April Favourites ft Kiehl's, Roger & Gallet, Rimmel London, Neal's Yard Remedies & Clarins

Can you believe it's May? Nope, me either. Because my March Faves post seemed to float a few boats I thought I'd follow up with the altogether unsurprising, April Faves - you didn't see that one coming, did'ya? 

There's been a couple of stand out products this past month, more than five if I'm honest but I'm just including the ones that have literally wowed me - that is, I've used it and literally been wowed (with accompanying impressed sound effects). 

I know I've only included the fragrant water in the top picture but I implore you to get to your nearest pharmacy and smell ANYTHING from the new Fleur de Figuier range. (starting at €6.95) It was love at first whiff for me with this seriously zesty scent with a musky feel and I've used one or not all of the range on a daily basis since.

Think orange, figs, grapefruit and musk. Think sunshine holiday in a bottle. Think the most unique and addictive scent you're likely to sniff this side of 2013. I've already converted 3 colleagues. I don't gush often but seriously GUSH. 

Clarins Summer 2013 Spendours Eye Shadow & Liner palette: €39

The entire Clarins Summer range is a sight to behold but before I even opened this eye shadow and liner palette there was a gasp. The heavy weight palette is an absolute stunner as far as packaging goes but the buttery soft, extremely wearable shades contained have set me up for the Summer. Even it did take me 3 weeks to work up the gumption to use it. 

Kiehl's Actively Correcting BB Cream: €29

I know the market is awash with BB creams of late, some even having moved onto the CC cream but when my HG skincare brand sent word of their BB offering I knew it'd be a pace apart. 

With SPF 50(!), vitamin C and the ability to actively correct your skin as you wear it, this velvety soft foundation fooler is a beaut. Available in 3 colours but all leaning toward the lighter side of the colour spectrum, presumably because of the high SPF, Kiehl's BB is just what us pasty Irish gals have been waiting for when it comes to BBs. 

Rimmel Salon Pro with Lycra Range: €6.45

I haven't been as enamoured with a polish range as I have with Rimmel Salon Pro with Lycra  for a very long time. Check out my full goo at the range here and behold that ridiculous shine. 

There's 22 new shades, 9 of which are formulated with Kate Moss' help and I haven't seen one yet that I haven't wanted. If you follow me on instagram you'll see that a good lot of my manicures are done favouring these beauties. The formulation is spot on and the shine incredible. All for €6.45? What's not to love? 

Neals Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm - source

It's not often that I'll include a product that I've only had for a week in a favourites list but, Sweet Baby J, this stuff is show stopping. Made with wild rosehip oil, geranium, starflower, hemp and rosemary seed oil I've never smelt or used anything like this before.

At the press event last week I was suffering with a cold. When we got to play with the product I gravitated to this immediately and used a little on my poor red schnozz. Instantly my skin felt more comforted and the smell is just phenomenal. 

I've used the product 4 times since as an exfoliator, a face mask and a balm for sore skin. This, just like the Roger & Gallet MUST be smelled to be believed. Neals are launching in Ireland this month and you can find more info on pricing etc over here. 

And that's them - it was torture to limit my picks to five but as I say these are the ones that have literally wowed me this month. 

Tell me - what were/are you loving from April? 

**Giveaway** Kiehl's Actively Correcting BB Cream Reader Giveaway

Didn't I say I had something a little bit special to share with you all? 

I mentioned this newest iteration of BB cream from my HG skincare brand Kiehl's in this Five Minute Face post for Mum's on the run and it also breezed into my 

April Favourites this morning. 

With word on the street saying that stocks are already running low, 

I thought what better prize for an international reader giveaway. 

As always with CherrySue comps entry is ridiculously simple and more often than not 

you're already entitled to a bajillion entries since you're reading this post. 

If you'd like to throw your name in the virtual fez then just click the relevant buttons in the doohickey below and I'll press 'Select Lucky Winner' on the 31st. 

Good luck, everyone! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Five Minute Face: Simple Make Up for Mums on the Run

I know, I know when you've hair full of Weetabix and a shoulder full of formula spit up make up is usually the last thing on your mind. I'm going to to as far as saying that if, in the early days you even manage to get moisturiser onto your overtired visage then, girlfriend you're winning at life. 

There are times though, whether they be the school run melee or just greeting the post man that you'd like a lil' suhim suhim to make you look like you have a pulse. These four handy products tick all the boxes and have helped me out consistently when darting about (even though my youngest is almost 16). 

BB creams have come a long way from their first incarnations last year. They're the perfect hybrid between full on foundation and a sheer tinted moisturiser - if you get a good one that is. This iteration from Kiehl's boasts Vitamin C and a whopping SPF of 50. Promising to actively correct skin tone, you'll get a good 6-8 hours wear without the need to reapply. Excellent. 

Dear Eyes Mascara Full Review

Trusty mascara is invaluable to widen the eyes and give people the illusion that you're not in fact asleep with your eyes open (again). This rose scented Dear Eyes mascara from Dr Hauschka is a beaut for fuss free application. Refusing to clump or smudge, lashes are separated, lifted and held in place for the duration of the day (and night too if need be). 

Fine One One Full Review

It's all about time saving when you have literally five minutes to do your face. This little beauty from Benefit is a threefer for twofer, blush, highlighter and contour for lips AND cheeks. Time saving genius. 

Again products that will do two things at once are a boon for mums on the run. These new Appleicious Glossy Lip Balms from brilliant budget brand NYC give the most beautiful swatch of colour to lips and their trio of Shea Butter, Jojoba and Avocado Oil hydrate and protect lips for up to 4 hours at a time. (The weenchy price tag of €2.49 is not to be sneezed at either). 

Tell me, have you a go to product that can used when time is of the essence? Have you tried any of these beauts? I'd love to know.