It's been a long time since I've done a post like this but I thought it might be interesting to tell you about some of the things I'm using at the moment.
Louise Galvin Pure Shine Shampoo and Conditioner for Normal Hair
I picked these up when I visited a Waitrose a while ago. I was getting to the end of my Naked Shampoo and needed an alternative SLS free shampoo. I believe they were on offer when I bought them but they are usually priced £7.95, so more expensive than the Naked products. However, I didn't really get on with the Naked Shampoo as it often left my hair feeling like it hadn't been washed properly.
I'm really pleased with the Louise Galvin products. The shampoo has a pleasant citrusy smell and the foaming isn't bad for an SLS free formula. It always leaves my hair feeling clean and doesn't make it particularly tangled. The conditioner is nice and I like the pump dispenser on the bottle. The combination leave my hair feeling soft without being weighed down. Definitely a thumbs up!
Original Source Lime Shower Gel
This has replaced a beautiful SLS free Jasmine scented shower gel I was using. I had wanted to post about it then I discovered the company had ceased treading. This is actually one my husband picked up for me. I was a bit unsure about the Lime scent and expected it to be quite sharp. It does have a lovely scent though, zingy but I get quite a sweet smell. It's a nice scent to wake me up in the morning.
Origins Starting Over Cream
The first time I opened this and sniffed, I was disappointed. I'm not sure I've actively registered whether I like the smell of Mimosa before, it turns out I don't! I've had the cream for while now and whilst I don't enjoy the smell, I have got used to it. It's certainly helped my dried out skin feel a bit more comfortable. It's not love but I do like it.
No.7 Gentle Foaming Cleanser
This is the sort of product that rarely gets a mention as it's not all that exciting. This is actually my second bottle though so I feel it's worth writing about. I like the pump dispenser (I use one and a bit for luck) and I like the feel of the foam. It's nice and light and cleans the face gently. I tend to use this morning only.
Rose Lanolips
This sits nicely somewhere between a lip balm and a lip gloss. It adds a little colour, provides a nice glossy finish to the lips whilst giving excellent moisturisation. I have it my pocket most days.
Hourglass Film Noir mascara
I'm sure I've mentioned how much I like this before but it merits repeating! I received this as part of my items to
review from Zuneta. I was a little sceptical at first, I've always been dubious about more expensive mascaras. However, this mascara never smudges or flakes when pretty much everything else I've ever used does one or the both on me. I have some other mascaras that I am using at the moment (Maybelline Lash Stiletto, MAC Zoomlash and a Suqqu mini), I'll use them for one day and then go back to this. It's possibly not the most dramatic, it's hard to tell as I'm not really blessed in the lash department but it is a nice dark black colour and provides good definition. I have a feeling this has spoiled me forever now in terms of mascara!
Le Metier de Beaute dualistic eye pencil in Champagne
I love this colour and have been wearing it often as a lid colour rather than a liner. It doesn't have great staying power on it's own but it's very handy for my "quick, get something on my face" days.
Concealer
This is more of a general mention. I've been relying on my concealers a lot for a few weeks now. I've had a breakout recently which is very unusual for me. I haven't been able to put my finger on exactly what caused it. So, I've really pared down what I've been using on my skin to let it recover. This includes foundation. Whenever possible I've just worn concealer with no other base. I use the RMK or MAC Mositurecover on my dark circles and the MAC Studio Finish concealer on my blemishes. I still very much want to try the RMS "Un"cover-up and one of the Laura Mercier concealers.
Bronzer
I feel a bit strange using bronzer at this time of the year but my face has needed a bit of perking up. I alternate between NARS Laguna and the Le Metier Blonzer. I find these never look muddy or orange on my skin. I've particularly enjoyed using them with a brighter pink blusher like my Illamasqua Unrequited, Edward Bess Island Rose and recently the NARS Desire which I showed in my latest FOTD.
Pen liners
I seem to be developing a little collection of these. I have the RBR Lacquer liner, a Le Metier de Beaute liner and a couple of e.l.f. liners which I won in
jv's giveaway. I find the applicators make it easier to line right between my lashes. I particularly like to do this as it makes my puny lashes look a little thicker! I did some swatches for you and was surprised to see such a big difference in colour between the RBR and Le Metier. The Le Metier is at the top and the RBR Lacquer liner is at the bottom. As you can see the Lacquer liner is much darker and richer in colour. This may be useful to consider if you're looking to buy one of these.
So, as you can see I'm preferring simplicity at the moment. I'm sorry this has turned in to such an epic post! Congratulations if you've made it all of the way through. What are you using at the moment? Has the change in weather been affecting your skin?
