BEAUTY: MAC, LIPSTICK FAVOURITES #1

Left to right: MAC Frost Lipstick in Fresh Moroccan, MAC Lipstick in Fresh Brew, MAC Frost Lipstick in High Strung

As a lover of MAC lipsticks, it’s time for me to show you my favourite shades for summer. Lipstick will often be the only makeup I chuck on during my busy summer months so it’s important for me to have shades that I can wear with different outfits.

The pink – High Strung. This lipstick is from MAC’s Frost range and therefore adds a slight sparkle to my lips. I choose to wear this shade during summer evenings, with a sundress or an elegant alternative. Plus, this shade looks great with a tan and darker skin tones!

The nude – Fresh Brew. My favourite shade to wear during the daytime in summer. This shade looks great with every outfit and is an easy choice to pop on before heading out for a day trip in the sun or carrying with me for top ups during the day. When wearing no make up, this lipstick gives you just the right amount of natural colour on your lips to keep you looking healthy.

The red – Fresh Moroccan. Another one from MAC’s Frost range, one for those summer evenings when it’s time to dress up a little. I love this shade but I feel it only suits me when I have a tan – boohoo! That does mean that would be great for darker skin tones all year round though. This looks great with neutral eye make up shades and a simplistic summer dress to show off that tan.

 Do you love any of these MAC lipstick shades too? Or do you have other shades that are on your favourites list for summer? Let me know in the comments. Enjoy paying attention to those colourful lips this summer,

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BEAUTY: LUSH, SUMMER HOLIDAY FAVOURITES

LUSH Cosmetics: Seanik Shampoo Bar, Brazilliant Shampoo Bar, 9 To 5 Cleansing Lotion, Honey I Washed The Kids Soap, Karma Soap and Tea Tree Water Toner Water

Although I love prepping for Summer Holidays and the excitement that comes with it, shopping for toiletries with weight restrictions of flying in mind is never something I enjoy. This year I was lucky enough to pick up the majority of my Holiday essentials from LUSH cosmetics – no surprise there!

Instead of carrying huge bottles of shampoo, that take up far too much of my suitcase weight on board, I have chosen to take 2 LUSH Shampoo Bars with me this year – Brazilliant and Seanik. These take up hardly any room in my luggage and I’m confident that they will last me 3 month Stateside this Summer (they last me almost 2 months per bar back home). Plus, the two I have chosen are perfect for keeping my locks refreshed and healthy in the sun. You can read all my reasons for loving these Shampoo Bars here.

Sticking with the aim to not take an overweight case to the airport, I have traded bottles of shower gel with two blocks LUSH Soap in Karma and Honey I washed the Kids. You can buy these two perfectly sized blocks in an affordable set. I love how I now have the choice of a moisturising and soothing cleanse of my body with Honey I Washed The Kids or an uplifting shower for those tired days with Karma. Both these soaps smell better than any shower gel I would choose to take with me on holiday – hoorah!

Although the sun often clears my skin up wonderfully, I love to take a toner with me on Holiday to ensure I start the mornings and go to bed with skin that feels fresh and not still covered in sunscreen. This year I’ve taken the LUSH Tea Tree Water Toner Water with me Stateside. The Tea Tree in this toner works wonders with the sun to keep my skin blemish free during the summer months, super important when you’re applying oily sunscreen all day!

Finally, as a Summer Holiday is a time to relax and stroll down to the beach when you’ve woken up, a quick cleanser is crucial. I’ve taken the LUSH 9 To 5 Cleansing Lotion with me this year. I choose to apply this cleanser with a cotton wool pad in the mornings before I apply my sunscreen – nothing worse than applying to sunscreen to tired skin. This product is perfect for refreshing the face during those super hot summer days.

Do you have any beauty or skincare favourites you take on holiday with you? Or will you be taking any of these LUSH products with you this year? Let me know in the comments below! Enjoy your Summer Holiday, 

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BEAUTY: TRAVEL FAVOURITES #1

Left to right: Liz Earle Eyebright, Clarins Toning Lotion, Benefit High Beam, Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch, Benefit Dandelion Lipgloss, Benefit Posie Balm Lipbalm and Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

We all have our Beauty Favourites, right? But what happens when you're off on a short break or a holiday abroad and you realise you cannot physically take your full sized favourites along with you due to weight/space restrictions? This post includes my top Beauty Favourites that travel around with me and how I manage to fit them ALL in my handbag.

