June Favourites ft Clarins, Clinique, MAC, Urban Decay, Bourjois, Hourglass, Lancome, Parfois, The BodyShop, Nuxe & The Domestic Geek!

I toyed with the idea of allowing June to escape us sans CherrySue Faves but when I began my customary list of beauty standouts I knew that couldn't be tolerated. My skin this month has been the best it has been in years and that's in no small way thanks to the skincare combo I've been rocking. 4 of which claimed top spots this month. 

As ever if you have any questions, concerns or points to note about anything mentioned pop you link or a comment below. Now what's been tickling my beauty loving pickle? 

1. Clarins Mission Perfection Serum: €60 HERE

Clarins Mission Perfection

There will 100% be a full break down and in depth review of Clarins new super serum, Mission Perfection massaging your eyeballs in the week to come. What you need to know now is that this innovative serum from skincare deities Clarins will most likely change the way you see your skin in just days. 

Of course I'm slightly partial because Mission Perfection relies heavily on Acerola Extract (that's cherries, yo!) to counteract pigment disorders but truly I'm in the love. Aimed at all skin tones, we're promised help with age spots, discolouration, dark areas, marks from acne, dullness and redness without altering the skin's natural tone. All I know is this serum has replaced every single one I own and I'm using it both day and night (unheard of) with great success. 

2. Clinique Take the Day Off Balm: €29 HERE

Clinique Take the Day Off

I'll need to preface my new grá for Clinique's cult favourite Take the Day Off Balm with one note. With this balm we're talking purely function over form, substance over style. This starkly unfragranced solid balm transforms with the slightest touch to a fluid silky oil. 

Just the smallest amount is needed to literally disintegrate your day's slap, including waterproof mascara - though I found I got the dreaded foggy eye twice so I'm now using Bioderma for my siúls. If you're a fan of cleansing oils being an intoxicating experience (as with Emma Hardie's Moringa Balm say) then TTDO is probably not for you. To be honest I was hesitant after my first application too as cleansing oils and balms are a beloved part of my ablutions but that was until I saw my skin about 3 days in. I'm hooked. 

Granted it could be the combination of skincare I've been favouring of late but scented or unscented, this balm is one of the heaviest hitters in that line up. I have no doubt. 

3. The BodyShop Virgin Mojito Body Range: 

From £4 HERE

The Body Shop Virgin Mojito

The BodyShop body butters have always been and may always be my favourite part of any limited edition collection and the Virgin Mojito range is no different. We're talking the intense hydration and skin comforting that you're used to with this one but the addition of Carribean Lime & Mint to the Fair Trade Shea Butter elevate the Virgin Mojito version to another level entirely.

I have a full review of the line up HERE but please know that if you have a body and a penchant for mojitos, you need this. STAT. 

4. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer: €21.50 HERE

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

First up, I know twenty quid is hella expensive for a concealer when you have the likes of Collection knocking it out of the park for just over a fiver but seriously now, MAC Pro Longwear is everything is says on the little glass vial and then some!

I first tried this in NW20 thanks to the girls in MAC Brown Thomas Galway giving my slap a jujj up before Xposé. Truthfully, I've never been so instantly impressed with a concealer, then consistently impressed when it lasted for the entire evening, pool party and all!

The lightweight formula is ideal for under eye dark circles and covering pigmentation. I'm unsure if it's all encompassing enough to cover major breakouts (YET) but as an every day, brighten your entire kisser in just a few drops kinda concealer? I'm HOOKED.  

5. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze Light: £42 HERE

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer Luminous Bronze Light

I've seen the blogosphere being divided over the latest Hourglass launch, their highlighting bronzers and, for the shortest while, that put me off succumbing. You see 60 Eurobux is a bug chunk of change to drop on another bronzer to add to a pile of bronzers if it's just going to languish in a drawer. 

I'm thrilled I trusted my gut and took the plunge though. Luminous Bronze Light is the lighter of the two shades available (though they both seem fairly similar) and having seen Christine Temptalia & Orla Makeup Over Mind give theirs the thumbs up I knew it was the one for me. 

