MSH Backup

If I'm being honest, it's usually only a fair few months after Christmas has been and gone that I get the chance to road-test most of my presents, particularly if they're beauty bits and bobs. I'm always keen to use up old products before cracking on with something new, particularly if it's make-up as I usually find myself too much a creature of habit to vary what I use day to day. Having said that, a treat which I found under the tree a few months ago has been well and truly worth the wait: This eye gloss from Violette's range for Estée Lauder is an absolute dream in a little glass pot, and a product which is as versatile as it is long-lasting. From the La Dangereuse collection, this gloss is perfect for dabbing on eyelids, cheeks or browbones for a dewy finish (think a less solid version of Glossier's Haloscope), and it's also a brilliant base for pigmented eyeshadows too. I've been wearing it on my eyelids both alone and with some of my favourite ...

As I’ve posted about in the past, there are few little luxuries more enjoyable than a new bottle of perfume. Now that we’re slowly seguing towards spring, I’ve been keenly spritzing a fresh fragrance which I picked up a few weeks ago from Miller Harris, with a whacking 50% discount thanks to their bottle exchange programme which took place during January. Swapping an empty bottle for a new scent at half price was a total winner, and (after much deliberation!), I opted for Rose Silence:  As well as being presented in a beautiful bottle, the fragrance itself is a real treat too. It goes without saying that it’s a veritable floral fiesta, with rose blended perfectly with notes of mandarin and patchouli. It’s a little bit heavier than some of the other floral fragrances which I’ve tried and rested before, but it lasts all day and has a wonderfully warm feel too. Definitely one which was well worth the investment!  Have you tried any new scents recently? (Image credit: Sarah Farrel...

Since the start of the year, and especially now that this cold snap has really taken hold, I’ve given my daily skincare routine a little bit of an overhaul. At this stage of the game, I’m only making minor changes, just to add a bit of a boost as and when I need it, and also allowing myself the option to test a few new products here and there. As such, my current combination of favourites is definitely helping with the battle against winter skin: I’ve been after roller for my face for a little while now and was lucky enough to receive one for Christmas. It’s Rose Quartz and so far I’m getting on really well with it, and am finding that using it as recommended in the evenings pays real dividends in terms of reducing redness and calming my skin down after a long day- it also came in extremely handy when I had the worst flu-induced headache at the start of the year! I’ve recently switched my cleansers around a little bit too, and am having a break from Oskia’s Renaissance Cleansing Gel in...

If there’s one thing which Christmas guarantees, it’s the promise of a perfume shaped present under the tree. There’s something about getting a fragrance as a gift which makes it all the more meaningful, especially if it gives you the opportunity to sample something new for the first time- a real luxury if you, like me, tend to be a creature of pure repurchasing habit! Since the end of December, I’ve been very happily using a new favourite which I’ve been wanting to sample for ages- Gucci’s Bloom:  As well as being housed in a beautiful bottle (pink goals!), this Eau de Parfum incorporates a bounty of beautiful floral notes including jasmine and tuberose, and is wonderfully delicate whilst still being punchy enough to last all day. It’s been a while since I’ve sampled a new scent, but this is one which I’m really glad to have discovered, and which has already become a firm favourite- I can’t wait to give it a spritz during the spring and into summer!  Have you sampled any new ...

Now that the New Year is here, I’m sure that I’m not alone in thinking about which resolutions to make for the forthcoming twelve months. Whilst I’ve always been a bit reluctant to commit to making lists in the past, I’m having a good muse on what the next year has in store and what I would like to get out of it. As I get to grips with making plans, I’ve got a stash of new beauty bits primed and ready- because starting a new year with some fresh favourites is a sure way to kick things off on the right note:  At the start of December, I took the plunge and treated myself to the full sized pot of Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask after getting on really well with a sample size last summer. Although it’s definitely teetering towards the luxury end of what I’d be prepared to spend on skincare, it really is worth it, especially as it offers a really gentle option for exfoliating skin- and at this time of year that’s something more necessary than normal. Another new addition to my daily rou...

