With the rise of more and more premium beauty products along with adverts from your favourite brands following your around the internet, it can be very tempting to spend more money on the contents of your makeup bag than ever before!
But thankfully not all products require such a spend... hence this post. Below you will find products I feel are worth the investment as well as products you can head to the drugstore for and be just as pleased with.
As it's been around 3-4 months since my last Luxury Favourites I thought I'd gather all my high end loves together and write up a post about them all!
I call these my luxury favourites are there are a few high ticket items here, however some you will find are mid priced and it's more that they feel like a luxury product to me and work extremely well. So even if you're on a budget you may still find something here.
Remember me saying just two seconds ago about my luxury favourites not necessarily having luxury price tags? Well this is just the product I'm on about. This is a pretty swish looking serum that's only £13.90... a pretty standard price for a high-street skincare item, but for me it works, and looks of course, like it would be around the £20+ price mark so for me I class it as a luxury product. Okay, kind of misleading and confusing for this blog post but hey ho, that's how I view really amazing mid-priced products. Ramble aside, this is the new-ish Kiko Blooming Glow Revitalising Face Serum that's packaged in a quality air-less glass bottle with pretty amazing suspended illuminating beads that burst on application to give a glow to the skin. As for the serum itself it's fresh, lightweight and beyond perfect for pre-made up skin as it creates a smooth, slightly glowing base for foundation. The glow is subtle as the beads are fairly small however what I really love about this is the fresh feeling serum that wakes up the skin and gives it that plump smooth feeling before applying makeup. Plus I'm sure you'll agree that this is one pretty product to have out on display!
Billion Dollar Brow Universal Brow Pencil
£17.00 - Boots here
With the beauty market saturated with brow products at the moment it can be tricky to know what to go for - I know I was changing from product to product for quite a few months! But once you know what product works best for you then you are onto something good. For me that was automatic brow pencils that don't require sharpening which gives a more creamy and less harsh texture. In particular this specific brow pencil as it's been my go-to brow product for the last 3 months! So what's so special about it? For me it stands out for two reasons; the precise tip that creates hair-like strokes and the almost neutral shade. The precise tip is pretty self explanatory but let me explain what I mean by the neutral shade. You see with fairly light brows I've always found 'blonde' brow shades too ashy and 'brunette' shades too warm, but this shade sits in between the two and with extra pressure can look deeper and warmer in shade... hence why it's been named universal! I also appreciate the sturdy spoolie brush to the opposite end as it gives that blended look to the brows. I really won't be purchasing anymore brow product for quite some time I think!
Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser
£35.00 - Cult Beauty here
At the beginning of the year I blogged about my new more simplistic skincare routine and surprisingly I've pretty much kept to it! This was thanks to the amazing products I selected that still feel like a treat every time I use them, especially this amazing clay-based cleanser that my combination skin can't get enough of. As I mentioned in my original skincare post the cleanser almost feels like a wash off clay mask as it gives you the benefits of a clay mask but in seconds rather than minutes... though I'm now tempted to try it as a 5-minute mask! This means it's perfect for oily or combination skin types as it leaves the skin clear and within the 2-3 months of using it I do feel it has cut down the amount of blackheads I get on my T-zone. This is pricey for a morning cleanser but trust me a single pump which realises such a small amount is enough for the whole face and in 2 months I've used just under a quarter of the 125ml bottle.
Nude by Nature Radiant Loose Powder Foundation
Last month I was introduced to newly UK launched Nude by Nature, the number 1 makeup brand in Australia. Of course I was first attractive by the stunning rose gold packaging but once I read a bit about them I liked the sound of makeup that's good for my skin as it's true we care about what's in our skincare but then not our makeup - it just doesn't make sense! Alongside lots of other gorgeous products the loose powder foundation stood out to me due to it's key ingredients and it's extensive range of 20 shades. I was also looking for a medium coverage foundation that didn't feel like foundation on my skin... and I got just that! With an even flawless coverage this powder feels so lightweight on the skin that it literally doesn't feel like it's on the skin at all, even to touch. This makes it perfect for days when I'm tired and my skin just doesn't want makeup on it! Or when I'm hormonal and I'm having a few breakouts. This really is a luxury powder that I'm so glad to have in my makeup collection.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold (50ml trial size)
£15.00 - Cult Beauty here
Last but not least a product I probably should have been raving about back in 2014 when it was having a moment amongst bloggers. But if you know me I'm never one to go with blogging trends as they happen - I simply can't keep up! So basically since receiving this in the amazing product-packed Powder Beauty Drawer mid-Feb I've been using it once a week and I'm already seeing results. With it's natural cell-stimulating and exfoliating properties from the wonderful glycolic acid I'm seeing much smooth and brighter skin. One of my 'problem' areas has always been slight congestion around my chin area that just looks a bit yellow in colour and slightly bumpy but already I'm seeing such an improvement and I've noticed the tiny bump to my forehead have magically disappeared! I will keep on using this and probably build up to 3 applications a week before bed for maximum results. If you've always wondered what the fuss is about with this product then the trial size is perfect to pick up and try for a month or so.