You're going to need a duo fibre brush and the lightest of touches to get this marbled beauty to work for you but BY JOVE when it works it really works. I've been ditching my contour and highlighter in favour of this bad boy and I can't see that changing for the forseeable summer months. Well worth the splurge. Well, well worth it. 

6. Urban Decay All Nighter: From €12.69 HERE 

Urban Decay All Nighter

Looking to save face in this humidity? Quite literally? I've been relying heavily on All Nighter this past couple of weeks. Can't recommend it enough for keeping my face in place!

I had the travel size bottle that you can nab for €12.69 above but as soon as I realised just how good this fine mist was at keeping everything in place for the day and then some I had to invest in the Mama bottle. Holding the bottle at arms length away, I spritz liberally, two pumps is usually enough (ahem) but I've literally never found another setting spray to work as well as this. 

7. Bourjois Only Bluuuuue: €10.49 HERE

Bourjois Only Bluuuuue

Only Bluuuue.. Can make my nails this bright... O Hoooonely Bluuuue can make my nuuuubs look right... Only Bluuuue & Bluuuue alone... No. Filter. Needed!!

Only Bluuuuue is just one of the juicy new Bourjois La Laque shades for summer 2015, see the others swatched HERE. There's just something about a strong blue in the blazing sun that pleases me no end and this one coat wonder is certainly no exception. There are many things Bourjois do right but hand on heart, I truly believe their nail polish formulations and shade choices are top of the class for the beloved French brand. 

8. Parfois Oil Slick Watch: €39.99 HERE

Parfois Oil Slick Watch

You might remember this multi coloured time piece from THESE Monday's Moments but I've legit worn it every day since. I've never once seen an oil slick coloured watch and Parfois don't even market this one as such but it has to be seen to truly be believed. 

Not only is it difficult to find on site but the picture in no way does it justice. I'd wager I'm asked twice a day where I've gotten it, more when I'm out at the weekend and every single time it appears in pictures. It's the most unique watch I've ever seen and I'm so in love with it that I've already bought a back up. I KNOW!

9. Nuxe Merveillance Expert Night Cream: 

€40.50 HERE

Nuxe Merveillance Expert Night Cream

I'm an avid lover of French skincare giants NUXE and have, hand on heart, never been let down by them in the past. Merveillance Expert Night here fell into the unfortunate position of being one of a bajillion night creams I had been sent to try out at the time of its launch earlier this year. 

It was only when I found myself reaching for it more and more that I decided to forgo all others for a while to see what this white pot was really made of. It's a rich and unctuous cream, aimed at women 40+ or yaknow, me since I have a couple of lines creeping in. I think the comforting and calming fragrance of ylang, jasmine and soft vanilla are what led me to it but the results have held my firm attention for months now. 

It's possible that I don't mind forgoing the scented experience with Take the Day Off above because I know just how good Merveillance feels to apply and to sleep in. It definitely compensates but it also gives my skin a plumpness that I haven't seen before. Forty Schmorty, my skin is loving this stuff NOW!

10. Lancome Flash Bronzer Self Tan: €20.65 HERE

Lancome Flash Bronzer Self Tan

Another fave in my luminous skin arsenal of late is Lancome's Flash Bronzer. Again this arrived amidst a sea of self tans that I was working my way through steadily but as soon as I woke up on the second morning having used this I knew I'd have to treat my visage for a little longer. 

I always apply my facial tanner at night and usually every other night when I'm using one. This brightly scented Flash Bronzer has a thicker consistency than I'm used to, with golden microshimmer but it applies beautifully in about two pumps and dries in instantly. It was the first morning that I awoke and rubbed my face I was amazed with how soft it felt. Of course as a beauty blogger you run through the mental notes of what you're using to find the culprit. I went through the list, washed my visage and thought no more of it. 

The bronze glow is more olive based than orange so looks perfectly natural. More sunkissed than sun drenched and that's AOK by me. It was on waking after the second application that the penny dropped. I have never, like ever had a self tanner react so well with my skin before. My skin is notably softer after use and makeup simply glides on. I'm just using the smallest pea size of Bioderma's AR BB and my skin has never looked better. Lancome's Flash Bronzer has officially replaced my HG Xen Tan and knocked my second favourite Clarin's Radiance Plus off my radar too. That's some going!

