I’m usually a creature of habit when it comes to my beauty products and loyal to certain brands I know work for me, That said I thought for this blog post I’d share with you my favourite items from 2017. I did try out lots of sample sized products last year but my top 5 consists of the items that truly amazed me and I have re-purchased.
I’m sure if you follow my blog and Instagram you will all know I’m a massive fan of the Elemis beauty products. I use them in my every day skin care routine so when I heard all the hype about the Pro-Collagen cleansing balm I just had to give it a go. I’ve always used my favourite Boots No7 soft and gentle cleansing milk morning and night to cleanse my face but have to admit sometimes when I follow with a toner there is still make up left on my skin. When I received a sample of Elemis balm with a gift set I thought I’d incorporate it into my night-time skin care routine to see if it lived up to all the recommendations.
It’s a really soft oily consistency that you only need a small amount warmed in the hands and massaged in it breaks down and melts away foundation and grime. The scent is so iconic of Elemis with its lemon spa like tones, after rinsing with warm water or a hot cloth my skin feels squeaky clean. I did go out and buy the large pot a few months ago and would highly recommend it for all skin types as mine is pretty sensitive and did very well with it.
The next on my list is another kind of cult beauty product I’m probably late to discover, the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil bronzing powder is the most perfect bronzer ever! Apart from smelling deliciously of chocolate the shade of this suits most skin tones as its more on the ashy side, not glittery or orange in any way. The cute packaging complete with mirror is perfect for any handbag touch-up to give some nice warmth to the face or even as I do use as an eye shadow. Definitely a new staple in my make up case.
Chocolate Soleil in shade medium/deep matte.
Number 3 of my top 5 was actually an accidental discovery, my Summer tan had faded and the usual Mac powder I’d been sweeping over my face was a tad dark and wasn’t sitting nicely on my paler shade of foundation. I’d nipped into Boots to pick up a translucent powder after reading about the amazing Laura Mercier Secret Brightening product the NYX HD finishing powder, I would say is just as good at a great price. I use it to set my foundation and concealer, its silky smooth and keeps my skin shine free all day long.
Next up is a hair product I picked up early on in the year on recommendation from my hairdresser, I do frequently colour my hair so it needs all the help it can get to keep it healthy looking. The Pureology brand is 100% Vegan and is great for stopping my colour from fading. I did actually purchase the shampoo and conditioner from the same range but it was regular use of this Hydrate Hydra Whip masque that I saw the best results with. I’ve totally replaced my conditioner with this and I use it every time I wash my hair, Leaving it on for about 5 mins whilst I take a hot steamy shower seems to help the nourishing moisture soak in. My recently chopped off medium bob hairstyle has never felt so silky.
My final amazing discovery has to come from one of my all time favourite brands Jo Malone. I’ve been wearing these fragrances for years now and one of the first since I fell in love with was the beautiful Blue Agave and Cacao but it disappeared from the shelves and to my annoyance was discontinued.
Since then I’ve never found one that came close to it until for a birthday treat I paid a visit to my local Selfridges Jo Malone counter to enjoy a free hand and arm massage and the lovely sales lady used the Cologne Intense Myrrh & Tonka and explained about the ingredients. She also told me because of the similar notes this was the most similar to my old favourite. It seemed to last on me forever so just before Christmas I treated myself to a bottle and have had so many compliments on it since.
Thank you for reading and Much Love
Caroline xx