I'd love to know what you've been loving luxury wise recently!
Fee xo.
It's that time again where I collect up some of my luxury beauty favourites to share with you!
This month I have such a wide range of products that are high quality and offer a lot, whether that be in product amount or multi-tasking uses, for your money. Also these products are all perfect for the coming colder months!
theBalm Mary Lou Manizer Lumizer
£17.50 - Feel Unique here
the Balm Mary Lou highlighter has been a favourite of mine for so many months now and is a constant favourite of mine. But I decided to include it now as this has to be my favourite highlighter to create a beautiful autumnal glow to the skin. This cool toned champagne highlight offers amazing pigmentation meaning a little goes such a long way; I literally use a fine fan brush to sweep the highlight onto my cheekbones. I've also found that the highlight stays in place (no glitter disco ball face come 4pm) and lasts all day! And if that wasn't enough Mary Lou also doubles up as a lovely eyeshadow, especially as an all over lid shade.
the Balm Mary Lou highlighter has been a favourite of mine for so many months now and is a constant favourite of mine. But I decided to include it now as this has to be my favourite highlighter to create a beautiful autumnal glow to the skin. This cool toned champagne highlight offers amazing pigmentation meaning a little goes such a long way; I literally use a fine fan brush to sweep the highlight onto my cheekbones. I've also found that the highlight stays in place (no glitter disco ball face come 4pm) and lasts all day! And if that wasn't enough Mary Lou also doubles up as a lovely eyeshadow, especially as an all over lid shade.
Thierry Mugler Alien Eau De Toilette
£39.00/30ml - Boots here As we are now firmly into Autumn, though I'm actually feeling Winter vibes right now, a change of fragrance is called for. This year along with past years that fragrance for me is Thierry Mugler's Alien. For me Alien is such a rich and unique scent that fits the season perfectly up until spring and also makes an ideal evening/going out scent. I also love that a few spray literally lasts all day and when you are paying for a high end fragrance you want that, but as it's only EDT and not EDP I'm always impressed that it does last all day and lingers on scarfs and coats. As for the scent I love it that much I've dedicated an entire blog post to it here! But to summarise, I find the scent to be quite a rich and creamy floral that smells heavily of jasmine and it quite alluring - I've had a number of compliments when wearing it! If you are still looking for a new A/W fragrance then definitely have a spray of this when out shopping next.
Monu Aromatic Mask
£21.71/100ml - HQ Hair here
Face masks for me are a vital part of my skincare routine but also how I like to pamper myself; I love nothing more than to apply a face mask for 10-20 minutes whilst reading a book or painting my nails. With oily/combination skin most face masks for my skin type are hard setting and quite astringent but with the lovely Monu Aromatic Mask it's quite the opposite with a creamy non-drying formula, a lovely soothing lavender scent and slight warming properties to it. So this makes for such a relaxing face mask that is a joy to sit with on the face. As for how it leaves the skin when washed off, I find the mask softens the skin with the added beeswax and coconut oil whilst also leaving it feeling clean and fresh, perfect for combination skin that doesn't always require a drying mask. Overall this really is the ultimate relaxation face mask for colder months and feels very spa-like indeed.
