Beauty prepping for a holiday or festival

When you're off on holiday (or to a festival), the last thing you want to be worrying about is your nails chipping or your leg hair growing a bit too long. You want to spend your time relaxing and having fun and there truely is nothing worse than getting there (potentially in the burning heat) and realising you haven't shaved your legs. Ergo, a trip to the bathroom, and probably a quick fix speedy job and while sitting by the pool, you notice a patch of hair. Blooming nightmare.

Hair removal

For my legs, I'm all about epilation. If you're a waxing kinda gal, then go for that. But for me, epilation is easy, and after a a few goes, not all that painful at all. I've gone through a few epilators in my time, but my go-to for pre-prepping has to be the Braun Silk-epil 9 SkinSpa Wet and Dry Epilator & Exfoliator*, £119.99. This one does it all and is perfect for your pamper session. It has a selection of heads, I use the exfoliation heads in the shower before hand, sometimes with an exfoliator for a more abrasive scrub but if I'm after something a little more gentle then I'll just opt for the shower gel I'm currently using. I know it seems like a lot, but trust me, if you know you're going to use it, it's well worth investing in a great epilator as it will save you time, save you money in the long run and it will also make the whole experience a whole lot more bareable as you'll actually use it. For topping up when I'm travelling, my favourite is the Phillips Satinelle Wet and Dry Epilator with 9 attachments*, £200. It's more of a slick model, and fits better into my travel beauty bag. The model is just as good and it works in the same way, so I'd highly recommend this one too. Honestly, I chop and change which one I use depending on which is charged as they are both as great as each other. You can pick up some great deals, so do keep your eyes peeled for these.

If you're not up for getting on the epilation bandwagon, and you're all for shaving (I still do this everywhere else) then I'd recommend giving the Philips SatinShave Prestige Ladyshave Wet and Dry*, £70 a go. This electric razor is perfect for using all over the body, my go-to for the hair removal on the bikini line. It leaves a really close shave and that's something you really want when you're off on holiday. I then make sure I've got my Gilette Venus Swirl Flexiball Razor*, £11.99 for when I'm away for any touch ups. 

 If you are however looking to invest in an epilator, both of the favourites I mentioned above also come with a razor head that give the same effect as the Philips electric razor, so no need to pick up both unless you're looking for an added extra. 

Nails 

If I'm heading away, I swear by getting gel nails done. I've been abroad before with a normal mani, and the nail polish would just peel off and I'd reapply, but the same would happen. The Red Carpet Manicure Gel Polish Pro Kit*, £90 allows you to get this at home without having to make time to book in a trip to the salon. The price seems a lot, but when you really think about it, it's really only a couple of trips to the salon and you've made your money up. The Red Carpet range comes with a huge range of shades, but my top picks this summer are from the 'Escape to Paradise' range. These are super bright neon shades, and they look incredible with a tan. If you're heading to a festival however, non-chipped beautiful coloured nails will be a god-send and if it's a Glastonbury-esque festival, then you'll be thankful you can't see the dirt under your nails... 

After a couple of goes using the range, I got the hang of it and now I'm hooked on having these longer lasting nails.

Skin 

Before I head away, I always try and give my skin a bit of a pamper. This usually consists of a cleanser, an exfoliator, a few masks and some under eye masks, finishing with my usual serums/oils/moisturisers. This is such an essential part of holiday prepping for me, as it is just the beginning of the relaxation. I won't talk specifics, but you'll know what products work for you when you have a pamper - so crack those out and you'll thank me.

 What do you do to prep for a holiday or a festival?

Lorna x

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Why The Models Own Makeup Collection Is Truly Incredible

Models Own do incredible nail polishes, right? I’ve used them for years and they’ve been a staple in my beauty collection ever since the first day I tried them. From the incredible colour range, to the cool yet simple packaging and straight through the amazing and pigmented formula that actually lasts. I remember around 5 years ago stocking up in their 50% off sale online, and struggling to hold myself back from buying the whole collection. I had a nail polish thing, and Models Own was right up they’re egging me on.

With the incredible nail polish formula, and well, that being what they’re all about – I mean think about their amazing bottle shops (I could only dream of visiting one when I was in my  ‘need-to-stock-up’ era in case miraculously they stopped selling) but never did I think they’d be able to pull off creating a makeup range as incredible… Nor did I even think they would ever try to.

Oh how wrong I was. They’ve only blooming gone and done it. Models Own have launched a makeup collection with over 500 new products – and its incredible!

Now I can’t say I’ve tried every product in the range, in fact I feel like it might be a little bit OTT if I did – but after trying a pretty big range from the collection, I’ve got a great scope into what Models Own are trying to do and how amazingly they’re doing it.

