Spring Favourites

It’s these posts that make me realise what a product whore I am because I find it impossible to narrow down the things I love. Time for another set of favourites and empties that scream Spring….

Makeup & Scents

First up, my makeup bag and ever-growing fragrance collection.

Tom Ford Soleil Blanc | Smells like coconut and sun cream, this is the ultimate exotic getaway fragrance and I can’t stop spraying it all day every day. It’s pretty spenny but if you’re sucker for scents like me, you need this one immediately.
Nars Hot Sand Liquid Illuminator | I like a bit of a glow now I’ve got a natural tan going on and this is super subtle on cheekbones and brow bones. Like you’ve just had a day on the beach in Mykonos.
Benefit Gimme Brow | Tames and fills in brows. A must if like me, yours like to blow around in the breeze they’re so big and beast-like.
Chanel Volumising Mascara | Sleek packaging, no gimmicks and thick, jet black lashes. Tick tick tick.
Lanolips Banana Balm | Not for banana haters but this is the only thing I’ve found that instantly repairs super-chapped, dehydrated lips and tastes like a smoothie while at it.
Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Stick in Vanilla | More like a concealer or primer for the eyelids but I love it as it gets rid of any shine or grease and actually lasts.
Chantecaille Le Camouflage | Unlike my beloved YSL Touche Eclat, this is more of a concealer so the ideal weapon for bags and tired, blue-tinge eyes.
Giorgio Armani Bronzer | A teeny bit of shimmer but still pretty 70s and matte in its finish.
Malin + Goetz Mojito Candle | Proving candles aren’t just for cosy winter nights… Anything that smells like my favourite summer poison is good with me.
Diptyqye Baies | Because it’s Spring and my age-old favourite candle is just the ticket once again.
Fiele Fragrances Boswella | I’d never heard of this brand before but Jamie brought this back from L.A with him for me. Super woody, spicy and musky, it has a really amazing, incensey scent. Honestly never smelt a perfume like this and I’m a new fan of this independent brand.

Podcasts & Books

Spring cleaning isn’t just about closest clear outs (although I’ve definitely been into that too); it’s also about rejigging your mind, rethinking habits and renewing yourself. Forget January when all I want to do is eat potato and wear wool, this is the time of year I’m actually able to make habits and motivate change.

I’ve become slightly obsessed with The Lively Show podcast by life coach and all-round amazing loveable human Jess C. Lively. If you’re english, no doubt the words ‘life coach’ have lost you already but stick with me. Each episode of the podcast, Jess chats to all kinds of inspiring individuals, from authors, entrepreneurs and writers about everything and anything from parenthood, work, running a business, creativity, happiness, depression and love. Each one might have a different theme or focus with both Jess and her interviewees offering up lots of their own life and experience as part of the conversation. I honestly find her so engaging and have recommended her podcasts to so many friends, especially those who might be going through stuff and need something uplifting and positive to help keep them going. And don’t worry, it’s very relatable and down to earth for the most part and touches on both highs and lows but with a real empowering thread throughout thanks to Jess’s personality and message of trying to live life with values and intention.

I’ve also just got my hands on Xochi Balfour’s new book The Naturalista. A personal friend and all-round wellness guru/babe, I’m obsessed with her debut book. The photography is amazing, the recipes are easy and delicious and the homemade beauty products are such a lovely extra that will no doubt make me feel very smug when I get round to making some. I love that she’s not too restrictive and tries to avoid things like obscure, hard-to-find flours for that very reason. Instead, she focuses on fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts and well-sourced meat, fish and eggs. Favourites so far include the salmon and quinoa cakes, miso porridge and banana almond pancakes. Check out her gorgeous blog here too. 

Haircare 

As you can see, some of my favourite new hair finds are already empty and will 100% be being re-purchases.

