek Matte me formula's are the longest lasting lip products that I've ever tried, they stay put through eating, drinking and last for hours before fading to a pretty stain. I've been pairing Revlon Unapologetic (worn here) with shimmery champagne eyeshadows and lot's of mascara. It's a flattering, matte warm coral pink that feels soft and creamy on the lips.

Although I've not strayed too much from darker hues on my nails this month, Essie Cute as a Button, a creamy coral and Essie Peach Daiquiri, a bright coral have brightening my nails in July.

Lastly, with the ever changing weather and humidity wrecking havoc on my skin, Clinique Moisture Surge has helped to give my skin a well needed boost of moisture and kept it feeling plump and hydrated. You only need a small amount to leave you with soft, nourished skin.

What were your favourite products in July?

With a mixture of sunny, humid days and cold rainy days, my skin's been feeling quite dry and dehydrated. In summer, I find that my skin battles with sweltering hot days, shaving more frequently and salty beach air. Other than ensuring to drink more water, here are a few products that I like to use to keep my skin, hair and nails hydrated.

Hair: To tame dry tresses and to banish frizzy hair days (humidity = serious Monica Geller hair!) Morrocon Oil Treatment comes to the rescue for me every time. Although the vitamin, protein and omega-3 enriched argan oil treatment can weigh down your hair a little, just a small amount of this conditioning oil worked through the ends of your hair keeps it silky soft and helps to diminish frizz.

Lips: EOS Sweet Mint is a natural, 95% Organic, refreshing lip balm that contains vitamin e, jojoba oil and shea butter to keep lips soft and hydrated. Maybelline Baby Lips in Hydrate is great for summer as it contains SPF20, it also has shea butter and honey to keep lips smooth and supple.

Nails: A nourishing oil like Essie Nail Treatment Apricot Cuticle oil will keep your cuticles soft and supple thanks to the mixture of hydrating oils. With it's nail polish style bottle, it's so easy to brush on the product and using it frequently helps keep your nails and cuticles strong and in good condition.

Skincare: A lightweight moisturiser like Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser gives you a boost of radiance whilst also leaving your skin soft and hydrated. It contains natural and organic ingredients, the gel like texture is great for summer and means that a little really goes a long way.
Throughout the day, a cooling face mist like Caudaile Beauty Elixir helps to keep skin hydrated. It contains orange blossom, organic balm mint, rosemary, grape and rose to smooth the skin and give a burst of radiance.

Bodycare: In summer, rather than reaching for rich, creamy body lotions, I like to use moisturising products in the shower to keep my skin soft and smooth. Soap and Glory Flake away is an incredible body scrub that's full of sweet almond oil, shea butter, polishing sea salt, sugar and peach seed to gently exfoliate and keep skin radiant and unbelievably soft. Lush It's Raining Men is a sweet toffee scented shower gel that contains rosehip and honey to leave your skin feeling silky soft and moisturised. If I do feel like I need to use a body moisturiser, Soap and Glory the Righteous Butter contains aloe vera and shea butter and so is great to apply to your legs after shaving or after a day in the sun.

What are your favourite hydrating products for summer?

After temperatures soared last week and with another heatwave expected to return at the end of July, I've pulled out a few products that can withstand the heat. I try to wear a little less make up when it's hot, opting for a light summery look in the day before popping on a bright lipstick for breezy summer evenings. These are a few tips to keep make up fresh on hot summer days:

Prep & Prime:
- Invest in a good SPF to use before priming, Soap and Glory Make Yourself Youthful Sunshield Superfluid SPF50+ is great cream for your face and neck that contains vitamin C, E and oil absorbing powders.

- Applying a primer to your skin before foundation helps to create a smooth, long lasting base. I always tend to go for a radiant, illuminating primer like L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer, it's a beautiful pearlescent primer that really lifts and brightens the skin. A smoothing and slightly mattifying primer like Benefit the Porefessional is also a great option for summer!

