July Favourites 2015!

Hi Lovelies!

This week I'm going to share with you the things that I have been loving this month!

Let's get straight into it

The first thing I have been loving this month is a bath product...

...This is the Laura Mercier Bath Honey in the scent Fresh Fig. I've never tried one of these type of products before this month, but now that I have I feel like these will become a frequent part of my pamper routine. This smells divine and leaves the entire bathroom with a beautiful aroma, not to mention the brilliant bubbles it creates. I take two scoops of the runny gel product on to the honey stick and place this under the tap. This mixes it nicely into your bath and helps it to conjure all the bubbles.

The next thing i've been loving is a fragrance...

...This is Jimmy Choo Blossom perfume. I bought this when on holiday because I fell in love with the sweet fruity, floral smell. An added bonus is that my boyfriend has complimented the way I smell every time i've worn it.

Next up is a bareMinerals product...

...This is the Pure Transform Night Treatment. I love this stuff! You swirl the brush that's included in the powder then swirl this onto the areas of your face where pores are visible. Over time, your pores become less visible giving you a more flawless appearance. When the woman sold this to me she said that I would see a significant difference in a month's time. I've had this product for two weeks and i've already noticed a large difference. Not only that but my mum noticed the same difference. She noticed, just as I have that my pores do appear smaller and I also have a nice healthy glow to my skin. 

Now getting into the makeup favourites...

...Believe it or not, I only got this much raved about palette this month. This is the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette. Let me just say that it lives up to the hype. These eyeshadows are super creamy and easy to blend, not only that but they have minimal, if any, fall out. And they actually smell like chocolate!!

Time for a new brand to me...

...Hourglass. This is the Ambient Lighting Blush in Mood Exposure it's a beautiful mauve colour that really compliments my pale skin tone. This blush is very well pigmented, it provides a brilliant flush to the skin as well as a subtle glow. The product is a powder but blends out so well and doesn't add that powdered look to the face. I really do like this product. (Note: I'm not a huge fan of blush, I don't wear it all the time. However, since getting this blush, I wouldn't dare do my makeup without it!)

Next up is another eyeshadow...

...These are the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks in Golden Bronze and Goldstone. I discovered these about six weeks ago, and now there is hardly ever a day that goes by when I don't use them. These shadow sticks apply like a cream and blend incredibly well. I apply the colour to my lid and then use a Mac 217 brush to sweep the product over the lid and slightly into the crease to blend. It's so smooth and effortless that you could do it without looking in a mirror. The most amazing part about these shadow sticks however is that THEY DO NOT BUDGE. Once you've blended it out, it isnt going anywhere. It doesn't transfer onto anything and it does not crease.

The next thing is a foundation...

...This is the Urban Decay Naked Skin foundation. The bottle says "weightless, ultra definition, liquid makeup" and it lives up to every word. I really like this foundation! First of all the shade range is awesome. Also, it lasts so well. I normally find that foundations crease in my smile lines within a matter of minutes, it takes a large majority of the day before I notice any creasing from this foundation whatsoever. It really is weightless, it feels so light on the skin whilst proving a medium buildable coverage.

Finally is a concealer...

...This is the Urban Decay Naked Skin concealer. I got this before I got the foundation, it's because I loved the concealer so much that I purchased the foundation. This concealer provides full coverage, whilst feeling light on the skin. I also find that once i've set it with a powder it does not crease or budge.

That's it for my July Favourites! If you have any favourites for the past month please tell me what they are in the comments so I can try them myself!

Thank you for reading my blog. Please subscribe and don't forget to check out my Twitter @astutebeautycon and my Instagram @astutebeautyconnoisseur

Love,

        Astute Beauty Connoisseur x

My Pamper Routine!

Hi Lovelies!

This post is going to show you the products I like to use when I feel like having an 'at home' pamper.

First of all, I think it is important that everybody takes the time at least once every two weeks to have time to themselves and relax. Whether this is just watching tv for a few hours or reading a book or pampering yourself. Whatever you like to do to relax, you should set time aside to do this.

Personally I like to have a calm bath and make myself feel as glamorous as possible. This is usually followed by watching a movie with my boyfriend and painting my nails...sometimes even a takeaway too...Opps!

GETTING STARTED...

The first part of my pamper routine consists of running myself a deep bath and either selecting the best bath bomb to use or using The Body Shop's Bath Tea...

My favourite bath bombs are from Lush. My top three are; Rose Jam, Sex Bomb, and Rose Queen.

If I decide not to use a bath bomb then i'll use The Body Shop's Fuji Green Bath Tea, this has a lot of health benefits whilst also making the bath relaxing.

