The New Additions: Liz Earle, Chantecaille & Balance Me

Yep, my already busting beauty hoard just got heavier. The latest beauty bumf to be homed in my 'to review' drawer feature some heavenly makeup additions from Liz Earle, my first jaunt into the world of Chantecaille, and a love affair with Balance Me Skincare. Look out for reviews of this lot in the upcoming weeks. Let's get started...

Liz Earle are a brand I've only trifled with, having only used their hot cloth cleanser it was great to dabble into their vast range of makeup goodness. I was lucky enough at a recent event to have my makeup done for me by makeup artist Nathalie Eleni. I absolutely adored the neutral yet sultry look she created using the pieces above* - you can see the look here. Look out for a recreation of this look, I'll try my best to live up to you, Nathalie.

I've often lingered over the 'order' button for the Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser - found here - but could never justify the hefty price tag. Chantecaille is a luxury brand and the price does reflect that, however, as a one off treat why not.  

These Balance Me bit's are currently on trial and awaiting verdict. So far, so good. Especially the radiance oil, which has given my skin a much needed boost and glow.

Share your latest beauty hauls or wishlist products - I'd love to have a nose. 

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More

Bedtime Beauty

Is there anything more pleasing than getting home, jumping in a hot bath and slipping on a face mask? I like to unwind the minute I step through my front door, bra off, comfy clothes on. I do paint a pretty picture, don't I?

Now, I'll be honest I sometimes simply cannot be bothered to carry out the whole evening skincare routine that I know I should but I've been trying my best to at least cleanse my skin properly before bed using the REN Clear Calm Clay Cleanser (review here) on days when I skin is a bit more troublesome, or either my trusty EH Cleansing balm or Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth face balm* to mix things up. For a more thorough cleanse I massage in Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Hydrate Oil (review here) prior to cleansing to break up any makeup on my face. 

Next up, toning. I use two toners for two different reasons, which you can read about in more depth here. My favourite of the two being the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator, I apply this with a cotton pad and leave my skin to tingle for a few minutes before carrying on to serums.

I have a fair stash of serums that I chop and change from but the Estee Lauder ANR is a firm fixture in my skincare line up. A couple drops of this stuff, massaged in does the trick. I have dry skin so sometimes a bit more moisture is in need and for that I've been loving the Jurlique Moisturising Cream Mask* which you can use as a face mask when applied heavily (before your serum) which soaks up into your skin with excess being easily swiped away with a cotton pad OR after serum lightly to work it's magic overnight. I also recommend Origins Drink Up Intensive mask for after serums.

Any pesky spots are zapped with the Origins Super Spot Remover and Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip balm applied to soften my lips overnight. For nights I need extra help getting to sleep I dab the This Works Sleep balm on my pulse points and take a few sniffs. This stuff smells AH-mazing. Seriously, can't get enough.

Pampering done, I'm ready to catch some Zzzz's.

Bloglovin'//Twitter//HelloCotton//Facebook

Read More