10 essential makeup must-haves

Like food, air and water, makeup is a basic necessity, although knowing exactly what to buy out of the hundreds of products on offer can make shopping more of a pain than pleasure. Make things a little easier with this list of essential beauty must-haves and a few of my favourite products.

BB cream

Also known as a multi-tasking miracle in a tube, BB cream is a foundation, moisturiser, primer and toner in one. Offering buildable coverage that not only hides blemishes but also treats them, this double-duty dream cream is the ultimate beauty-bag staple.

Try: Garnier Skin Perfector All-In-One BB Cream - £9.99

Red lipstick

Just one swipe of a classic red lippy can transform a look from boardroom to bar creating the ultimate confidence boost. With a shade to match every skin tone and a colour to suit every taste – just like a signature scent, every girl should own one.

Try: L'Oréal Paris Color Riche Collection Pure Reds - £6.99

Bronzer

A good bronzer can contour, define and instantly warm up your face. Use it to add definition by brushing into the hollows of cheeks or add a touch of shimmer by applying to the nose, cheekbones and forehead for that just-back-from-holiday glow.

Try:  Barry M After Glow Bronzer - £5.69

Lengthening mascara

Long, luscious lashes are the desire of every lady therefore investing in a good-quality mascara is key. Just a few coats can make a huge impact and emphasise eyes making them look big, bright and beautiful – just like the person behind them.

Try: Benefit They're Real Mascara - £19.50

Eyebrow kit

Eyebrows frame the face, balance features and define your eyes, so it’s important to get them right. The secret to achieving great brows is to highlight the bone directly underneath before filling in hairs with a pencil or powder which is slightly darker than your natural hair colour.

Try: Sleek Makeup Brow Kit - £8.49

Micellar water

Once a well-kept secret of the French, this cleanser, toner and make-up-remover in-one is the ultimate solution to gorgeous, glowing skin. Using tiny particles to melt away dirt and impurities, micellar water is a much gentler alternative to harsh face wipes and makeup removers.

Try: Garnier Cleansing Micellar Water - £4.99

Moisturiser

Beauty starts at the base and there’s no product more effective than a good face cream. For optimal results use both a day and night cream and choose products that are best suited to your skin-type. For day choose a cream with added SPF which provides that all-important UV protection and at night an ultra-hydrating lotion will see you waking with super-nourished skin each morning.

Try: Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser SPF30 - £14.00

Dry shampoo

For days when you’re short on time this light-weight powder formula is a hair-care saviour. Effectively absorbing excess oil, dirt and odor, dry shampoo is a quick and easy way to clean hair and leave it looking fresh without even getting wet.

Try: Batiste Floral & Flirty Dry Shampoo - £2.99

Concealer
Whether you're looking to hide under-eye circles, small blemishes or that annoying red pimple, concealer is the answer. A true beauty hero when it comes to disguising imperfections and signs of a late night, this little gem is a makeup-bag must.
Try: Seventeen Phwoarr Paint - £4.99

Eyeliner

A simple flick of liner in the corner of each eye can completely transform a look and make you feel 100 times sexier in seconds. Invest in an easy-to-use liquid liner pen to create the perfect cat-eye in seconds.

Try: L'Oréal Paris Super Liner - £6.49

Garnier skincare

I recently decided to step up my skincare routine after having a consultation with a skincare expert and realising that makeup removal wipes just won't cut it anymore.

I've always been a fan of Garnier skincare as it's affordable and seems to work well with my skin.

Here's a few of the key products in my routine...

Garnier Moisture Match Illuminating Lotion Protect & Glow

Although my foundation already contains SPF 15 I like to apply a protective moisturiser to provide as much coverage as possible and keep those pesky dark spots and signs of sun damage at bay.

I find the Moisture Match lotion works as a great base and absorbs quickly so you can apply foundation straight away without having to wait around.

It does seem to brighten a dull complexion and provide moisture without being too greasy which is perfect for normal/dry skin like mine.

Garnier Clean & Soft Complete Cleansing Milk & Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water

My previous makeup removal routine consisting of face wipes has been replaced by a much skin-friendlier micellar water and cleanser. 

