Top 5 Non-Beauty Favourites Of 2017 So Far

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Fast And Furious 8
Beauty And The Beast
Wonder Woman
Handbag

Last week I shared with you my Top 5 Beauty Favourites of 2017 So Far and thought it only fair I share with you, my Top 5 Non Beauty Favourites Of 2017 So Far.

 My first non beauty favourite has to be Pinterest. I can lose hours on it, scrolling through baking recipes/ideas, fashion ideas, tattoos, piercings and cute kitten pics. I am literally obsessed with it and will go on there to have a 'quick' browse and still be there a good half an hour or more later.

My next non beauty favourite so far this year has to be Beauty And The Beast. From the moment I saw the final trailer I just had to go and see it. I drove my mum mad singing the soundtrack repeatedly on the countdown to seeing it and even as I write this I'm singing Belle in my head. Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans and Josh Gad are absolutely amazing and really captured the essence of the original animated characters whilst simultaneously bringing something of their own to it. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD and know I'll be watching countless times when it does.

Another movie favourite of mine this year has to be Fast And Furious 8. Now a lot people said that they didn't enjoy this installment of the franchise but I thoroughly did. Sure I wasn't keen on the whole Dom has a kid storyline but I liked the idea of it being centered around bringing the family back as one, something that has been strong since Day One. I also really enjoyed the additions of Jason Statham and Scott Eastwood and I'm still looking forward to seeing what installment nine has in store for us.

And it wouldn't be a mid year favourites if I didn't mention one of the best movies to be released this year. I'm a Marvel girl at heart but when it was announced that Gal Gadot would be playing Wonder Woman I decided I could be a bit more lenient with my loyalties. And I'm glad I did. Wonder Woman not only is a brilliant, action packed, thrill ride that leaves you amazed by the end but also leaves you feeling empowered as a women and makes you feel like you can do anything. I left the cinema with such a girl power rush it seemed unreal. I loved it and can't wait to see Gal as Diana Prince in Justice League which comes out on my birthday later in the year.

And my last favourite so far this year has to be my bargain handbag from Primark. I'd spent ages looking for a Chloe-esque dupe but couldn't find any that were remotely the same or the right size. Until I saw this in Primark one day. Sure it's not exactly a Chloe dupe but it's structure and style reminds me a lot of  the Chloe and other designers styles I've seen. It's so spacious but not overly clunky or cumbersome. It's a leather like material around the base of the bag and the closing flap is more suede in feel. It gives it a more expensive feel and really adds a little something to an outfit.

Review: Barry M Ready Set Loose Setting Powder

Pressed powders were always my preferred way of setting my make up. They seemed to sit better and prolong the wear of my make up and didn't look as cakey or powdery in finish. That's until Barry M released their new loose setting powder.

Their Ready Set Smooth Loose Setting Powder is a lightweight transparent powder that claims to absorb oil as well as leave skin looking shine free. It comes in a hand travel friendly compact with it's own mirror and powder puff. It's lightweight enough to be able to be used under the eyes as well as down the t-zone and the rest of the face.

And it's completely changed my opinion on loose powders. Instead of making my face look dry and powdery, it made it look matte but not flat and any healthy glow my skin had could still shine through where I hadn't place the powder. It works amazing under the eyes, concealer didn't crease or disappear throughout the day and unlike other powders beforehand this didn't leave the skin under the eye looking dry or crepe like. It did occasionally settle around my nose but there isn't a powder out there that doesn't do that to me but around the rest of my face it sat perfectly and didn't highlight any mishaps or issues I had with my skin.

I initially started using this product with a brush because I didn't think the puff would be much good but in fact it not only comes in handy for on the go top ups but inital application as well. Because it's soft and easy to move you can easily scrunch it up and use it in those places where a brush doesn't quite reach. The only downfall to it is that it gets grubby very quickly which makes it less than pleasant to whip out when you need to touch up on the go.

Overall I love this product, it's been the only powder I've been using since it's release and I already can say that I would/will happily repurchase this when necessary. It's inexpensive, easy to use, gives brilliant results and just doesn't disappoint. Readily available at Barry M stands in both Superdrug and Boots, I'd recommend checking it out when you're browsing the make up aisles next.

Monthly Favourites: May

 

When it comes to Monthly Favourites there are some months that absolutely fly by and I can never remember any of the products I've been loving at all. This month however has dragged a bit so I was able to gather my favourites without worrying I'd forgotten one.

