A few lovely things - February.

After a week of unseasonably warm days, looks like we're back to full on Winter once again for the end of February, and to be completely honest with you, I'm really enjoying these last drags of the colder season. I know a lot of you are counting down the days till Spring, but I'm not ready to put the fuzzy sweaters and heavy blankets away quite yet. Anyways, before we step into the new month, let me share a little round up of the things that I enjoyed and made me smile in the last 28 days.

5 Makeup favourites in 2022.

*Includeds PR products.

It's time for the second installment of my beauty round-up for 2022 and this time it's all about makeup! As I was clearing up my makeup drawer, refreshing my everyday staples and making room for new purchases, I realized that between the early, familiar struggles with the face mask and a minimal vibe, in the last 12 months skin has been once again my favourite feature and my picks are very reflective of that.

A Charlotte Tilbury wishlist.

Although I'm still in full-on Autumn mood for now, with less than 40 sleeps 'till Christmas *screams internally* a part of my brain that was completely focused on pumpkins, fluffy scarves and golden leaves, is now compiling mental wishlists for Santa and Black Friday.
I guess it makes sense to start with Charlotte Tilbury products as they're always on my mind and my cart is forever overflowing with new shades of lipstick, gorgeous skincare and everything rose gold. Who else feels like a pre-Holiday self treat?

A 2020 beauty recap.

I'm just as keen to leave 2020 behind and never look back as anyone else, but before I can turn the page and focus on the good things that New Year will hopefully bring, I'm sure a good ol' beauty recap won't hurt. In retrospect, 2020 has been an odd one for obvious reasons, mostly focused on self care and skin products with some makeup bits here and there for those 'feel better' looks meant to boost the mood more than anything. Of all the beauty bits I've tried for the first time and those that were already well loved, these are the ones that stood out the most.

Best of Beauty 2019.

Hello 2020! I hope the new year is off to a great start for you all.
I love these first few days of January as I always feel inspired and full of positive energy. It's the perfect time to get rid of dried-out mascaras and underwear with sagging elastics, write down goals and resolutions, and above all for the traditional yearly beauty wrap ups. Before we take on 2020 I wanted to share some of my favourite discoveries of the year - and I'm sure I forgot to mention something truly amazing that will come into my mind when it's too late, like it always happens, but let's jump right into it!

A Cosy Christmas Wish List.

Is there anything better than tucking in with a good book, a stack of festive films ready and waiting, and a steaming cup of hot chocolate with too many mini-marshmallows to count piled on top? I don't think so. If anybody needs me, I'll be here for the foreseeable future.

The Holidays are almost here! The lights, the songs, the heavy knits and fluffy scarves... I'm so excited I can barely sit still. During the last few days I've been in full-on gift giving mode and whilst I was racking my brains to find the best presents for my dad and friends, I jotted down a little list of the things I'm hoping to unwrap - or snatch up on Boxing Day, because we all know I have zero self control and the post-Christmas sales are just too good to brush off.

The Fenty Beauty Edit.

To say the internet lost its mind when Rihanna announced her new beauty range would be a huge understatement and I think the main reason why Fenty Beauty has been doing so well right from the get-go is the inclusive shade range that screams loud and clear that beauty is for everyone. Sure the millennial pink packaging and beautiful honeycomb design are very eye-catching, but it's this fresh approach to beauty that really makes Fenty stand out from the crowd. Today I want to share my thoughts on the products I own.

15 Beauty Tips That Work For Me Everytime.

One of my favourite things about beauty is there's always something to learn, some new technique and quick hack that can help you improve your makeup application or the results of your skincare routine, and make your life a little easier. Today I've rounded up some of my favourite fool-proof tips to share with you - some of these might sound pretty obvious, but they always work for me and my skin, and hopefully they'll be helpful for you as well.

Last Minute Christmas Wishing.

With only 3 days until Christmas, there isn't much left to check on my to do list other than to pick my Christmas Eve PJ's and jot down the grocery shopping list before the colossal Holiday cook off begins. As I'm officially done gift-shopping for my loved ones, today I thought it would be fun to share with you the products that made it to my current wishlist, as I always enjoy reading about what other people are wishing for - and, who knows, maybe some of you are still looking for some last minute inspiration...

The everyday radiant base.

Although I do enjoy constantly changing my base products just to keep things a little interesting, sometimes I find a combination that works wonders for me and I end up sticking to it and wearing it over and over again. This is one of those times and I really need to tell you all about it.