11. La Roche-Posay Serozinc: €11 HERE

L Roche Posay Serozinc

I'm going to hold my hands up on this one. I got it wrong. Amid the blogger hubbub of La Roche-Posay finally bringing much hailed skincare fave Serozinc to Ireland I felt whelmed. The brand sent me a tin to try out and I wanted to love it, I really did but it just didn't do anything for me. 

A zinc rich fine mist, I likened it to their Thermal Spring Water (of which I'm a HOOGE fan) in that it felt quite lovely to use but didn't really DO anything for me. That was until I had a hormonal breakout. You know one of those pain in the bone of your jaw before mount Vesuvius even erupts sweinhunds? Serozinc was the only thing I used as I couldn't even bear to touch my own skin. Within two days? Gone. 

I've now taken to spraying the lads shoulders and faces liberally, their oil prone teenage skin is lapping it up and both have commented at how much quicker breakouts are clearing up. I've already bought a second tin and use it as my toner both morning and night in conjunction with the other skincare faves above. Not only is it refreshing on muggy mornings and humid nights but I haven't had a breakout since. I was wrong. There. I said it.  

12. The Domestic Geek Youtube Channel

Salad Jars Aplenty! I bought my jars for €3.99 each in TK Maxx but they're 3 for €4.99 this week in Aldi!

If you follow me on Snapchat (ItsCherrySue) you'll know that my love for The Domestic Geek has been in overdrive this past couple of weeks. Above is my fridge, stocked full of salad jars and overnight oats inspired by the no muss, no fuss genius that is Sarah Lynn. 

I've been trying to up my fruit, veg and wholly nutrious food intake and these time saving recipes are bang on the money for doing just that. Her fruity salad jar that consists of balsamic dressing, strawberries, blueberries, red onion, goats cheese & leafy greens is one of the most delicious food combinations I've ever tried, and I've tried some doozies. There's no fancy ingredients either, just good wholesome food in fantastic combinations. 

The only issue I have is trying to concentrate on paperwork all morning when I know I have a jar calling me with the sweetest siren song from the shared fridge - that and the multiple forks of colleagues trying to nab a taste at lunch. Do yourself, your tastebuds and your all 'round well being a favour &  check Sarah out - tell her I sent you! 

#Bbloggers High End Giveaway ~ Worth Over €300!

I'm always the first to try turn a negative into a positive (I AM!) so when I spent yesterday lamenting my rustled jimmies about how many off the cuff 'gimme stuff' emails and PMs I get, I got to thinking. I've been blogging/freelance writing beauty for four years now and every single day I'm asked for 'spare' products. There'll be an email, a pm, a DM, even pointed posts to my Facebook page with peeps on the cadge (though yep, some are genuine). When it comes to new bloggers, I try to help with information as often as I possibly can but providing all with products is neither my place nor my inclination.

I'm a firm believer that if you have a passion for beauty and products that posts about your own prized possessions are the ideal springboard to launch a new blog. Those are the posts that people will be drawn to, regardless of the product on show. Ultimately it's your passion and your voice that will drive engagement and build your audience.

In saying that, it's always nice to have a high end product sprinkled in the mix and to that end I'd like to help with this Giveaway. Above I have €300 worth of not spare but duplicate products that you'll most likely find reviews for on site. For the most part, I donate these duplicates to local charities for raffles or gift them to friends, family and colleagues for special occasions or when I know they'll love 'em.

If you're a #bblogger/beauty addict, looking to review some high end beauty then winning this beauty booty couldn't be easier: just make sure you're a follower on whichever social media platform suits you best (links below) and comment below with how you follow (you'll get an entry for each) and a link to your blog if you'd like some Cherry Link Love!

Do ping me a tweet to chat beauty or blogging at any stage though, I can and have spoken for Ireland on the subject <3

@ItsCherrySue

CherrySue Doin' the Do

@ItsCherrySue

CherrySue, Doin' the Do

Competition is open to UK & ROI and we'll announce a Winner in two weeks time, Friday 14th May. 

