August Favourites

Summer has ended. Noooo! I refuse to believe it. On the other hand, the A/W ranges in the shops are looking all the more tempting now, and I feel a few naughty spending splurges coming on...

Anyhow, swiftly moving onto the matter at hand. The old monthly favourites post. It feels like I haven't done one of these for yonks and it has been nice to sit back and have a good look at the things I have been enjoying the past four weeks. 

Rouge Prodige Lipstick (Red)

August has been a funny old month for me, I'm definitely going through some sort of transitional period in my life. I'm coming to realise that if things aren't going to plan - rip that plan up and make a new one.

This lipstick is perhaps the item that has most indicated the change in the air for me. You see, I don't really do red. At least, I didn't. But then I met Clarin's Rouge Prodige Lipstick and I've been seduced. This is one hot colour.

Clarins_Rouge_Prodige_Swatch

My 'intense' pose!

This intense colour certainly matches up to my intense pose - it's incredible. I've taken to red like a duck to water. Perhaps it is the fact that the Clarins Rouge Prodige is so easy to wear - long lasting, doesn't dry my lips out and weirdly makes me feel like a 'proper' grown up! 

You can buy this beauty for £17 at counters nationwide - alternatively, click the link above and buy from Feel Unique for £15.30 (inc. delivery!)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti Chip Top Coat

I think that this is one of the best, yet one of the most over-looked topcoats on the market. I, myself have walked past it on occasions thinking that there must be some other ultimate/superior polish around. That sounds incredibly snobbish, but I suppose we've been brought up in a culture where more expensive = better. But no, this just isn't necessarily the case. I have tried top coats that have been double, even triple the cost of this one, yet something always lures me back to the little red bottle.

So here's the deal, you apply one coat of this polish a couple of minutes after you finish painting your nails. They'll be dry "to the touch" within 30 seconds. That is a gentle touch mind you - I did a couple of tests! After those 30 seconds, you can, for example, use your mobile. After a further two or so minutes, you can visit the ladies and undo zips etc without fear of smudging. Fifteen minutes and you'll be routing round your handbag for your keys, occasionally catching glimpses your high gloss super shiny nails. All good for a pretty reasonable £6.

Purple Maxi Skirt - Dorothy Perkins (Now £15!)

This maxi skirt has been a total staple in my wardrobe this month. In my all time favourite purple, when teamed up with a black body (Primark do an awesome one for about £6) you have a colour blocking sensation! Okay, that might be taking it a little too far, but it has been an easy 'go to' outfit and I'm sure it will continue to be so going into September.

Laura Geller Vanishing Act Duo Concealer

Laura_Geller_Vanishing_Act_Duo_Concealer

Now, I don't really get excited about concealers. It's not the kind of product I tend to think of when writing favourites either. However, here we have Laura Geller's Vanishing Act Duo and by goodness is it worth a mention. They say,

"Perfect for disguising dark circles and skin imperfections, Vanishing Act is a non-drying, crease-proof concealer duo that you can custom blend to match your skin tone. Use the applicator brush included to help blend the colours for a professional finish and to achieve the desired coverage."

The creamy consistency of this handbag sized duo helps it stand out from all the other concealers by quite a long way. I love that you can 'custom blend' to your own skin tone. I love that it doesn't dry out my skin. I also love the fact that, when applied underneath my eyes, there are no creases. The little brush is remarkably good too given that most that come with products tend to be a bit dodgy. Downside? Price perhaps. It is expensive at £14.75. Having said that, higher end concealers do tend to be around the same price mark - Benefit's Bo-ing is £16.50 and MAC's Studio Sculpt is slightly less at £13.50. I certainly believe you're getting more for you're money with Laura Geller. What do you think?

Melvita Rosehip Seed Oil

Miracle Oil! Melvita's _Rosehip_Seed _Oil

So, if you are a regular reader of this 'ere blog, you'll know that a couple of months ago, I had an operation. Soon as I was able, I got myself down to the lovelies in Melvita to guide me in my quest for a scar reducing oil. And were they helpful? Woah! Of course they were. I love Melvita and will be devoting a post entirely to them in the coming weeks. But back to the Rosehip Seed Oil. This was the first thing recommended to me when I rolled in there (still practically wearing the hospital nightie) and I bought it straight away.

And I'm so glad I did. I can't tell you what a difference it has made to my four scars in the 6 weeks I've been using it. Melvita's oil is an Eco Certified and Organic product and is from the first cold press of the seeds (this is when they are most potent).

Rosehip Seed Oil is considered a 'dry' oil, which basically means that it sinks into the skin easily with no greasy residue. Scientific research has shown it works wonders on the following:

• Stretch marks
• UV damage from overexposure to the sun
• Scars from surgery, burns, and acne
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Wrinkles and premature skin aging
  
• Brittle nails
• Dry and damaged hair  

What makes this wonder oil so fabulous?

It is jam packed with Vitamins A, E and Essential Fatty Acids - all the things you need to help with the above conditions. The vitamin A in particular helps with cell rejuvenation and it also promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase. Over all healthier skin is revealed!

£18 from Melvita (and worth every penny)  

So that's it for my August favourites. I do hope you've found something that takes your fancy. Do leave me a comment and let me know if you've tried any of the products!  

• Don't forget to enter my MEGA UBER giveaway. Click HERE.  Not long to go now!

• If you'd be so kind, please nominate me in the Cosmo Beauty Awards - Link somewhere on the right..

Thanks and Ciao for now x