5 tips for a long lasting base.

Whether you struggle with shine day-to-day or simply want to make sure that all the extra effort you put in your party makeup doesn't go to waist, we all agree that one of the biggest struggles of any beauty lover is not only achieving the perfect base, but also making sure that things hang around for as long as possible. Long wearing formulas only go so far and application is what really makes the difference, so today I'm sharing my top tips for a base that lasts, along with some of my favourite products for special occasions.

MIND THE SKIN PREP - A correct skin prep is key for a long lasting base that doesn't look cakey and stays flawless through out the day or the night. Exfoliating the night before a big event is always a good idea and the Pixi Glow Tonic never disappoints: it makes quick work of dead skin cells and dullness, whilst still being kind to sensitive complexions.
The next essential step is moisturizing and unfortunately this is not as easy as it sounds. The right product will keep your skin perfectly balanced for the whole day, but something too nourishing can make your makeup greasy and unstable, while a product that is not sufficiently hydrating will leave your skin patchy and make foundation and concealer hard to blend. The Caudalie SOS Thirst Quenching Serum is a firm favourite of mine and a true godsend for dehydrated skin, as it sinks in so quickly and keeps the water levels in check all day. I seriously cannot function without this stuff during wintertime. As for the eyes, I have repurchased the Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment countless times, as it's like a tall glass of water for the skin and by far the best eye cream to keep my peepers hydrated all day and make my concealer go on and last so much better.

MIX YOUR PRIMERS - One of my favourite things to do is play with my products, mixing and combining different ones to create the right concoction for my skin, and this technique works especially well with primers. For instance, my skin is quite dry around the edges and on the cheeks but normal on my nose and chin. Something like the Becca Priming Filter is ideal to add a touch of glow in those drier areas and create a smooth canvas for the following steps, while a drop of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer on my nose helps keeping my base intact till cleansing time. For serious oil control on those problematic areas, the Make Up For Ever Mattifying Primer is the bomb, as it's pretty much bullet proof and will keep you opaque even during the wildest parties. Trust me on this one.

SATIN IS THE WAY - You know me, I love my glow and on a daily basis I tend to gravitate toward luminous and dewy formulas, but unfortunately those are not always the most long lasting. However, a flat, matte base is not necessarily the only choice left: in fact, satin formulas are a great compromise between longevity and natural finish and when paired with the correct application, they can last just as long as an opaque option. Thin layers last so much better that one thick lump of products, so layer your base carefully, only adding extra coverage where needed. Finally go over everything with a damp sponge to press it really well into the skin, taking away any excess product. My go-to choices for long days and special events are the Nars Sheer Glow and the Charlotte Tilbury Magic foundation, as they both have great longevity and have a gorgeous lit-from-within finish. Both are also free of any spf, so go on and snap the evening away without fear.

Concealer wise, the Urban Decay Naked Skin and the Nars Radiant Creamy are the perfect pair: the former is especially good for blemishes and redness, 'cause it leans more on the matte side of things and doesn't budge, while the latter is the best full coverage option for those nasty dark circles and since it's so luminous, it lifts and brightens the eye area in a blink.

DON'T OVER-POWDER - I have to admit, I've never been on board of the 'baking' bandwagon. Sure, it sets the base and looks good in picture, but in real life it can look really heavy and ageing, especially under the eyes. Personally I much prefer buffing my powder into the skin with a super soft brush: you end up using less product this way and by pushing it right into the foundation, you'll lock your base in place and keep shine at bay for longer. The Chikuhodo Z4 Cheek/Highlight and the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish truly is a beauty match made in heaven and the perfect combination to achieve a flawless, airbrushed finish within seconds.

To be extra safe, don't forget a light spray of Urban Decay All Nighter that will seal your base and keep you matte for hours, while if you need to tone down the powderiness, a sprinkle of Mac Fix+ is perfect to instantly refresh cakey makeup.

CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES - I can't stress this enough, the right tools are essential for a professional result but a dirty brush can do more harm than good. Old product caught between the bristles can make application cakey and uneven, and because the fibres pick-up the natural oils from your skin, by putting those oils back on your base, you could cause premature shine and ruin all your hard work. Zoeva offers great quality affordable brushes and beautiful sets, so if you're looking to expand your brush collection without breaking the bank, check them out. How gorgeous is the Rose Golden Luxury set Vol. 2? Let's take a minute to swoon.

Do you have any tips for making your base last longer?

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Lush Christmas 2016 picks.

Who doesn't love a little bit of Lush on Christmas time? No one, that's who. To be fair I don't know anyone that wouldn't be happy to get some gorgeous bath goodies all year round, but there's something extra special about the Lush Holiday range that makes it absolutely irresistible. This year I felt particularly spoilt for choice and together with some old favourites, I've discovered some delightful numbers that made me wish I could buy the whole store and be all stocked up for the whole year. Read on if you want to find out what my top picks are.

Snowcastle - the old Snowcake soap bar - is a classic that never gets old and a truly must have for anyone struggling with dry skin during winter time. It's creamy and seriously moisturizing, bringing relief to thirsty skin and leaving your hands and body incredibly soft. Another favourite is Sleepy body lotion*, a limited edition release that I hope will soon become a regular product. This dreamy moisturizer infused with soothing lavender is a good night of sleep in a pot and something I love applying right before bed to feel extra relaxed. This is definitely one I need to hoard for any sleepless night ahead.

Every year I pick up a new lip scrub and this time around the winner is Sugar plum fairy. With hints of orange and grape, this smells and tastes exactly like the fruit jellies I used to eat as a kid and leaves my lips super smooth and ready for color. Lush lips scrubs are the ultimate essential if you struggle with chapped lips but still want to wear bold or matte lippies, and because a little goes a long way, they seem to last forever.
You can't go wrong with shower gels and the new entry Bubbly*, with the explosive scent of orange and lime, is the perfect companion to start the day with an energizing and uber refreshing shower, but if like me you can't resist the aroma of freshly picked juicy apples, Santa's belly shower jelly is the way to go. Love this one!

Shoot for the stars* wins the crown for the prettiest bath bomb of the year, with its deep blue water and beautiful golden stars made of cacao butter floating around the bathtub and slowly melting to leave the skin nourished and super soft. If you can't choose between bubbles and the show of a bath bomb, you will surely adore Never mind the ballistics. It's probably the least Christmassy of the bunch but is so pretty, swirling around in spirals of hot pink and yellow creating a soft creamy lather, while filling the room with the intense scent of banana candies. I'm definitely going to buy a couple more of these as soon as the sale begins.

Finally, year after year the gorgeous bubble wands end up stealing the show, and this Christmas is no exception. Not only they're extra cute and very instagrammable, but because they're reusable, somehow it feels like I'm getting my money worth even more. The Magic of Christmas is a firm favourite of mine that never fails to cheer me up, as I love the festive combination of almond and cinnamon, while Santasaurus* is a lovely option for the ones that prefer fruity scents. What is Christmas without an adorable dinosaur wearing a Santa hat, after all?

Are you a Lush fan? What's your favourite Holiday release?

*Press samples

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The Spooky Lush Edit.

A trip to Lush is obviously a fantastic treat all year round, but when the Halloween range hits the shelves it seems more appropriate then ever. As it always happen, I popped in to have a quick look around and left with an unmistakably lighter purse, a bag full of deliciously scented goodies and lots of dreamy baths in mind. Halloween is serious business at Lush and every single year without fail their bath collection has me bounce with excitement all the way to the till. I had to restrain myself a little, as my stash back at home was nearly overflowing already, but here are my picks.