Once i'm in the bath, the first thing I do is wash my hair...

I like this shampoo and conditioner from Herbal Essences, it's the Bee Strong range. It smells gorgeous and helps to give my hair strength.

If my hair is feeling particularly dull, lifeless or unhealthy i'll use a hair mask...

I like this one from the same Herbal Essences range because it maintains the strength of my hair whilst giving it a good condition so that it becomes soft and shiny.

The next thing I do is use a body scrub...

I like to use body scrubs because they help to exfoliate the skin which makes it soft and smooth, a useful fact as well is that if you use a body scrub before you shave it helps to make the hairs stand up so you can get a closer shave!! I really like scrubs that are 'gritty', this one from The Body Shop in Coconut is perfect, it's got loads of beads whilst also smelling great!

The next thing I do is shave...

I have super sensitive skin, and I rash super easily, so to prevent that I use a sensitive shaving cream and the Gillette Venus Breeze razor...I know that this razor comes with Shave Gel Bars, so most people wouldn't need to use a separate shaving gel, but I do because of my sensitivity. I like this razor because the Shave Gel Bars provide an extra layer or protection, and I find I get the smoothest and closest shave with this razor...Sorry if this is TMI for some of you.

Next in the routine is washing...

I use any shower gel as long as it smells nice and lathers well. The one that's been my favourite lately is the Soap and Glory Clean On Me shower gel.

Finally for in the bath I use an in bath/shower body conditioner...

This one from Lush is the Ro's Argan Body Conditioner. I bought this because I saw so many people rave about it on their blogs and on YouTube, and after having tried it myself I can see why...it has now been a religious part of my pamper routine for about a year. It's so easy to rub in and then wash off, and it leaves my skin feeling super soft and hydrated...not to mention the amazing smell!!

Once I'm out of the bath I like to double up on moisturizer...

Depending on my mood i'll either use a lotion like the Vaseline Spray & Go body moisturiser in cocoa radiant which is quite a light moisturizer and drys really fast. Or i'll use a thick moisturiser like one of the many Body Butters that I have from The Body Shop. These are thick creams that require a lot of working into the skin and take a while to dry but they give loads of moisture to the skin.

The last part of my pamper routine that I normally do just before I go to bed or after I've painted my nails is apply a foot cream...

I like this one that I got as a free gift from The Body Shop, it's the Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion. It smells really nice and soaks in super quickly. I like to lather this on my feet and then put on my socks so that it has plenty of time to soak in and I don't get it everywhere. I especially make sure to use foot creams during the summer months because it's more likely for my feet to be on display and I don't want them to look dry.

That completes My Pamper Routine! 

If you have any questions please leave them in the comments :)

Thank you for reading my blog. Please subscribe and don't forget to check out my Twitter @astutebeautycon and my Instagram @astutebeautyconnoisseur

Love,

        Astute Beauty Connoisseur x

Makeup Haul!!

Hi Lovelies!

Today I thought I'd share with you the makeup bits and pieces I purchased from House of Fraser and Debenhams when they last had an offer on.

Some of these products are things that i've seen so many people fall in love with so I finally bit the bullet and got them myself!

I hope you enjoy...

The first things I got were a couple of Mac brushes...

I picked up the 217 which I already have in my collection, but I use it so much that I needed another! I also picked up the 239 which I think will be great for packing colour on the lid, and for using with pigments.

The next brand I bought from was Nars...

I've NEVER tried Nars before believe it or not...So I thought it was about time I tried some of the things that so many people have loved before me. I got the Radiant Creamy Concealer in 'Light 1 Chantilly'. I wanted to pick up the Sheer Glow foundation but since I have to order Nars online (because my local shops don't stock them), I wasn't sure what color to get...I got the concealer because of all the good reviews on it, but also as a little test of what colour suits me, so next time I can pick up the foundation. I also picked up Nars blush in 'orgasm'. This has been loved by many...So why not?

Next I stopped by Illamasqua...

I got the Cream Pigment in 'Hollow', I've had this before and it's the perfect contour shade for pale skin so I had to repurchase it. I also got the Skin Base Foundation in '01' which is white. I got this to use with a couple of my foundations that are too dark for me. I'm so pale that sometimes even the lightest shade foundation that some companies do still register as orange on me so I need something to make them paler...haha.

Fourth is Too Faced...

Yet another brand that i've never tried before. I got the Better Than Sex Mascara that everybody loves, and I got the Melted Lipstick in 'Melted Fig' simply because I can not resist the colour!