At this time of the year, and especially now that the weather is on the turn, I find myself regularly reaching for an armful of seasonal beauty staples- a few of which are new additions to my routine which I’m getting on really well with. I feel like I’ve said this a million times before, but I always tend to forget just how much my skin absolutely hates the winter, and because it’s so sensitive I always feel like it needs much more tlc at this time of the year than any other. Luckily, I’ve got a stash of supplies in my seasonal arsenal to help allay those winter woes: I’m a late convert to all things Elemis, but picked up this Papaya Enzyme Peel after it was recommended to me following a facial a few weeks ago. A happy halfway house between cleanser and exfoliating mask, so far it’s really helping to pep my complexion up, and in the long run I’ve been reassured that it will solve those problematic visible pores. In truth, I’ve always been a bit weary of exfoliators as the more abrasiv...

It’s not often that I’ll get completely swept up in the hype around a new beauty launch, predominantly because I’ve fallen foul of fads in the past, and because as a rule switching up my skincare routine is a one way ticket to breakoutsville. However, the buzz and online noise around Drunk Elephant over recent weeks had me well and truly won over, especially as those canny people at Space NK offered an exclusive selection of mini products- a sort of try before you buy offering the opportunity to get to grips with the range without having to splash out on the full size options: As well as being ideal options for travel, this selection of minis is a great option if you, like me, find that trialing new products can be a bit hit and miss. Don’t get me wrong, this little stash was a tad on the expensive side, but it seemed sensible to snap up the small range in miniature before committing to a pricier full-sized purchase which I might not get on with. Having been using them for a few weeks,...

Now that there’s a faint autumnal chill in the air, I’m sure that I’m not the only one thinking about a seasonal switch up with my beauty routine. Although I’ve definitely got my tried and tested favourites, at this time of the year it’s always worth taking stock and adding in some fresh favourites, whether that be a pop of colour or some new skincare staples. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve amassed a quite the crop of autumn essentials: I picked up The Wet Detangler from Tangle Teezer towards the end of the summer, and it’s been a real godsend over the last few months- especially as my hair has been growing steadily more and more unruly. Not only is the pale pink hue perfect for decorating my dressing table, but the addition of the handle to the tried and tested Tangle Teezer brush makes it just that bit more robust and perfect for reaching for in a rush. Next up, a slightly more luxurious addition to my beauty stash in the shape of Chanel’s Sea Foam nail varnish- how lovely is t...

When it comes to everyday beauty products, it's often difficult to unpick exactly why the hero products which we all reach for each morning are such indispensable staples- the real essentials just tend to blend seamlessly into the day, carrying you through until the evening with no need to reapply, and equally protecting your complexion from all of those little environmental nasties along the way. After the recent heatwave, I found myself taking a step back and re-evaluating the products which I reach for first thing in the morning, especially wanting to keep things as simple and pared back as possible: I've only this year started using a standalone SPF on my skin, but Glossier's Invisible Shield is well and truly a product to add to any arsenal- especially as it's so light and fast-absorbing. Even better, as a sunscreen specifically designed for the face, it comes with high protection as standard, as well as being almost fragrance free- definitely one which I wouldn...

It's never really something which I've thought all that much about before, but this summer I've been switching up my daily perfumes, steering away from the classics which I would normally wear on a daily basis in favour of some more seasonally appropriate scents. Whilst my favourites from Chanel are ideal for the autumn and winter, they always feel a little bit heavy for this time of the year, especially with the temperatures having been so extreme of late. Step forward, a new favourite from Diptyque: I sampled this Florabellio Eau de Toilette in store a little while ago, and went back to snap up a full sized bottle after payday last month- having been turned into a complete convert! I've been wearing it everyday since I picked it up, and the blend of fresh notes makes it ideal for the summer, including apple blossom and wild sea fennel. With apricot tones adding to the delicate blend, it's wonderfully light and fresh, as well as being brilliantly long-lasting- whic...

