| new beauty favourites

Expect to see this jazzy background crop up on my blog and Instagram for a while people. My new flat in Salamanca didn’t have bedding when we moved in, and so I hurried down to Carrefour to get a new set. This one was 20 euros so not bad for pillow cases, a sheet and a duvet cover! It’s a little bold but it injects a bit of fun and colour into my room which is quite bare right now.

Pretty flat lay backgrounds aside, I’ve acquired some shiny new beauty bits into my collection recently, and while I don’t have storage other than my bulging make up bag the extra additions probably don’t help, but who can resist when Spain is cheaper to buy most make up than in the UK!

I had my eye on the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue for a long time before finally caving and buying it. It’s done its rounds on most beauty blogs a few months back so I’m a little late to the party but it was worth the wait. The formula feels a little peculiar, like a foundation but much smoother and a little lighter, yet slightly thicker than a BB cream. I’m not massively convinced by the “gel cream” claim, mainly because I don’t know what on earth that is. Nevertheless, this sinks in quite quickly once applied and blended, it can look a little shiny so I sometimes use a sponge to mattify before highlighter and powder. This has good staying power, and is great at keeping my rosy cheeks at bay, even after walking in the heat in Salamanca. Whilst it is a little pricey, I haven’t tried anything quite like it and is worth a go if you want something lightweight and low maintenance.

My lovely boyfriend bought Lancôme Bi-Facil for me whilst on a trip in Budapest, and as you can tell, he has very good taste in skincare! Normally, I wouldn’t think to invest in expensive make up removers, simply because there are so many on the high street that do a phenomenal job. And given how much he probably paid for this, I’m careful not to use this every day! Regardless, post-night out or after a long day wearing makeup this is a lifesaver. It’s not obvious in the photo but in the bottle two different formulas layer each other before you shake it gently, so basically it looks really pretty on the dressing table! It only takes one or two swipes with a cotton wool pad and you’re good to go. It’s very gentle with eye-makeup removal, and doesn’t sting. I doubt I would buy this again, simply due to the price for what you could essentially find for 5 times cheaper. As a luxurious treat it however does the perfect job!

Hand cream is something I don’t often give much thought to, however this Sephora Blueberry Hydrating Hand Cream was just too cute to leave behind. Sephora’s body range is so simple and beautifully packaged. It’s a good size to take round in your bag and you only need a pea-sized amount to get enough moisture. The smell of blueberry isn’t too synthetic or in your face either; it lingers yet doesn’t leave everything smelling of it! All in all, a good value staple with cute packaging to perk up your day.

What are you loving at the moment?