May Favourites

It's the end of another month and that can only mean one thing... time for another favourites post! I haven't done one of these since March but I think that's because I was just so busy in April. I feel like in the past few weeks I have found some real gems that will 100% hang around as permanent fixtures in my stash!

First up is a new perfume purchase, I've wanted this for ages, since it came out really, and when I found it on offer I couldn't resist! Dolce is a feminine, fresh fragrance and embodies the "delicate balance between timeless craftsmanship and innovation...". The heart notes feature White Amaryllis and Water Lily, and base notes include Cashmeran and Sandalwood. If you like fresh floral scents I would definitely recommend this one!

Next up is a foundation I mentioned in a previous post, the Dior Skin Forever Fluid Foundation. The more I use this the more I love it, the packaging, formulation, shade and wearability are all amazing. If you want to read more about it just click on the link above to hear about the product. I've also mentioned Roller Lash in the same post, and as per, this stuff is great, I always have fantastic things to say about this product, and nothings changed.

I know I'm a bit behind with this next product but.... Eight Hour Cream, where have you been all my life?! I have suffered from dry hands for a while, especially over winter. This stuff isn't just for hands though,  you can shape brows, revitalize shine, and smooth cuticles and nails. This award winning hand cream has also been praised by make-up artists and beauty editors for many years now and no self respecting model would be without this cult product in their make-up bag. 

Finally, a new nail colour from Mavala in Orchid Mauve. This is now my new perfect nude... I've been wearing it for weeks, back to back. It's long lasting, has a nice shine and works with any outfit. 

What are your favourite items this month?!

Emma xx

No7 Early Defence Range

Now you may or may not be aware that No7 recently launched a new collection into their already very popular current skincare range: Early Defence. This new range is aimed at younger women and is a preventative type of skincare, to keep skin looking younger for longer. The product claims to have Double Defence technology and a super light formulation - the latter I totally agree with, it's not heavy and is perfect before your foundation. The product is particularly aimed at 20-35 year olds with 'younger' complexions. Now, I know I'm only 20 (21 in a month!) so starting rather early with the anti aging-esque products but I guess you have to begin somewhere!

This product does feel heavy when you first apply, but as I mentioned earlier, once applied it absorbs into your skin and leaves a perfect base for your make up. It also doesn't affect the longevity of my makeup which is a great positive of the product - meaning I can have all the benefits from a moisturiser and know that my make up won't slide off my face mid-way through the day.

The ingredients include Lipopeptides and Vitamin A which are your anti aging properties, to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles. It also claims to help against everyday environmental pollution and UV rays and as always with No7 Day Creams, it has SPF15, so you know even if your foundation doesn't have an SPF in, your skin will still be protected. It's also hyperallergenic, perfect for my sensitive skin!

I would 100% recommend this, and you have a selection of products to choose from as there's a Day, Night and Eye Cream available. Grab your own either in store or online.

Emma xx

Hauling #3

This post has been a long time coming, since I've been back in England (in other words duty free) I've had a thing for premium beauty, and when there's money off I can't find an excuse not to buy it! So the mixture of Boots discount and duty free both sides of the Atlantic have resulted in some serious harm to my bank account. Some of these items are relatively new, and some literally brought this week so a review may be coming your way soon!

This haul consists of twos... two mascaras, two foundations and two lip products... Lets start with the foundations. I love a good bargain and these two were picked up at the staff shop where I work. First up is the Lancome Photogenic Lumessence in the shade 01. I've been using this this week and I can already say I'm a fan. The shade, texture and durability are all great positives, though I wouldn't quite agree with 14 hour wear, however it does come close! It also has SPF 15 so means your skin is covered against the harmful rays from the sun. The next foundation is one from Dior, Dior Skin Forever Fluid Foundation in the shade 010. I haven't used this yet but I'm very excited to, it claims to last all day, have great blendability and creates a smoother, more even complexion day after day. I also loveeee the packaging on this - I know, not something which should determine whether I buy a product or not but don't worry it wasn't the only factor which persuaded me to buy!