The one cult classic I always feel drawn to is Lord of Misrule Shower cream (£4.95), truly a must-buy for any spicy scent-lover. It's smoky and peppery, with an added touch of vanilla to lift the herbal notes and make it a bit more mystical. The new formula is creamier than ever, it bubbles up like a dream - it doubles up as a bubble bath, in fact - and feels lovely on the skin. With its cozy scent that lingers around the house for hours afterwards, it's the perfect companion for a warming shower at the end of a long day.

Despite being a total shower gal, every once in a while I do crave a dip in a bathtub full of beautifully scented hot water and a colourful bath bomb frizzing around. On a whim I picked up Pumpkin Bath Bomb (£3.95) that stole my heart with its sharp zesty fragrance. This must be the most intensely fragranced bomb I've ever encountered - you can seriously smell orange and ginger through the paper bag and from the other side of the room. I can't wait to dump it in my bath tonight!
I also snatched a cute Monster's Ball (£4.25) after seeing it in action in the store. To be fair this doesn't smell very autumnal - it's rather floral actually, with hints of fruitiness -, but is absolutely adorable with that little eye made of cocoa butter that floats around over the moisturizing purple water.

If you love tons and tons of bubbles, grab yourself a Sparkly Pumpkin Bubble bar (£3.95), or three, and get mentally ready to find gold glitters everywhere for the next six months. So worth it, though. This adorable little pumpkin is not only very Instagram friendly, but feels uber energizing and uplifting thanks to the lime, grapefruit and juniperberry mix.  Plus, the cheerful mandarin orange water is simply perfect to brighten a foggy day.

Finally, I couldn't just leave little Boo Bath Melt (£3.95) alone on the shelf. This was my first time trying a Lush bath melt and I must say that I'm in obsessed. The clean, slightly soapy scent is right up my alley - it's a warming concoction of mimosa, ginger and sandalwood that melts away stress and tension and is incredibly soothing - and it left my skin feeling amazing, soft and nourished, and ready for soft pyjamas and a good night of sleep. It's the ultimate indulgence for dry skin gals like me.

Have you tried any of these bath treats? What are your plans for the scariest night of the year?
Be right back, the bathtub is not going to fill itself...

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Currently on my radar #3.

001 Truth is I'm never going to fully forgive Nars for discontinuing my favourite mascara, because I haven't been able to find a decent waterproof offering ever since. I really wanted to try the Too Faced Better than sex Waterproof (£19) - mostly because of the drop dead gorgeous packaging to be honest - but I've been reading so many conflicting reviews about it lately and I'm not really sure anymore. Do you have any recommendation?

002 A product that has been getting amazing reviews left and right is the Make Up For Ever Water Blend (£27) and you know how I am with new foundations. It's supposed to be a new and improved version of their old Face and Body offering, pretty much undetectable on the skin, with light to medium buildable coverage and a budge proof formula that stays in place for hours. Need to get my hands on this asap.

003 Another foundation, what a shocker! I've never been particularly fond of stick foundations but the new Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick (£42) is very promising. I've seen dozen of YouTube videos and in every single one of those it looks incredible - flawless and with the coverage of a concealer but still natural and glowy on the skin. The price tag is maybe a bit excessive, but it's definitely something I'd like to try for the colder months.

004 Ever since I started following Nudestix on Instagram, I've become quite obsessed with their range and their effortless application techniques. The Intense Matte Lip+cheek Pencils (£24) sound like the ultimate fall must-have to me and an excellent way to dip my toe into the range. The shades are also quite lovely: Raven and Royal are great bold hues for the upcoming season, while Entice and Purity are great nudes for everyday wear. Decisions, decisions...  

005 Because I have zero self control when it comes to highlighters, I couldn't help but drool when I heard that Becca were launching yet another version of their famous illuminators. I already own enough highlighters to last me three lifetimes and then some, but I'm sure I can make room for at least one Shimmering Skin Perfector Slimlight (£24). Available in 3 gorgeous shades, they promise a soft, lit-from-within glow in just a few strokes. Nice!

What's on your wishlist at the moment?

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The Summer base.