After having my consultation I realised how bad face wipes are for skin and while you may not see the damages now they will definitely become more noticeable in the future.

Micellar water is a much gentler way of removing makeup and doesn't damage the sensitive skin around the eye area like wipes do.

Together with the softening cleansing milk they remove even the most stubborn dirt and makeup and leave skin feeling fresh, clean and super soft. 

I have definitely noticed a difference in my complexion and skin's appearance since switching and despite my makeup removal taking slightly longer, there's definitely no going back.

Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture + Restore Night & Garnier Clean & Soft Cream Pot

I have always used separate day and night creams and no matter how tired I am I moisturise first thing in the morning and last thing at night without fail.

 Every now and again I like to switch up creams as I find when my skin becomes too familiar with one product it stops working so well.

I decided to switch from L'Oreal Paris to Garnier and noticed a difference straight away.

While I love L'Oreal products I found that my skin immediately became softer and blemishes appeared reduced within days of using the Garnier Soft Cream Pot and Moisture Restore Night Cream.

The creams are extremely lightweight and absorb quickly to leave skin soft, dewy  and sporting a healthy glow. They also smell delicious too which is a bonus.

Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion

As someone who likes to sport a healthy glow all year round the Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion is the perfect solution to all-over, subtly sun kissed skin.

The lotion dries quickly meaning you don't have to hang about to get changed and although it can be a little patchy and leave streaks if your'e not careful, 9 times out of 10 it creates a nice even tan and leaves skin moisturised and looking a little less pasty during the colder months.

Have you tried any Garnier products? Which do you recommend?

Holly xx

*Post has not been sponsored by Garnier, all views and opinions are my own.

10 fabulously festive pamper treatments

If the season’s festivities have left you feeling a little less than merry you may be in need of some TLC. Take 10 and indulge in these fabulous festive self-care treatments that will restore your sparkle and have you shining bright like the star you are.

Philosophy Christmas Cookie Shampoo - £14.00

Cinnamon & Nutmeg Bath Elixir - £7.50

Mavala Cracking Duo Nail Polish Set Deep Pinks - £9

Body Shop Frosted Plum Sugar Scrub - £15

Winter Spice Candle - £12

Liz Earle Christmas Cleanse & Polish Skincare Set - £20.75

Lush Cranberry Festive Facemask - £6.75

Body Shop Frosted Cranberry Lip Balm - £4

Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bomb - £3.95

Baylis & Harding Festive Feet Gift Set - £6.50

Christmas giftguide: Beauty edition

Whether you're seeking inspiration for someone special or simply looking to treat yours truly, this fail-safe guide is bound to help you find just what you're looking for with beautifully chic ideas to suit every budget....xx

Under £10

Garnier Micellar Gift Set - £10

Frosted Plum Hand Cream - £4

Let's Kiss & Make-up Cosmetic Bag - £9

Rose Reverie Body Cream - £5.99

£15-£30

Kerastase Cristalliste Fine Hair Duo - £28

Yves Saint Laurent Babydoll Mascara Set - £25

Estee Lauder Five Star Favourites - £28

Clinique Chubby Collection - £25

£30-£50

Tom Ford Jasmine Rouge Lip Colour - £38

Ciate Mini Mani Advent Calendar - £34.50

Eva NYC Purple Metallic Ceramic Styling Iron - £45

Chanel Powder Blush - £31

£50-£100

Shiseido Bio-Performance Super Revitalizing Gift Set - £80

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Eau De Parfum Gift Set - £64

Dior Multi Look Palette - £68

Yves Saint Laurent Kiss & Love Makeup Palette - £59

10 top budget beauty tricks

Looking and feeling good can be an expensive task and sometimes a quick trip to Boots can turn into an hour-long beauty haul resulting in your bank account being £50 down afterwards. 

However maintaining your appearance doesn’t have to break the bank and you may not realise that some of the best beauty products available are actually already in your kitchen or bathroom cupboard. 

Here’s 10 top tricks for looking great on a budget.