Good Luck!!

Things I'm Trialling ft Maybelline, Estée Lauder, L'Oreal, Origins, The Body Shop, Rimmel, Chanel & Chantecailles

Can you believe that was a week already? Well it was and it's time to swap out the Things I'm Trialling. 

Without further ado, here's some speedy reviews and first impressions on the things I was trialling last week. Ready? 

1. Maybelline Baby Lips Electro: €3.99 Here. 

Maybelline Baby Lips are something of a cult phenomenon, State side, regularly topping US shopping wish lists before making the leap across the pond last year. Cracking value at just €3.99, they're not going to heal damaged lips, nor will they take the eye out of your head with colour pay off, despite their neon packaging. 

As a hydrating, semi sheer moisture boost though? You really can't go wrong. Minty sheer is by far my fave, reminding me of the spearmint flavour of the rollerball glosses of my youth. 

2. Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme CC Cream: €55 Here 

One reason EL will consistently top my favourite brand list is consistency. At first glance €55 seems just a touch spendy for a CC Cream but even during application you can feel the difference between this and cheaper counterparts. This Supreme CC Cream leaves the tube as a greyish cream but transforms on the skin with the aid of micropigments. 

Lovers of full coverage bases won't find this is enough and I must admit the SPF 10 is almost too negligible to mention but BUT: My skin has never liked a base as much as it has this CC cream. Luminous and soft, it feels as though my skin has light reflecting properties with none of the sparkle. Yes, it's €55 but I'll gladly spend that again once I'm through with this one. Gladly. 

3. L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Lip Colour: 

€14.99 Here

This mini review was almost very different after my first use of the L'Oreal Infallible 24 hr lip. Billed as the first product with Hyaluronic gel and boasting 24 hr wear, I cursed the French brand when this rolled off my lips, like gathering silicone on first application. Then I slowed down a little. 

Applying the highly microglittered soft pink gloss to my lips, I waited a moment - then I applied the balm. Result? Soft, stained lips with every spec of microglitter in place. You'll definitely feel the glitter at first but not uncomfortably so. I've managed to get a full 7 hours from this colour without touching it and even then it was force of habit more than necessity. As long wear lippies go, this is a beaut. 

4. Chanel Correcteur Perfection Concealer: 

€32 Here

Not normally one to splash out on concealer, I normally stay within the Maybelline Age Rewind or Collection 200o confines, then splash the cash on foundation. Chanel's Correcteur Perfection concealer may have just changed my mind entirely. 

The soft, gel like texture applies like a dream, even under eye. I've had zero caking or drying issues and have even doubled its use as a highlighter, so brightening are its effects. Correcteur Perfection is slightly fragranced and that might be off putting initially for some. Please don't allow it to be. My beauty arsenal is all the better for this luxury secret weapon. 

5. Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hr Foundation 

- Yet to Launch

I have a full post ready to go on Rimmel's new formulation Lasting Finish Foundation. If high coverage and lasting wear is your aim then you need to check this one out. 

While the summer months aren't the ideal time to put a foundation like this through its paces, the newly added comfort serum and vitamin E made that a doddle. I can see this gel like base being a firm favourite throughout the winter months. Watch out for the swatch fest!

6. The Body Shop All in One BB Cream: €19.95 Here

Another base that uses micro pigments to achieve its desired colour on the skin, the Body Shop All in One BB Cream is a light, hydrating cream that gives a semi sheer finish. 

Again not one for those that need a little more coverage but those that just want to freshen their complexion will enjoy it. I found this BB a little light for my skin tone at 00 but have re purposed it into an undetectable primer for under my own foundation. My skin is hydrated, and even with every use. If it's a BB you're looking for, I'd check this one out. 

7. Origins Ginzing Refreshing Face Mask: €30 Here

One of the standout refreshing masks to be released this year, Origins Ginzing is an icy cool gel that wakes your skin up in minutes. Formulated with coffee beans for an instant life, cucumber to calm and refresh and Hoelen mushroom to soothe troubled skin, the boys have been all over this one. 