Face masks for me are a vital part of my skincare routine but also how I like to pamper myself; I love nothing more than to apply a face mask for 10-20 minutes whilst reading a book or painting my nails. With oily/combination skin most face masks for my skin type are hard setting and quite astringent but with the lovely Monu Aromatic Mask it's quite the opposite with a creamy non-drying formula, a lovely soothing lavender scent and slight warming properties to it. So this makes for such a relaxing face mask that is a joy to sit with on the face. As for how it leaves the skin when washed off, I find the mask softens the skin with the added beeswax and coconut oil whilst also leaving it feeling clean and fresh, perfect for combination skin that doesn't always require a drying mask. Overall this really is the ultimate relaxation face mask for colder months and feels very spa-like indeed.
Dr. Paw Paw Original Balm
£6.95/25ml - Look Fantastic here
Now I did a bit of a boo-boo here and with this being such a great multi-tasking product I priced it in my head at around £12-14 but it is in fact a much more affordable £6.95! Which is great news but really it's not a luxury product at all. However as I am still loving it and it's been a favourite of mine for the past month or so why not still review it! Much like Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream this is a balm that multitasks. This can be used as a lip balm, on dry skin, on skin burn and skin irritations and even as a hair conditioner! Literally if there's something that needs nourishing, this balm with do it, plus it's fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive skin. I personally love it as a lip balm and on any areas of dry skin as it's fairly thick and really does the job. This really is one to keep to hand for emergencies and general use.
Now I did a bit of a boo-boo here and with this being such a great multi-tasking product I priced it in my head at around £12-14 but it is in fact a much more affordable £6.95! Which is great news but really it's not a luxury product at all. However as I am still loving it and it's been a favourite of mine for the past month or so why not still review it! Much like Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream this is a balm that multitasks. This can be used as a lip balm, on dry skin, on skin burn and skin irritations and even as a hair conditioner! Literally if there's something that needs nourishing, this balm with do it, plus it's fragrance-free and ideal for sensitive skin. I personally love it as a lip balm and on any areas of dry skin as it's fairly thick and really does the job. This really is one to keep to hand for emergencies and general use.
Brain Face Beauty Edition - Facial Cleansing Brush and Epilator
£59.99 On Offer - Boots here
Lastly I had to include a product that I've been using for quite a while now and though it is luxury product/a bit of a spend I personally think this is as good as any other cleansing device... you know which I'm talking about, plus it double up as a facial epilator and can even be used to apply foundation/skincare with an extra attachment! Amazing right?! This compact device is first and foremost a facial epilator, which initially I was worried about as plucking out my facial hair with a rotating device has to be ouch-y... and I won't lie, it is a bit but definitely not as much as I expecting and when pulling the skin taut it really isn't anything at all. As someone that does remove all facial hair (it gives a much nicer foundation application I've found!) this tool has come in so handy and I can keep it by the sink to do each week. As for the facial cleansing brush attachment, again I really have been impressed with it as thankfully due to the speed of the motor in the device (and it only takes two batteries) the cleansing brush rotates faster than the eye can see and it really does remove makeup well whilst exfoliating the skin. If you have yet to try a cleansing device I really do highly recommend this one whilst it's on offer at Boots. Plus with the additional attachments you can buy for it you can opt for softer brush heads and a foam pad for applying foundation, serums or moisturiser - something I will trying out and give a review of very soon because I'm more than intrigued by it!
Hope you've found some new products here!
What's your current favourite beauty product - budget or high end?
Fee xo.
Lastly I had to include a product that I've been using for quite a while now and though it is luxury product/a bit of a spend I personally think this is as good as any other cleansing device... you know which I'm talking about, plus it double up as a facial epilator and can even be used to apply foundation/skincare with an extra attachment! Amazing right?! This compact device is first and foremost a facial epilator, which initially I was worried about as plucking out my facial hair with a rotating device has to be ouch-y... and I won't lie, it is a bit but definitely not as much as I expecting and when pulling the skin taut it really isn't anything at all. As someone that does remove all facial hair (it gives a much nicer foundation application I've found!) this tool has come in so handy and I can keep it by the sink to do each week. As for the facial cleansing brush attachment, again I really have been impressed with it as thankfully due to the speed of the motor in the device (and it only takes two batteries) the cleansing brush rotates faster than the eye can see and it really does remove makeup well whilst exfoliating the skin. If you have yet to try a cleansing device I really do highly recommend this one whilst it's on offer at Boots. Plus with the additional attachments you can buy for it you can opt for softer brush heads and a foam pad for applying foundation, serums or moisturiser - something I will trying out and give a review of very soon because I'm more than intrigued by it!
