Whoa 2013 can we slow down a little I'm not ready to say goodbye to another year just yet
but here we are over half way in and I've got to say that this has been the fastest paced year that my tiny mind cares to recall...
This month has been all about skin care for me - I have taken what was once blemish prone skin and over the last year transformed it with the help of great products into a blemish free zone and also some how managed to rid myself of acne scarring. I couldn't be happier! One of the products I credit is REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum - this light oil based serum is laden with natural oils that normally occur in oily fish to help restore natural moisture levels and to encourage the skin to self heal. It also contains rose hip oil which is rich in vitamin c to brighten and wheat germ oil to repair environmental damage. As someone who struggles with night lotions and potions this has revolutionised my night skin care routine - it hydrates, soothes, calms, repairs and brightens really what more could you ask?
REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum £34 via REN - link
My lips went through a crazy phase last month - dry, itchy and flaky are a few words that spring to mind and nothing other than Carmex seemed to do them any good. I honestly was tempted to go to the doctors but worried that would be wasting a professionals time so I stuck with my trusty Carmex and after three weeks I finally have normal lips once again! Yay!
Carmex Original Lip Balm £2.69 via Boots - link
While we are on the subject of lips more often than not I have been dabbing on Topshop's Lipstick Pencil in Coy before applying Carmex over the top for a glossy finish and to take away the drying element that Coy seems to have. Yes this shade may be a little stark for some but with a tan I rather enjoy it!
Topshop Lipstick Pencil in Coy is not currently online but is still in-stores.
Speaking of coral shades that make tans pop no summer should be without Illamasqua's Lover Blush - this bright orange based coral works well with most skin tones and has an instantly brightening effect meaning you can skip highlighter if pushed for time. The formula and pigmentation really is second to none and makes me wonder why I don't own more Illamasqua blushes. I can sense a splurge coming in the upcoming months!
Illamasqua Lover Blush £18 (currently £15) via Illamasqua - link
Going from somewhat sitting on the fence about Maybelline's The Eraser Eye Concealer to adoring it all in the space of a few weeks but for good reason. This light moisturising formula sits wonderfully on the under eye area and doesn't crease. I'm also a fan of the foam applicator (yep I'm converted) as it is so gentle and dispenses just enough product to brighten and conceal any dark circles.
Maybelline's The Eraser Eye Concealer £7.99 via Superdrug - link
Along with some product recommendations I thought it might be nice to share a blog and recipe that I have rather enjoyed over the last few weeks?
If like myself you always believe that the grass is greener and have a penchant for stalking American blogs in the hope of finding out about new and exciting products before they hit the UK then you must read Eating Lipstick. Hollie has a beautiful clear layout and photography style coupled with all the latest must have products not to mention her reviews are accurate and non-biased at all making it a must read in my opinion.
Image credit - Skinny Taste
At the moment I'm really trying to shed some blubber (isn't that a cute way of saying fat...blubber!) and hand on heart I have really upped my game sourcing low fat recipes for firm favourites of mine. I can't count how many times I have rustled up Skinny Taste's Skinny Baked Chicken Parmesan....it is so yummy! The only thing I change from the original recipe is that I make my own marinara sauce using an old family recipe. Fresh always tastes better than a jar don't you think? Next time I make it I will take photos and pop up a recipe post.
I hope you enjoyed the slight shake up of my favourites and do be sure to let me know what yo have enjoyed this month in the comment section below!
Random Fact - Remains of cheese has been found in Egyptian tombs over 4000 years old.
I wouldn't usually correct grammar but you've put 'I've went..'
ReplyDeleteI love the topshop lip pencil!!
ReplyDeletexx
daniella
simplybeautifulelegant.blogspot.com
I have that topshop lip pencil, and I love it so much xoxx
ReplyDeletehttp://hollysbeautyobsessions.blogspot.co.uk/
The Ren serum sounds great, love them as a brand. I would really love to see a post on how you have transformed your skin, as over the past few months I have been suffering from what I can only describe as adult acne. I had always.had really good skin before that and now, despite a good skincare routine (mostly Ren and Elemental Herbology) and a healthy, balanced diet I'm really struggling to see any improvements.
ReplyDeleteIf you've already done a post on it that I've somehow missed then could you possibly tweet Me the link if you wouldn't mind? My handle is.@melswallofmirro.
Many thanks!