Phew! Now that the heatwave seems to be on hold, I'm starting to feel a bit less fuzzy! Looking ahead, it doesn't look like the respite is going to last for all that long, but for the time being at least I'm making the most of things being at a normal temperature again to regather a selection of summer beauty heroes which have been making things slightly more bearable over the last few weeks:  I'm a big fan of the Kiehl's hand salve as a year-round hero, but when I popped into store a few weeks ago I was introduced to this new Richly Hydrating Lavender version, which has become a firm favourite since I picked it up. Lightly scented, it's formulated with Shea Butter and Vitamin E so is perfect for hydrating hands and feeling fresh on the go- the lavender scent is one which I always associate with summer thanks to the flowers which burst into bloom in the garden at this time of the year, so it's lovely to have a slice of it ready to go when I'm on the move...

Because I’m usually in so much of a rush first thing in the morning, it’s a rare occasion indeed which sees me divert from my usual routine as far as day to day makeup is concerned. I’ll usually plump for products which are easy to apply and fairly long lasting, especially with the weather still on the warm side. Over the last year or so, however, most of my daily essentials have undergone something of a wholesale transformation- from a pick and mix, pot luck of brands to a more or less entirely Glossier affair. There’s something really appealing about the low maintenance, fuss free feeling which so many of their products advocate, and, having been using the basics for a while now, a few weeks ago I treated myself to some new additions:    I can’t quite believe that it’s taken me so long to try Birthday Balm Dotcom, but now that I have I’m well and truly converted. It’s the perfect soothing balm for lips and other dry patches, and is really long lasting too- a great summer hol...

With the soaring temperatures showing no signs of abating just yet, I'm following some simple rules to make weathering the weather as hassle-free as possible. Whilst the need to keep hydrated is obvious, it's not always the easiest thing to follow through on, so I've been filling a litre bottle to keep on my desk every day at work- and so far, it's working wonderfully! As well as that, I'm definitely not scrimping on the suncream, and have taken to using only the essentials in the makeup stakes on a day to day basis, favouring products which require minimal effort but which offer a hearty payoff. One such multipurpose marvel comes in the shape of a recent addition to my beauty bag from Nars:   As well as being enveloped in some of the prettiest packaging I've seen in a long time, this freshly released Afterglow Lip Balm is a real treat too- an everyday, functional product which feels fantastically luxurious. A sheer pink, it glides on effortlessly first thing in...

As summer progresses and thoughts inevitably turn towards the holiday season, I’m sure that I’m not the only one eager to get my suitcase packed and jet off at the earliest possible moment. Whether you’re counting down to a long haul trip or are segueing towards a short haul holiday, it’s always a relief to get on top of your preparation and packing- and, with that in mind, I’ve been collecting an array of beauty buys built with travel at heart: Origins’ Ginzing moisturiser is one of those wonder products which is perfect for stashing away in your suitcase or hand luggage, especially if you’ve got a long flight in prospect and want to keep your skin hydrated. It’s a real instant booster and perfect for a quick pep up- as well as smelling fantastic! The Percy and Reed Shine & Fragrance Mist is another hero too, especially at this time of the year when I always tend to find my hair flagging in the heat. It’s another great option for using on-the-go as well, especially if you’re packi...

As I touched on in my post from the start of last week, recently I’ve been switching up my skincare for summer, in an attempt to keep things as fresh faced as possible. As well as adding a few new favourites to my daily essentials, I’ve also been getting into the habit of treating my skin to face masks more regularly- a commitment which is really paying off. A few weeks back, on a something spur-of-the-moment lunchtime visit to The Body Shop, I picked up another addition to my arsenal which I’ve had an eye on for a good while now: This Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask is a product which I’ve read lots of good things about, and after using it for a little while I can confidently report that it more than lives up to the hype. With green tea leaves and tea tree, it draws out impurities and absorbs excess oil, which makes it perfect for targeting those pesky visible pores, as well as tackling breakouts. As well as that, it’s wonderfully practical too- fast drying  (ideal if you'r...

