Monthly Favourites | August

You know those times where you just cannot get a decent batch of photographs to save your life? This was one of those times. Try as I might (4 times over) I just couldn't get anything to look right and this is the best of a bad bunch. I'm planning on giving my camera a good clean and a little spruce up over the weekend - so if any of you photography-nuts out there have any tips for me I'd be muchos grateful! Anyway, August has been a jolly good month for me. It's been my birthday (I'm now the grand old age of 23 - eek!), and I've also done an internship at a design agency so it's safe to say I've had a good couple of excuses to discover and try new things.  I have quite a few this month, so I shall get into the nitty gritty and quit with the waffle!

Neal & Wolf | Intensive Care Treatment*

I was sent this in my first Beauteco box (you can find it here, if you're interested!) and it has fast become my favourite conditioner - I will without a doubt be repurchasing once it runs out.  The formula is really rich and thick, and feels luxurious to apply.  Once rinsed out, it leaves my hair feeling nourished and incredibly soft - any frizzy bits or dry ends completely disappear and it makes combing through a complete breeze.  The best thing has to be the scent.  It leaves my hair smelling beautiful until I wash my hair again and if like me you wash your hair every other day - that's pretty impressive! The smell just seems to linger and you get a whiff of it every time you 'swish' your hair about (you'll be 'swishing' left, right and centre once you try this, honestly!).  It's not to everyone's taste - but it smells very 'salon like' and has a unique musky smell that is really, really addictive.

Mac Blush in 'Harmony'

This blush doesn't look much in the pan, but it's a beautiful colour once applied to the cheeks and it's one that gives a naturally contoured effect to the face.  Similar to Nars 'Douceur', the brown-y tones in this blush really make the cheeks 'pop' without looking like you've overdone it with the bronzing powder.  It's like instant cheekbones in a pot.  I'm planning a full review soon, so keep your eyes peeled. If you want an idea of how it looks once on, then I wore it in this recent post.

Moroccan Oil Treatment

Hair oils have been my saviour ever since I first discovered them.  I have built up quite the collection of various bottles over the past year or so but Moroccan Oil has to be one of the best. Yes, it's pricey. Yes, it's predictable - but it really does work wonders and if you still haven't tried it then it's worth treating yourself! It smells lovely, feels moisturising and has kept my hair in good condition throughout the summer months.  

Xen Tan | Moroccan Tan

This has been my first experience with Xen Tan and it certainly won't be the last!  It doesn't have even the tiniest hint of digestive biscuit in there whatsoever (yay for people not being tempted to dunk you in their tea of a morning! ;)). The lotion smooths on really easily with a mitt and feels moisturising to apply.  The guide colour is quite dark, but once washed off gives a lovely, even colour that lasts for a good while before fading.  The only downside is that it clings to the slightest dry patches, even if you've exfoliated well (trust me, there's always a little teeny-bit you miss and Xen Tan will pick it up) - it sometimes means that the guide colour can look a little patchy.  However, once washed off it always looks completely even.  It's really nice being able to go to bed smelling of coconuts instead of a soggy biscuit! I will definitely be going back to Xen Tan again.

Zara | Apple Juice Perfume

I talked briefly about this in a recent post, but it's the perfect summer scent and I've loved wearing it throughout the month.  It's not so summery that I won't be able to wear it throughout Autumn/Winter and it makes for a fresh, daily scent that doesn't break the bank (it's only a tenner!)

Art Deco Eyeshadow Base*

Again, I received this in my Beauteco box and am so pleased that I have been introduced to such a fabulous brand.  This eyeshadow base actually beats my Urban Decay Primer Potion (eek... never thought I'd say that) and is the perfect base for both cream or powder shadows.  You only need the tiniest dab for your whole eyelid and it really does keep your shadow in place for longer.  You can read more about it in my previous post.

Art Deco Soft Kajal Liner*

Again, Art Deco have impressed me! This eyeliner is just so creamy and soft - and applies like a dream without dragging the eyelid. The pigmentation is spot on and I actually prefer this to my Mac eyeliners as I find it easier and smoother to apply. I usually opt for liquid liner on my upper lash line but just recently I've been using this on it's own.  It gives a dramatic, smokey effect and can be applied in a neat, singular line or smudged out for a softer look.

Sinful Colors Nail Polish in 'Daredevil'

I haven't had this polish off my nails since I bought it.  It's become a little bit of a 'signature' colour for me the past few weeks and I've had so many compliments on it! People are always pleasantly surprised when I say it cost me just a couple of pounds! It's a gorgeous bright barbie pink with a hint of shimmer, and looks stunning with a bit of a tan. I have a full review of my Sinful Colour range including swatches here - if you fancy a nosey!

What have you been loving this month? Anything here take your fancy?