The beauty bag | Summer heat update

Current location? Lisbon, Portugal. Temperature? Very warm. So, naturally, the contents of my beauty bag have changed.

First of all, I've decided to edit and simplify this group of products. Meaning, I'm not carrying around 10 lippies anymore. Whether you're going to a festival or just commuting in a crowded bus with broken air conditioner (lovely), you'll want to make an effort so that your make-up don't melt off your face.

The key to choosing the right products is testing their longevity. Usually, spotting the expression waterproof or long lasting on the label is a good sign. Some ranges I really like, especially for this type of hot and humid weather, are Urban Decay 24/7 and Make Up For Ever Aqua. They stay in place all day (and night), so you can just apply them in the morning and forget you have make-up on.

The current face division consists of Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil in NSA, to conceal dark circles and redness around the nose, and Chanel Natural Finish Pressed Powder in 30 Naturel, to mattify the T-zone. If I feel like wearing any sort of base, I'll go for MAC Face and Body Foundation in C5 — entitled as the perfect base for warmer months, thanks to its water-resistant quality. A teeny tiny dab of Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Cream Blush (in the shade 4 Walk of Shame) on the cheeks, provides a healthy glow. It doesn't contain shimmer, but gives a soft-focus effect.

To frame the face, I apply a bit of M.U.F.E. Aqua Brow in 25 Ash, using a slanted tip brush (like MAC 208). It is unbelievably good at filling in sparse areas or even drawing in full brows, when they fit in the very fair category or, even when they are virtually non-existent. Naturally, an essential part of my kit.

In the eye department, a swipe of Rimmel Scandaleyes Stick in Bad Girl Bronze on the lid, blended in with fingers or a fluffy brush, makes a good base. To define the lashline, a quick application of Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes does the trick. The shade Pearly Brown 2L gives a softer look, but you can just go for Matte Black 0L to intensely define the eye. For mascara, choose a formula that doesn't smudge on you. Usually, I don't have an issue with this, so I rarely wear waterproof formulas. Having said that, I really like Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash.

To finish off the look, a long-lasting lipstick does the job. My most reached for have been Burberry Lip Velvet in Rose Azalea No. 308 (love that shade) and Aqua Rouge liquid lipstick (in 2 Rosewood).
On dry lip occasions, I reach for Clinique Chubby Stick (in Two Ton Tomato), of course.

Some other essentials that jumped into my beauty bag are Caudalie Beauty Elixir (gotta have a refreshing mist on hand), Japonesque Blotting Paper Pouch (does what it says on the tin), Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream and a mini perfume atomizer or rollerball, in this case, Burberry Body.

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Empties #4 | Hair care edition

Another empties edition, this time featuring solely hair care products.
Starting with the most basic — washing — let me introduce a scalp saviour that I discovered last summer: Redken Scalp Relief Soothing Balance Shampoo. The Scalp Relief range offers different solutions for specific scalp concerns, like excess oil production, dandruff or sensitivity. The latter was a condition I had to deal with ASAP.
Often during summer months, my skin (including scalp) becomes more sensitive. So, I carefully choose delicate formulas to wash and condition, avoiding strong fragrances. This gentle shampoo cleanses effectively, while soothing and relaxing the scalp. The creamy blend of eucalyptus and liquorice extracts has a soft and relaxing scent.

I haven't used TIGI S-Factor Smoothing Conditioner for a while, and forgot how great it was. The texture is incredibly creamy and thick. In fact, it is so thick that if you have the regular 250ml pumpless bottle, you know how hard it is to push the product out near the end.
What I really appreciate in the S-Factor range, compared to Bed Head, is the use of more grown-up and delicate fragrances. They're not subtle by any means, just more refined. In this case, it's supposed to have an asian pear and papaya aroma, but it reminds me of strawberry sweets, for some reason. The result is instantly conditioned and smoothed down locks, with increased shine levels. It's very effective in calming frizzy hair, like mine, and helps to reduce fly-aways. The formula with avocado and jojoba oils nourishes hair and provides manageability.

Again from TIGI S-Factor, I used up these Health Factor Extreme Moisture Therapy 10ml bottles. I believe this product is discontinued now, but I managed to find it here and here. It was a gift with purchase with another S-Factor item, so I didn't know what to expect.
Haven't used it long enough to notice long term benefits, though I did notice that it helped increasing hydration levels, making it a good primer for other conditioning products.
The quantity applied depends on the texture, density and length of hair. I used half a bootle at a time, on towel-dried hair, and combed it through. This leave-in spray treatment repairs and nourishes damaged hair, while improving it's elasticity and protecting hair from future damage.

Obviously, I finished another bottle of hair oil. I believe this was the second bottle of L'Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil I've used up. A lightweight formula that absorbs quickly and it's suited for all hair types, making it ideal to use on dry hair.
I apply a few pumps starting from the ends — where I want the most product — and work it through the lengths as well. This formula with avocado and grape seed oils provides a shiny and softer result, adding a healthy look. Depending on your hair type and density, you can apply a few pumps before and after blow-drying and whenever your locks are feeling a bit lackluster.

Finally, a product that you can't neglect, especially if you're addicted to heat styling. If you are, welcome to the club. We have tea on Thursdays.
Last December, when I purchased my first ghd straighteners, I thought I'd give ghd Heat Protect Spray a go. And I'm really glad I did.
The packaging is sleek and beautiful — I can't hide the fact that I do fall for packaging — and it sprays such a fine, light mist that feels like you have absolutely nothing on your hair. Doesn't weigh down or leave any sort of residue or build-up. Perfect. Smells really good, too. Not a strong, lingering scent, which is ideal in my eyes, since at that stage in my routine I already applied a cocktail of different products with distinct fragrances.
This spray protects against the heat from dryers, curling wands and straighteners and can be used in damp or dry hair. Do comb it through afterwards, to distribute the product evenly. I miss having this spray, but I really need to finish two other thermal protectors before repurchasing this. I'm really trying to resist...

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Review | Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I've been using this treatment for a while now — can't even remember how long, but definitely before all the hype.
There are quite a number of reasons why this product is so spectacular. A multitasker inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary's "elixir of youth", with a delicious scent and a soothing effect.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir or Eau de Beauté is available in a 100ml bottle, that sits in my skincare stash, and a 30ml version that travels in my make-up bag.
I wasn't surprised when I learnt that Lisa uses Beauty Elixir, when she seeks a bit of calm. That's precisely why I love using this at nighttime, especially when I'm feeling a bit agitated.
On the other hand, I'm amazed by it's radiance inducing capabilities. Working as a hydrating toner after cleansing and exfoliating, or, after make-up application to inject a bit of radiance. The smaller bottle comes out to refresh and liven up the make-up during the day. Excusez-moi, whilst I reach into my make-up bag and spritz just a bit now. Aah...
Besides it's glow enhancing properties, this water also acts as an amazing after-shave for men.

Before spritzing, shake this blend of grape, orange blossom, rose, balm mint and rosemary, in order to activate the ingredients and mist the face, avoiding the eyes. Wait a few seconds before the next step. This could be the application of the next step in your skincare routine, or, a light tapping motion to rework the make-up — shifting concealer, anyone?

Caudalie's co-founder, Mathilde Thomas, always favours natural and environmentally friendly ingredients. So, naturally, Beauty Elixir is also free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, articial colouring and mineral oils. The beautiful fragrance is 100% natural and there's no animal testing. Big thumbs up!

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