Liz Earle travel Beauty favourites: Cleanse & Polish and Eyebright

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish: We all know how much everyone in the Beauty and Blogging world love this product by now and I'm happy to admit I'm one of the many people that use this cleanser daily. Liz Earle have made this available to buy in this travel sized 30ml tube that you can purchase here for £6. An added bonus is that this size still comes with a Liz Earle muslin cloth so even when you are on the go you can thoroughly cleanse your face using the correct application and rinse methods. Cleanse & Polish is a sure winner if you're on a long journey and need to give your skin a brightening and freshening boost (as long as, like me, you travel make up free).

Liz Earle Eyebright: The perfect product for those of us that love to nap during our travels. Just like Cleanse & Polish, Eyebright is available to buy in a travel sized 50ml bottle that you can purchase here for £6.75 - this size will last you a lot longer than just your travel days too! This product contains Aloe Vera and Witch Hazel Water which help to revitalise tired and puffy eyes during those long journeys and travel days. It's wonderfully selected ingredients mean it's also non oily on the skin as well as being suitable for easily irritated eyes and contact lens wearers - hoorah! Tip: Be sure to carry a few cotton wool pads with you to use when applying this product to your face.

Clarins travel Beauty favourites: Toning Lotion and Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

Clarins Toning Lotion (with Iris): This alcohol free toner helps to stimulate and refresh your skin when travelling and on the go. I have chosen to keep a sample sized bottle to refill using the full sized product, meaning it will fit in my handbag and I can take it wherever I go - perfect! I love carrying a toner when travelling, especially on flights. I choose to apply this product whenever my skin is feeling or looking dull from being stuck in a confined place for such a long time. Tip: Take this product on long haul flights and use to freshen up your face after waking up!

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch: Why take a primer product when travelling with no makeup? This product can help to even out your skin tone, great to pop on your t-zone before arriving to your location to smooth out any imperfections travelling may give you (my face often breaks out on aeroplanes or if I have had a long day travelling). Just like the Clarins Toning Lotion I have chosen to keep a sample sized bottle to refill using the full sized product. Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch is suitable for all skin types and lasts an incredibly long time - a miracle product right?! I love taking this product in my bag when travelling because of it's lightweight texture, meaning my skin is able to breathe without being overloaded with product.

Benefit travel Beauty Favourites: High Beam, Posie Balm and Dandelion Lip Gloss

Benefit High Beam: A must have travel product - a highlighter. This smaller sized version is available in Benefit's lip and cheek kits and is a perfect size for carrying with you! I choose to apply this just before arriving at my destination as a pick me up for my skin. I apply it on my cheek and brow bones and just down the bridge of my nose to give me a radiant glow, hiding the fact I've been travelling all day - hoorah! Tip: Dot this product on using the brush provided and then lightly blend using your fingertips, be careful not to apply too much - watch out for that fine line between radiant glow and unwanted shine.

Benefit Posie Balm: Another must have travel product - a lip balm. I've chosen to include Benefit's Posie Balm as it not only hydrates and conditions your lips whilst you travel but it also contains a tint of pink, perfect for giving those lips a healthy amount of colour. Benefit do these lip balms in 4 shades so if Pink is not really your colour, you can check out the other options here.

Benefit Dandelion Lip Gloss: A travel favourite of mine to use just before you finish your travels. After keeping my lips conditioned with lip balm throughout the flight, I choose to apply Dandelion Lip Gloss just before I complete my travels for that added pop of shine on my lips! Just like the travel sized high beam, you can pick up this travel sized Dandelion Lip Gloss in Benefit's lip and cheek kits - travel hero!

Do you have any travel favourites or do you love the same products as I have mentioned for travelling? Let me know in the comments below! Enjoy your travels,

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BEAUTY: L'OCCITANE, CHERRY BLOSSOM HAND CREAM

Cherry Blossom Hand Cream (75ml)

Hand cream is always an essential in the months to come - the elements of the Summer months seem to dry them out horrendously. Saying this, finding a hand cream that doesn't linger on your hands for several hours after application, leaving you unable to hold your phone from the fear of it sliding right out your hand, is a tricky task. I know I often rave about L'OCCITANE and their wonderful products - this hand cream fits right in with the rest, some form of miracle.

