Summer 2013 Beauty Highlights

When I drafted up this post yesterday afternoon I was huddled up in a blanket, cradling a hot water bottle and looking out a gloomy grey skies and included the phrase 'Adios 'til next year, sun!' in the opening paragraph for this blog post. So I've just had to come back and alter my introduction because of the absolutely glorious turn around today - I've even done a spot of sunbathing and got some outdoor garden snaps! Maybe it's not adios 'til next year the for the sun then, and we've got a bit of bipolar weather coming our way. I'm all in favour of extra sun, but I'm not keen on the idea waking up and it looks like December, but by lunchtime you're stripping layers off and hunting for sunglasses! Is summer over yet, or not? I want to decide whether it's time to properly pull out my knitted jumpers and fluffy socks yet.

Anyway, I don't know if it's just me and I've only been paying half attention to new releases over the summer, but is Bourjois the only brand that has been bringing anything new to those highstreet shelves? Whereas last year it was Revlon that truly ruled the drugstore roost, this year all the hype has been directed towards Bourjois and their hit after hit in the cosmetic field. But what about everyone else? Where is everyone else's new releases worth noting for Summer 2013?!

Here are my general beauty highlights for Summer 2013 - not necessarily all new releases - just the products that I have found myself reaching for on a regular basis over the past couple of months:

Skincare

Liz Earle Eye Bright Soothing Eye Lotion

Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water Spray

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning*

Any fellow hayfever suffers out there will appreciate the distress caused by the higher than average pollen count in the recent months, and sympathise with the woes caused by puffy, itchy and frequently streaming eyes that accompany this wonderful season, where even just your neighbour innocently mowing their lawn can cause your sinuses to explode. Liz Earle's Eye Bright lotion came to my rescue as a soothing and calming lotion to refresh tired and puffy eyes. I get easily irritated eyes and sometimes they really just need a little calming down and some TLC, so a cotton pad soaked in this witch hazel and aloe vera lotion can really do the trick. Avene's Eau Thermale was a holiday essential for me; especially with such a hot and humid climate in Tunisia. Even though this is essentially just purified water in a pressurised container, it is still a lifesaver for refreshing skin and bringing body temperature down when it all just gets a little bit too hot. Remember those humid evenings a while back when everyone wished they had aircon?.. This little buddy was never left my bedside table and was regularly spritzed over my arms and chest area when trying to cool down and sleep! I can't say that I've used loads and loads of the Clarins Liquid Bronze, as I did get it quite recently and have also toned down how regularly I've been using it, but I could still sing it's praises all day long! You'd be best off reading my recent full post on this if you're interested as it is a really effortless and foolproof natural looking moisturising facial tanner.

Body

Garnier Ambre Solaire Aftersun Hydrating Tan Maintainer

Garnier SummerBody Gradual Tanning Lotion

The Body Shop Mango Body Mist

There's no point working hard on building up a tan and then not carrying on the effort to maintain it, and that's why Garnier's Hydrating Tan Maintainer Aftersun has been a big highlight of the summer. A lightweight gel formula aftersun that sinks in, cools and moisturises, with an extra added bonus of a very subtle self tanning ingredient to add a little boost to your natural tan. Before I actually developed any real kind of tan that needed to be maintained, though, I had to fake it out and use Garnier's SummerBody Gradual Tanner which is (in my eyes) the best gradual tanning lotion out there - on a budget, at least. I adore the fact it smells like fruit, instead of mouldy biscuits and gives an effortless and even hint of colour to the skin, that starts of very subtle from the first use and can be controlled and built up daily. The Body Shop's Mango Body Mist has been my fragrance of the summer; a beautifully uplifting and energising boost of smooth and fresh fruitiness that really captures the scent of summer.

Make Up 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Radiant Reveal Foundation

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon - Red Sunrise

Wellll, the make up section for this post is looking a little sparse, but I honestly couldn't pluck my brain for any more highlights. I've literally been using the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation every single day since I got it, regardless of the occasion, because it's just so good. It's flexible too and a light layer can be applied for an easy going every day look, or it can be built up a little more for a fuller coverage base when the occasion arises. I've only tried two of these amazing Color Boost Lip Crayons, but I definitely LOVE Red Sunrise. It's  the quickest and easiest way to switch any make up look up to 10x more glam, in about 5 seconds! In one quick and easy swipe you'll have vibrant pinky red lips with a high gloss shine and smoothing moisturisation that lasts for hours. 

Nails 

Models Own Hedonist

Models Own Luis Lemon

Barry M Gelly 'Hi-Shine' - Grapefruit

Bourjois 1 Second Gel - Turquoise Block

Oh I do love a good summer manicure. Bright colours are my faveee! I've picked a range of pretty brights that I've been drawn to over the past few months: Models Own Hedonist made it's way onto my nails the most amount of times, and was even lucky enough to be chosen as my holiday nails colour. Absolutely gorgeous vibrant coral colour. Models Own Luis Lemon is a new favourite that I wish I could wear all of the time. Seriously, fluorescent neon yellow that's so neon it practically glows in the dark! It wouldn't be a highlights post without bringing in some of Barry M's Gelly Hi-Shine nail varnishes, now would it? Like everybody else, I went totally ga-ga for these polishes. Opaque in one coat, quick drying with a super glossy gel-like finish - what's not to love. Then, along came the Bourjois 1 Sec Gel nail varnishes with a very similar concept, only with a super wide brush that made things even quicker! 

Bourjois comes out on top for this one.

Thanks for reading!

Now, excuse me while I go and curl up in my duvet with a hot chocolate make the most of the spontaneous sunshine!

Related blog posts:

Eau Thermale: Avene or La Roche Posay | Sunshine in a Bottle: Clarins Liquid Bronze | Review: Garnier SummerBody Gradual Tanning Lotion | The Body Shop Mango Range | Nails: Bright Yellow (Ciate or Models Own).

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