My first favourite of the month are these Naturally Radiant Glycolic Cleansing Pads.These are pre soaked pads that work to cleanse and exfoliate the skin. The Glycolic Acid and Fruit Acid formula works to loosen and remove dead skin cells. Normally I would use the Nip and Fab version in the light blue packaging but I've found these had been more effective and my skin has seen more results from these. These are perfect in the morning for tightening skin before make up application or as an exfoliating toner type product in the evenings.

An old favourite of mine that I rediscovered this month is the Loreal Micellar Water. It's the only micellar water I've tried that didn't break me out instantaneously and I've tried a few. It's more water than anything and works to really clean deep into pores and remove all impurities from the skin. I've really enjoyed using this after I've taken my make up off to just refresh and soothe my skin and even though it doesn't claim to hydrate the skin there's something in there that just leaves my skin feeling hydrated after every use.

Another product I've enjoyed for refreshing and soothing my skin this month is the La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water. I've never tried anything from La Roche Posay before and thought this would be a good product to test the waters with. I absolutely love it, it leaves my skin feeling hydrated, refreshed and soothed but not drenched or dripping wet. This has been perfect over the last week or so to refresh my skin whilst I'm at work as it's been humid as hell and we have no air con. Definitely a product I'm going to pick up in a larger size next time I'm in Boots.

A product I initially put into my disappointed products post ages ago was this Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliator. However I picked up again this month and absolutely adore this. This is a gel exfoliator that isn't too harsh or drying on the skin and that's because it contains Hyaluronic Acid that locks in any moisture your skin already has. This has left my skin feeling and looking less textured and softer than any other scrub I have tried recently. It just proves that you can't always judge a product but one initial use.

A set of under eye patches I've been obsessed with this month comes from Rodial. Their Dragon's Blood Eye Masks have really worked wonders on my under eye area. I've been enjoying using these on days where my eyes look their worst and the results are amazing. My eyes don't look as puffy, the skin under the looks smoother and my dark circles look diminished. They are on the slightly pricier side of things but when the results are as good as they have been I don't mind paying out a little extra.

A moisturiser that I haven't used constantly used this month but have thoroughly enjoyed each time I have used it comes from Liz Earle. Their SuperSkin Moisturiser has been perfect for days when my skin has felt that bit drier and needed a little more TLC. Containing Cranberry and Rosehip Seed Oil, this soothes my skin whilst hydrating it in small bursts over a long period of time. I only have a small sample size I recieved at a Liz Earle event but I will definitely be purchasing a full sized pot when this runs out.

There have been a couple of new releases from Barry M this month that I've absolutely loved. The first is their new Lash Saver Volumising and Growth Accelerating Lash Primer. This is a white lash primer that can be worn under mascara to help condition and accelerate the growth of your lashes. I've not only been enjoying this because it's really helped the condition of my lashes but also helped prolong the wear of my mascara. Normally my lashes droop and fall flat but since I've been using this under my mascara my curl seems to last longer and if they look like their drooping I can push them back up into a curl. A full review is coming soon.

And the second new release from Barry M that I've been enjoying this month is their Ready Set Smooth Loose Setting Powder. This is a fine loose powder that is translucent in colour and is perfect for both under the eyes and around the rest of the face. It absorbs oil and helps combat shine without leaving skin looking to powdery or unnatural looking. It really helps prolong the wear of the concealer under my eyes without it looking caking or full of creases. There is no flashback with this powder so is perfect for prolonging make up especially for big events. A full review will be up soon.

The only non beauty favourite I have this month is these sunglasses from Primark. These sunglasses remind me a lot of the Celine Tilda Sunglasses but are not exact replica's and only cost a fraction of the price. As the weather has turned warmer and the pollen count has risen I've found myself reaching for these a lot more than my other sunglasses, their oversized, cover most of my face and actually protect my eyes from any irritations as well as the glare of the sun when we've seen it. And my favourite part of them is that they only cost £3.

Let's Talk: Bold Lips

 

Bold lips are one of my favourite make up looks. For me they instantly boost my mood and make me happier and always make the rest of my make up look a little more put together as all the attention is automatically drawn to my lip colour. However there are some of you out there that are a little apprehensive about rocking that bolder lip. And as Summer is well and truly here I thought it would be a brilliant time to share a few tips on how to rock a bold lip and not be worried about what others think.