Summer is that awkward season that seems to be designed to make the life of a beauty enthusiast that little harder - I love makeup, but some days simply opening my makeup drawer makes me break into a sweat and the idea of slapping foundation on it's utterly unbearable. For those days, whenever going bare-faced is not an option, I have a bundle of trusty numbers that allow me to look put together but not too made up, and most importantly will stay put despite the sweat and about a zillion sprays of refreshing mist.

MAC Face and Body Foundation (£22) is a classic choice for hot days and a base I can always rely on. Because my skin tends to do pretty well during the warmer months, coverage is not my priority. Instead I want my base to look even and polished but still fresh in a I'm wearing foundation but you can't really tell kind of way, and MAC's F&B is perfect for the job. I love the water-based liquid formula - it doesn't feel heavy and it's easy to bounce around with a beauty blender, and since it's virtually undetectable on the skin, the result is simply beautiful complexion.

For a touch of extra coverage, I've been reaching for the good old trusty MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (£18), which is a great all-over multitasking concealer. A little goes a very long way and takes care of all sorts of imperfections and under-eye shadows with ease. With a super long-lasting and crease-proof formula, look no further if you're after the ultimate heat proof coverup.

Blush is the essential step in my routine that keeps me looking healthy and glowy year-round and simply cannot be skipped. At the minute I'm completely obsessed with Nars Orgasm (£28) and simply can't get enough of this stuff. The pinky peach hue is uber flattering and the formula is one of the most long-wearing I've come across, as well as very pigmented and overall absolutely dreamy to work with. Also, the gold flecks give a beautiful warm glow to the cheeks and eliminate the need for an additional highlighter.

Last on my list is the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (£22), perhaps the ultimate summer staple. This spray helps to lock everything in place and feels lovely and cooling on the skin. Plus, it keeps any unwanted shine at bay for hours and doesn't make my makeup feel heavy or look cakey. Win win!

Have you tried any of these products?

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Currently on my radar #2.

001 Lorac have gone and done it again with the absolutely dreamy Pro Palette 3 ($44). The handy palette houses 8 matte shades and 8 sparkly one-wash wonders with a lovely mix of neutral transition shades and perky mauve goodness. Lorac eyeshadows are truly top-notch - pigmented, buttery soft and easy to work with - and this palette looks perfect for creating a multitude of day-to-evening makeup looks, as well as transitioning into the colder months. Need.

002 Anything that promises to give the perfect glow to the skin is bound to make an appearance on this pages at some point and in my experience nobody does natural luminosity better than Hourglass. Available in 3 shades, the Hourglass Ambient Light Correcting Primers (£36) looks like a real must have: the oil-free formula promises to soften the appearance of pores, fine lines and imperfections, neutralize discoloration and deliver a boost of luminosity to dull complexion. I like.

003 L'Oreal had me at '24 hour glow'. That's it. Sold. If you've been around long enough, you know I just can't shut up about the Infallible 24h Mat Foundation (£8.99) and as expected the promise of a super long lasting yet hydrating and glowy variation had me weak at the knees in about two seconds straight. If it's half as good as the mat number, I need the Infallible Pro-Glow in my life yesterday.

004 Charlotte Tilbury and my wishlist have a very special relationship - every new release of hers goes straight into the to-buy list, no questions asked. And if said release is, let's say, a dozen gorgeous lip shades I'm ready to grab a hammer and smash my piggy bank. With 12 brand new shades plus 4 best sellers from the original collection in a rainbow of reds, violets and 90's nudes, there's really something for everyone in the Hot Lips (£23) range - and with 2£ per sale going to charity for good measure the temptation is too great. Forgive me, father...

005 Speaking of lipsticks, Mrs. Tilbury is not the only one that makes my heart sing. I first caught sight of the Burberry Full Kisses (£24) on the brand's youtube channel a few months back and I haven't stopped thinking about them since. It feels like these were made with me in mind: creamy and hydrating yet long lasting, fully opaque in just one swipe and with a great mix of nudes and bold shades to choose from - including swoon-worthy Military red and Oxblood. I'll take one in every shade, thank you very much.