Valentine's day treats.

Whether you like Valentine's day or the sighting of red hearts and stuffed animals is enough to ruin your mood for the whole week, you must agree it's the perfect opportunity to treat your loved ones and yourself to some beautiful goodies and new releases. As if we needed another excuse, right?

I've put together a quick post full of gift ideas that would be perfect to spoil yourself or a loved one with and of course as a last minute inspiration for the boyfriend.

Quick morning makeup.

Even if my sleeping routine is much more regular these days, I still struggle with being a morning person and sometimes early starts can be a real nightmare. On those days my quick makeup routine really comes in handy and allows me to get ready and be out of the door in a handful of minutes. Having a look in mind is key to save time and mine is quite minimal and only requires a few products: it's all about a beautiful, luminous base and perky pinks to look fresh and awake.

A few MAC essentials.

It seems every beauty addict had a MAC phase at some point in her life - mine was at the very beginning, when I was itching to put literally everything to the test and therefore basically burning all my pocket money trying to keep up with their monthly releases -. Even if it's been quite some time since I bought that first pot of Studio Sculpt concealer that started everything, my love affair with them and their cult products is still going strong, hence this emergency shopping trip to the closest counter when I realized I was running low on a couple must haves.

As soon as my old bottle gave out the last spray, I had to race out to buy a new Prep + Prime Fix +. This super fine mist has been a staple in my routine for many years, because it has so many different uses and it's incredibly versatile - it's an hydrating primer and an alcohol-free setting spray, it's great to dampen your sponge for flawless foundation application or your brushes to increase the intensity of powder eyeshadows, but it also works as a makeup refresher to bring back to life old, cakey makeup. I can't be without it.
Speaking of multi-purpose products, I'm just going to blame Nettart for my next purchase, as before I stumbled on her IG account I never felt the need to dive into the oil trend. She uses Essential Oils for pretty much anything, from hydrating base to mixing medium to create all kind of gorgeous concoctions - try mixing a drop with Vanilla or Tan pigment and get ready to swoon. 

Of course, I had to get one of the new shades of Strobe Cream, which is another cult favourite I always go back to. It's a light, non greasy moisturizer with a fluffy consistency that is dreamy mixed with foundation for gentle all-over luminosity, but I simply adore wearing underneath my base whenever my skin looks dull and lacklustre, as it instantly gives it a healthy, non shimmery glow.  I went for Silverlite which gives a lovely pearly glow to the skin and looks especially good on fair skin tones, but I've made a mental note to go back for Goldlite very soon - you know I do love everything golden and champagne when it comes to highlighters.

I also picked up a bottle of Studio Waterweight Foundation, as I was looking for a less glossy but equally natural-looking alternative to the Face & Body foundation for my kit and I wasn't disappointed. I really, really like this foundation, it has the most beautiful your skin but better finish and on closer inspection you can't really tell you're wearing any makeup. It's a light to medium coverage offering, definitely more suitable for everyday wear and dry to combination complexions, and I find it's best applied with a damp sponge that allows to get the most out of the coverage, while foundation brushes tend to keep it on the sheer side. I wish there was a shade lighter than NC15 because this is still a little too dark for me, but other than that I can't really fault this base.

Finally, I've been meaning to jump back on the fake lash train lately, so I grabbed a Lash Applicator on my way to the checkout - this is supposed to make full-strip lashes application smooth and totally hassle free, thanks to its ergonomic shape. I haven't been wearing falsies in a while, but hopefully this little handy tool will help me get back into the swing of things.

Have you picked up anything from MAC recently?

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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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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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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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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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Christmas makeup medley - Drugstore edition.

Red and gold for Christmas - I know, groundbreaking. But you know what they say, if it ain't broken, don't fix it, right? To bring a little spice to an old and beloved classic, however, I thought I'd give my luxury products the day off and put together a full drugstore face for the party season instead. I just got my hands on a couple of drugstore goodies I couldn't wait to try and my stash is already packed with little budget gems that could give a run for their money to a few expensive picks. So, today I'm giving you the chance to rummage through my holiday makeup bag and see what I'm gonna wear for the big day. Here it goes.

