July Favourites

The past few weeks we've had a heatwave in the UK with temperatures above 30C, which doesn't happen very often - in fact they say that the last time was in 2006, so about time we crank up the temperature I think! With the heat and the sun, my guiding principles have been - fuss free and low maintenance. Forget about foundation and full coverage make up - for me this month has been all about keeping it minimal with the help of some key items.

I've talked about Caudalie's Divine Oil in a previous post - Sweltering summer day essentials, but since I've used it every day I want to give it a special mention again. This dry oil is a mix of grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan and not only does it sound good enough to eat, but it gives a deeply moisturizing feeling. It has a lovely aromatic scent but it's subtle enough for you to easily layer it with any EdT or perfume. It really brings out your tan, giving your skin a lovely golden sheen to keep your look naturally fresh and summery.

I am a complete magpie - I am drawn to shiny, sparkly things and when it comes to beauty products the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer is probably one of the the most unglamorous items I've ever seen. However, if you can see past that unattractive packaging (and you MUST), you'll find hidden inside the most amazing concealer ever. It claims to stay on for 16 hrs, and while I haven't exactly timed it I can say for sure that it gives amazing long lasting and matte coverage (even in temperatures of 30C), using only the tiniest bit of product. While other products may look prettier in your make up bag, in my view there's no need to get those more expensive labels when you can pick this up for a fraction of the cost.

A trusted item for minimal summer day makeup is the bronzer, and the one I've been using the most is my MUA Bronzer. I quite like the MUA product range, although it can be a bit of a hit or miss. The bronzer is definitely a hit, and it's also another bargain buy (£1)! The packaging is basic, helping to keep the price down but the pigmentation is good and gives a natural glow. The bronzer is easy to apply and build up, without it becoming thick as a layer cake. You can pick up MUA at your local Superdrug, or on the MUA web page where the bronzer is currently on sale for an unbelievable £0.50. If you haven't tried this label before - go and get a bronzer, or maybe even two - at that price, how can you afford not to?!

 Swatches from left to right

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon - Peach on the beach 

MUA Bronzer - Shade 1

I've been wearing the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon that I mentioned in my Lip Service post, every time I've been out. This is an amazingly smooth and long lasting lip crayon with SPF, that gives a high shine, sleek finish and moisturises at the same time. So much goodness is packed into this glossy lip product! My favourite shade is Peach on the beach - a gorgeous pale pinky coral that works sooo well with a tan.

My look may have been minimal these summer days but there's no need for it to be boring, so of course I've added pops of colour with Barry M Gelly Nail Paint. Everyone is raving about the gelly fomulas, and for a very good reason - FACT: THEY ARE GREAT! You can definitely use just one coat of this shade, although personally I prefer it to be very opaque so in the photos I've used 2 coats as well as a high shine top coat. 

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint - Guava

 

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint - Guava

I've been loving the shade Guava, which is a bright and rich, gorgeous glossy turqoise with a warm undertone of yellow, that makes me think of warm Caribbean waters. This is perfect for sunny days, and if you're not lucky enough to go away on holiday this summer, at least you can get some tropical colour on your nails for that holiday feel!