Next is Bobbi Brown...

I've been wanting to try an eyeshadow stick formula for a long time. A friend recommended Bobbi Brown's Long Wear Cream Shadow Sticks because apparently they're super durable...I'll find out if this is true I guess. I got the colour '24 Goldstone'.

Make Up For Ever is new to the U.K as far as I'm aware...

I had to try the new Step 1 Primers that EVERYBODY is so ecstatic about. I got the 'smoothing' one since I have a few large pores around my nose. I also picked up the Aqua Brow Kit is '30 Dark Brown'. Sharon Farrell (A woman's blog and YouTube channel I'm obsessed with) loves this so of course I got it!

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops...

This are everywhere, need I say anymore? I got the colour 'N10'.

Lastly I stopped by Urban Decay (one of my favourite brands i'll have you know)...

I picked up a 24/7 glide-on eye pencil in 'Roach' because i've been looking for a nice warm brown eyeliner with a bit of shimmer...and I think I may have just found it. I also picked up the Naked Skin Concealer in 'Fair Neutral'. This is loved by Kathleen Lights, who I also love on YouTube so I had to buy it.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please subscribe and don't forget to check out my Twitter @astutebeautycon and my Instagram @astutebeautyconnoisseur

Love,

        Astute Beauty Connoisseur x

My Favourite Brushes

Hi Lovelies!

This post contains information on my top favourite brushes! I thought i'd let you know what i'm loving in terms of brushes at the minute and why I love them so much. I hope you enjoy.

SO LET'S GET INTO IT...in no particular order

Real Techniques Multi-Task brush

I think i'll start by telling you that I LOVE Real Techniques brushes...along with the creators Sam and Nic from the YouTube channel Pixiwoo who also have a blog. I don't love these brushes just for that reason but I find that these brushes are super soft, and they wash so easily...they don't misshapen or lose hair, they're the perfect brush at a reasonable price if you ask me. ANYWAYS, back to the multi-task brush. It's brilliant for multiple purposes (as the name would suggest) depending on my mood, i'll either use it for blush, or for bronzer, or even with a setting powder. This makes it perfect for travel; you've got one brush that can do it all.

Real Techniques Base Shadow brush

This brush is amazing for blending out colour due to its tapered end and fluffy bristles. I use it to apply colour in the crease of my eye, as well as blending out the colours that meet in the crease of my eye. If you then wipe the brush off well, you can use it to blend the crease colour you've used so there are no harsh lines. Therefore this is another one of those brushes that can do so many things. You could do a full on smokey eye (pretty much) with just this brush and your fingertips.

Real Techniques Contour brush

As the name would suggest it's great for contour. But alternatively I prefer this brush for highlight. This brush tapers at the end making it a great size for sweeping highlight along the top of the cheekbone, down the bridge of the nose and dabbing it on the cupids bow. 

Real Techniques Sculpting brush

Again as the name advocates this brush is brilliant for contour/sculpting. I think the slant to this brush makes it perfect for applying contour. I pick up a bit of product on the smaller bristles and allow the longer bristles to help blend it out. This way I don't end up looking like I just painted a line on my face, and more like I have a natural shadow there.

Mac 210 brush

This is a Mac pencil brush. It's wonderful at smoking out the lower lash line. I find that this brush is neither too thin or too thick, which is a bonus for work on the lower lash line. Due to the sturdy but soft hair I find that the 210 is also great for creating a cut-crease look.

Mac 217 brush

This brush is a life saver when it comes to blending and putting transition colours in the crease. I use it everyday without fail. The hair is soft too so I find that it's not scratchy on the eyes like some blending brushes can be.

Real Techniques Expert Face brush and Buffing brush

I use both of these for my foundation. I've included them both because I use them equally and honestly, picking the better one between them is impossible. They both blend in foundation so seamlessly.

Real Techniques Bold Metals brush in 300

This brush is great for blush. I find that the brush is dense enough to apply product directly where I need it, but also not too dense, meaning it doesn't apply too much product.

Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Contour brush

I like this brush for setting my under-eye concealer. As it's a duo-fiber brush it picks up less product meaning I don't cake the setting powder on underneath my eyes making me look older. It's also small enough to fit underneath the eyes nicely.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge

This sponge is awesome for concealer. I find it's great wet and dry. A sponge like this is great in anyones collection because it can fix any problem!

That completes my favourite brushes!

If you have any questions please leave them in the comments :)

Thank you for reading my blog. Please subscribe and don't forget to check out my Twitter @astutebeautycon and my Instagram @astutebeautyconnoisseur

Love,

        Astute Beauty Connoisseur x

My Skincare Routine

Hi Lovelies!