Next up are the mascaras, I've been waiting agessss to buy Benefit's Rollerlash in full size ever since I got my free sample in Elle, so the wait is finally over! I love the formula of this mascara, its not too dry and the curl you get with this wand is probably one of the best I've seen. The other mascara in the pipeline is Lancome's Hypnose Mascara, again, I haven't tried this yet but very excited to test it out.

Finally the lip products, I've wanted both of these for ages and I was able to get them while on holiday. First, the Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm in the shade curvy candy. This is quite a sheer pink, perfect for day to day wear and the texture and wear is really good. Then there's the Dior Addict Lip Gloss in Rose Surprise, haven't had a chance to wear this yet but I love the corally-pink shade.

So that's my premium beauty haul! Are there any premium products you have your eyes on?

Emma xx

My Beach Essentials!

Whether your in the UK heading off to a day trip to the beach or living the dream spending time on some white sands, a properly stocked beach bag is essential. Below are my top 5 must haves...

Suncream: Pretty obvious, no? I brought a few different options with me but this was the one I took with me to the beach... no particular reason why I chose this out of the two I brought really, it's a high factor and I didn't find it to be too sticky, which I hate when you're on the beach - sand and stickiness are an absolutely awful combination if you ask me!

Music: I loveeee listening to music while on the beach, it sets my mood and I also use it as a timer for when to turn over... anyone else do that, or is it just me? Three songs then switch?!

Kindle: I also found I brought this with me, we had wifi on the beach so it was handy to have to watch a quick film on Netflix or play some games - gotta have entertainment while on the beach!

Reading material: I brought two magazines with me and a book this year. The book of choice was Paper Towns which I really enjoyed so would recommend if you haven't already read it! However I must say I find articles much easier to read on the beach, they're smaller and much easier the conquer while sunning yourself!

Avene Eau Thermale: This little can of water was so handy while on the beach, whether it's to help cool down or even to just rinse your hands, it was just nice to have it with me, and it's dinky little size meant it was easy to carry round.

Of course there were other things with me on the beach - let's not forget my trusty pair of sunglasses which literally never left my head and also my leave in hair sun protection spray which I used every morning before I left for the beach - we mustn't forget to protect our hair!

What are your beach essentials?

Emma xx

Mexico | Photo Diary

I'm going to keep this short and sweet... I've just come back from 10 days in Mexico and here are just a selection of pictures from my time there. It was most definitely the best holiday experience I've ever had and if you haven't been to Mexico I would 100% recommend it! Everything was perfect and the locals treated us so nicely, which made the whole thing that little bit more special. 

Now the only problem is... I want to book another holiday already! The thought of going through summer with no holiday is already making me sad and I've only been back at work for a day! What am I like?!

This was our excursion - visiting one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the Chichen Itza. It was such an amazing experience and after walking round and taking in all the beautiful surroundings we got to swim in a 70m deep cenote (a sinkhole to you and me), which was again, an amazing experience and kind of surreal! After that we had some free time to enjoy the Tequila Museum where (of course) we got to try all the different types of tequila - passion fruit being my favourite!

At our hotel there was a Mojito Bar with over 30 different Mojitos on offer, along with almost every cocktail recipe under the sun also on offer! Needless to say we did an extensive taste test while there!

Being on the East Coast of Mexico meant we got to enjoy some amazing sun rises - this is just one of many!

Our hotel also had a michelin star restaurant on site, Le Chic - think Heston Blumenthal-esque food, including caviar, tuna tartare, pancetta foam and desserts with candyfloss and carrot on the same plate!

 We also visited Cancun while we were there and I have to say, they have one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen - the photo below doesn't do justice to just how blue the sea was - it looked unreal!

 

So that's it! I won't bore you any more with the photos! If you have any questions about Mexico or where I stayed feel free to ask :)

Emma xx