Eyes:
- Opt for waterproof liquid eyeliners and mascaras to stop them melting and flaking in the heat.

- Cream eyeshadows are a great summer staple as they give you fuss free colour that lasts for hours. Maybelline Color Tattoos in Eternal Gold and Pink Gold are two of my favourite shades, they're easily applied with your ring finger for a wash of shimmery colour over the lids, see swatches here.

Face:
- Try wearing a lighter base, I love Maybelline BB cream as it smooths imperfections, gives me a little coverage and contains SPF30!

- A cheek stain like Benefit Posietint is great for hot summer days, it gives a long lasting, buildable pretty pink stain to your cheeks.

- Use a mattifying powder like Rimmel Stay Matte, just a light dusting around the t-zone keeps your base shine free.

- Carry a cooling face mist around with you, I make sure to keep a bottle of Caudalie Beauty Elixir in the fridge at all times throughout summer. Just a couple of cooling spritzes can revitalise your make up and help to keep you feeling fresh.

- Utilise your fridge, it's great for storing face mists, toners and eye creams!

Lips:
- Choose a lip balm that also contains SPF, Maybelline Babylips in Hydrate is an affordable balm that contains SPF20, it's great to pop in your bag to wear everyday and it contains shea butter and honey to keep lips soft.

- For bold lips, Sleek Matte Me Liquid Lipsticks* are the longest lasting lip products that I've tried. The shade range is beautiful, they dry to a velvet finish and last for hours on the lips without budging.

What are your tips for heatproof make up?

I can't believe that we're over half way through the year already!

June's humid days and thunderstorms kept me on my toes, windows were thrown open in an attempt to catch a breeze before quickly slamming them shut as thunder rolled over and rain and hail suddenly battered against the window pains.

Gardening definitely doesn't come naturally to me and I've never really been green fingered but throughout June I re-potted my poinsettia (which is now completely green and resembles a small tree!) and have an array of herbs and flowering plants sitting on my windowsill. I've also fallen completely in love with peonies again and realised how much I had missed them over the winter. I've been buying them as often as possible, they're such a pretty flower and they smell incredible. I've decided that I definitely want them in my wedding bouquet.

Beauty:

Lush Avobath: The uplifting scent of lemongrass and bergamot in avobath is almost like sherbet which leaves the whole house smelling amazing. It's a great bath bomb for the warmer months as it's fresh, light and invigorating, it's also incredibly moisturising, thanks to the fresh avocado and extra virgin olive oil.

Denman Tangle Tamer*: My professional hair/make up kit is full of Denman hairbrushes, they're recommended by industry experts and I love using them in my personal collection too. I've been using the Denman Tangle Tamer after washing my hair, it's soft, nylon bristles glide so easily through my wet hair removing any knots and tangles painlessly.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask: This rich, nourishing mask really helps to keep my skin plump and hydrated. I use a little less in the summer (I like to layer it on quite thickly in the winter) to give my skin a boost of hydration, it repairs the skins barrier and helps to prevent future dehydration.

Bdellium 716 Smoky Eyeliner Brush: Probably the softest brush I own, it's perfect for applying inner corner highlighter, smudging out eyeliner or blending eyeshadows under the lower lash line.

Natural Collection Eyeshadow in Moss Shimmer: This golden olive eyeshadow looks so beautiful as a wash of colour all over the lids and smudged under the lower lashes. It's so affordable and supposedly a dupe for MAC Sumptious Olive, see me wearing it here.

Simple Face Wipes - Although face wipes are being replaced in the blogging world with creamy cleansers and primark face cloths, I find them so easy to remove the bulk of my make up before I cleanse, tone and moisturise. I've used Simple face wipes for a while now after spotting them backstage at fashion shows, they work well with my skin and take most of my make up off so that I can use my creamy cleansers afterwards!

What were your favourite products in June?