What do have your eye on at the minute?

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Latest loves: June.

Today I bring you my June favourites - it feels like forever since I've put together a post like this. Last month has been a good one beauty wise, so expect a great mix of first-time mentioned bits and lovely new discoveries, with amazing tools, skincare musts and a teeth grinding-pricey palette that is worth every penny.

I'll kick this off with skincare and a little confession: spf is a secret obsession of mine - I never leave the house without it, no matter the weather or the season, since my skin gets really sensitive in the sun and burns quite easily. The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence spf50PA++++ (£11) is pretty much everything I've been looking for in a sunscreen: because it's a water-based product, it sinks in really quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue on the skin. It also keeps my face hydrated all day and of course it works really well underneath makeup. A must-have for the warmer months
Another product that everyone should have in his cabinet and purse is the Bioderma Hydrabio Eau de Soin (£9), an anti UV mist with spf30PA++ that moisturizes, protects from sun damage and prevents skin aging. The mist is lightweight, super fine and can be used even on top of makeup as a finishing spray, and it's ideal to top up your sunscreen on the go during the day. Brilliant!

Moving onto tools, I've recently picked up a few new bits and bobs on Cult beauty and one of the items I was really excited to try is the Beautyblender Beauty Blusher (£14). Size wise, it sits right in the middle between the original sponge that sometimes can be too big for detailed work, and the Micro minis that for me are too small and awkward to hold. This grey egg is the perfect size to blend concealer and setting powder under the eyes in just a few bounces and it allows lots of control and precision when it comes to patting in blushes and highlighters. Love it!
The fabulous Surratt Relevee Lash Curler (£22) deserves a quick shout out as well. This dreamy tool ticks all the boxes: its rounded shape hugs my lash line perfectly reducing the risk of pinching to a minimum, it gives a really close curl crimping the lashes right at the roots without bending them to awkward angles, and opens really wide to catch every single hair. Plus, it's black with a fancy matte finish, and it doesn't get any prettier than this.

On to makeup at last, I'm big on bold lips right now and the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (£19) in Damned has been getting a lot of love from me lately. Everything about this lip product, from the deep berry shade to the way it lasts through the day makes me happy. I have a few of these pencils and they're all amazing.
The gorgeous Tom Ford Eye Colour Quad Nude Dip (£64), which is basically the heart eyes emoji in palette form, is all I've been using on my eyes lately. The combination of creamy champagne, golden pink, grey mauve and chocolate brown might not be the most unique but is right up my street and absolutely perfect for both day and evening looks. All four shades are beautifully pigmented, blend and layer easily and give a fabulous expensive finish to the lids. I really can't fault this palette. It's pricey but so worth it!

Last on my list is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop (£32). Even on natural makeup days I can't say no to a good helping of highlighter and this Becca number looks ridiculously pretty on the skin, especially when paired with a quick sweep of bronzer. Forget the lit-from-within subtle glow, this highlighter surely makes an impact, and I'm obsessed!

What have you been loving lately?

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New In Garnier Shower treats.

Hello, my name is Beatrice and I'm a self-confessed shower gel hoarder on the mend. For ages I've been guilty of constantly purchasing new ones and shamelessly beginning fresh bottles, leaving behind a trail of sad looking, half-empty left overs. That was until I decided as a New Year resolution to put myself on a bath products ban and work my way through the pitiful, dusty pile and de-clutter my cabinet before it got out of hand. As it turns out, my timing was absolutely perfect and when I heard that Garnier was about to release a new range of heavenly scented shower gels, my freshly de-cluttered shower shelf and I were ready to give them a whirl.

Garnier have just launched a bunch of exciting additions to the Ultimate blends body line, in the form of 6 shower gels and two moisturizers, enriched with natural, cold-pressed ingredients to fulfill different skin needs. They all leave a delicate lingering scent on the skin and leave it silky soft and hydrated in no time, although I can assure you'll be tempted to make your shower last forever with these.