Lemon water

Start each day with a cup of warm water and lemon juice, and you will notice a flatter stomach within 2 weeks. Lemon alkalizes the body, kick-starts the metabolism and improves digestion which in turn reduces bloating and aids weight loss.

Baking soda

For a smile that sparkles replace your toothpaste with baking soda 2-3 times a week. The soda will reduce plaque build-up, freshen breath and help to remove stains caused by smoking and drinking tea and coffee.

Sudocrem

When you feel a spot forming apply a dab of sudocrem before bed and see it disappear overnight. The antiseptic cream is also great for treating cold sores, burns, inflammation and rashes.

Coconut oil

Apply a thick layer of coconut oil to hair at night before washing off in the morning to reveal silky soft, super smooth and nourished hair. Coconut oil also makes a fantastic makeup remover, moisturiser, cuticle oil and shaving cream.

Talcum powder

More effective than dry shampoo, use talc to refresh hair in between washes. Sprinkle a little powder on the roots and be sure to rub it in properly to avoid white hair.

Apple cider vinegar

Mix 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with water and gently apply over the face with a cotton pad. The solution will firm and tone, reduce acne and leave a clean, clear complexion. After washing, rinse hair with cold water and 2-3 tbsp. of vinegar to create a super glossy shine.

Yoghurt

For the ultimate skin firming, anti-aging face mask mix 3-4 tbsp. of natural yoghurt with 1 tbsp. of organic honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. Leave for at least 20 minutes before washing off to reveal tighter, brighter, more radiant skin.

Castor oil

Known for its ability to promote hair growth, castor oil is the perfect remedy for thicker brows. Apply generously over eyebrows at bedtime and you should notice thicker, model-worthy brows after 1 week.

Egg whites

One of the best natural skin care remedies, egg whites effectively tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and remove under eye bags. Apply 1 beaten egg white to the under eye area and leave for 30 minutes before washing off to reveal fresher, brighter skin.

Cinnamon oil

An active ingredient in many lip plumping serums, cinnamon helps to increase blood flow and enhance lips for a fuller look. Mix 2 tbsp. of cinnamon essential oil with 1 tbsp. of brown sugar and rub in a circular motion for several minutes to create a softer, plumper pout.

Do you have any budget beauty tricks? Share them below!

Holly xx

Inecto Naturals Coconut

Inecto are a British beauty brand who focus on 100% natural beauty using only sustainably sourced ingredients and organic oils. 

All of their products are vegetarian and vegan friendly, and are never tested on animals.

Having already tried several products from the Inecto Naturals Coconut range I was extremely excited to try the new Deliciously Rich Coconut Bath and Shower Cream and Super Scrub Coconut Body Scrub.

Both products smell equally delicious and automatically transport you to an exotic destination with their sweet tropical scent.

The Super body scrub is the perfect combination of small exfoliating beads and nourishing organic coconut oil which boosts circulation and buffs away dead cells leaving skin feeling silky smooth and sporting a healthy glow.

The bath and shower cream is exactly what it says on the bottle - thick, creamy and deliciously rich. The cream forms a luxurious lather that you can feel moisturising your skin as you wash leaving it clean, soft and smelling good enough to eat.

Both products have become an essential part of my summer skincare routine and are a definite must for getting beach body ready and preparing to slip into those sexy summer shorts.

Have you tried any products from the Inecto range? Which ones are your favourite?

Holly xx


*PR Samples

Inecto Naturals Coconut range

I was recently contacted by Inecto to try out their newly-launched Naturals Coconut range.

Inecto are a British beauty brand who focus on 100% natural beauty using only sustainably sourced ingredients and organic oils. 

All of their products are vegetarian and vegan friendly, and are never tested on animals.

The Naturals Coconut range includes products for both the hair and body which aim to smooth, nourish, cleanse and add shine while indulging your senses in the delicious scent of natural coconut oil.

Very Smoothing Coconut Body Oil

Being a lover of all things coconut I couldn't wait to try out the Very Smoothing body oil. 

The fact that Inecto products are made using all natural ingredients that are not tested on animals is an added bonus - I am always keen to use products made using good quality, ethically sourced ingredients when possible.