Davines NouNou Shampoo for processed hair | Lathers really easily, feels like caramel and really looks after bleached, coloured hair.
Davines Melu Conditioner for long/damaged hair | I’ve been coating my ends in this thick, nourishing conditioner every time I’ve washed it and my hairdresser noted recently that my hair was feeling thicker and weightier (a compliment for me for sure).
Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray | Rediscovered this lately and have been spritzing all over throw towel-dried hair. Let’s just say when I don’t use it I can tell the difference.
Liz Earle Hair Oil | I had no idea Liz Earle did hair oil until I went for a facial and my facialist told me her blonde, teenage daughter swore by it. It really is amazing and feels 10 times more nourishing and natural than some others I’ve tried before.

Raffia Shoes & Bags 

Summer holidays aren’t complete in my mind without a pair of espadrille’s strapped to my feet and a straw basket over my shoulder.

Heidi Klein Straw Bag | I just got back from Montenegro with Heidi Klein and got this bag from their store in Porto Montenegro. It’s bigger than my other beach bags which, as someone who packs for every eventuality and weather, is ideal for holiday day trips.
Joie Tan Suede Espadrilles | Can’t wait to break these out with tanned ankles, vintage Levi jeans and an off-shoulder top.
Castaner Wedge Espadrilles | Love these as much in London as I do in my suitcase. You can’t help but feel like a bit part in Roman Holiday strutting in these.
Paul Andrew Pointy Flat Espadrilles | Full disclosure; these gave me the worst blisters ever first wear so please God size up in you’re a half size. But they are fully worth it as they look so damn beautiful on your feet.

Skincare

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish | After months of rash-like problem skin on my chin and jaw, I feel like my skin has finally got back on track and genuinely believe it’s mainly down to this. No matter what other cleansers or masks I try, this will always be my go-to for resetting my skin and keeping it balanced, clear and glowing.
Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser | As above basically. The ultimate, no-nonsense, all-good daily moisturiser.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Cream | Still love this jasmine-scented night cream. So thick it’s almost like ointment, you really do feel like you’re treating your face to a some kind of nectar.
Liz Earle SuperSkin Eye Cream | More Liz Earle natural goodness – can’t get enough.
Dr. Hauschka Night Serum | Just discovering the joy of Dr.H products and this night serum is top of my list. Put on after toner and before oil or night cream and you’ve got a bit winning combination going on.
Santa Maria Novella Rose Water | I had an empty one of these sitting on my dressing table for years after it finished because I loved the packaging so much but never got round to buying a new one. Thankfully, Jamie beat me too it and brought me one recently. Nothing beats natural, pure rose water for toning and freshening skin if you ask me.

Body 

I could bang on about Herbivore Botanicals all day if you asked me to… Seriously, I’ve yet to find a product from this natural, beautifully packaged brand I don’t like. And now I’ve discovered the vast majority of items are stocked on U.K site Wood Grey there’s no stopping me. The clay soaps are awesome for feeling really squeaky clean but my ultimate favourites have to be the rose scrub and coconut bath soak. Plus I love the coconut water face mist on holiday or just over makeup if you’re feeling a bit too matte and done.

Luxury Little Extras 

YSL beauty have just launched their iconic Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks in matte finishes which I am super happy about. If I do a red lip, it feel much more ‘me’ when it’s matte but still bright and punchy. Loved this slick box of all the new shades with my name on it too…

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer | I tend to avoid illuminators and highlighters in the winter because I feel like they can look kind of fake on dull, winter skin. But now we’re in summer and let’s be honest, skin is naturally that bit more shiny, I love a little bit of shimmer as a base. This is like liquid moondust and goes on like a dream.
Aerin Illuminating Bronze Powder | More shimmery, summery goodness from the queen of holiday beauty Aerin Lauder. Love a tiny bit of this as a finishing touch on cheekbones or even as a eye shadow.
Aerin Kabuki Brush | I’d be lost without this fat bronzer/blush brush and it looks great sitting on a dressing table too.
Toms Sunglasses | Just like Toms shoes, Toms eyewear follows the same charitable one-for-one principal, donating life-changing glasses or eye surgery for those in need in undeveloped parts of the world for each pair of sunglasses sold. Plus these look as good as any Celine pair on. You’ll see these on me a lot throughout the summer I guarantee it.

Shop the entire post easily below…