Hope you've found some new products here!
What's your current favourite beauty product - budget or high end?
Fee xo.
To start off the week I thought I'd round-up my luxury beauty favourites once again! Right now all these products are just perfection to me and 100% worth buying.
From a product that took 2 years to decide to final buy, to a lovely gift and a perfect new scent that I can't get enough of. Hope I don't enable too much... but at least it's just been payday!
Butter London Nail Foundation
£15.00 - Feel Unique here
This is the item that took a whole two years to finally buy! Why? Well, because it's £15.00! £15.00 may not seem that much but when you have a hoard of base coats that are all pretty good you really can't warrant spending that much on yet another one! But clearly at some point last month I had a weak moment and decided to just buy it. For the past 2 years I'd read endless positive reviews and finally it's in my hands and it's everything I imagined it to be. It truly is nail foundation! The base coat basically gives a totally flawless base to even ridged nails and stops nail polishes staining the nails. This also has the edge on all the other base coats I own as you can apply quite a thick coat of it to the nails, to cover all ridges and imferfections and it still dries and pretty fast at that! So so pleased that I finally decided to splurge a little on this.... just hoping it doesn't go gloopy within a year as you get such a huge amount!
Paco Rabanne Olympea Eau De Parfum 30ml
£40.00 - Escentual here
A new addition to my fragrance collection here and one that is stunning! I'm half temped to suggest to just go and smell this for yourself as it's such a blended scent that it's hard to pick out any specific notes. Though I can tell you it's definitely a feminine floral scent with a salty edge that very sophisticated and unique. It also lasts amazingly well - pretty much all day. I also truly love the bottle of this... though the stunning rose gold edging is sadly only available with the 50ml and 80ml size... this is the 30ml! Since Paco Rabbanne came out with 1 Million for men and Lady Million for women I've been a huge fan of the brand and really think this will be a very popular fragrance. One to certainly have a spray of when out shopping!
Benefit Puff Off Eye Gel
£22.50 - ASOS here
Since reaching my late 20's (oh, how it pains me to type that) I've made eye cream a thing I use in my skincare routine. Though I've discovered the skin even under my eyes is too oily to take a moisturising anti-ageing cream just yet (I develop little spots -eeep!), but a light de-puffing one is all good! Which is why Benefit's Puff Off Eye Cream really floats my boat. Now I'm not sure how well it's keeping the lines at bay but this sure as hell helps my morning puffiness and dark circles I've seemed to develop with age. Of course the little iron shaped applicator is a novelty, however compared to eye creams that use a roller ball where more eye cream comes out as you roll, you simply don't have that problem with the little iron as you squeeze a small amount out as iron away! The metal is certainly cooling and the light reflective eye cream does brighten up the eye area before applying makeup. I've been using this for probably over a year now and still love it!
Tarte Eyeshadow Quad Palette
On to a wonderful palette now that was a Birthday gift from my lovely blogging friend Tanzina (you should definitely check out her blog - Makeup A to Z - I think you will love it!) and also my first ever product from Tarte! I sadly don't have much info on this product as the textured packaging didn't like the label and so therefore I don't know what the palette is called. However I'm pretty sure it was limited edition anyway! But I still wanted to rave about the quality of these eyeshadows as they are just amazing. Unlike the likes of Urban Decay shadows, which I love dearly, these aren't buttery smooth but somehow light and finely milled. I've never experienced this with any other eyeshadow that had great pigmented but somehow Tarte have done it. I also love, love, love the 3 neutral shades in this palette for everyday eyes. I definitely need to seek out more Tarte eyeshadow palettes.
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick - Native
£15.50 - Feel Unique here
Lastly ones of my most favourite lipsticks, EVER - the wonderfully creamy pink nude in the UD Revolution range. This truly is a dream lipstick for me, from the amazing packaging, to the super wearable pink shade for my pale skin and of course the down-right perfect formula that lasts so well on the lips. This really is a lipstick that I've had so much wear from and will always re-purchase now. I just can't get enough of the super creamy texture! LOVE.
Hope you've discovered some new products here!
Fee xo.
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