If you haven't already discovered the products in the L'OCCITANE Cherry Blossom range, it's a scent you really need to sample this Spring/Summer. As I've mentioned before, I'm not one to go for over powering florals when it comes to any beauty products, including Perfume. However, the Cherry Blossom range by L'OCCIITANE comes in a lighter scent as well as the intense version of the same florally goodness. After months of carrying around several of their smaller travel sized hand lotions I decided to make a decision and pick my favourite. Cherry Blossom won me over, especially now we're heading in to those bright Spring/Summer months - I had to have a scent to match the weather.

Tip: Apply a small amount, don't get carried away

This hand cream contains Shea Butter and Vitamin E, meaning your hands are not only moisturised but protected throughout the day too! I choose to apply this hand cream in the morning, using a small amount as swatched in the picture above. Top tip for using hand cream: always start with a small amount and go back for more if needed - nothing worse than too much moisturising, resulting in greasy hands. I also apply this hand cream to my elbows, an area many of us forget about when curing those dry skin patches of our bodies. A light, effective moisturiser with a beautiful Spring/Summer scent - hooray for finding you!

This hand cream, along with L'OCCITANE's others, comes in a small travel size - so pop to your local store (or order online at www.loccitane.com) and pick one up to try. Let me know your favourites in the comments! Enjoy taking care of those hands, 

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BEAUTY: SKINCARE FAVOURITES #1

Left to right: L'OCCITANE Pivoine Sublime CC Cream, GOOD THINGS Deep Clean Exfoliator, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, CLARINS Smoothing Body Scrub, Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

It's officially Spring (although the weather here in England is saying different), so it's time to share my current skincare favourites of the Spring months. As the weather gets warmer and the sunset gets later, my skincare routine always changes. The elements of the Spring months cry out for a skincare routine that involves cleansing, uplifting and moisturising products!

L'OCCITANE Pivoine Sublime CC Cream: CC (Complexion Corrector) Creams are thought to be the next step on from BB (Blemish Balm) Creams in the industry. This product contains CC pigments and pearly particles that conceal irregularities of your skin and leave you looking healthily luminous - perfect for those bright Spring days! A definite favourite of mine this Spring as I choose to use this CC Cream on it's own for a natural "no makeup" daily look. In addition to this, if you're looking for a fuller coverage, it makes a great illuminating base to your foundation - giving you an uplifting and refreshing finish to your makeup. L'OCCITANE's CC Cream comes in two shades - Light and Medium. These two shades cover a huge skin tone scale as the cream transforms in contact with the skin to adapt to your skin tone - perfection all over! You can find my review on L'OCCITANE's Pivoine Sublime range, including this CC Cream, here. 

GOOD THINGS Deep Clean Blackhead Exfoliator: Firstly, the combination of berries and other fruits in this products ingredients give it a scent that is out of this world! The perfect uplifting, fruity skincare for Spring months. The tiny micro-beads in this gentle exfoliator have placed it in my daily skincare routine this Spring to keep my skin feeling fresh and clear all day. With ingredients such as soothing liquorice and willow bark, this product helps to keep bacteria away from your skin. To ensure your skin is kept healthy this Spring, GOOD THINGS have added papaya extract to this exfoliator to boost your skins radiance throughout the day - woohoo! Tip: This product is to eliminate the build up of new blackheads, not to get rid of existing blackheads.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish: Of course, this is still in my skincare routine this Spring. A product my skincare routine cannot live without! As this product is taking the cleansing world  by storm, I'm sure I don't need to explain why it's made it into this post. For those of you yet to discover the wonders of this product: Ingredients including Rosemary, Chamomile and Eucalyptus help tone, soothe and purify your skin - honestly, they do exactly that! I use Cleanse & Polish every morning (after using GOOD THINGS Deep Clean Exfoliator) and evening to ensure my skin is left moisturised, fresh and radiant both all day and all night. I would recommend always rinsing this product off using a Liz Earle Muslin Cloth for a thorough cleanse of your skin. 