Mel xx
melswallofmirrors.blogspot.co.uk
Hey :) yes I will and maybe a video too because it is pretty lengthy and sometimes it is easier to talk through such things rather than write a post? x
DeleteI would also LOVE to watch/read something about this as I've had acne as long as I can remember and while I have managed to improve it I still have very greasy skin and some acne scarring. I have tried everything I've come across to fix the problem but never found anything, even spending huge amounts on products so now I only buy reasonably priced products unless I'm assured they're worth the money so I'd love some guidance!
DeleteI would also LOVE to watch/read something about this as I've had acne as long as I can remember and while I have managed to improve it I still have very greasy skin and some acne scarring. I have tried everything I've come across to fix the problem but never found anything, even spending huge amounts on products so now I only buy reasonably priced products unless I'm assured they're worth the money so I'd love some guidance!
DeleteThe Ren serum sounds great, love them as a brand. I would really love to see a post on how you have transformed your skin, as over the past few months I have been suffering from what I can only describe as adult acne. I had always.had really good skin before that and now, despite a good skincare routine (mostly Ren and Elemental Herbology) and a healthy, balanced diet I'm really struggling to see any improvements.
ReplyDeleteIf you've already done a post on it that I've somehow missed then could you possibly tweet Me the link if you wouldn't mind? My handle is.@melswallofmirro.
Many thanks!
Mel xx
melswallofmirrors.blogspot.co.uk
Thanks for the great blog recommendations! I too love the Maybelline Eraser Eye concealer :) but do you find that the inside tube gets really gunked up with concealer which then goes all over the place inside the packaging? I doesn't affect the performance of the concealer, but just makes it look really messy inside!
ReplyDeleteA beauty, food and life blog by Izzi
i had a little sample of that redken serum and i really liked it! although it did smell quite funny! that illamasqua shade is absolutely gorgeous, i have a MAC one quite similar which i really should use more! i also need to take a better look at that maybelline concealer, i had the foundation but in the wrong shade (i picked up the shade i am in one of their other foundations... how foolish of me to think they'd be the same!). ill do anything to help cover these damn dark circles!
ReplyDeleteThe REN number sounds appealing! The Emma Hardie Cleansing balm has really flared up my skin and I can't seem to get rid of this small brake-out on my jaw... hopefully this would do the trick!
ReplyDeletewww.crazylins.blogspot.co.uk
That REN serum sounds amazing, I'll be checking that out asap! And the Maybelline concealer, I have the feeling I'll be on the market for a new one soon (not that I ever need an excuse to buy more makeup) so that will be the first on my list to try!
ReplyDeleteMaxine, xx
beautybeatsbooks.blogspot.co.uk
Woah. That Illamasqua Lover Blush is such a beaut. I'm a lover of all things coral (who isn't? :) )especially during the summer months as it exudes the right amount of colour for the perfect brightening and glow effect. :)
ReplyDeleteThat blush is such a pretty shade!
ReplyDeletexoxo, Aman | coffee chic
I'm dying to try an Illamasqua blush!
ReplyDeleteRach | Beauty on a budget
xx
the blusher- such a pretty shade
ReplyDeleteoxx, Katrin
http://inbetweenblush.blogspot.de/
I love your lip pencil shade!
ReplyDeleteSeaside Beauty
xxx
You got my attention when you said you'd managed to get rid of acne scarring. Would love to hear more about the products used! Xxx
ReplyDeleteI always carry Carmex with me. It really is a miracle worker and it makes my lips so soft and smooth! I am also a skin care fanatic this month. I love to try new products to brighten my face and clear is of any blemishes. You make this REN sound so good. I may have to try it now! I have never been a fan of overnight products, not even moisturizer, but this sounds lovely.
ReplyDeleteCheers!
-Darcy
wittywhimsicality.blogspot.com
I didn't even realize half the year is over until I read this post. Gees! LOL I actually can't wait for Fall though. I seriously need to try REN! They're so pricey though! I have about 3 things I want to try from them! lol
ReplyDeleteXO Nicole @ beautykissxo
Great favs to have :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.betzysmakeup.com/
The blush shade looks great! I feel like I haven't worn blusher for ages as bronzer seems to be taking over my life. Great post!
ReplyDeletepastelspetals.blogspot.co.uk
These all look amazing!
ReplyDeletesophiesayshi.blogspot.co.uk