I'm going to share with you My Skincare Routine today! Along with some extra little pamper things I like to do from time to time...I hope you enjoy it :)

I'm going to start this Skincare post with a little bit of information about my skin. I have oily/combination skin, but it's also very sensitive. I get a facial once a month, the place I go to is very small and is very much a village salon. The women there are lovely and not only that, they also provide great beauty treatments (bonus, right?). I frequently get pedicures, manicures and massages.

So, the woman who does my facial and massage treatments uses a brand called OLOS. The brand is pricey, but in my opinion well worth the splurge. I'll go into more detail on this later in the blog. However I did just want to mention here at the start that I think it is important that we treat ourselves to facials as often as possible, they are great for a multitude of reasons as well as often revealing things about your skin that you may not have known before.

NOW LET'S GET INTO IT...

The first thing I do in the evening is remove any surface grease and makeup.

I use these type of products at night mainly to take off my eye makeup. The ones in this picture are the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (which is my favourite), the other one is a Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, this came as part of a gift set that I received, so I use it on occasion to ensure it doesn't go to waste. It is nice though, it removes the makeup effectively and is great for sensitive skins, but I feel like it leaves a residue on the skin, which i'm not too fond of.

The next thing I use is a makeup removing wipe.

I use this at night to take the makeup off my face, simply because I prefer it...I know, i'm high maintenance. These are the Yes to Cucumber Soothing Facial Cloths. I like these because they smell nice and don't burn my skin like some face wipes can.

Thirdly I use a scrub.

I like to use a scrub because I feel like it is really getting into the skin and giving it a DEEP clean. I also like scrubs because I feel like they really open up the pores on my face, meaning that the next cleanser I use can really get into my skin. The scrub I have used for about 4 years now is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine Daily Scrub. I use this on both the morning and the evening and I love it, the smell isn't great but it's perfect to use everyday on my sensitive skin whilst still being effective.

The next product I use is a cleanser.

This is the OLOS cleansing milk in Frutti Di Bosco, I bought this on recommendation from my beautician. She said it's great for young and sensitive skins...which is what I have. I've been using this cleanser religiously now for nearly 4 months and I have to say I've seen a HUGE difference in my skin, I DEFINITELY have less breakouts, in fact, I rarely have breakouts anymore, and my skin looks so much happier and healthier. I'm not sure how available this brand is to everyone, which is a shame, but I get it from my beautician, who orders it in to her salon for me, so perhaps you'd be able to do the same.

Next is a toner.

Again this is an OLOS toner in the Frutti Di Bosco range that I get from my beautician...I like it a lot! I really believe that the combination of products i'm using from OLOS have really helped to rejuvenate my skin.

The third and final OLOS product that I use in the Frutti Di Bosco range is a moisturizer.

I like this moisturizer a lot because it is not thick at all, which is great for my oily skin. Because of the thin consistency of the moisturizer, I find it sits really well underneath my makeup too - Great!

I'm still very young, but nonetheless I want to prevent signs of ageing for as long as possible, so the next step in my skincare routine is an eye cream...or rather eye gel.

I like this Elderflower Unperfumed Eye Gel from The Body Shop. It's cooling under the eyes, which I think helps with any puffiness. Not only that but it sinks into the skin super quickly, making it perfect for wear underneath makeup.

Lastly for my main day and night skincare routine is a lip lam.

I'm currently using this shea lip butter from The Body Shop, but I regularly change my lip balm. This just happens to be the one i'm using at the moment.

NOW FOR THE PRODUCTS THAT I USE FROM TIME TO TIME...

Firstly is this spot treatment.

I use a spot cream for any annoying or inconvenient spots. I like this Clearasil Rapid Action Treatment Cream because it's fast acting. Within 4 hours the spot size is visibly reduced and it definitely reduces the redness.

On occasion my skin does start to feel quite dehydrated, and on occasion - normally around my time of the month if you know what I mean - I get a few dry patches on my face. To help counteract that I use this Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask from The Body Shop.

 I've only used it on a handful of occasions so I can't really say much about it, but from what I have used, I think it's a great for giving your skin the moisture it requires, and it does that without making your skin too oily!

That concludes my morning and evening skincare routine. I hope it is some what helpful for some of you, or maybe you found some of my thoughts on different products helpful.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please subscribe and don't forget to check out my Twitter @astutebeautycon and my Instagram @astutebeautyconnoisseur

Love,

        Astute Beauty Connoisseur x