Bumble and bumble Thickening Full Form Mousse and Thickening Creme Contour
The only, I repeat only, benefit of having a boyfriend who travels is access to much hyped-about overseas beauty products. These arrived at the end of July and I can confirm that they are both exceptionally good. Historically I have avoided mousses for fear of them leaving my hair sticky and crunchy – not so with this mousse though. It thickens the hair without leaving it tacky, even when applied to the roots, and the hair stays pumped up and volumised all day. I can’t say enough good things about the contour creme – it adds serious oomph but also leaves the hair looking glossy and healthy. I have been applying it after every blow-dry and now I can’t imagine how I ever lived without it. Definite repurchases.
Essie Nail Polish in Silken Cord
An oldie but a goodie. I recently bought a new bottle of this and it has been my shade of choice every time I paint my nails (with the exception of Chanel Taboo). The perfect mix between pink and red, this shade is incredibly easy to wear and suits every skin tone. It’s not shocking or garish and it’s beautiful in both summer and winter months. The formulation is fantastic too – it applies evenly and leaves no streaks or bubbles, and two coats will leave you with a beautifully opaque, glossy finish.
Chanel Le Vernis in Taboo
Two nail polishes in one month! A bit repetitive I know, but I couldn’t leave this out. Dark colours usually tend to leave my hands looking a bit pale and lifeless, but this colour has had the opposite effect. This deep, red-toned purple shade is impossibly glamorous and chic – the quintessential winter must-have. And in a pleasing turn of events, it wears very well and doesn’t chip, which is contrary to my usual experiences with Chanel nail polishes. I’ve written an ode to Taboo here should you wish to learn more about it.
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Effect Ultra Lift and Firm Moisture Cream SPF 30
This arrived in my Rubybox this month and I have throughly enjoyed using it – so much so that I think I am going to buy the full-size version. It claims to replenish your ceramide levels and retexture your skin for a firmer, smoother look and fewer wrinkles. It’s too soon to report back on whether or not it delivers on that front, but I can confirm that it has done an excellent job of keeping my skin hydrated, and it hasn’t caused any kind of a reaction (sadly that’s all a product needs to do in order to make me happy nowadays).
NUXE Rêve de Miel Hand and Nail Cream
I recently finished my Clarins Hand & Nail Treatment Cream and although I love it, I don’t buy it for myself because I can’t justify spending R275 on a hand cream (it was a gift). This NUXE equivalent comes in at a far more reasonable R130, so I snapped it up and I have been applying it religiously all month. I am a massive NUXE fan – not only do their products smell dreamy (essential), but they are also incredibly effective and offer great value for money. You only need the smallest amount in order to keep your hands soft and moisturised, and it sinks in really quickly, which is great for those of us who work in an office and don’t want oily fingerprints all over our computers and documents.