Apply this gel to cleansed skin and tissue off just ten minutes later for brightened skin, ready to face the day. Adam will end me for telling you this but he's used this several times after his shower in the morning, while he eats his cereal. The first time wasn't by choice but since then I've kept it in the fridge he's used it, voluntarily, and commented on how it has brought down the redness when his skin is particularly angry. Anything that a 17 year old lad uses of his own accord has to be a win, right?  

8. Chantecailles Anti Stress Flower Harmonizing Cream: £88 Here

Unfortunately my skins expensive tastes have let me down where Chantecailles Harmonizing Cream is concerned. With essential oils, flower extracts, seaweeds and vitamins, I really wanted to love it but my visage unfortunately didn't. 

Though vegan friendly and marketed as an all 'round skin cocoon for even the most sensitive skin, my relatively normal skin broke out after just one evening's use. The diligent beauty blogger that I am, I waited the week and tried again with less than half the original amount used. Again, I was left with tiny raised lumps just under my skin's surface. Me no likey. 

(I will say though that Mama Cherry has been since gifted this Harmonizing Cream and can't get enough of it. Perhaps it's because I told her the price, perhaps that's just sour grapes on my part *shakes fist*)

Tell me, have you tried any of these beauty bits? Concur with my findings? 

Be sure to check out next week's Things I'm Trialling insta pic here, those reviews & first impressions will be up next week. And as ever, if you'd like more info on these or any products you see featured, just pop a question below or come hollah at me on the Twitters, yesh? 

Things I'm Trialling - 25/08/14

Hey, welcome along to the second in the Things I'm Trialling series. Last weeks post here was one of the most read posts of 2014 so far so ha-YOOGE thanks for that. Let's see how this weeks batch got on, shall we? 

1. La Roche-Posay's Physiological Cleansing Gel: €15.25 Here

You only need to do the most cursory of seaches on this blog to see I have a serious grá for French skin saviours La Roche-Posay. Surprisingly enough I had yet to try this Physiological Cleansing Gel but when it came through a press drop as an ideal cleansing tool partner, I knew I had to give it a go. 

With zero soap, alcohol, colourants or parabens, this clear cleansing gel is ideal for those with sensitive skin. Applying it directly to the Clinique brush head it only foamed slightly as I cleansed but did a great job of removing all makeup (apart from my eyes, natch) grease & grime. I had heard that others found this gel under performed when used alone, as far as I can see the pairing with your facial brush is a a match made in cleansing heaven. 

2. Nails Inc Eaton Exfoliator: €13 Here

I picked up this sugar based exfoliator from the Nails Inc counter in BTs. While I've been loving it as a hand exfoliator, it's with arms and feet that this beautifully scented scrub really comes into its own. The sugar granules exfoliate gently, while Geranium essential oil softens and hydrates the skin, leaving a soft sheen behind. In terms of scent and softening results, this genuinely feels like a mini spa treatment in your own home. Love. 

3. Escada Cherry In The Air: €55 Here

It goes without saying that I have an affinity to anything cherry, right? RIGHT? I have waited a long time to get my mitts on this Escada scent but have never justified the splurge when I have so many other perfumes to be getting on with. Cue press drop. Cue delirium. 

With the unmistakable scent of cherry blossom brightened by red fruits and rounded by gourmand notes, this really is a beaut of a fresh summer scent. Here's the snag though, I have been utterly and completely spoiled for all cherry scents by L'Occitane's Red Cherry Intense. While I love this from Escada, it falls on the synthetic spectrum for me and doesn't hold a candle to its L'Occitane counterpart. I'd urge you to smell both and prove me wrong, yesh? 

4. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Body Butter: €18.95 Here 

I've loved The Body Shop body butters for as long as The Body Shop have made body butters but this Wild Argan Oil is a different animal entirely. Easily the most luxurious edit yet and that's saying something. I genuinely can't get enough of it. 

We're talking Hawaiian Tropics levels of incredible scent (seriously) that lasts the whole day long. Subtle but enough for people to ask just what you're wearing. Between the Nails Inc scrub and this show stopping body butter my limbs haven't been in this good a shape in many, many moons. I'll be picking up the entire Wild Argan Oil range, including a back up or two of this. Just one whiff and you'll do the same. I guarantee it. 

