Sanctuary Spa 1 Minute Micro Dermabrasion Polish
There was quite the buzz around the Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Maskat one stage, and, having used it and repurchased on more than one occasion, I can claim to be quite the fan. The self-heating formula is something I really enjoy and that I feel my skin benefits from when it comes to allowing pores to open up and deep cleanse - drawing to the surface, all the dirt and impurities that have managed to gather throughout the day. And, the polish works very similarly; but, with the added benefit of a light exfoliation to boot. The consistency itself is most like a paste and contains super fine polishing particles of marine earth and natural kaolin that help to gently buff away dead skin cells . It isn't too harsh, doesn't my leave my skin red or feeling irritated, and does a great job as you would expect with it being part of their 'Radiance' range, of leaving my skin feeling ultra soft and glowy after use.CHANEL LE VERNIS Longwear Nail Colour - 'Garconne'
A new range of shades was added to the Chanel Le Vernis line recently - replacing the majority of the existing shades with 15 brand spanking new ones, and, along with the introduction of the new colours was their new formulation - claiming to provide chip free manis for six days straight. The shade 'Garconne' immediately called out to me - a gorgeous greyish green (not quite khaki), the likes of which I haven't seen before - and so this was the one I picked up. Though I never really had the same issues with the original formula as a lot of people seemed to when it came to chipping and the like - I did feel that this formula seemed thicker and more opaque with just one coat. It has been lasting a good 4/5 days without any real visible signs of wear (and that's with me being lazy and neglecting to apply a base/top coat), and so if you did I should imagine it would go the six days without a problem. The shades Organdi and Monochrome are next on my list!
NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF 30
Following my having being sorely disappointed after investing in the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation last year, I was originally rather skeptical regarding this new release. The former had managed to dry out my combination skin in all the wrong places and only added to my oily t-zone issues. Against my better judgment though, and having seen the Matte Moisture Tint pop up with reviews backing up not only the moisturizing and the matte claims but also the medium finish - three of the things I often go for in a base - I decided I would throw caution to the wind and give it a go to see whether these so often talked about NARS bases really were worth the hype.
In all honestly, I think I must have been unlucky with my first choice, because this is the stuff of dreams. I went for the second to lightest shade (Finland) which is a great match for my fair complexion (for reference I'm normally the shade 'Mont Blanc' when it comes to other NARS offerings) and it glides on so nicely that I feel confident in saying it is my favorite tinted moisturiser I have tried in terms of application. This is due to the fact that its silky texture means it sinks in like something more sheer but still has the coverage of a foundation meaning a flawless end result with any redness having disappeared without the need to layer. I like to use my fingers to apply, not only because it is quicker, but because I prefer the finish this way - it's somehow smoother. And, on a side note, remember that that a little goes a long way. Where durability is concerned, the lasting power is impressive - it doesn't noticeably cake or fade throughout the 12 hour days that I have been subjecting it to, and though I have felt the need to powder on a couple of occasions, so long as I am out and about and not sat under the office's unflattering fluorescent lights, it isn't anything too severe and could without doubt be judged as being more of a glow than a shine that appears. It has been my go-to every day base of late and I can't see that changing any time soon.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night OilI have been completely obsessed with face oils lately, and this one from Sunday Riley is no exception. It has received a lot of hype and of that I was mindful when I made my purchase, along with the fact that it is aimed at targeting signs of aging (something I'm not sure how easy it is to assess) along with renewing skin cells and making your skin look youthful and radiant.
The first few times I tried this, to me, it was one of those 'meh' products. It was nice, it kept my skin feeling hydrated, it felt luxurious to apply and smelt delicious - no doubt something to do with the avocado, chia and concord grape seed combination. However, there was no 'wow' factor that made me think the £85 I had spent was worth it. It wasn't until maybe a week or two of use, and, one evening, having swapped this out for another oil in my routine, that I realised what a difference it had been making. With it, my skin looked more awake - I woke up with it looking plumped and refined and it didn't seem to dull even throughout the day and with make up wear. Without, it was just left feeling a little lacklustre, hence why I have been reaching for it every day ever since.
Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara
Another grower in that when I first tried this I wasn't a fan at all - the formula was way too dry for me and though it didn't flake, I didn't feel like it gave my lashes the oomph I wanted it to and I wasn't overly keen on the bristle brush either. I like voluminous yet separated lashes that are big and black and it just didn't seem to be giving me those. After a little bit of experimenting though, I have found that the key with this one is to layer - be it two or three coats on it's own, or as I have sometimes been doing - using it over my Lancome Hypnose Volume-a-porter Mascara (which I raved about here), it gives you volume like you wouldn't believe, minus the clumping - perfect.
YSL Touche Eclat (Slogan Edition)
Despite its longstanding cult status in the beauty world, it wasn't until recently when I was drawn in by the cute slogan editions of this that I decided to give it a go. Never having really been one for concealer or having suffered when it comes to dark circles, I skirted over the thought that I might benefit from an illuminating product such as this but boy was I wrong. It brightens my under-eyes up beautifully and applies and blends in so easily without creasing throughout the day, that I have really fallen for this and can completely understand why it has received so much love by so many for so long. Plus there's the added bonus of how pretty it looks in my make up bag ;)
Have you tried any of these products? What it is you've been loving this month?
Sarah x
