Current Beauty Favourites #20

I can't believe we've already arrived at the end of January; at this rate, summer will be here in a flash! As always in January, this month's favourites consist of products aimed at drenching the skin in as much moisture as possible to fend off the bitter weather, some products to cheer up a gloomy month and a few beauty-related presents that I was lucky to receive for Christmas.

At this time of year, my skin drinks up every drop of moisture it can get. At night, I like to slather on the heaviest formulas I can find to prevent myself resembling a flakey, scaly snake. The Sanctuary Spa 7 Day Moisture Miracle Oil Balm has been a total skin saviour for me, recently. Transforming from a seriously solid, thick balm to a rich oil, this treatment immediately soothes as it's massaged into the skin. Perfect for dry hands, cuticles, knees, elbows and anywhere else that may need some extra TLC, it's a luxurious blend of jojoba oil, shea and cocoa butters. Not only does it work wonders to hydrate and repair weather-worn skin, but it smells incredible and very spa-like. Even though the 40ml tube looks tiny, you barely need any per application and it's a struggle to squeeze out too much of it anyway, trust me. Plus, it's the perfect size to slot into your bag and take on-the-go. My only gripe with the balm, is that I find the whole 7-day moisture claim unnecessary and slightly misleading, as I'm not sure anything could continually moisturise for that long, especially when you shower everyday. Other than that, I love it!

If you read my last post on my Top 5 Nude Lipliners, then you will have already heard about my love for the Max Factor Colour Elixir Lip Liner in Brown n Nude. Not only is the orangey-brown shade right up my street, but the smooth, creamy formula makes the liner so effortless to apply. Resisting anything from weather, eating, drinking and even an intentional rub to remove it, it's one of the most long-lasting lipliners I've come across. I won't bang on about it anymore as I'll only be repeating myself, so if you want to read more about it and see a swatch, then check out my top lipliner post.

My lovely mum surprised me with a bottle of Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum under the tree on Christmas day. Usually I wear the Eau Tendre version, but that's a very sweet, fresh scent that's made for Spring. The original scent is a lot more appropriate for this time of year and I've pretty much worn it everyday since cracking it open. With notes of vanilla, jasmine, iris and musk, it's a floral scent with a deep, warming base. It's still sweet, but it feels a lot more grown-up and sophisticated and isn't at all sickly. All you need is a single spritz, as the scent is so strong and powerful, being a parfum. Of course, being Chanel, the bottle is sleek and chic, making a beautiful addition to any dressing table. 

Although Christmas & New Year are the prime-time for glittery nails, I like to carry on the theme through January, too. What better way to brighten up a miserable month than with some sparkle? Recently, I've been obsessed with the Barry M Glitterati Nail Paints, especially in the shades Fashion Icon (a deep indigo, full of blue, purple and holographic glitters) and Rockstar (a sheer black, full of teal, gold and holographic glitters). With a mix of finer shimmer and chunkier glitter, these polishes are jam-packed with dazzling flecks and are sure to make a statement. Worn alone, they're wishy-washy, but when layered on top of an opaque base, the colour and glitz comes alive. Even just one coat gives a generous dose of evenly-spread shimmer, making them a great, quick-fix option if you're short of time when getting ready. The formula is jelly-like and can be quite thick, but each coat dries quickly and the finish isn't too gritty. Like with pretty much any glitter varnish, removing it can be a time-consuming chore, but wearing a base coat makes it a whole lot easier.

A new mascara to hit the drugstore recently, is the Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara. It may not have been in my clutches for long, but so far I've shunned my usual picks in favour of the impressive results that this gives. Adding volume is definitely this mascara's forte. Doing exactly what it claims to, it makes my lashes look both fuller and longer. Although, if it's just length that you're wanting most, then I think there's other mascaras that are more suited for the job. Being curved, the plastic wand grips the base of every lash and curls it upwards, into place. The layers of shorter and longer bristles give amazing separation, preventing a clumpy finish. As the formula is so smooth and glossy, the wand glides through the lashes easily and you don't need to layer about five coats to achieve dramatic results. Lashes stay feeling supple and light, refusing to become crispy after a minute or so. Throughout the day, there's no flaking or smudging and the mascara stays looking as good as when I first apply it, holding the curl well. To take it off, I either use Bioderma or an oily, bi-phase eye-makeup remover and both work perfectly, with minimal elbow-grease needed. Maybelline have done it again and created another top mascara!

Another new release that I've reviewed on the blog is the Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes. Similar to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes, but costing a third of the price, the powders are marbled, combining swirls of colour and finely-milled shimmer. With a baked formula, the texture is light and they give the cheeks a beautiful glow. My favourite shade of the three I purchased, is Nude Mauve, a dusky beige that has hints of rose to it. As it's quite a neutral colour, it goes with any makeup look and adds subtle definition and a boost of radiance to the face. Again, if you'd like to read more on these blushes, then check out my full review.


Which beauty products were you loving in January?

AGB X