First things first, don't be scared of bold lips. They're a brilliant way of buying into a trend, trying a new product or just expressing your personality. I personally dived right in at the deep end with bold lips. One day I just purchased a bold red and started wearing it like I had always been wearing it. Sure I was worried about what people would think of it but I found I just didn't care as much as I probably should. And that's because I liked how it looked on me. Now it's my go to bold lip colour and I always recieve so many compliments when I'm wearing one. If you are nervous about trying a bold lip colour for the first time then wear it around the house first. I have several dodgy looking shades that I thought would look good on me but an initial wear around the house and I immediately saw how wrong I'd been. Not only is it a great way to see if a colour suits you but it's also a good way to get used to seeing yourself in a bolder lip colour.

Secondly it may take some time to find a colour that really works for you. I feel quite lucky when it comes to this as I found my colour straight away but it can take time and with other bolder colours such as pinks and oranges I'm still searching for the perfect one. Work with your hair colour and skin tone. Dark hair and fairer skintones will work wonderfully with bright reds, red toned oranges and blue toned pinks. If you have medium skintones or lighter hair there are the more bubblegum pink tones and purples that'll stand out and look gorgeous but won't make you look like a clown.

Thirdly it's all about what your comfortable in. You like a glossy red lip then you rock it. You love a matte pink lip then you rock it. Make up in general is all about what you feel comfortable in and the same stands for bold lips. If you find a colour that your comfortable in wearing then wear it. Don't let what anyone else thinks of it change your mind. You feel comfortable and happy with your appearence, then you do you boo. If you wear a colour you don't feel comfortable in then don't wear, no matter what the trends say or your friends. Find a colour you feel comfortable and confident in and rock it like the badass you are.

Now I've shared my tips for rocking a bold lip and feeling comfortable wearing one I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite bold lips shades including a few neutrals that aren't in your face but still make a statement.

Reds
There are so many reds that I could have featured in this section. Blue toned reds are always the way to go if you're uncertain on what shade will suit you. Not only are they a beautiful shade but they suit a multitude of skintones and always appear to make skin look flawless and teeth whiter. Matte finishes are the best when it comes to red shades as they really make them pop as well as lasting a lot longer on the lips. Some of my favourites include Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam and Rosie For Autograph in Vintage Rouge. All of these colours and the others featured are perfect to wear all year round as they're ultra bold and become the talking point of any look. Of course the liquid lipsticks are a bit more tricky to wear as they are a drier matte finish but the NYX and Rosie For Autograph are a lot easier to wear and the ones I'd recommend if you're just dipping your toe into red lips.

Pinks
Bold pink lips are a bit harder and are a shade I'm still working on. However I have four lip products that I absolutely adore and wear with confidence. Revlon's Colorburst Matte Balm in Showy and Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Pink Pong are both vibrant blue toned pinks that work a lot like blue toned reds and help perfect the look of skin and make teeth look whiter. However if these aren't for you or you are looking for a less bold option, Smashbox's Be Legendary Matte Lipstick in Punch Drunk or Rosie For Autograph in Rosie Lips are more raspberry toned but a little less in your face. Rosie Lips is a personal favourite of mine and I find myself reaching for it a lot more than any other pink shade I own.

Nudes
Now a nude lip may not sound very bold but there are some nudes that stand out more than others and are a brilliant way to dip your toe into a bolder looking lip without diving in at the deep end. The NYX Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks are a brilliant example of this. Every shade is a variation of a nude and there is one out there for everyone. I have the shade Exotic which veers more towards a peachy orange tone and whilst it looks like it wouldn't work in the tube, it looks amazing on the lips. Barry M's Matte Me Up Lip Kits are another brilliant set of nudes. They look nice and neutral in the tube but dry down to a gorgeous darker shade that really stands out on the lips but won't instantly draw people's attention like a red or pink would. A safer option but will still get you compliments is the Rosie For Autograph Lipstick in Silk Rose. It's more brown in tone but isn't too in your face and can be worn fully opaque or as a stain. And the same stands for the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry. Worn either completely opaque on the lips or smudged in like a stain this will guarantee you a compliment or two but won't make it obvious you're trying out a bolder lip than usual.

So that's it for my Let's Talk: Bold Lips. I hope this helped some of you take that step out of your comfort zone and try that stunning bold lip that you've had your eye on for a while. And if you're already a bold lip lover I hope this has just helped to keep that confidence which helps you don a bold lip whenever you feel like it.