5. Lancome Colour Design Infinité 503 

Electrifying Sparkle

Part of the limited edition Colour Design Infinté range, Electrifying Sparkle is both of those things, electrifying and sparkly. An olive metallic/steely taupe shade that, had it legs, would jump up and bite you.

The breathtaking sparkle wears evenly throughout the evening leaving the most beautiful, crease free taupe lid colour imaginable. It's stunning, absolutely and completely stunning. The end.  

6. Lancome Renergie Lift Volumetry Nuit: 

€85.50 Here

The blurb says 'Formulated with a unique GF-Volumetry TM complex to support cellular communication after just one night' meaning my visage cells should have been telling each other to sort themselves out all week long. The soft, comforting cream has been a real treat post cleanse at bed time but I'm unsure yet as to any skin changes. 

My face does feel a lot softer and perhaps more supple but truth be told Imma need at least another month or so to give this baby a proper test. I and my chastised cells will keep ye posted. 

7. Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Lip Pencils: €6.79 

I posted these beauts last week, the instant they landed on my desk - full review here- suffice to say it was immediate and unequivocal love. Since posting I've gifted the coral shade to a good pal in work (Hi Therese!) and she can't stop gushing either.

When it comes to lippie application these soft, mid sheen pencils are child's play to apply and wear evenly throughout the day. As soon as I see the other 7 shades in the siopa, they're mine!

8. Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Shadow in 04: Launches Sept. 

One of the ten stunning Pure Color Envy Sculpting shadow palettes to land this September, number 04 (Rebel Metal) is a neutral shadow lovers dream. Encased in the new look navy & gold packaging, that weighty luxe feel is still there with aerated brush storage, a rounded finish and a decent size mirror included. 

Each palette has a mix of shadow finishes that can be worn wet or dry. I've been using this one daily with a dampened brush to use the darkest colour as liner. I can't tell you how many compliments I've had. These palettes will set you back €52 and having played with it for the week, that's a luxury barg! I'll have a run down on the entire Lauder launch coming up so stay tuned & start saving your sheckles - NOW!

Make sure to check out this week's Insta pic on Things I'm Trialling This Week & be sure to let me know what you think of the series so far! 

July Faves ft Max Factor, Lancome, LORAC, Kiehl's, Dream Dots, L'Occitane, Vichy & Guardians of the Galaxy!

It feels like an age since I've done a beauty post on here, does it feel like an age to you? 

Quite possibly because I'm beautying up a storm over on the Dublin City Guide or bringing you sneak peeks of all things beauty over on Instagram but this little old corner of my world seems to be lacking in #bblogger posts - let's amend that, shall we? 

We'll kick it off with July Faves!

1. Max Factor Colour Elixir Glosses: €10.49 - Here

I intagrammed these beauties almost two months ago here and there has rarely been a day since that they've been further than an arms length away from me. 

Not only are they seriously high shine but they're non sticky and taste delicious too (v important). The range of colours means there's something to suit every skin tone and taste and for colour wusses, like me, the brights are a sheer yet vibrant delight. 

HIGHLY recommend. 

2. Lancome's Grandiose Mascara: €30 Here

I've shown you Lancome's Grandiose in action here and given it a full review here - spoiler alert - I am in the love. I'm still unsure if the swan necked wand is responsible, though I do have an interesting post coming up testing that theory, but whatever it is, it works. 

Fans of bigger, grander lashes will love this blacker than black formulation. It lifts, separates and gives more of a false lash effect than I've previously managed to garner from a tube. Even better? It holds the lash curl all day long without flaking or smudging. In. The. Love. 

3. Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix - $10 Here or online Here

You might have caught Aaron's 5 Cherry review of Guardians of the Galaxy here. If you haven't managed to see it yet, please do. We're planning on going again this week just to catch the lines the entire audience laughed over. 

Without doubt though, The Awesome Mix Volume 1 is the soundtrack of the year so far for me - it's also quite possibly entered my all time top ten. Shoulder dancing, hairbrush singing, CARaoke crooning and all round Awesome - you need these songs in your life!

