One of the most amazing powders I've ever used? Tick. One of the most painfully expensive powders I've ever used? Tick. It probably shouldn't come as much of a surprise that another of my favourite products is accompanied by a not so favourite price tag. Though if i'm perfectly honest, this is without a doubt, one of those products that I'm willing to spend my hard earned pennies on time and time again, simply because it is amazing.

The colourless powder when buffed into skin leaves an invisible matte finish that somehow manages to reduce the appearance of pores and perfect the skin. The texture, which seems somewhat akin to icing sugar, is easy to work with (though rather messy), and doesn't feel at all heavy on the skin. In fact, I would go as far as saying it's almost refreshing and slightly cooling when applied. I haven't had any problems with it leaving a white cast either, probably because i'm so pale, but I imagine that even those with darker skin tones shouldn't have a problem as long as you take time to buff it in. 

I tend to use the By Terry hyaluronic powder after my foundation to set my makeup, though it can be used before as a base, or even alone for those days when you sporting more of a bare faced approach. Despite the matte finish, I've found that it doesn't in any way dull the skin, but actually leaves behind a subtle radiant glow. I tend to to find that throughout the day I sometimes need to top up with powder on slightly oilier areas, and that's where my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder comes in handy. 

Before finally taking the jump and purchasing this little tub of goodness (luckily I had some Space NK points to use), I had been eyeing it up for a while every time I stalked past the By Terry counter. But boy am I glad it finally made it's way into my clutches. It was love at first swipe, and though I envision it lasting for a looong time, I will undoubtedly be repurchasing when the time comes. 

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Luckily, over the past few months I've encountered a handful of products that hydrate and sooth my dry skin thus, making life just that little bit easier.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II when applied post-cleanse and pre-moisturiser, adds an extra kick of moisture to help make dry skin more manageable. I use this nightly, though if for some reason I skip this step (usually down to laziness), I really notice a difference in the morning as my skin feels tighter and looks duller. A couple of drops of this patted over my face really ensures that my skin is in the best condition come morning. I've also noticed that over time, this also seems to have helped even out my complexion and reduce redness. It's a pricey investment, but for me has been really worth it, plus, a little goes a very long way. 

After applying the Estee Lauder serum, I've then been reaching for Origins Make a Difference Plus Rejuvenating Treatment for a serious injection of hydration. My skin seems to love this stuff. Used morning and night, this moisturiser has really helped banish the tight, uncomfortable feeling associated with dryness, and leaves my skin feeling and looking refreshed. I've also found that my foundation applies so much better when I use this - it's not at all oily, yet it's rich enough to stop my skin appearing flakey.  

Though I do have dry skin in general, my under eye area is by far the most dehydrated. After squeezing the last drop out of my Alpha H absolute eye complex, I decided to look for something a little bit more affordable. Una Brennan's Super Facialist Brightening Eye Cream is my current favourite. I can't really say whether it  succeeds at brightening dark under eye circles, but it is pretty good at hydrating and refreshing skin. It's also a great base for concealer as it absorbs quickly. 

Since finding By Terry's Baume de Rose in my stocking this Christmas, (thank you Santa), it's hardly left my lips. I think this could quite possibly be my most favourite lip balm ever (a strong statement but I kid you not - though it is rivaled for that top spot by Nuxe's Reve de Miel). This might be mind blowingly expensive, but nothing soothes and repairs dry chapped lips like it. I can only describe it as a little pot of heaven.

So that's my current army of dry skin fighters, though I'm sure that my little stash will be growing soon as the cold weather seems reluctant to go away. What are you dry skin saviors?

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So it's favourites time again - January, as always, has flown by. It's certainly been a month of make-up indulgence, though unfortunately the fitness and healthy eating regime hasn't been quite so popular. Oh well, I guess it's never too late to start the health kick again, just perhaps after pancake day...

Nars And God Created the Woman Eyeshadow Palette (full review here) - I was pondering over whether to include this or the Naked 3 palette in my monthly favourites (both would have just been eyeshadow overload), but settled upon the Nars offering mainly because of the top right hand shade Kalahari. It's one of those one wash wonders that speeds up my morning routine without jeopardising eyeshadow completely. I also love how small and compact the Nars palette is - definite cuteness points.

Butter London Tart with a Heart - So Christmas is long gone and I've managed to gradually ween myself off chocolate and mince pies, but not glitter. I've been layering Tart with a Heart over my nail colour for a bit of a gold based multi-colour sparkle. The Butter London formula is also a winner - easy to apply and long lasting.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light - After finally caving and buying one of the Ambient Lighting Powder, I can finally see what all the fuss is about. The finely milled powder blurs imperfections, mattifys skin and adds radiance without a hint of detectable 'cakeyness'. A pricey, but worthwhile investment for both powder lovers and haters alike.

Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Lotus Pink - This pink tones coral blush has been gracing my cheeks daily throughout January. The powder is weightless on the skin, whilst the subtle shimmer adds a natural glow.

Dove Style and Care Heat Protect Spray - The Dove hair care range never ceases to impress me. Only the test of time can really confirm whether this works well as a heat protectant, but for now, it appears to be serving its purpose well. The weightless spray leaves no apparent residue in wet or dry hair and the scent is quite pleasant too. At under a fiver, it's a definite winner in my book.

Diptyque Philosykos Eau de Toilette - The Diptyque obsession continues with my latest find, the perfume version of Figuier candle. For half price in the Space NK sale, this is certainly my bargain of the month. The light scent is subtle and fresh, making it perfect for everyday wear.

What have you fallen in love with this month?

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