With the onset of summer, I’m sure that I’m not the only one taking the opportunity to remix some of my skincare staples. The warmer weather that we’ve had over the last few weeks has definitely caught me a little bit by surprise, and year after year, I always tend to forget just how much the heat disagrees with me! Don’t get me wrong, I love the sunshine as much as the next person, but when you’re dashing from one sweaty, airless space (the Tube) to another (the office), it can sometimes be a battle to keep cool and carry on- give me a trip to the beach pronto! Whilst I’m now really careful about using SPF all year (especially on my face), adjusting my skincare routine for summer is definitely something of a work in progress- and over the last few years it’s been a case of trial and error to find those products which are light enough to use when it’s warm but which don’t compromise on care. As well as migrating to a new moisturiser, over the last few weeks I’ve been using some hero pr...

When it comes to everyday beauty essentials, I'm always a bit reluctant to spend more pennies than I need to- particularly on new additions to my makeup bag. I used to regularly drop £25 here and £20 there on high end mascaras in particular, until my regular purchase was discontinued and I was lured back to Boots (probably by one of those magical 3 for 2 offers when I was a student!) Recently, I've been using L'Oréal's Paris Paradise, but with that running low and a new Glossier product launching at the most opportune of moments, it seemed like a serendipitous opportunity to try something new, as well as giving me the chance to finally pick up Boy Brow (all about that free delivery!) First up- Lash Slick. For £14, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but this mascara is seriously impressive. I've got quite long lashes anyway so wasn't completely convinced that I would notice a great degree of difference after using this, but goodness me, it's a keeper! Th...

If you've got already got a holiday in the planning or are just debating on where to head off to on a short break this summer, if you're anything like me then the chances are that you'll already be planning on how to make the most of the space in your carry-on bag! There's no doubt that shunning a bigger suitcase is a no brainier if you're heading away for the weekend or a mini-break, and since I've been doing it more regularly I've found it really liberating to streamline what I actually need to take away with me vs all of the superfluous bits and pieces which never see the sunshine. Gone are the days of coming home with suitcase full of unworn, pristinely folded clothes, substituted instead for a handful of versatile essentials which lend themselves really well to all eventualities. Similarly, over recent trips I've made a really concerted effort to only take toiletries which I know I'll end up using and which tick all of the right boxes, particula...

Whilst waiting for this thaw to finish and for spring to kick start in earnest, I’ve been making a to-do list for the start of spring. I’ve posted before about the sense of renewal which comes with the start of a new season, and spring in particular always seems to bring with it a new burst of energy, which usually tends to motivate me enough to finally have a declutter/sort out my wardrobe/file all of my post! As well as that, over recent weeks I’ve been road testing some new beauty discoveries, which have been real boons to my daily routine: A long overdue repurchase of Glossier’s Moisturising Moon Mask provided me with the perfect opportunity to snap up another of their Generation G lip colours (all about that free delivery!) This colour has been on my radar for a few months now- Jam is a deep berry which is a lovely alternative to my usual go-to red, and the buildable formulation makes it perfect for all occasions, whether you’re after a subtle or statement look. I’ve also been tes...

New beauty launches always tend to provoke a flurry of excitement, and over the last year or so Glossier’s have definitely been deserving of the hype. From their debut into the UK market towards the end of 2017, to their pop up shop in London , they’ve well and truly cracked the stealth marketing game. No surprise then, that their most recent unveiling received a suitably stellar premiere last weekend, debuting for the first time on the Oscars red carpet. Step forward, Lidstar: I'm usually a creature of real habit when it comes to eyeshadows, but this launch well and truly piqued my interest, thanks predominantly to the cross-section of colours on offer. For my first Lidstar duo, I opted for Moon and Cub- an almost sheer pearl and warm rose gold respectively. It's early days, but so far, so promising- they're surprisingly long lasting, and the colour payoff is great- Cub in particular is a great alternative to a lot of the more neutral browns which I tend to reach for. My o...