Review: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliator

When I first tried this product I actually hated it. It didn't exfoliate my skin like I wanted it to and I think it was partly to blame for giving me a rash across my chin and jawline. However when I was shopping my stash I found it again and thought I'd give it a go. Never has my opinion of a product changed so rapidly after one more use.

The Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliator is a unique type of facial scrub. It's more of a gel texture and doesn't contain harsh particles that irritate the skin or leave it feeling tight or dry. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid which not only boosts skins hydration but helps skin hold onto any other moisture that skin has in it or placed upon it.

This is very thick in texture and requires some work before you can apply it to the skin. A bit of water and a rub between your fingers and it turns from it's thick gel like formula to a more milky consistency. Once it's turned more into a milk is the perfect time to apply it to the skin. It's more gentle on the skin in milk form and whilst the exfoliating particles still work they're not as abrasive so are less likely to irritate or aggravate skin. Once it's washed away skin is left feeling smooth to the touch, texture free and suprisngly hydrated. Initially I blamed this for a rash that I had after I used this for the first time but after using it for a good month now I'm sure that it wasn't this that did it.

I really love this exfoliator. It works, it's not too harsh, it moisturises as it works and it doesn't leave my skin feeling dry or tight afterwards. It's not one of the most inexpensive scrubs on the high street but it's a lot more effective and sensitive skin friendly than other more expensive, better known scrubs on the high street. If you have sensitive, dry, oily or normal skin then you can use it and not worry about any adverse reactions. I'd highly recommend checking it out alongside the rest of the Hydro Boost Range when you're in Boots or Superdrug next.

Top 5 Beauty Favourites Of 2017 So Far

It's the middle of June, we're halfway through the year and I have absolutely no idea where the first six months of 2017 have gone. What I do know is that it's time for my mid-year favourites. It's always hard whittling down my top five of the year so far, especially this year. However I've managed to choose five of my favourite this year, some new, some old but all amazing.

Loreal Total Cover Foundation 
I can't do a mid-year favourites without mentioning this first product. The Loreal Total Cover came out in February and blew away any other foundation I had on the go straight away. It's high coverage claims, matte finish and lightweight feel on the skin not only had me intrigued but also impressed. From the first wear I was blown away by this. I suffer a lot with redness and this foundation covered it without making my skin looking cakey or overdone. And every time I've used this my skin has looked perfected but not overdone and still skinlike, something I thoroughly enjoy about this product. I never usually finish a foundation because there's always another that catches my eye but this one is very near done with and I wouldn't hesistate to buy another tube, it's just that good.

Maybelline SuperStay Primer
And to go with the Loreal Total Cover I just had to mention the only primer I ever reach for. Another new release earlier this year, Maybelline extended their SuperStay range with a primer. Now Maybelline is well known for their loved Baby Skin primer but their latest one blows it straight out the water. Thin in consistency, flesh toned, lightweight and make up saver, this primer not only prolongs the wear of make up but also aids with the control of oil and keeps skin shine free for longer. I've gone through so many of these already this year as it's the only primer that agrees with each of my different foundations and hasn't changed with each use. I can already picture how many more of these I'm going to go through this year.

 Elizabeth And James Nirvana White
 I haven't changed my perfume in the longest time, wearing the same four on rotation on a daily basis. But then Jasmin went to New York and ever so kindly brought me back a rollerball of Elizabeth and James' Nirvana White. With notes of Peony and Musk this is light enough for me to wear throughout the day but still makes me stop and notice it when I get a whiff. I've enjoyed pairing this with my Rosie For Autograph Summer Rose fragrance throughout the day or the Rosie For Autograph Nuit EDP in the evening. Most days though I just swipe it across my pulse points and let it works it own wonders. I'd definitely buy a full size bottle of this and would love to smell the other scents in the range.

 Alpha H Liquid Gold With Glycolic Acid
I product I only discovered this year but fell in love with instantly is Alpha H's bestselling Liquid Gold Skin Treatment. Containing around 5% Glycolic Acid this can be used a toner to help resurface, retexturise and firm skin. I've really enjoyed using this in place of a toner two to three times a week and it's results are phenomenal. My skin feels softer, smoother and firmer. It's not advised for those with sensitive skins but I think it depends on how your skin reacts to Glycolic Acid in general depends on how well your skin will react to this particular product.