The shower gels have a dreamy, gentle formula that works up a nice lather and lightly cleanses without stripping or leaving the skin feeling tight or itchy. Scent wise, the selection is seriously fabulous and picking up just one favourite is going to be tough business.

Marvelous Oils* is the one I've been constantly reaching for in the morning to kick start the day, as the stunning mix of camellia extract and argan oil feels incredibly energizing and turns your shower into aromatherapy heaven - this one is highly recommended after yoga or a workout.
The one that feels the most unisex of the bunch is Mythic Olive* with its musky notes and lots of olive oil to nourish and repair the skin. This fragrance is truly beautiful and unlike anything I've ever smelt before; it's a walk in an olive groove on a sunny day. I adore it.

If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love the Honey Treasure* number, it's so creamy and delicious, and smells like a jar of peaches soaked in honey. It's unbelievably yummy, trust me on this one.

Finally, my personal favourite is Delicate Oat* - I really can't resist the combination of almond, vanilla and oat milk. This feels wonderful on my sensitive skin and it's perfect in the evening, right before bed.

A lemon and elder flower option that sounds lovely, and one enriched with rose oils complete the lineup.

The oat range is supposed to be the dehydrated skin hero, and the two moisturizing options for sure don't disappoint. The Ultra Blends Delicate Oat Soothing Balm (£5.99)* is a multi-purpose gem that makes quick work of rough patches on elbows, knees and heels. I feel like this will be amazing during the colder months, when my skin gets uber flakey and dry, but it's also a good one to use now before fake tanning, to keep everything streak free. The Soothing Hydrating Lotion (£4.49)* is equally effective but with a slightly lighter texture. This one has been living on my night stand for the past two weeks, as a little goes a long way and sinks in quickly, so it's the perfect last step to keep my limbs soft and moisturized before jumping into bed.

Have you tried the Ultimate Blends range before? What's your favourite scent?

*Press Samples

**Post in collaboration with Garnier Italy

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The Spring base.

Hello. It's me. Yup, still alive.

I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately and as a result my blogger mojo seems to have disappeared along with my inspiration and will to sit down and tap something on my keyboard. Anyhow, I'm back now and there's nothing better than a little foundation talk to ease back into the swing of things. I do love my base products after all.

The secret is out! Foundations are my weakness - a flawless base gets me excited like nothing else. I try so many on a regular basis, mixing and matching, and creating endless different combinations with primers, concealers and powders all the time, so coming across a mix that finds a permanent place in my routine doesn't happen very often. This combo has been a staple for me for months now and has been the perfect choice to transition into spring and face the fickle weather of the past weeks.

I've never been a massive primer person - foundations tend to last really well on me anyways, and I'd gladly skip the extra layer any day if it means a more natural, skin-like finish; on the other hand though, I'd do pretty much anything for the extra glow and that's where the Becca Backlight Priming Filter (£32) comes in. This primer is expensive skin in a bottle, it gives a beautiful dewy finish without any detectable shimmer or weird metallic glow. Like an instant facial, it makes your skin look tight, plump and incredibly refreshed, and I love how the lit-from-within glow subtly shines through the base. Such a great quick fix for dry and dull skin.

With the L'Oreal True Match Foundation (£9.99) has been love at first use - I was already a huge fan of the original, but the new True Match is even better and works like a dream on my normal to dry complexion, as it's slightly more moisturizing than it used to be. It's the perfect compromise between beautiful coverage and luminous finish, with quite a long lasting formula that always feels comfortable no matter how long you wear it. Also, it's easy to build for a flawless finish or sheer out for relaxed days, so it's very versatile.

A product that definitely deserves the holy grail status is the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (£22.50), which might just be my most repurchased makeup item ever. I really can't be without this concealer. This dreamy product covers everything from redness to uneven tone and spots, but it's especially good for dark circles, as it's so creamy and keeps the under-eye area soft and hydrated while giving instant lift and brightness to the skin. I adore it.