With Summer on it's way, I've placed springs pastels to the side and pulled out creams, brights and lighter bases ready for the warm summer days.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a staple for me on sweltering hot days, it contains organic balm mint, rosemary, grape, rose and orange blossom to smooth the skin and give a burst of radiance. Just a couple of spritzes of this refreshing beauty mist perks up dull skin and leaves it feeling cool and fresh.
No other eye cream really compares to Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream for me, it's a rich but lightweight cream that contains virgin coconut, rosehip and carrot oils, brightening lemon oil, cucumber oil and hydrating hyaluronic acid. I've been using this on and off for a couple of years now, it's the only eye cream that's ever made a noticeable difference to my dark circles.

I always opt for cream or gel based eyeshadows in the summer, Maybelline Colour Tattoo's in Eternal Gold and And on Bronze are so easy to use for a quick wash of colour over the eyes and they last all day on me without creasing or smudging. For an everyday shade I like to wear Maybelline Eternal Gold (swatched here) with lot's of mascara and a shimmery peach lipgloss.

For blusher, Sleek Rose Gold is the perfect summer shade, it's a dreamy coral pink with flecks of gold which gives you a beautiful warm summer glow. Topshop Head Over Heels is a creamy, coral peach blusher that blends seamlessly as a cream before setting in place as a powder. It works so well used with Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polished, a beautiful, almost ethereal highlighter. MAC Gleam eyeshadow - a shimmery golden peach shade, also works well as a summer highlighter, both really help to brighten the complexion and give a pretty glow to your cheeks.

I've been reluctant to move away from wearing deep reds, greys and berry shades on my nails this year but Essie Peach Daiquiri - a bright peachy pink, and Essie Vanity Fairest - a shimmery pastel pink are so pretty for summer. I've been wearing Essie Peach Daiquiri on my toes and Essie Vanity Fairest on my fingers for a soft, pretty manicure.

On my lips, I've pulled out two of my favourite pinks, Nars satin lip pencil in Yu (swatched here), a beautiful bright cool toned pink that works well worn alone or dabbed on as a stain and Revlon Sultry Samba (swatched here) which is a matte fuchsia pink that lasts well on the lips and feels soft and creamy in texture.

Lastly, for fragrance I'm still so in love with Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream. It's a breezy, girly scent with notes of blackberry, jasmine, pear and coconut water that and smells delicate, warm, airy and light.

What are your beauty picks for Summer?

When my skin is clear, radiant and glowing it really helps to boost my confidence, my make up applies like a dream and I have more frequent no make up days. Here are a few things I like to do to keep my skin glowing and in good condition:

Eat Well: For me, the most important step to healthy, glowing skin is to make sure that I'm eating well and filling my body with good and nutritious foods. Sweet potatoes, oranges, strawberries and blueberries are loaded with vitamin c which helps to produce collagen, almonds and avocados are rich in protecting vitamin e and brazil nuts, oats and coconut water contain selenium which maintains skins elasticity. Eat Pretty by Jolene Hart is a great book to read for more food properties and benefits.

Drink Water: To help your skin stay radiant and clear, it's beneficial to drink at least 2 litres of water a day. On Caroline Hirons advice, I've also started to drink cups of fresh ginger tea, it reduces inflammation and improves circulation, as a result my skin has never been so soft and radiant.

Skincare: For an everyday boost of radiance, Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser contains panax ginseng and coffee bean which helps to keep your skin vibrant. For a weekly treatment, Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask is a brightening, renewing mask that contains natural fruit acids, leaving skin radiant, smooth and clear.

Make up: Mixing a couple of drops of a shimmery, opalescent highlighter like Seventeen Skin Wow Primer into your foundation can help to give you dewy, glowing skin. Alternatively, you can dab a creamy highlighter on top of your foundation, Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polished is one of my all time favourites, there's something ethereal about the colour, it gives a beautiful luminescent glow and the pearly peach tones help to brighten the complexion.
Using a brightening blusher like Sleek Pixie Pink or Topshop Head Over Heels (a creamy coral) can also help to keep your make up looking fresh and radiant.