Garnier Moisture Bomb Glow Enhancer Water Cream
 And my last beauty favourite so far this year is from Garnier. It's their Moisture Bomb Glow Enhancer Water Cream, a lighter version of their original Moisture Bomb Day Cream. This lightweight water based cream is perfect for layering under make up or wearing alone. It's peachy tone adds a glow to the skin that translates beautifully under make up but doesn't leave skin looking sweaty or excessively oily. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin and Pomergranate Extract and adds enough hydration to the skin throughout the day without having to use excess amount of product. 

Review: Rosie For Autograph Lip Definers

When Rosie Huntington-Whiteley released her make up line last year I was beyond excited. Her lip products were absolutely gorgeous and I couldn't stop myself from buying a few but there was something missing. And that product was a lip liner. I spent ages hoping that with every new capsule collection she released that there would be lip liners involved and this year it happened. Back in the beginning of the year she released six shades of lip definer that can be worn under a multitude of lip products.

The first shade I picked up was Silk. It's a stunning mauvey brown shade that looks perfect under shades such as Lady Rose, Silk Rose and Silk Cami from her range as well as many other lip products from different brands.

Top: Lip Definer in Super Model
Bottom: Lip Definer in Silk

 The second shade I picked up was Super Model. It's a bright red shade that looks stunning under shades such as Vintage Rouge and Laugh Out Loud from her range. This is also a particularly nice shade of red to wear under bright tomato red shades as it adds a bit more depth to the colour.











I'd love to say these lip liners are consistent and are both creamy, opaque in one swipe with no dragging or scratching at the lips. I can happily say that about one but not the other. Silk is one of the best lip liners I've ever tried. It's highly pigmented, opaque in one swipe, easy to apply and can easily be worn on it's own. It's clearly the most worn of the two because it's such a high quality product whereas Super Model is slightly lacking. Sure it's a gorgeous colour but it's not as easily opaque as Silk and requires a bit more pressing and guidance than Silk. And unfortunately that can lead to it dragging or scratching the lips which is just darn uncomfortable. Get it right and this can look beautiful on the lips but it takes a bit more work and in all honesty there are more inexpensive red lip liners out there that are more creamy, pigmented and easy to work with.

Overall I would recommend these lip liners. Sure Super Model isn't the best but Silk is stunning and other shades such as Lace, Camisole and RHW are just as beautiful and easy to swatch/apply. Super Model is the only exception in this range and is the only one I wouldn't recommend buying. Any of the other shades I'd highly recommend picking up especially if you have a few of the lipsticks from her range. At £12.50 a pop, these aren't the most inexpensive on the market but they're not ridiculously priced like other more luxury brands. These do however a more luxurious feel to them and are a lot more appealing packaging wise than some from the likes of Urban Decay and Stila.

Review: Barry M Lash Saver Lash Primer

Recently Barry M have released a whole host of new products. One of them happened to be a lash primer, something hard to find on the high street at an affordable price. So of course I couldn't help but snatch one up and I am so happy I did.

If you've never tried a lash primer before they are generally just like a mascara but are white or brown tinted. This comes in your standard mascara packaging and is to be treated exactly like a mascara would.

This has a plastic multi bristle wand that will catch and hold on to every lash, whilst the slight curve to it makes sure it'll hug the contour of the eye and distribute product evenly. It's white coloured formula contains Vitamins B and E to help condition lashes and accelerate the growth of both new and existing lashes. It appears white on the lashes so can not really be worn on it's own but is a perfect base underneath your favourite mascara.

This product is a complete game changer for me. I know it's not advertised as a lash primer that will extend and improve the appearence of a curl but it really does. My lashes seem to be held higher for longer and if they start to droop then I can just push them back into place without difficulty. And it has really helped my lashes. Before I started using this I had a couple of sparse looking patches in my lashes from years of rubbing at my eyes, using problematic eye lash curlers and eye make up removal but since I started using this under my mascara on a daily basis they've improved greatly. The sparse patches are still there but are less noticeable as new lashes are growing in place and I don't find myself losing as many lashes as I used to. They also feel a lot softer to the touch but not as flimsy or weak.

Overall I've really enjoyed using this product and would definitely purchase another tube when it dries out or runs out. It doesn't take too long to add into your routine and results are visible after a few days use. If you like to take your time getting ready in the morning then this is going to be a brilliant product to add in but if you're rushed and think this is a lot of faff then I'd suggest giving it a miss. At £4.99 a tube, it's a complete bargain and really works. I have to take my hat off to Barry M, they're killing it at the moment with their new releases.