Finally, I couldn't leave the house without a quick swipe of blush. I have a few shades on rotation at the minute, but the Milani Rose Powder Blush in Romantic Rose (£6) is definitely a staple for me. This is a lovely nude pink hue with a natural matte finish that blends like a dream and gives colour and definition to the cheeks without monopolizing the final look. It's a must-have shade, especially if you wear a lot of bold lipsticks or intense smokey looks.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your go-to base picks?

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Valentine's day pamper with Lush.

Happy Valentine's day, ladies! How's your day going?
As far as I'm concerned, since Mr. Charming - the real one - is still MIA, I plan to spend the day with the bottled version, enjoy a lovely pamper, courtesy of Lush, and hang around in my favourite pyjama. Scratch that overpriced bouquet, nothing beats a bag full of gorgeous bath goodies.

A couple of weeks ago I went to Lush to find out more about the Valentine collection and got myself a new man. With the very pink Prince Charming Shower cream (£4.95)* it was love at first sniff, the lad is clearly so popular for a reason. The scent it's very girly and sweet, but not in a sickly way - the vanilla extract is perfectly balanced out by a splash of grapefruit oil and pomegranate juice, that also add a unique musky twist to the mix -, and lingers on the skin for a long time after you've stepped out of the shower. I'm so glad Lush are bringing back old favourites in shower cream form, I think they're some of the best products they do. They have a lovely thick consistency that foams nicely and always leave my limbs so soft and supple, as they're packed with lots of cocoa butter to nourish the skin.

The Roses All The Way Soap (£4.25)* is easily the most adorable product of this mini collection - ok, maybe it's a tie with Unicorn Horn bubble bar. Honestly, how cute is that? - and it's also seriously divine. It has a beautiful clean scent with a hint of rose essence, which is so sooting and cozy and reminds me of the equally lovely Rosy Cheeks fresh face mask. It does linger on the skin slightly after use but it's not overwhelming in any way and shouldn't clash with fragrances and such. Soaps can sometimes be drying but it's not the case with this one, as under the tap it turns into a creamy soft lather that feels silky and moisturizing. Lush sure know how to turn something as simple as washing your hands into an exciting ritual.

Did you get any Lush product for Valentine's day?

*Press samples

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Currently on my radar.

001 Despite my well-known love for luxury beauty items, I've never felt tempted to splurge on the Tom Ford range before - somehow everything seemed too overpriced to me, like I was paying for the packaging and the brand, rather than for the actual product -. This stayed true till the Lips&Boys came out - the struggle is real when it comes to mini sizes, guys - and my eyes fell on the Nude Dip Eye Colour Quad (£64), a limited edition from last year that is now apparently back to stay. The wet and dry formula is next level swoon worthy, buttery soft and far superior to the regular one in my opinion, and the shades are really up my street. Want.

002 I do love my gadgets and I'm always game for a spa treatment experience at home and in my pyjamas, so I can't wait to get my hands on the new Foreo Iris Illuminating Eye Massager (£99). Iris replicates the gentle massage of professional fingers, making quick work of your eye cream whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles, and hopefully slowing down the aging process in such a delicate area. Sounds amazing, right?

003 There're many foundation launches that caught my eye recently - I've quickly swatched the Armani Maestro glow, which seems lovely, and I really need to check out Becca's Aqua Luminous and the Laura Mercier Candleglow, just to name a few - but the two new offerings I'm really excited about are the Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint (£30) and the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation (£36). The first is apparently super lightweight, with a natural matte finish and great coverage, while the second sounds a lot like my beloved and now discontinued Pro Lumiere - dewy, highly pigmented but with a skin-like finish -. I'm really looking forward to trying these.

004 Due to their super saturated shadows and gorgeous palettes, Natasha Denona is the makeup brand everyone has been talking about lately, and I'm all over it. Everything looks insanely pigmented and easy to work with, and Natasha's Glowy Skin technique and corresponding products make my heart sing. A little five shades palette is currently on its way to me, but I'm actually dying to try everything from the range, with blushes and highlighters at the top of my list.

