June Beauty Favourites

Another month, another favourites post. I’m pretty sure I’m not the only person who can’t believe it’s July already – for someone who’s not particularly busy lately, the time is flying! My most used and enjoyed products from the past month have all been featured on the blog before, which goes to show that my interest in them has lasted well past the initial first impressions stage. So I apologise for the repetition, but you can take it as a sign that these products are really good!

Since I bought it, I’ve been using my Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner every single night, and I can’t see that changing for a long time. The biggest change in my skin that I’ve noticed, oddly, is that any spots I have are healing incredibly quickly, and aren’t leaving the same red scars that they used to. My complexion looks much brighter overall, and things are definitely softening up. Yes, it’s love.

I recently came to the realisation that any particularly bad skin episodes tended to occur while I was using a silicone-heavy foundation primer. While my purse is relieved, it does mean that the likes of Smashbox Photofinish and Benefit The Porefessional are non-runners now. Instead, I’ve been using my budget favourite, Rimmel Stay Matte Primer, to keep oil slicks at bay. The creamy formula doesn’t aggravate my skin in the slightest, and the €7.95 price tag is something I can totally get on board with.

My base of choice lately has been the Clarins Everlasting Foundation in the shade 105 Nude. I can rely on this to see me through a long, sweaty shift at work, without having to compromise on natural radiance – in other words, it doesn’t leech the skin of moisture or leave it looking ashy. The shade is spot-on, it doesn’t oxidise, and it blends like a dream. This is a foundation I will happily use all year round, seeing as there is a brilliant range of pale shades available too.

As you might have figured out by now, Benefit Hoola has become my bronzer of choice recently. I love everything about it; from the packaging to the shade to the texture. It buffs into the skin with ease, and lends a gorgeous warmth to the complexion without looking orange. I’ve been sweeping it onto my temples, the outer edges of my cheekbones and the hollows of my cheeks for a contoured, sunkissed look – perfect for summertime 🙂

The Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 01 Rose Shimmer is something of a handbag staple for me lately; my little sample is lasting admirably well, I must say! I must be a marketing dream, because I’m planning on purchasing a full-size version of this in the near future. It’s the perfect hybrid gloss-balm that’s easy to wear and universally flattering.

Normally I’m not one to wax lyrical about brushes; I find them pretty dull on the whole – necessary, but dull to write about! But this one is actually quite lovely; I received my MAC 275 SE Medium Angled Shading Brush as part of a limited edition Christmas set a couple of years ago, but it never entered my head to use it! But finally I rooted it out, and it is the absolute business for adding definition and smoking out eyeshadow. The bristles are super soft, and it makes blending a dream. I feel a collection beginning…

Lastly, we have my The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream. There probably isn’t a whole lot more I can say about this without sounding like a broken record, but I love it and I’ve put the days of Dove soap well and truly behind me *pats back*

Which beauty treats have you been enjoying recently?

Em X