4. LORAC Unzipped - $40 Here

While I try very hard not to describe eyeshadows as buttery, the ten mattes and shimmers in LORAC Unzipped are the Kerrygold of the eyeshadow world. Have you ever used a palette a couple of times and already known you'll be buying another? That's Unzipped for me. 

On our recent trip to London it was the only palette I brought. The minimal, lightweight packaging was one factor, sure, but the endless, effortless looks you can create with these colours are the real WOW factor. I can't count the amount of questions I've had asking about the shadow I'm wearing. It's LORAC, baby!

5. Lancome Golden Riviera Kabuki Brush: €35 Here

This two toned, densely packed, synthetic fibred, bevel cut Kabuki is easily the softest brush I've ever used. It's from the limited edition Golden Riviera collection though, so if you quite fancy the look of this one you'll have to be quick. 

I've been loving the airbrush effect I can achieve with the Hourglass Ambient Lighting palette using this brush all over my visage. The bevel cut means it works perfectly with the contours of the face for bronzer too. 

I actually look forward to using this each morning or to touch up in the evening. It's a little bit of luxury every day. We like daily luxury.   

6. Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum: €21.99 Here

Newly packaged and reformulated, Vichy's Aqualia line has once more been brought to the fore of my stash as a skincare staple. An increased concentration of hyaluronic acid and a blend of three sugars to capture water in the skin makes this iteration a sensitive or oily OR NORMAL skinned lass's best pal. 

Lightweight and with lightening fast absorption I've been using the Aqualia Thermal Serum after exfoliation this past month and it honestly feels like a cool drink for my visage with lasting moisture. There's something very comforting about the slightly floral scent of the serum, even more so that it doesn't irritate the skin as some scented products can. It's a hydrating winner.

7. L'Occitane Aromachologie Revitalizing Body Scrub: Coming August

I don't normally include products that have yet to launch in my monthly favourites but the truth of the matter is, this scrub will be gone before it's launch date even dawns. 

Me waxing lyrical about L'Occitane scents will come as a surprise to no one but the contents of this jar genuinely stopped me in my tracks. The zingy smash of sugar, orange, grapefruit, mint, lemon and rosemary is nothing like you've inhaled before. 

Ideal for morning showers, this has me bright eyed and bushy tailed regardless of the hour and the silky soft sheen left behind means I can forgo body oil altogether. Hurry up and launch, Aromachologie, I need a refill!

8. Dream Dots: €14.99 Here

You might have seen Dream Dots pop up all over your social media feed of late as they've been enjoying an Irish PR boost. We were sent a pack a couple of weeks back but having been very lucky with the products I'm using of late, I hadn't needed to use them. 

Our plan was (and is) for Adam to give them a trial and give me the low down. Problem being, when I went to pull one out last week, it was the last one! The little git has used every single dot, bar one, without a word. His words now? 'They take the sting out and stop me picking' that's something, right? 

I managed to use the final dot myself, a mini Compeed lookalike, and whether it's fluke or not, I'm hugely impressed. I popped it on a hormonal Vesuvius on Sunday morning at 10am (I'm a rebel) and didn't think of it again until that night. I have to agree with Adam, the pain in my jaw was relieved, the spot itself reduced and the healing time cut significantly. We'll be picking up more for an in depth review but they're getting four thumbs up from us!

9. Kiehl's Creme De Corps: €19  or €53 Here

Speaking of luck with trialling skincare products, my poor old arms haven't fared so well. I'm going to do a full whinge post to explain exactly why Cane & Austin's Retexture Glycolic Treatment Lotion hates me so very much but suffice to say here that my KP hasn't flared as badly in probably 5-6 years. Suddenly I was back to long sleeves in summer time and feeling very self conscious in company. Blahhdy nightmare. 

That's why props go out this month to my all time holy grail Kiehl's Creme De Corps for literally saving my skin once more. Within days my arms had calmed down, skin had begun to heal and tiny bumps disappeared as balance was restored. LUV U, Kiehl's. LUV U LONG TIME. 

Tell me, what's been tickling your pickle in July? Hmmm?