005 When Hourglass updates the Ambient lighting range, the wishlist needs to be updated accordingly. The Ambient Strobe Lighting Powders (£34) can be used dry or wet for the perfect transition from day to night and should give a beautiful glow to the skin without any noticeable shimmer. There are four shades available - Incandescent, I believe, is also featured in the Ambient lighting palette, and if so, it's truly lovely and absolutely worth checking out - and I have my eyes on Brilliant, a pale golden champagne that looks different from anything I already own.

What's on your lust list?

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My top 10 beauty finds of 2015.

Can you believe that 2015 has been and gone already? It's absolute madness, I still can't wrap my head around how fast my year went. As I look back at the highs and low of the past twelve months and get mentally ready for a fresh start, I've rounded up the best beauty discoveries that made my year a little more special and will surely be at my side in the months to come as well, as they are just fabulous.

Starting with skincare, one of my favourite discoveries of the year has been the Pixi Glow Tonic (£18), a resurfacing toner that leaves my skin radiant, smoother and softer after just one use. It's effective yet it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and I can't honestly remember life before this, although I'm sure it must have been really dull. I'm already half way through my second bottle and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon. Another and more recent Pixi find is the Hydrating Milky Mist (£18), a must-have for dry and de-hydrated skin. It's soothing and refreshing, and delivers extra hydration to the skin without overloading it with too much product. Love it!

Moving on to makeup, 2015 has been such a great year for foundations and base products in general, and I'm sure my picks won't come as any surprise. For a lighter coverage I've been loving the BareMinerals Complexion Rescue (£26), a lightweight gel formulated base that evens out any redness and adds a lot of radiance to the skin. It's perfect for dry skin days as it glides over dry patches instead of enhancing them and it's seriously hydrating.
Another obsession has been the L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hours Matte (£8.99), which is the best base for long days. It's matte but it doesn't suck all the life out of the skin and it covers pretty much anything without that 'caked on' look. Finally, I have to mention my love for the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (£29.50), which represents the best compromise between radiance and staying power. It glides beautifully on the skin and can be build up to whatever level of coverage you desire, and always leaves my complexion looking flawless and glowy.
As for best concealer, the crown goes to the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer (£17.50). If you love the Nars Radiant concealer but find that it creases on you, this is the one to try, as it doesn't settle into fine lines and wears all day. It provides great coverage whilst remaining creamy and easy to blend, it's an all-around winner in my books.

I feel like I've been talking non-stop about the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors Pressed (£30) lately, so I will try to keep things short and sweet. They're so intensely pigmented it only takes the tiniest amount to create a stunning glow that is mostly radiance with just a bit of fine sparkle too. I have the shades Opal and Champagne Pop - finally! - and they're both so dreamy I don't exclude I'll be picking up more in the future.

For eyes, I didn't buy a ton of eyeshadows this year but there are two that really stood out to me. The Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerize (£22) are heaven in a pot - smooth and easy to blend, and with a gorgeous pigmentation that is easy to build up to whatever intensity you need. I own two shades - Jean is a beautiful brightening hue similar to MAC Naked lunch, but the scene stealer is Marie Antoinette, the most perfect bronzy antique gold. I'm obsessed.
Lastly, I feel this recap wouldn't be complete without a word on the H&M Eye Shadows (£4.99) - buttery soft and super saturated, they feel more expensive than what they are and the colour range is fantastic. I can't wait to try more from the line in 2016.

Last but by no means least, I've been loyal to matte lipsticks for the most part of the year, right up until the Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer (£16) came out. With a built in primer, these lippies glide effortlessly on the lips, giving the rich pigment and wear of a lipstick and the comfort of a balm. They feel so luxurious and moisturizing, a real treat for dry and chapped lips.


What have been your 2015 standout products?

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