Starting with the base, I'll definitely be reaching for the L'Oreal Infallible 24h Matte Foundation (£8.99), which is my absolute favourite when I need my foundation to stay put till bedtime. With it's dreamy formula and great coverage, it makes my skin look flawless but still very natural and never flat and dull. For a pop of lit-from-within glow, the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer (£9.99) - a great budget dupe for MAC's Strobe Lotion this one - is the most obvious choice, as it makes a lovely little duo with the Infallible foundation.
Finally, the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (£3.99) is the perfect number to cover everything from dark circles to redness and blemishes, and subtly illuminate the under-eye area. It's like a matte take on the Nars Radiant concealer, I love it.

For my cheeks I'm still completely in love with the Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso (£4.27). A must-have shade for fair skin tones, it's radiant and brightening, and the baked formula is just lovely to work with. The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder 01 (£13) is also back on rotation. It's matte, but it looks almost satin on the skin and gives subtle definition to the contours of the face with an healthy finish. It's my top bronzer for this time of the year.

To define my brows, I picked up the Bourjois Brow Natural Pen in Blonde (£6.99) on a whim during the Black Friday sales and I haven't used it yet, but the shade - a golden light brown - looks perfect for me and the nib draws super fine hair-like strokes, which is quite promising. I'll keep you posted on this one.

Eye makeup wise, I've decided to skip primer entirely and use the Bourjois Colorband 2-in-1 Eyeshadow & Liner in Beige Minimaliste (£5.99) instead, as it's waterproof and once it sets it won't budge - it lasts ages on my eyes and it's so easy to use and blend, and makes for a lovely base for any powder eyeshadow.
The Tanya Burr Hollywood Eye Palette (£6) is for sure the most festive appropriate palette in my stash - with three eyeshadows and one glitter topper it reminds me of the Charlotte Tilbury quads, and even if the quality isn't as good, these are absolutely amazing for the price. The combination of vanilla, light gold, rich brown and glittery bronze is pretty fool proof and perfect for simple day-to-day looks or for something more glamorous and party-ready.

Big, bold lashes add the finishing touch to the soft smokey look - I'm forever repurchasing the Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara (£10.99), it's almost impossible to remove but it keeps my lashes nice and curved for ages and it's blacker than black. And for a bit of extra drama I adore the Eyelure Fleur de Force Fleur Loves lashes (£5.25), which are the perfect 3/4 falsies for fluttery volume and a bit of lift at the outer corners.

At last, and I'm sure everyone saw it coming, I'll be slathering on the Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Standout (£7.99), which is one of my favourite reds of all time. It's matte but it glides on like a dream and is super pigmented. I find that it lasts forever on my lips but it's also really easy to touch up and I won't have to worry too much about it as I cheerfully stuff my face.

What will you be wearing on Christmas Day? Are you sticking with the classics or going for a different look?
Have a lovely Christmas everyone! Mwah!

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my travel makeup bag.

Today I'm off to Palermo for a long weekend with my lovely friends S. and Elena for some much needed time off. I'm always awfully curious about other people's makeup bags and travel choices so I thought you might like to have a nose around my picks. Even if working as a makeup artist has tought me a lot about packing smart and streamlining my makeup bag, the impulse to bring everything but the kitchen sink is still pretty strong, although I'm pretty satisfied with how everything came out - I'm taking the plane of course, so most of this stuff has been depotted or decanted obviously -.

For skincare I made sure to pack the Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado (£20), which is my current favourite eye cream. It makes such a difference with the way my concealer blends and lasts under the eyes and I can't really be without it. I also packed the First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream (£9), a thick yet fast-absorbing moisturizer for sensitive and dry complexions that should keep my skin in check in spite of the dry airplane air with ease. A mini bottle of Garnier Micellar Water (£4.99) is perfect for a quick cleanse in the morning but I also brought with me a little bit of Oskia Renaissance Cleanser (£28) as it's fantastic both to melt off heavy makeup and clear out my skin, getting rid of grime and dead skin cells in a matter of seconds. Another product I can't leave without is the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concetrate (£36). This is one of the best night oils I've come across as it makes my skin feel lovely and taken care of, while helping to heal blemishes and soothe redness and sensitivity. Finally, I poured into a tiny spray bottle a wee bit of the gorgeous Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist (£18) , which is just lovely to prep the skin before makeup or even to add a touch of dewiness to the base. It's packed with hyaluronic acid, oat and vitamins to plump the skin and keep it hydrated during the day. I'm obsessed with this stuff!

