Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Holiday favourites!

Blogging has taken a backseat this week whilst I've been on holiday but I've missed it to be honest-I have SO many new products I want to review and blog about!!

For the past 2 weeks I've been on holiday in Thailand-Bangkok first and now I am in Phuket but flying back to Bangkok tomorrow.  I've done a lot of reading being on holiday and have a list of make-up products I want to pick up in Bangkok-especially Nars which is no longer available in Dubai.  My poor friend Anna who we have been staying with has been dragged round the shops with me already in Bangkok!!

This post is me reflecting on some of the products I have loved this holiday.  I blogged earlier in the holiday about my favourite current products but these are products in addition to those I mentioned in that blog.

I have barely worn make-up this holiday-it's been a case of 'up, shower, suntan lotion, head to the beach/pool'.  I guess skin needs a break every now!  It's also very humid like Dubai and make-up would just slide off in this heat.  In the evenings I have just used bronzer, blusher and mascara-and of course lip gloss!

These are my ultimate holiday beauty products.

L-R Shiffa Healing Balm, Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic, Nars The Multiple in Tuomota, Burts Bees Lip Balm and Tarte Splendor 12 Hr Amazonian Clay Blush
Lancaster Satin Sheen Oil and Korres After Sun Cooling


Lancaster Satin Sheen Oil and Korres After Sun Cooling

I've loved this sun protection spray from Lancaster.  It's a spray oil but its the first oil I have found that doesnt make my eyes sting when I put it on my face.  It spreads evenly and isn't sticky at all.  I always use a high protection factor as I am pale and burn easily this tanning oil only comes in SPF30 and contains optimal UVA/UBV protection to protect the skin from sun damage.  It also contains a new reinforced Tan Activator Complex for an even faster deep tan.  It didn't make me break out in spots on my face which means I don't need a separate face and body sun lotion.

I have used Lancaster products for years-but they are not cheap and I am not sure how widely available they are in the UK.  I bought mine from Sephora in Dubai but I have also seen Lancaster in Paris Gallery. 


Korres After Sun Cooling

This is the best after sun I have ever used!  It's a cream gel which is rapidly absorbed and feels cool on the skin.  It's key ingredient is Yoghurt which is a natural source of lactose, minerals and vitamins and increases the water content of the top layers of your skin.  I loved the smell and the texture.  150ml retains for EUR22 on the Korres website but you can buy Korres through House of Fraser, www.beautyexpert.co.uk and www.bathandunwind.com to name just a few UK websites and in Dubai, Korres have a store in Mirdiff city centre mall.

Burts Bees Original lip balm, Nars The Multiple and Shiffa Healing Balm


Shiffa Healing Balm

I featured this in my December Wish List post and I treated myself to some at Dubai airport on the way to Bangkok.  This healing balm is a multi purpose cream containing camomile, indian neem, lavender, arnica, meadowfoam and rosemary.  It retails in Dubai for $107 for 30ml so is definitely a luxury product and there are cheaper versions out there.  I have used this several times on holiday-Mike has been using it to ease his sunburn as he found the Korres aftersun stung his face (I didn't).  I've used it to soothe a cut on my leg that has bruised badly and have used it on dry patches of skin.  It smells soothing, like a comfort blanket.  I'm really glad I picked up a tub.  You can buy this in the UK from Selfridges.  This would also be great on dry, chapped winter skin.

Burts Bees lip balm

I know, I know-the tube is wrecked!  I've had this lip balm for ages, I love its tingly sensation when you apply it and have gone through tube after tube of it!  I have a feeling this was part of a 3 piece set containing this original balm and the mango and pomegranate versions.  This is the last of the 3.  It's cheap as chips at £3.67 a tube and lasts an age.  The original version is packed with coconut and sunflower oil, beeswax and peppermint-that's what provides the tingle!  I find it hugely nourishing and conditioning.

Nars The Multiple

I have been in love with Nars for years.  When I was a teenager my friends were all buying 17, Rimmel and Natural Collection make-up and I was saving my pennies and buying Nars and Stila!  I have about 4 or 5 of these The Multiple sticks-they are an all in one cream stick for eyes, lips and cheeks.  They are very creamy and blend effortlessly with your fingers.  This shade 'Tuomota' has replaced foundation for me in the evenings.  It's discontinued now but the shade Laguna is probably the closest equivalent.  I just swipe it over my forehead, nose and cheeks and blend-like you would a foundation stick.  It has no shimmer so makes a great base on tanned skin when you don't want to go the whole foundation route.

Tarte 12 Hr Amazonian Clay blusher in Splendor, Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic, Nars The Multiple in Tuomota


Swatches; Top Tarte Splendor, Middle Nars The Multiple and Bottom Laura Mercier Golden Mosaic

Tarte 12 Hr Amazonian Clay blusher in Splendor

When I got this blush I blogged about it here-it was part of a US Sephora Favourites selection boxset and Tarte was a brand I was desperate to try.  You can read more about this blush by clicking the link above.

It's the most beautiful pink shot with gold shimmer so look amazing on tanned skin-its been my go-to blush on holiday.

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic

The above link will also lead you to a write up about this product which was also part of the Sephora Favourites set.  Its a miniature version of the full size product so handy for travelling.  Laura Mercier describes this as a shimmery golden copper-and it is VERY shimmery.  As I suspected, it is too dark for me to wear when I dont have a tan but it has been great for the evenings as a blush or bronzer whilst on holiday-I have worn it as both.  I suspect I will use this product as an eyeshadow as the blended shades will look really pretty.

Have you tried any of these products?  Do you agree with me?
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3 comments

  1. Love the idea of the NARS stick & the Tarte blush is super nice. I just might get tempted by it. :D

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    1. The Nars Multiples are SO good-and they last forever. I use Malibu almost daily as my cream blush and it's so nice on lips too. I have South Beath, G Spot, Orgasm and one other-the name escapes me! I love the names of Nars stuff. Can you get Tarte in Canada? We can't in the UK or Dubai-I ordered mine off Ebay!

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  2. That Shiffa stuff is amazing! I love it :)

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