Trialling and testing beauty products really has been the highlight of my week this week, with revision overshadowing pretty much everything else – and all hands being very much ‘on deck’. However, with half an hour to spare, I wanted to continue this must-haves series as it has been getting some really positive feedback over on my Twitter.
First up, is the absolutely amazing (no exaggeration required) Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask which claims to ‘revitalise your hair, restoring shine and manageability’. I know Moroccan Oil is a very well known and renowned brand, which meant that I had very high hopes and expectations prior to use, but if I’m honest – the first few days of use bore practically no difference to my normal conditioner.
It wasn’t until the third or fourth day that my hair’s condition really started to improve and a natural looking shine – which definitely wasn’t there previously – magically appeared. The description does state that effects are often more noticeable with continued use – however I was almost ready to give up (I am very impatient), however I am very pleased that I persisted. Priced around the £25 mark, dependent on where you shop – it is a fairly pricy product, but after the effects start to rear their heads – you won’t look back. I can assure you.
I’ve really ‘got into’ lipsticks these last few months, after discovering a beautiful plum red shade which could honestly transform any outfit into a much more glamorous look. Although darker shades are stereotypically confined to the autumn and winter seasons, I am really excited to try some evening looks on holiday using my two new favourite shades by Amway Beauty. Stocked in a variety of exciting shades including Bellini, Rich Cocoa, Daring Red, Havana Rose, Nutmeg and Velvet Classic – the range offers something for everyone, and has a very soft yet matte finish – which stays put, seemingly no matter what you do.
Prepping your feet for summer is probably the last thing you think of when it comes to prioritising what needs to be done in the run up to your holiday, but considering your feet are one of the most flaunted components – think sandals, flip flops and bare feet on the beach, they are pretty vital. Bare Foot Beauty are the go-to brands for all things pretty feet, with an array of feet scrubs, in an assortment of delicious sounding flavours, including my personal favourites – peppermint and plum and lemon and sage. They are rough and tough enough to remove all dead skin, leaving them soft and silky smooth – but unlike other harsher scrubs, they don’t leave your feet feeling dry and dehydrated (giving yourself extra work in the long run with all the moisturising). Available in Superdrug stores nationwide (and at £4 a pop), they are the perfect flip flop ready summer prep – and most definitely, a must have.
Currently being promoted by Made in Chelsea’s very own Binky Felstead, Halo Wipes are the beauty market’s next big thing, acting as a handy handbag saviour for any make-up disaster, festival crisis or quick mop up. With a range of different products including deodorant wipes (which are ideal for festivals if you’re packing light and want a fresher, cleaner way to wash on the move, and moist toilet tissue – again for festival mishaps, they are an essential that every girl should have in her beauty bag. My personal favourites are the handy hygiene wipes, perfect for freshening up and making sure your hands are squeaky clean.
If you’re off on your travels this summer, but absolutely dread your stomach reacting to it’s new environment and all the new food you’re introducing, one must-have worth considering is Bio Care’s travel guard tablets, a unique travel sickness remedy which helps to maintain the healthy bacteria in the gut and gets rid of jet lag. I know myself, that new climates, water changes (although it’s best to avoid drinking tap water when you’re away) and other factors can contribute to a rather upset stomach, leaving you feeling more sluggish than holiday ready. The little capsules are to be taken with food each day (and for a few days after you return) and include ingredients of garlic, which has an antibacterial effect, cinnamon which helps maintain normal stomach gas and stomach comfort, oregano oil which can be used for stomach and gut health and ginger which helps to support the digestion and contributes to the normal function of your intestinal tract. If it’s something that is occupying your mind, they are definitely worth a try!
Relatively new to the UK market is Eye of Horus cosmetics, an eye make-up brand which specialises in catering for sensitive eyes. Although I find that many good quality brands offer a sensitive eye product (either mascara or eye liner) often the pigments can be greatly reduced and the effect not quite so vibrant, so I was delighted to see that the black mascara and liquid eye liner in this range are every bit as powerful and bold as the non-sensitive counter parts. Mid priced (ranging from £12-£17) and available online, the range is high quality, with gentle – yet dramatic impact wands and a sharp focus on creating a very feminine lash look.
Do you have any must have beauty products you’d like to share? Let us know below – we’d love to try them out too!