April’s Beauty Bag

(and skincare update)

 You’ve probably guessed by now that my interest in makeup and skincare is at an all time high. It  means my wardrobe is feeling a bit neglected and my beauty bag is getting bigger. Keeping with what some might call an obsession,  I’ve some new goodies to show you and also I wanted to give you an update on my skincare routine.

Let’s start with skincare. I’ve been sticking to the same routine; cleansing water, cleanser, serum and moisturiser morning and night, and then twice a week, replace the serum and moisturiser with an exfoliant and mask. Before I go on, I have to say I have noticed even more of a difference in my skin since the last time I wrote about these products. I’m delighted to say I have really noticed that my skin tone has evened out. Even small scars I had from spots are noticeably less visible. I’m still unsure if they are less visible because they have faded or my skin tone is more even. Either way I don’t care. The products and routine I’m using are clearly working which means not only do I feel good about my skin but my makeup application is much better and I use far less foundation these days, so I am one happy gal.

One new product I added to my routine is the Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. I’ve been using it for about a month and I have to say, I am in love with this product! This, paired with The Body Shop Vitamin E Sink in Moisture Mask (see here for my previous thoughts on this) and my skin is heavenly. Soft, smooth and hydrated. This is definitely a keeper.

Another product I bought which I’m glad to say is staying in my beauty bag is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in the shade Custard. I was really struggling with concealer and almost dreading hitting the beauty counters but I’m glad I tried this one. Not one to hand over my cash willy-nilly,  I got the staff to put it on me so I could test it out for the day. The woman who put it on me said ‘you will never go back’ and she was right (to be honest I was thinking ‘yeah right’).  I find with other concealers I’ve used, they sit in my fine lines and highlight my dark circles instead of concealing them. Not an issue with this beauty and it does what it says on the tube.  Radiant and creamy is exactly how I  would describe it and the staying power is just incredible! I went for a shade that was close to my skin tone, not a shade lighter as I have done in the past as the  ‘radiance’ in the concealer is enough to brighten my eye area and the lighter shade just looked a bit odd. It’s a tad expensive but I use so little of it that it is going to last a good while and the fact that it works makes it worth every penny.

Another little treat I got was Maybelline’s Colour Drama Lipstick in shade Minimalist. The shade is a bit out there for me but I’m glad I bought it. The product itself is great, easy to apply and it lasts. Like I said, the shade for me is very pink but for summer it is a nice change from the peachy corals I would normally wear. I will probably go back for more shades in this range as I’m really impressed.

I feel like I’ve overloaded you with makeup and skincare goodies lately (some of you may not complain about that) but fret not as there is an #OOTW coming your way.

xo