CLARINS Exfoliating Body Scrub: The Bamboo Powders of this products ingredients produce the exfoliating action of the natural micro-beads - incredible right?! This product has made it into my skincare routine this Spring 3 times a week (or when I'm braving bare legs in the slightly warmer weather) based on it's incredible results. I'm guilty of forgetting exfoliation during Winter months so by Spring my skin is crying out for effective exfoliation products - hoorah for this body scrub! As well as removing those nasty flaky surface cells, CLARINS Exfoliating Body Scrub contains Liquorice Extract and Shea to soften, condition and protect your skin for days before your next application. An extra wonder of this product is it's versatility surrounding it's application; you can apply this body scrub on to dry or damp skin - a life saver when in a hurry! Just don't forget to rinse thoroughly before applying your moisturiser. 

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask: The second Liz Earle product to make it into my Spring skincare routine! Of course, my skincare routine has to include a face mask - I use this one once/twice a week, or when needed on breakout areas of my face. The ingredients of this Deep Cleansing Mask, including Aloe Vera, White and Green Clay and Manuka Honey, help to soften the skin whilst removing all impurities - a must for these Spring months! To find out the benefits of these ingredients for your skin head over to my full review of the Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask here. Tip: If, like me, you have oily/combination skin this mask will do wonders for maintaining clear skin this Spring!

Swatches: L'OCCITANE CC Cream in Light, GOOD THINGS Exfoliator, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, CLARINS Body Scrub, Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

Will you be adding these products to your Skincare Favourites this Spring? Or do you have other products you absolute love as the weather gets warmer? Let me know in the comments below! Enjoy treating your skin to the care it deserves this Spring, 

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BEAUTY: LUSH, HAUL #1

Left to right: Tea Tree Toner Water, Breath Of Fresh Air Toner Water, Mask Of Magnaminty and American Cream Condition

I recently realised I needed to restock my go-to toner from LUSH and of course, as soon as I popped in to my local LUSH store, it happened - a LUSH haul. I feel many of you will agree that it is almost impossible to venture in to any LUSH store without picking up several things, rather than just the one essential you went in to stock up on. 

Tea Tree Toner Water and Breath Of Fresh Air Toner Water

I picked up these two toners, both in the smaller size bottles as I sometimes like to carry a toner in my bag on warmer days. I like to include two toners that have different ingredients in my skin care routine as it allows me to adapt my routine according to the change in my skin (blemish prone). The Tea Tree Toner Water by LUSH is fantastic for breakouts/oily skin. Tea Tree has many anti-bacterial benefits, great for keeping the bacteria that causes breakouts away from your skin. On top of this, Tea Tree Water by LUSH contains Juniperberry - an additional ingredient that holds antiseptic qualities, helping to keep your skin clear and clean all day. So, it's getting rid of all the nasties we don't want on our faces but what is it giving us? LUSH have cleverly balanced this toner water with Grapefruit - super high in the vitamins your face needs! If my face is relatively breakout free I choose to use Breath of Fresh Air Toner Water, an option with less of the astringent ingredients and more of the refreshing ingredients. Breath of Fresh Air by LUSH contains many ingredients to soothe your skin and reduce redness, great for those warmer months, including Aloe Vera and Rose absolute. On top of these, it also includes Seaweed absolute - great for calming the skin, leaving you refreshed and cleansed all day! I choose to apply both these toner waters by spraying them 4/5 times onto cotton wool and wiping over my face, but you can also close your eyes and spritz directly on to your face (an option that's great to have throughout the day in Spring/Summer).

American Cream Hair Conditioner

Swatch: American Cream Hair Conditioner - only a tiny amount is needed to save your hair

As I'm a complete addict of LUSH Shampoo Bars (you can find my current favourites here), I thought I'd pick up one of their conditioners too. I went for American Cream Hair Conditioner as I've previously used solid conditioners by LUSH and found them too heavy for my hair. The joy of this thick conditioner is the minimal amount you need to apply (I only apply to the ends and through the length of my hair, this avoids greasy roots during the day).  Not only does this product's scent of strawberries and cream smell incredible, LUSH use fresh strawberries full of vitamin C to keep your hair healthy. To ensure your hair stays moisturised and protected from damage, American Cream includes Honey in it's extensive list of natural ingredients. Honey helps the hair, and skin, to heal whilst locking in moisture (you can find the benefits of honey for your skin here). I love the smell and benefits of this conditioner but am still needing to use a hair serum to give my hair a boost of shine once it's dry!

