Monthly Favourites: January 2012

And January is out, so that means that it is time for me to show you the products I have been loving most.  The majority are lip products as I have been experimenting with bold and bright lips alike but I also have some other products so let me get started!

My most favourite product, even though I didn't use it a lot so as not to waste it, is without any doubt my Givenchy Rouge Interdit in Illicit Raspberry. I love everything about this lipstick: the packaging (oh so luxurious), the shade, how long it stays, etc...

Next, up are two new purchases from e.l.f. cosmetics, namely Sociable lipstick from their essential range and the Studio Glitter Gloss in Ruby Raspberry.  I have been enjoying wearing both together because the shades complement each other so well and although I am not a fan of the lipstick packaging, I really love the shade as well as the smell of the lipgloss!

The last lip products, I have, I think you have seen them a million times over over but I just can't seem to put them down! They are Max Factor lipstick in Midnight Plum, M&S lipgloss in Dark Pink, Maybelline Water Shine Lipstick in Beige Glace, e.l.f. Studio Matte Lip Color in Natural and Nivea Hydro Care Lip Balm.  I have also rediscovered this Caboodles twist-up lipgloss of which I really like the chocolatey-honey smell!

As far as make-up products and tools go, I have another four new purchases from e.l.f. that I have been liking this month, namely, Studio Translucent Matifying Powder, Contour Brush, Mechanical Eyelash Curler and Cream Eyeliner in Black.

I have also been liking these Joico Shampoo & Conditioner which have greatly improved the moisture levels in my hair without weighing it down.  With regards body products, I have been using this Body Shop Cocoa Butter scrub and this White Peach & Almond Hand Cream from M&S religiously to combat dry skin hand and hands respectively.   I have also been treating my skin to a deep cleanse once a week with this Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser.

So that's it for my monthly favourites ladies! What products were you enjoying during the first month of the year? 

Mid-Week Beauty Master class: Setting Powder

Time for another Beauty Master class ladies! After applying your foundation and concealer, it is now time to apply a setting powder.  The aim of setting powder is to provide you with a shine-free finish and help make-up last longer.  However, people with dry skin tend to not apply powder to keep their skin looking dewy and prevent the powder from accentuating dry areas.  Basically, a setting powder comes in two forms: loose or pressed/compact.  I recommend you use a loose powder before leaving the house (they are more messy and the jars are usually bulky) and keeping a pressed powder in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups.  There are also powders with shade variations that give your face a hint of colour and also translucent ones that leave no colour behind at all.

Pressed Powder typically comes in a plastic compact case usually with a mirror (but not always) and an applicator (sponge or fluffy).  Since these powders are pressed together with oils, they are not really light-weight so be careful to use just a small amount and gently dab it where you want to eliminate shine to avoid it looking cakey. A fluffy brush is your best bet with these as it gives just the right amount of matte; sponges can build up the product to a cakey finish as they tend to pick up a lot of product!  To keep your powder in tip-top condition, make sure you wash the applicator very often to prevent oils, dirt and cellulr debris from your skin from ending up in the compact.

Loose Powder is much more messy to work with so when you first get it, just pin two or three holes in the sifter to prevent getting the powder all over the place.  The lightweight formulas of loose powders makes them the ideal product to use for setting your make up as they won't pack on as much as a pressed powder will.  A powder brush/puff will do the trick when applying such powders!

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