As for makeup, I really just threw all my current favourites in the bag. I've recently spoke - here - of my love for the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (£22), which is just a great do-it-all concealer and I absolutely adore the luminous finish. For the base, I depotted a bit of Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (£29.50) and some Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue (£26), as I like to have an option in the morning and a medium-full coverage base and a sheer hydrating alternative are just perfect for my needs.
Eyeshadow wise I new I wanted to carry a palette with me, as they are much more convenient than single shades, and in the end I settled for two Charlotte Tilbury offerings that are quite versatile and perfect for both day and evening looks. My picks are the Golden Goddess for a natural makeup and the Vintage Vamp (£38), which is just gorgeous and perfect for autumn. The Make Up For Ever Sculpting Blush #12 (£29) complements those colours perfectly and I'm just in love with the shade. It really suits my fair complexion and blends like a dream. To finish off the base I also slipped in my makeup bag a mini Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Opal (£30). I haven't dipped my paws in it yet but I'm sure it'll add a beautiful glow to my cheeks.
Finally, lip products are probably the hardest thing to cut down for me but I think I've done pretty well with just a nude option, a medium reddish pink for the day and a dark offering should I feel a little more daring - my picks are respectively Bitch Perfect (£23), Walk of Shame (£23) and Glastonberry (£23), all by Charlotte Tilbury, you know I love her lipstick range.

Lastly, I also packed a small bottle of Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Cologne (£42), since these days I never leave the house with a spritz of perfume and this is one of my favourite scents of all time. It's warm and brisk like the wintry seaside, simply perfect for this time of the year.

Have you tried any of these products?

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5 things: favourite blushes for summer.

I know everybody is going to roll their eyes at me now because duh, not really a secret, but I'm a complete blush junkie. Along with mascara and under-eye concealer, blushes are at the top of my never-without list, as they make a huge difference with just about any look and can take you from drab to fab in seconds, even when you can't bother with a full face of makeup.

Despite a quite alarming and ever-growing collection that has taken over a whole drawer of my IKEA Alex and threatens to spill out any minute now, I seem to gravitate toward the same suspects lately and today I'm sharing my five current favourites for the warm weather.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat (£28) is a stunner to say the least. This radiant peachy pink is technically the kind of shade that works well in every season - it's beautiful in winter for a been-out-in-the-wind kind of flush - but I especially adore it for this time of the year, 'cause it looks gorgeous paired with bronzy skin. Thanks to those accents of Diffused Light Ambient Lighting powder, the formula is really perfecting and gives the most amazing smooth and flawless finish to the cheeks. Absolutely smashing!
If the lovely flower shape is not a good enough reason to pick the Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Berry (£17) up, then I'm sure the gorgeous bright fuchsia will win you over. The satin finish makes my choppers look fresh and glowy, and the extra finely milled powder is super easy to blend, which is essential since the colour is so intense. It's quite the scene stealer and I love to wear this as the focus of my makeup with sheer lips and a tiny flick of eyeliner.

For a creamy offering, the Stila Covertible Color Lip & Cheek in Lilium (£16) is a firm favourite. This nude pink is super pigmented but somehow still really easy to sheer out and buildable at the same time. The formula is a bit tacky and stays dewy on the cheeks which might not be for everyone, especially those whose skin tends to get oily throughout the day, but I love it when my skin feels a bit dry and I long for the extra glow. I own a few of these and Lilium is my most used as it's such a versatile shade, but I also really love Gladiola for a perky orange flush and Rose for a sheer berry rosiness, both on lips and cheeks.
For a cream to powder option, I love the Clarins Multi-blush Cream Blush in 02 Candy (£16.25), a bon bon pink with a soft velvet texture and a demi-matte finish. Because the payoff is quite sheer, it's almost impossible to go overboard with this blush, but on the other hand is the perfect product to complement a minimal, no-makeup makeup look or even a bold lip - when a little hint of colour is all you need not to look too washed-out -. Recommended especially to fair ladies.

My fifth and final pick is a high-street gem. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso (£4.49) is the little black dress of blushes, a golden apricot pink that looks good with absolutely everything. Unlike some other baked blushes that are often loaded with chunky glitters, Luminoso gives a beautiful sheen to the cheeks, like a highlighter and blusher in one, and blends like a dream. It's pure perfection, I'm totally obsessed with it!

Have you tried any of these? What's your must-have blush for the warmer months?

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