Mask of Magnaminty Face and Body Mask

Swatch: A thick consistency and a scrummy scent

I'm awfully slow to jump on this bandwagon, I know. But, I thought I should give it a try - some say it works wonders but others say it's overrated! I have often been undecided on how I feel about scented face masks (it's on your face for 10/15 minutes, a strong scent can be highly irritating for that long)! However, Mask of Magnaminty by LUSH has found the perfect balance with it's light and uplifting peppermint ingredient. I choose to apply this mask on just my face but it also doubles up as a body mask, a nice option to have available if you're having a head to toe pamper. A key ingredient in this mask is Marigold Oil. Known for it's benefits of protecting and soothing the skin, Marigold Oil will leave your skin feeling clear of impurities and moisturised when you remove the mask. I choose to remove Mask of Magnaminty using a damp sponge to ensure I remove it all. 13 ingredients in a product leading to the perfect balance for your skin? Woohoo. As well as this, it's thick consistency means application is easy and even all over!

I'm glad I couldn't resist the temptation of these products! Pop in to you local LUSH store if you like the sound of any of them too, their staff are always happy to demonstrate how to use them in store for you. Have you tried any of these LUSH products? Or do you have a different favourite? Enjoy discovering your favourite, 

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BEAUTY: LIZ EARLE, DEEP CLEANSING MASK

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

Liz Earle - my favourite skincare brand when my skin needs saving. As we enter the Spring/Summer months I wanted to share another Liz Earle product with you all, the Deep Cleansing Mask. I'm a big fan of face masks, using them at least once a week for many months now, so couldn't wait to try this one out!

Ingredients: This mask is full of cleansing ingredients for your skin

The ingredients of this wonderful mask instantly attracted me. Green Clay and Manuka Honey plus the scent of rose? Face mask heaven. Manuka Honey is well known for it's healing properties, something I love to see in products due to my blemish prone skin. Plus, it's hugely rich in vitamins so is a great ingredient to look out for no matter what skin type you have - woohoo! Enough great qualities just from one ingredient, right? As well as the properties of Manuka Honey this mask has the added extra of Green Clay too - spoilt! Green Clay is well know for it's strong anti-inflammatory properties as well as it's ability to draw impurities and toxins out of our skin - something we all want, especially leading in to those warmer months. 

Swatch: Apply a thin layer to allow the mask to dry

I apply this mask after using Liz Earle's popular Cleanse & Polish Cleanser (Mentioned way back in my Liz Earle Favourites post). I love that only a thin layer of this mask is needed, meaning it's quick to apply and last longer than most face masks you may purchase. It is recommended you leave this product on for the usual 5-10 minutes, but sometimes I get distracted and leave it on for 15 minutes so don't panic. Tip: You can apply the mask to your whole face or just to certain areas (if you've had a sudden breakout in only one area, this is a great tip)! 

Tip: Use a Liz Earle Sponge to remove the mask, keeping your face as clean as possible

Liz Earle have covered all bases, this mask also come's with 2 sponges to remove it! Just dampen the sponge using warm water and use to wipe off your face mask, it really is that easy. Using a sponge to remove the mask ensures you wash off the mask thoroughly (I would recommend rinsing the sponge after every wipe to ensure you remove it all). 

I now use this mask at least once a week, sometimes using it for break out areas during the week too if needed! The perfect product if you're looking for a face mask that leaves your face feeling cleansed and fresh this Spring/Summer (available for £15.75 from lizearle.com). Have you tried this product yet? Let me know what your favourite face masks are in the comments. Enjoy the relaxation face masks give you, 

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BEAUTY: L'OCCITANE, PIVOINE SUBLIME RANGE

Left: CC Skin Tone Correcting Cream in Light, Right: Tinted Lip Balm in Rose Plum

It's that time of year where we all head out to buy our Spring/Summer make up and skincare. I was delighted to find the new range from L'OCCITANE in my local store - no wonder I left with several products! I'm always so impressed with the service and assistance by L'OCCITANE colleagues so if you have one near you, give them a visit. I tried both these products in store and instantly fell in love, after using them religiously for several weeks now, I haven't lost this initial obsession.

Swatch: Tinted Lip Balm in Rose Plum

Tinted Lip Balm in Rose Balm: I was initially attracted to this lovely product because of it's combination of colour perfection for Spring/Summer and an SPF of 25 - perfect for fair ladies like myself. I almost allowed myself to purchase several out of the 4 colours this balm comes in (Rose Plum, Rose Amber, Rose Nude and Transparent). I must order the transparent balm for super soft lips all Summer. These balms remind me a lot of Benefit's balms but I feel these out do their rivals in the category of 'looking amazing whilst doing an equally amazing job', not only do the colours look great but the balm really works in keeping lips moisturised all day. Apply one layer to keep those lips looking healthy or layer these balms up to create a lipsticks that lasts for hours.