Review: YesTo Sachet Masks

One use sachet masks used to be my go to skin treat but ever since Loreal released their Pure Clay Masks and I discovered Origins and other amazing mask brands I stopped using them. That was until recently when I discovered that YesTo had their own range of one use sachet face masks.

There are only two masks in this range at the moment but I'm pretty sure it'l be expanded at some point. The first mask is this primRose Oil Mud Mask. A Primrose Oil Mud Mask this is perfect for senstive skins. It claims to soothe and hydrate skin whilst unlocking skin's inner glow. And because it's a soothing mask means it perfect for anyone who suffers from redness or roseaca.

 And the second one is the Argan Oil Mud Mask. This is another oil mud mask and suits all all skin types as it's deeply nourishing and leaves skin feeling ultra hydrated and smooth to the touch.

These masks are nice but not outstanding. There is plenty of product in the sachet and it doesn't leave any skin looking patchy or sparsely covered when it's on but the results weren't really outstanding. They left my skin feeling soothed and hydrated but apart from that there weren't any other visible results. There are other one use masks that do exactly the same thing as these and cost half the price. If you're a big fan of Yesto as a brand then I highly recommend that you try these but if you're just a skincare junkie then I think you'll find them a little disappointing. I do have their sheet masks to try soon and don't think they're going to be as much of  a let down as these were.

Top Ten Under £10: Skincare

When it comes to skincare sometimes spending a bit more is worth it but sometimes it isn't. The high street has some brilliant products out there and today I've compiled my Top Ten skincare products that cost a tenner or less.

Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks £2.99
Let's start with easily one of my favourite products. The Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask range is probably one of the best budget sheet mask ranges on the high street, What started at one with their original Pomegranate and Hyaluronic Acid formula has now been expanded to include Chamomile for sensitive skins and Green Tea for more combination/oily skin types. They fit perfectly against the face and don't peel or drop off when you move and the results are instantaneous. One mask alone can not only soothe skin but give skin a week's worth of hydration, leaving skin looking plump, hydrated and soft to the touch.

 B Hyaluronc Acid Facial Spritz £7.99
Another of my absolute favourite products is this facial spritz from B. It's a concentrated Hyaluronic Acid formula that tones skin whilst visibly plumping skin, retaining moisture and slowly releasing it so skin looks and feel hydrated for longer. It can be used on bare skin or over top of make up and is suitable for all skin types.And it's small and easy to use packaging is perfect for taking it on the go with you.

 Loreal Pure Clay Face Masks £7.99
When it comes to face masks there is only one range that I'd recommend spending your money on. And that's on the Loreal Pure Clay Face Masks. Released last year, this range has three masks in total each designed to target a skin issue. The Detox Mask contains charcoal and is perfect for those more blemish prone skins as it works deep into skin and draws them to the surface. The Glow Mask contains Red Algae as well as exfoliating particles which makes it perfect for dry or dull skin types, it's scrub like nature not only removing any dead skin cells but brightening the complexion as well. And then there is the Purity Mask which contains Eucalyptus, the perfect counterpart for those with combination/oily skin types. It not only purifies the skin but also mattifies skin and helps reduce the appearance of any excess oil on the skin. Each one comes in a generous sized tub and can be used separately or together as part of the new multi masking trend.

Loreal Hydra Genius Liquid Moisturiser £9.99
A more recent release that definitely deserves a place on this list comes yet again from Loreal. Their new Hydra Genius range is beyond brilliant and whilst it only has one product at the moment, it's a unique product that deserves every rave review it gets. The Hydra Genius Liquid Moisturiser is the first of it's kind and contains nothing more than Aloe Water and Hyaluronic Acid. It not only feels like water on the skin and gives it a instant hydration boost but retains any other moisture that is applied over top and slowly releases it for up to 72 hours so skin is always hydrated. It can be used alone or underneath other skincare products and make up can be applied over top without any issues.

Simple Dual Effect Eye Make Up Remover £4.49
An eye make up remover that beats all other eye make up removers on the high street comes from Simple. Their Dual Effect Eye Make Up Remover is one part oil based and one part water based. Shaken together this formula removes all signs of eye make up, including waterproof mascara without unnecessary rubbing or stinging. A little bit goes a long way and whilst it's seems a little pricey for eye make up remover, it works wonders and is usually found on some kind of half price or buy one get one free offer.

