Monthly Favourites | September

Happy October my fellow birds! Ok. I have to admit. Even though I'm really not an autumn/winter person, I have to admit that I really do enjoy October. There's something about turning the clocks back and the slight chill in the air that makes it quite a 'cosy' month before real winter-y weather sets in.  There is nothing like coming home from work, snuggling up in a baggy jumper with a cup of tea, and putting on your fleecy reindeer print leggings. (yep..that's right. Who said it's too early?! As soon as John Lewis whip out the Christmas baubles, I bring out the festive attire in a swish)!.  September has been a bit of a hectic month for me.  I'm now into my final year at uni which has also meant a big step up in workload and a little extra stress on my shoulders.  There's no more room for 'mistakes' now - what I get for my modules this year is what will determine my degree. Yikes. But even with all my essays (yep, they threw one upon us on our first day back for jokes and giggles...), lectures and overflowing to do lists, I have still managed to find time to try new beauty products. A beauty obsessed female will always find the time to discover new cosmetics, right!? Here's what has been floating my boat in September...

Loreal Ever Riche | Nourishing and Taming Conditioner.

I'm now on my 3rd bottle of this stuff.  My motherbear actually introduced me to this range a few months ago now, and I've been a fan ever since (big thumbs up, Ma!).  One of it's biggest plus points, is that it contains no sulphates.  If you haven't heard of the benefits of using a 'sulphate free' shampoo/conditioner then it's worth having a look into - it's much more gentle and healthier on your scalp, which in turn can help to reduce hair fall and increase volume and condition of the hair.  I'm such a big fan of this conditioner - my hair has been so dry and brittle of late, and due to the thick consistency, I find this one to be extremely moisturising and rich. It gives me that 'deep conditioned' feel without having to leave it on for much time at all.  It also smells divine.  Really worth the money and works wonders on hair that feels a little 'parched'.

Maybelline | Brow Drama - Brow Mascara in 'Medium Brown'

Now then, I've heard mixed reviews on this one.  But I'm very much in the 'love it' camp.  I love brow gels - and I do prefer them to have some sort of colour to them (Mac's Beguile is my go-to brow gel) due to my eyebrows being so light!  The 360 degree wand allows for a really good application of the colour through the brows and is slightly easier to use when compared with Mac's version.  The colour isn't as intense, but the staying power is pretty much just as good, and it manages to keep my brows looking defined and in place for a good few hours.  A really good finishing touch if you're looking for some extra definition for your eyebrows.

Arran Cosmetics | Lavender and Tea Tree Facial Gel Wash*

A face wash I hear you say? Well - yes. I didn't expect to be raving about a face wash this month either but this product is one of my new additions to the skin care routine.  I received this in August's LoveMeBeauty box (post here) and I've been really enjoying using it.  I'm not the biggest fan of lavender, but I find using this before bed really relaxing, as the mix of the tea tree and with the floral hint works so well together and creates a wonderful, spa-like scent.  You know when you stay in posh hotels and you get a lovely luxurious face wash and a fluffy bathrobe? THIS is that product!  The consistency is quite unlike any 'run of the mill' face wash and the gel texture feels very cooling and refreshing on tired skin.  It also has tiny little beads in it that gently exfoliate but it isn't harsh at all. In fact, you can hardly feel them - but the end result is skin that feels soft and smooth. I've noticed my skin feeling a lot more 'calm' since using this - I really do like it!

Shu Uemura | Essence Absolue Oil*

I've already reviewed this product this month, so I won't bore you by repeating myself.  It's basically my favourite oil of the moment and I will without a doubt be repurchasing in a flash.  It's the only oil I'm able to use on both wet, damp and dry hair and my hair has never felt so soft.  You can find my review here along with a 20% off discount code if you fancy giving it a whirl!

Deborah Milano | Natural Blush*

Again, I've already reviewed this product over the course of the month (link) but it's become my favourite blush of the season.  It has completely blown all my other coral/peach blushes out of the water and I'm finding it really suitable for the time of year due to the slight dusky undertones.  It doesn't look too bright or false, and the texture is so incredibly soft and blendable.

Lord & Berry Kissproof Lip Liner in 'Blossom'*

My trusty Estee Lauder lip liner in 'Spice' is reaching an end *sheds tear*, but I've found my perfect replacement for the time being.  It's a lovely shade to line the lips with - and it is one that compliments my natural lip colour and enhances it slightly.  I use this with a variety of my 'everyday' lipsticks and find it so easy to wear.  It's also incredibly pigmented, soft and long lasting - just what you want from a lip liner!

Hugo Boss |'Jour'

I'm not usually one for including perfumes on my blog as they're such a personal thing and simply impossible to review due to how unique they turn out to be on each individual.  But I couldn't leave this little beauty out.  I adore Hugo Boss fragrances.  'Orange' is my signature scent (i'm now on my 4th or 5th bottle) and I always find their fragrances to be really feminine and sophisticated.  'Jour' is such a stunning fragrance - and it smells gorgeous even when it begins to wear off after the day is done. It's light, slightly musky but incredibly soft and gentle and just has such a calming effect on me.   I won't sit here and continue to throw fancy adjectives at you in order to sell it to you - I don't think that would be of any use - but if you're a fan of Hugo Boss 'Orange' or are looking for a sophisticated, luxuriously smelling fragrance for everyday wear, then i'd really recommend giving this a sniff! Your nostrils will thank you for it...

And so there we have it! Another month, another bunch of beauty stuff!  I just want to thank those of you who took part in my 'Anxiety' survey for my new design project at uni over the weekend.  It's been overwhelming to see the response and it will come in so handy for my design development - I suffer with panic attacks and it's been really useful to see the responses.  Everyone's experience of anxiety really is completely unique - so it is fascinating to see the results pop up on my little analysis chart (wow I don't sound like a geek at all do i?! Pass me the nerd glasses!).  I will be taking the results and using them mid-week, so if you still fancy helping me out (it's just 10 questions, all completely anonymous) all you need to do is head on over >> here << :)  

What products have you been loving this month?