Swatch: CC Skin Tone Correcting Cream in Light, before application

Swatch: CC Skin Tone Correcting Cream in Light, after application

CC Skin Tone Correcting Cream in Light: The first CC Cream I have found that works with Oily skin types - yippee! Since purchasing this product several weeks ago, my foundation has not been worn. A blend of primer, moisturiser and foundation - CC Creams are my new make up must have for Spring/Summer. Not only does this product beautifully even out skin tones, just like it's lip balm pairing, it has an impressive SPF of 20. I apply this CC Cream with my fingers after my daily skincare routine of cleanser and toner, no need for cleaning foundation brushes - woohoo. The miracle makers at L'OCCITANE have created a CC Cream that gives both a mattifying and luminous finish, life complete. Although this product comes in only two shades (lights and medium), they cover a huge range of skin tones so head to your nearest L'OCCITANE to find the one for you.

I could not be more impressed with a new range this Spring, tweet/email me to let me know if you've had the chance to try this range yet and if you're yet to experience the wonders... enjoy the moment, 

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BEAUTY: BENEFIT, CONTOURING BLOGGER EVENT

Benefit Blogger Event - contouring master class

Contouring - a technique I've never had the confidence to master. However, I have recently had the pleasure of attending a Benefit Blogger Event where I participated in a contouring master class so can now share the wonders of this technique with you all! 

The stages of contouring: Where to highlight and where to contour

The best way to master this technique is to see each stage of contouring on some one else - I managed to snap away whilst Kirstie (Manager at Benefit Bristol) contoured Brooke's (Beauty Consultant at Benefit Bristol) face. There are many diagrams of contouring easily accessible online, but these can often lead to a huge mess of confusion as to where to highlight and where to contour, especially as we all have different face shapes. You should use a concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin tone to highlight the following areas of your face: under your eyes, above your cheekbones, above and between your eyebrows, down the centre of your nose, the middle of your upper lip and the middle of your chin. Once you have done this you can then move on to using a concealer two shades darker to contour the following areas of your face: under your cheek bones (this should start from the centre of your cheek, in line with the pupil of your eye, and work upwards in the direction of your cheek bone towards your hair line) and the sides of your nose.

Tip: Blend, and then blend some more

Once you have completed the application of your contouring you are now ready to blend - soon to become your contouring saviour. You can use either a brush or sponge to blend, personally I feel a sponge makes the process quicker. When you are happy with your blending you are ready to finish the 'extreme' contour look off with a splash of Benefit's Bronzing Powder in Hoola on the contoured areas of your face (this will stop shine and give you a perfect matt finish to your contoured look).

Tip: For a quicker contour try using just 'Hoola' Bronzing Powder 

If you love the sound of contouring but cannot possibly find the time to apply this 'extreme' contour look, we also got to grips with a 'quick and easy' contouring method during the evening. The steps of this contouring technique are similar to those above, but without the coverage of concealer. Simply give your face a base (I chose to use a CC cream as my base as I was not looking for heavy coverage), then apply Benefit's Hoola Bronzing Powder to the following areas of your face: under your cheek bones (this should start from the centre of your cheek, in line with the pupil of your eye, and work upwards in the direction of your cheek bone towards your hair line) and the sides of your nose. This 'quick and easy' look is completed by applying a small amount of blusher (I chose to Benefit's Dandelion Brightening Face Powder) to your cheek bones to give your face that healthy Spring/Summer glow.

Left: Boi-ing Concealer in 01 - light, Right: Boi-ing Concealer in 03 - medium

Contouring has always scared me as I have such a fair skin complexion, anything darker than the lightest shade just shouldn't touch my face surely? However, this is the exact reason contouring is a great technique for fair skin too - I chose to use 01 (Benefit's lightest shade of concealer) and 03 (Benefit's medium shade of concealer) - not everyone has to use the darkest of shades to contour, a common misconception when talking about experimenting with this technique. The swatches above show the colours I used for my skin tone when using the 'extreme' technique for contouring. Although these swatches are both concealer, they are great highlighting and contouring products, for all skin types - hoorah! The most important thing to remember when applying these products is blend, blend until you can blend no more! 