Exercise: Lastly, yoga, facial exercises and working out increases circulation and can help to keep your skin looking fresh and glowing. I love to do Lisa Eldridge's Facial Massage Routine as often as possible as it makes such a noticeable difference my skin.

I can always count on these products to work wonders for me, whether its good quality, pigmented make up, oils that brighten my complexion or balms that soothe my lips, they're all products that I absolutely love and can see myself repurchasing for a long time.

Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette: This palette has the perfect mix of pigmented shimmery tones and matte browns to create a variety of looks. The buttery smooth texture of the eyeshadows in this palette makes them so easy to work with and blend and every single shadow in this palette is beautiful.

Sleek Rose Gold Blusher: This dreamy peach pink blusher has golden flecks running through it which catch the light and give a beautiful glow as you move. The soft, pigmented formula blends so seamlessly, you only need a light dusting brushed over your cheeks to brighten the complexion and give you a glow similar to Nars Orgasm. See it swatched here.

Sanctuary Therapists Secret Facial Oil: This 99% Organic, lightweight oil is rich in hydrating vitamin e, soothing frankincense and strengthening rosehip oil. You just need a few drops to leave you with soft, nourished skin that's radiant and glowing.

Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm: Dab a small amount of this sweet citrus and honey scented lip balm onto your lips to eliminate dryness and keep your lips feeling plump and smooth. It contains honey, sweet almond oil, calendula and shea butter which help to tackle dryness and leave your lips looking and feeling soft and nourished.

MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle: Swept over the top of your cheekbones and onto the brow bone, this golden champagne highlighter gives such beautiful, luminous glow to the skin. It blends so seamlessly and leaves your skin looking radiant and illuminated. See me wearing it here.

It's safe to say that Soap and Glory rule the majority of my body care stash, their body washes, moisturisers and polishing scrubs all leave my skin feeling so soft and smooth. Flake Away is an incredible body scrub and although it's not my favourite scent out of the range, the combination of sweet almond oil, shea butter, polishing sea salt, sugar and peach seed powder helps to leave my skin feeling radiant and unbelievably soft. I also own a mini pot of Soap and Glory Scrub Em and Leave Em, this leaves skin silky smooth, contains exfoliating sea salt, moisturising jojoba and mandarin oils and the fragrance is dreamy.

Both Snow Fairy and It's Raining Men from Lush are two of my favourite shower gels, there is something quite whimsical about them, they leave a lovely sweet lingering scent to the skin and help to keep skin soft and moisturised.

For body moisturiser, the Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil Skin Perfector is incredible for ease of use, it's enriched with almond, argan, macadamia and rose oil, smells divine and you can simply spritz a fine mist all over and it leaves you with glowing and nourished skin. If I want something a little more thick and luxurious then I opt for the Origins Ginger Whipped Body Cream, this has a sweet scent of spiced ginger and is packed full of skin softening oils.
Soap and Glory the Righteous Butter contains shea butter and aloe vera and so is great to apply to your legs after shaving, I keep a travel sized pot of this creamy moisturiser next to my shower to keep my legs silky smooth.

Another gem from Soap and Glory, Heel Genius is the perfect, cooling foot cream to leave you with super soft feet. I like to apply a thick layer and then put on some cotton socks for a moisturising treatment that completely diminishes any dry areas!

Lastly, I have to give a little mention to the Aveeno Moisturising Creamy Oil With Colloidal Oatmeal (which I've just run out of and desperately need to repurchase) If I had to choose just one body care staple then this would be it. It moisturises like an oil, absorbs like a cream and is the only body cream that I can use just before bed as it's beautifully light, sinks in so quickly and makes my skin consistently soft and supple.

What are your favourite body care products?

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SUMMER HYDRATION HEROS

HEATPROOF SUMMER MAKEUP

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