 Garnier Moisture Bomb Glow Enhancer Water Cream £7.99
One of Garnier's newer releases that definitely deserves a place on this list is an expansion on their original Moisture Bomb range. The Moisture Bomb Glow Enhancer Water Cream is a more lightweight version of their original day cream with the added bonus of bringing out skin's natural radiance. It's water formula is lightweight enough to be layered over top of heavier skin products but isn't too lightweight that it feels like it's doing nothing. It's perfect for wearing underneath make up as it gives skin a natural glow but doesn't make skin look overly shiny or sweaty.

 Carmex Original Lip Balm Pot £2.69
The only lip balm that is worth mentioning is Carmex's Original Balm Pot. It's unique formula not only hydrates lips but soothes sore chapped lips. It comes in a stick form as well as squeezy tube but I personally much prefer the original pot. It's a thick balm that you can feel on the lips but it doesn't make everything sticky and gross like lip gloss can. It's perfect for prepping lips before a liquid lipstick and is brilliant for soothing them after you remove one. This is a limited edition pot with Snoopy on the front but that standard pot looks very similar to this one.

Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream £10
A hand cream that seems a little pricey but works wonders comes from Neal's Yard. A special edition cream, this contains Honey and Orange Essential Oil to smooth and soften dry rough hands. It's zingy scent is very uplifting but isn't overpowering or off putting. As someone with a very hands on job, this is a life saver and skin will automatically feel softer and less rough to the touch. Plus some of the proceeds go towards Save The Bees so you'll be doing a good deed as well as treating yourself.

 Garnier SkinActive Botanicals Face Washes £3.99
Garnier recently rereleased their SkinActive range and it's phenomenal. Gone are the minimal selection of washes and in it's place are three new gel washes that don't strip skin or leave it feeling dry or irritated. Coming in variations with Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Honey, each wash is designed for a specific skin type and is perfect as a second cleanse or a morning cleanse. Because it's a gel, it's very lightweight and doesn't foam much when water is added. Each was can be used a the beginning step of each Botanicals Range or can be added into your normal skincare routine.

Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream £8.65
And this last product is a bit of a cheat because it does normally retail at £12.99 but can always be found on offer at £8.65. The Miracle Sleeping Cream from Garnier, is a thick bounce back that contains Lavender Oil and Hyaluronic Acid to not only soothe skin but continuously hydrate it as you sleep, so it looks like you've had the best night's sleep ever. A little goes a long way and whilst it feels thick on the skin, it doesn't take long to sink into the skin and get to work. Perfect for use on the night before any big events or days when you want your skin to look even better than usual.

Review: Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks

I've always made a point of trying my best to look after the skin around my eyes but nothing really works longer than two or three uses. I thought I'd found it when I found the Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream, however we're a few months down the line now with it and it's not wowing me like it used to. But I've recently found a product that has not only worked brilliantly and knocked my socks off with each use but has also makes it look like my other eye products work better.

The Rodial Dragon's Blood Eye Masks are a pair of  bio-cellulose, one use under eye patches. They contain a mix of Rodial's Dragon's Blood Complex and Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and protect the more delicate skin under the eyes. The Dragon's Blood Complex is supposed to create a protective shield around the under eye area whilst the Hyaluronic Acid hydrates and visibly plumps the skin whilst diminishing the look of any fine lines or crows feet. They can be left on for thirty minutes and leave behind a residue which your supposed to rub in afterwards to get the full benefit of the product.

I really like these. I've used a lot of under eye patches before but none of these have really wowed me the way these have. Saturated in product these sit snugly against the under eye area and don't flap or budge once in place. They're very cooling and help reduce the appearance of puffiness whilst the active ingredients work their magic. You can't tell that you're wearing them as once they touch the skin, they turn from a white colour to an almost transparent skin colour. I quickly forget how long I've had these on for because I can't feel them on my skin and they don't peel as they dry down.

And when I peel them away I'm majorly impressed by the results. My under eye area looks plumper, hydrated and softer to the touch. Any lines I may have look diminished and there is a noticeable difference in the appearance of my dark circles. The best bit though is these results last longer than just one day. Two to three days later and my eyes still look as good as they did when I first removed the patches. The only downfall for some but not for all is the price. They are a bit pricier than some other high street available eye patches but when the results are as amazing as these it shouldn't/doesn't matter. You can buy these in single packs or they are also available in multipacks which works out to be better value for money. If you're in the market for a new set of under eye patches or your a religious user of them I highly recommend you check these out, you won't be disappointed.