Head to your local Benefit store or concession stand and ask for a contouring demonstration - they'll be happy to help with technique or deciding which shades are best for you. Comment below or tweet me to tell me your favourite contouring technique, 'extreme' or 'quick and easy'. Enjoy showing off your new technique and cheek bones, 

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BEAUTY: JO MALONE, SPRING FAVOURITE

Spring 2015 Favourite: Peony & Blush Suede

A long time favourite of mine - Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne. I know many of us bloggers go on and on about this cologne but there really are many reasons why, the same reasons why I've named it my favourite scent for Spring 2015.

It's unusual for me to find a floral scent I enjoy to wear, many of them I find far too over powering and would feel like a walking potpourri pot if I were ever to wear them for the day. If you too struggle to find a subtle floral scent for Spring, you need to hurry to your nearest Jo Malone and stock up. As well as the perfectly created scents Jo Malone has to offer, the quality of their products mean they last much longer than their rivals. I only ever need 2 sprays of this delightful scent (I choose to spritz my neck area twice) to last me the whole day - incredible! 

The combination of luxury peony and uplifting blush suede is sure to be a favourite of mine for Spring and beyond. A little hint as to what my be my Summer favourite - Jo Malone's new Plum Blossom Cologne (make sure to sample a spritz when you're next in store). Let me know your favourites in the comments and enjoy experiencing your local Jo Malone, 

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BEAUTY: LUSH, TOP THREE SHAMPOO BARS

Green Shampoo Bar: Karma Komba, Blue Shampoo Bar: Seanik, Orange Shampoo Bar: Brazilliant

Shampoo bars by LUSH Cosmetics - something we all need to invest in! I have now been using these small bars of shampoo goodness for almost 3 months and I never again want to have to use liquid shampoo from a giant bottle. All 5 bars I have tried and tested (Karma Komba, Seanik, Brazilliant, Jason and the Argan Oil and Montalbano) have left my hair feeling squeaky clean, quite literally - that super fresh, super clean just-washed-my-hair-in-natural-springs feeling you get from only natural products just like these.

Karma Komba: The 'I would be happy to constantly smell my hair today' bar. This bar is the most scented of the bars I have tried and tested, so far. The blend of lemongrass, orange, lavandin, pine and patchouli create a lovely up-lifting spring/summer scent for your wonderful locks. If you're looking for perfect shine and scent from your daily shampoo - this one is for you!

Seanik: The 'I've spent all day on the beach and yes, my hair still looks this good' bar. It's blend of seaweed, sea-salt and lemon make it the perfect bar to pop in your bag during the summer months to rescue that dried out hair! The fresh scent of lemon works great with the fantastic combination of ingredients to give your hair shine and volume. Hair that's lacking life from the battering of sun, sand, sunscreen and sea-water? This bar will save the day for you!

Brazilliant: The 'Go on, ask me how my hair looks this healthy 6 weeks after a cut' bar. The blend of oranges, andiroba oil, ylang ylang oil and a bunch of other fantastic nutrients will give your hair that rescue it's crying out for when it really needs a trim. I found this bar works best for the curl in my hair, I saw a definite reduction of frizz - a miracle? Maybe. If you've been 'gifted' with curly locks and are fed up of anti frizz products weighing your hair down - purchasing this bar will feel like a weight off your shoulders (literally)!

Tip: Lather the bar in your hand before applying to you hair.

All these bars lather up much better than liquid shampoo - meaning they last a lot longer and spread much further in your hair, perfect if you're a longer lock lady! I often lather the bar up in my hand before briefly rubbing the bar directly on to my hair (you don't even have to put it directly on to your hair, I just prefer doing this to ensure a thorough cleanse).

So, not only do these beautiful bars have no negatives (in my opinion), they are so much smaller and a lot less hassle than huge shampoo bottles. Even better, with summer coming up, they are the perfect size for taking on holiday and they'll leave you enough weight in your suitcase to pack another pair of shoes AND another summer dress - hoorah! LUSH have even provided us a perfectly sized travel tin which you can purchase here.

Head down to your nearest LUSH (or find them online at www.lush.co.uk) and pick yourself a bar to try. Let me know which are your favourites in the comments - enjoy, 

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