For foundation, there are actually quite a few gems out there, but my favourite at the moment is Revlon's Nearly Naked Foundation for a sheer and natural finish that evens out skin tone and reduces redness.  To cover the dark circles, I use Collection's Illuminating Touch Concealer on a daily basis.  As I don't like things too dewy, I then dust on a thin layer of Soap and Glory's Kick Ass Instant Retouch Pressed Powder. This powder is so finely milled it reduces shine without ever looking too powdery. The yellow hue also helps to conceal any redness.

To add a bit of colour to my pasty complexion, I've been using Maxfactor's Creme Puff Blush in Lovely Pink. This is a great dupe for the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes. It might not be quite as pigmented, but the marbled peachy pink hue delivers a subtle wash of colour and a hint of highlight. Complexion done, I move onto my brows. I've been using Soap and Glory's Brow Archery in Hot chocolate for the past few months and i'm in love. The pencil is so small you can create really precise and natural definition whilst the slightly waxy texture keeps everything in place. The colour is also a pretty good match and not too red toned. Oh, and it comes with a little spoolie on the other end - I can't fault it!

For eyes, the L'Oreal Colour Riche eyeshadows deliver on texture, pigmentation and longevity. My favourites are Over the Taupe for a wash of colour all over the lid and Quartze Flume to add definition to the outer corner and along the lash line. if you prefer eyeliner, Rimmel Scandal Eyes liners have got you covered.

To finish, a few coats of L'Oreal's Miss Manga Mascara adds length and volume to lashes with ease without smudging or flaking throughout the day. I'm not a huge lipgloss fan but Maybelline's Colour Sensational Shine Gloss in Cashmere Rose adds a wash of colour without having to worry about gloopy, 'hair stuck to my face' dramas.

If you're also looking for good and affordable blushes, I can't recommend the Real Techniques collection enough. The buffing brush, blush brush and shading brush are my personal favourites and ones I reach for daily.

What are your drugstore must haves?

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Despite not really being able to smell this when I bought it due to my cold at the time, I trusted Richard's recommendation and boy was he right - this stuff smells amazing. The scent lingers on your skin too which is what I love most about it. 

The set contains a body cream, body scrub, body mist and a bath gel with a wooden dropper, all of which are beautifully packaged. I really like the novelty of swirling some of the bath gel onto the wooden dropper and then holding it under the running tap to make bubbles - it really makes bath time feel so much more luxurious! The scrub and and body butter leave skin feeling smooth and smelling gorgeous, whilst the shimmer spray is perfect to top up the scent and leave you smelling delicious. I would prefer if it was just a body mist without the shimmer but i've found that the glitter isn't very noticeable and doesn't tend to hang around. 

I have a lot of bath salts/bombs/oils hanging around the apartment at the moment, but when I really want to indulge in a little pampering, this is my first choice every time.

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Sometimes you find a product that makes its way onto the repurchased list time and time again. Oribe Dry Texturising Spray is one of those products - despite the fact that this leaves an undeniably large void in my bank balance each time I leave Space NK with a bottle in tow.

But what is it that keeps me dishing out a jaw dropping amount for a bottle of this spray? I've come to the conclusion that 'because it's awesome' probably isn't the best answer to that question so i've gone back to the drawing board and jotted down a few more 'justified' reasons...

First of all, It lasts a very long time, so my very non-mathematical brain did the calculations and cost per use doesn't seem that expensive (right?!). Secondly, this spray does it all - it's a dry shampoo, hairspray, texturising hybrid. And thirdly, when I indulge in a few spritzes of this, it just does something to my hair that makes it a good hair day. It's one of those products that just makes me feel better about my flat hair, even if no one else notices a difference!

Have you tried Oribe's dry texturising spray? What products are you addicted to?


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Another month, another favourites. February was a great month, but then again, it does include a day dedicated to pancakes - what's not to love?! 

 Deliciously Ella by Ella Woodward

I've been really enjoying eating better so far this year, and Ella's book is full of delicious and healthy recipe inspiration. Her blog is just as beautiful, I could browse her posts for hours. I'm yet to try a recipe that I haven't liked - they are just that good!

Neals Yard Lavender Bath Salts

These smell AH-mazing. I could just sit and sniff these salts all day, they are so addictive! I'm pretty sure that i've started taking more baths than usual just so that I have an excuse to use these! 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock

This is actually an old favourite of mine but after seeing an influx of posts featuring the Ombre Blackstar's it inspired me to dig mine out. Misty Rock is a beautiful shimmery taupe shade that looks beautiful smudged across the lid. I love how effortless and quick these are to apply yet they don't compromise on staying power either. I'm already planning my next purchase...

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder 

After running out of my old tub in February, I realised just how much I love this stuff. It leaves skin looking smooth and radiant, yet manages to control shine without drying the skin and leaving that tell-tale 'cakey' finish. I use mine after foundation but you can use it before as a primer or on its own. There's no denying that it comes at a price, but since my last tub lasted a good twelve months, I think its definitely worth the investment.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream

I got this for Christmas in a little set of Clinique skincare, and after managing to pump my way through my Pai eye cream a few weeks later, I decided to give this one a go. The consistency is rich and hydrating and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth without any irritation. It works well under makeup too as its not too heavy and sinks in quickly. I've been using it daily and I've made quite a dent in the small tub! I can't really comment on the 'wrinkle correcting' but in terms of hydration, this delivers.

Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Kalahari

If I wasn't wearing Misty Rock in February, then you can bet it was this eyeshadow combo on my lids. Like all Nars shadow, the quality is beautiful - pigmented and buttery, its a pleasure to apply and wears well throughout the day. The bronze and taupe hues are right up my street and I can see myself getting a lot of use out of this little palette. 

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