My Charlotte Tilbury Newbies

After finishing University my mum treated me to some Charlotte Tilbury goodies. Whilst I may still be keeping them in their original packaging, an unusual habit of me, they have had some excessive use the past few weeks.

First was the Colour Chameleon Eye-shadow Pencil in the shade Champagne Diamonds. I love an eyeshadow pencil stick and this one is super creamy, making it very easy to apply: a big thumbs up in the book of eyeshadow pencils! The only thing I didn't realise when I swatched this in Selfridges was how glittery this shade is. It is definitely more of an evening buddy. 

My second choice was the Eyes to Mesmerise Long-Lasting Easy Colour in the shade Norma Jean. Any eye-makeup item with the 'easy' in its name is always going to attract my attention. As readers will know, I am a hoarder of gold shadows so this light-golden shade was a winner for me.

The texture is so creamy that is is almost wet-like, making it super pigmented (the photo doesn't do it justice.) I have tried a variety of cream eyeshadows in the past and I can honestly say the Charlotte Tilbury formula is the best I've met so far. 

In fact, I have not stopped wearing this the past few weeks. It has been a staple for the special occasions I've had recently such as my graduation and ball. It doesn't budge at all, so it has made a great base for a smokey eye or a firm, all over shadow. I definitely want to pick up a golden brown colour.

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The rude named one

A recent trip to Paris saw me pay a visit to the wonders of Sephora. One of my purchases was the Too Faced Better than Sex mascara, a product which has been on my wish list for a while. I never usually like to buy 'high-end' mascaras as I believe that drug-store ones do just as a fantastic job. However, after seeing this in featured in so many youtube videos I was more than curious to give it a try. 

On first application I was wowed by the volume. Even my boyfriend commented, I mean under what circumstances does a boyfriend notice eyelashes?! The hour-glass shape wand makes it different from any mascara I've tried before. It reaches all my lashes and easily lifts and coats. Whilst it doesn't describe itself as a waterproof formula it definitely lasts all day and holds the curl so well. It even lasted me in the 34 degrees of Paris, which is seriously impressive for my oily eyelids! 

I would definitely recommend this mascara if you're looking for big, long lashes. 

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The new complexion rescue

How many times on the blog have I mentioned my love for lightweight bases and BB creams? I'm sure I'm in the hundreds by now, but after reading HelloOctober's love for this one I realised I had to add another to my collection. This is the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream.

As an unusually named 'gel cream', I should probably begin with talking about the formula. The texture is somewhat mousse-like, which was rather surprising. I would not describe it as a gel at all. But as a 'mousse-like' formula, it is therefore very lightweight which I find helps to blend the product well into the skin.

As a normal/combination skin gal this cream has multiple skin-saving properties. Firstly, it hydrates. Indeed, I have used this at times to replace my moisturiser, especially as it contains SPF 30. It evens out skin tone. As a lightweight formula it's great for an everyday, summer base but it is also really easy to build up coverage. On the package it says it contains 'mineral electrolytes' and 'antioxidants' which help to energise and defend your skin. Whilst I don't understand the properties of these ingredients I can safely say that my skin looks noticeable dewier and radiant after applying this. The first time I used it even my mum made a comment about my skin! Moreover, I can vouch that this product is seriously long-lasting. I wore it last week in Paris, where temperatures reached 34 degrees! There was no melting, makeup face, thank goodness. 

I take the shade 02 vanilla which was probably one of the best matches to a base I've ever had.  This has definitely become a firm, lightweight favourite! 

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Hydrating Toners

After experiencing five days of extraordinary heat in London I thought it was necessary to share with you one of my summer skin essentials: the hydrating toner. All of these have multiple purposes: They can be used after cleansing to hydrate and purify the skin, to help set makeup or for a top up in the afternoon to help 'revive' the skin. 

The Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic contains naturally active, botanical ingredients including a pure source of Vitamin E. These help to revitalise and refresh the skin. I find this 30ml bottle so handy to keep in my bag, ready for those vital 3pm spraying sessions. 

As you know from previous posts, the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist is not only a luxurious item but one that I could rave about for hours. The first time I tested this product I had never experienced so many compliments about my skin! It looked noticeably healthy: glowing and dewy, just what I like. The only annoying thing about this product is the price. I am nearly on my last few sprays and I'm not sure if a toner is worth £46 (I know, I hang my head, and purse, in shame!).  Nevertheless, it does probably have the most instant results of the trio.

La Roche Posay Serozinc, however, is the most refreshing of them all, mainly due to its spritzing power. If you're on a budget then I would put my hands up and tell you that this is the one! Whilst it is 'targeted' for oily and blemish prone skin I would advise to ignore this. I would not put my own skin under this category but it has still helped my skin. This product is especially great if you're a city girl as it kills bacteria. 

Another tip, leave these in these fridge and you will have an extra cooling experience!

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Evening Skincare Routine

Following up from my Morning skincare post (here) it is now time to share my current evening skin care routine. Whilst I love applying my makeup I will always say that my favourite time of the day is taking it all off before bed. Just like my morning skin routine, the evening has developed into a rather obsessive procedure. 

Firstly, it's step one of cleansing. If you are a regular reader then you will know that this has been The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil for a while.  This is a firm favourite in my skincare cupboard. When they say silky, they really do mean silky. It is such a soothing, gentle oil that quickly removes makeup. I don't think I would ever pay more for a cleansing oil as this does the job perfectly. Sometimes if I have waterproof eye makeup on then I will also go in with the Camomile Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover which, again, has a big thumbs up from me. It doesn't irritate my eyes, or leave them feeling oily, it just quickly does them job. 

I then cleanse my skin. PLEASE, note the difference between the oil cleanser to take off my make up and the cleanser to cleanse my skin. For this second step I use Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish - a trusty cleanser that I have been using for over six years now. I love its creamy texture; it never irritates my skin; and is really soothing after a long stressful day.

Now, this is then when the routine gets exciting. About three times a week, or every other day (if its a bad skin week) I go in with an AHA toner. As you will have read from a previous post, this is my preferred form of exfoliation. I find that it provides better results and is less irritating than an exfoliating scrub with beads. After a few seconds I then spray over a hydrating toner. My favourite one for the evening is the La Roche Posay Serozinc. It soothes my skin and ALWAYS solves my bad skin days. 

The rest is then simple. I moisturise, with the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream,  and then apply an oil over the top. In the past I have loved using the Origins Night-a-Mins moisturiser. I really do miss that from my current routine, as it is so rich and moisturising. However, applying the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Oil over the top has made me notice some encouraging results. I seem to have had this in my skincare stash for a while, but only ever used it occasionally. After a routine of application I have noticed in the morning that my skin looks plumper and my complexion much more even. Perhaps I shouldn't have dismissed it so much.

What are you holy-gail evening products?

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