The Very Smoothing body oil did not disappoint. Its sweet, nutty scent is utterly delicious and left my skin smelling good enough to eat! Unlike some coconut flavoured products which can smell highly synthetic and more like an air freshener than the actual fruit - this oil is the opposite and smells rich and decadent just as a coconut should.

The oil absorbed instantly and wasn't at all greasy which meant I could get dressed more or less straight away. My skin felt soft and nourished after use and was left with a healthy glow which made me look and feel instantly better.

Hello Hydration Coconut Hair Treatment

I usually wash my hair 1-2 times a week and always use an intense conditioning treatment on the ends. It gets dry and knotty very easily so I find that products specifically for dry/damaged hair work best for me.

The Hello Hydration conditioner is the perfect consistency - not too thick but not too runny - the texture is nice and creamy and a small amount goes a long way so I can imagine one bottle will last a while. 

The scent is just as delicious as the oil and made my showering time all the more enjoyable. I left the treatment on for 4 minutes before rinsing, then applied the hair oil when my hair was 70% dry before finishing with a hairdryer.

My hair had fewer tangles after using the treatment which made styling quicker and much less of a chore.

Divine Shine Coconut Hair Oil

I am always wary when using oil as my hair can get greasy easily. I started off using a small amount of the Divine Shine oil and applied it through the mid-lengths and ends of my hair when it was damp before blow drying and styling.

I tend to let my hair air dry around 70% then finish with a hair dryer and use a smoothing product to avoid it being too frizzy. This oil delivered a similar result to the OGX Keratin treatment I usually use and left my hair looking sleek and frizz free, and not weighed down or greasy.

The oil is dispersed using a small pump which makes applying very easy and prevents too much coming out at once, which can often be a problem. The scent is almost identical to the conditioning treatment and body oil, so again smells absolutely delicious -I could still smell it a few hours later.

Once dry my hair was beautifully soft and nourished, and both the oil and conditioning treatment delivered their promises and left my hair smoother, softer and more manageable after use.

I would definitely recommend both products to those with fine/normal hair like myself, who require products that nourish and de-frizz without weighing it down.


Have you tried any products from the Inecto range? Which are your favourites?

Holly xx



*PR Samples

How to master natural makeup

Sometimes it’s nice to keep makeup minimal and opt for a more natural look.

Not only does it save you time in the morning, wearing less makeup also benefits your skin by allowing it to breathe and giving it a much needed rest from heavy layers of product which clog pores and cause breakouts.

Here’s how you can master a beautifully natural look in a matter of minutes.

Base

Opt for a tinted moisturiser over foundation which moisturises while still providing coverage.

BB and CC creams are also excellent for creating a natural look and provide antioxidants and SPF protection while still covering redness and blemishes.

Try…

Nivea Visage Tinted Moisturising Crème - £3.65

The Body Shop Vitamin E Cool BB Cream - £11

L'Oréal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream SPF 12 - £9.99

Eyes

Hide under-eye bags and dark circles by applying concealer from the inner corners working outwards. Follow with a nude eye pencil applied to the inner rim which will create brightness. Finish the look by curling lashes to enhance your eye shape and give a wide-eyed look.

Try...

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint - £5.49

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Nude Kohl Liner - £3.99

Models Own Eyelash Curler - £7.00

Cheeks
Create a soft flush with a swipe of blush on the apples of your cheeks. Peachy pinks enhance a pale complexion while darker shades work better on tanned skin.

Try...
Bourjois Blush Exclusif - £8
Rimmel Long Lasting Finish - £3.99
NARS Gaiety - £22.50

Lips

Avoid chapped lips by exfoliating regularly. Most lipsticks can be drying so use a balm to keep lips smooth while also adding a hint of colour. Some lip balms also have the added bonus of SPF protection which is essential for summer time.

Try…

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub - £5.50

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in Cherry Me - £2.99

Carmex Lip Balm SPF 15 in Pomegranate - £3.50

Benefit Lolli Balm - £14.50

What are your favourite products for a natural look? Any good tips?

Holly xx