I feel like I’m getting to gushy up in here, but when you find something I really love, especially such an affordable collection like this, I just have to tell you about it. This post isn’t sponsored, I’m just a really really big fan…

The collection has everything you could need or want to give a go. For base I gave a couple of the Sculpt & Glow products a go. The Models Own Sculpt & Glow Contouring Bronzing Powder*, £8.99 was incredibly pigmented but so buttery and easy to blend seamlessly into the skin. I’ve been using this to add a touch of a beach bronze glow this summer and it truly is becoming a favourite. To add a touch more of a bronzey glow, the Models Own Sculpt & Glow Liquid Highlighter*, £9.99 is perfect. It’s the biggest blooming tube of highlighter I’ve literally ever seen in my life, so if you want to get on the all-over-face highlighter challenge (or you just want your highlighter to last a bit longer than usual) then this will be your guy. It’s incredibly pigmented, easy to build and blend out too. I’ve got the darker shade ‘Bronze Glow’, which is perfect for adding a bit of a glossy dewy glow but I’m already eyeing up the shade ‘Brilliance’ for the rest of the year. 

I’ve tried a few new release blush sticks lately, but honestly they’ve all been a little lack lustre and just don’t really do all that much. The Models Own Rock’n’rosy Blusher Stick*, £6.99 couldn’t be further from that. The pigmentation is intense and a little goes a long way meaning it will last for a long time. I’ve got the shade Peach Pop and it’s the perfect peachy coral shade for this time of year. It’s brightening and gives a beautiful pop of colour when blended onto the cheeks.

Onto eyes, and if you’ve been around here for a while then you’ll know that I’m pretty neutral when it comes to my usual eye look. I have about a 50 billion nude/brown/neutral/natural eyeshadow palettes in my collection and rarely do I ever break out of that mould… But when this collection arrived on my doorstep, there was just something that made me feel as though I wanted to try something new. I’ve got the Models Own Eyeshadow Palette in Sweet Dreams*, £14.99 and this is the perfect palette to add to your collection if you’re like me, afraid of colour but want to give it a go. The pigmentation is great, they blend out well and I’m hooked. Obviously eyeing up some of the more natural palettes now (‘Supernatural’, I’m looking at you!).

For eyeliner, and as much as I used to be hooked on the stuff, I rarely wear it anymore and if I do – I’ll usually opt for a pen liner flick but I gave the Models Own  I-Definer Kajal Kohl Liner*, £7.99 and I could finally see what I’ve been missing. This is a super pigmented black kohl liner; it blends incredibly and is the perfect addition to a smokey eye. It lasts pretty well too!

I never thought I’d give a coloured liner a go. I used to buy the Barry M ones when I was younger as a kind of Pokemon-esque ‘gotta catch em all’ kind of thing, but I don’t actually remember wearing any of them. Probably for the best, that bright pink liner probably would have made me look as though I have pink eye… But the Models Own I-Definer Kohl Pencil Eyeliner in Electric Indigo*, £5.99 just did something to me. I kept swatching it wondering if I’d be able to pull it off, and after a few days (and about a million swatches) I gave it a go. This liner is the most beautiful shade of blue I’ve ever seen. Now if I’m honest, blue really isn’t my colour… But when it’s as beautiful as this shade, who blooming cares. It’s the most pigmented electric blue with a very subtle hint of shimmer that makes it glow as though it’s a gem. It’s so beautiful and when applied as an addition to a black liner across the under eye or as an addition to the black liner flick – it looks gorgeous. It can be smudged easily and layered for added pigment.

Onto lips and of course they have the usual lipstick in the bullet. The Models Own Luxestick Velvet Lipstick*, £7.99 is super hydrating and incredibly pigmented. I’m not the biggest fan of the shade I’ve got as I just can’t really pull off a bright pink but with a formula like this, I’m already eyeing up some of the other shades. But as good as this is, it’s not what’s made me fall in love with the Models Own lipstick collection. If you’ve ever wanted to be able to create a lipstick shade to perfectly finish off your look, quickly and easily then you’ll be just as excited as I was to see the OCC Lip Tar dupe, the Models Own Lip Gunk Lip Paint kits in metallic and gloss have got me so excited. Each shade comes with a small lip brush and metal tray to easily blend shades together to create the exact shade your looking for. With bright reds, purples, pinks, blacks, blues and many more – this collection of products are so dreamy. I’ve got a bright red and a metallic blue and I’m obsessed. It allows me to create my ideal purple shades or deeper red – and I’m always testing to see what colour I’ll make next. They are incredibly pigmented and last incredibly so you don’t have to worry too much about making the same shade on the go.

I’m hooked on this new range and I can’t help but ogle the rest of the collection. Next on my list are the blusher palettes, colour chrome eyeshadow kits, and probably the rest of the Lip Gunk shades. I’ve also spied the new Models Own Polish For Tans collection – and I’ve not given it a go so I can’t say if it’s as good as the other polishes, but it’s definitely worth a quick look if you’re heading on holiday (or just want to feel as though you are)!

Lorna x

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The Makeup Collection You Need This Summer

Rarely do I ever get won over by a makeup collection and if I do, it's generally solely by the packaging. But the Clarins Sunkissed Summer Makeup Collection is so much more than that. Not only is the packaging beautiful, but what's inside is what really counts here and it's been getting me through the summer like nothing else. 

I'm not usually one for bronzer, however this summer something's changed in me and I'm all about getting that bronze glow. In fact, the same used to be said about a coloured blush - although now I can't get enough of a subtle pink flush to the cheeks. My go-to beauty product this summer for both of this is the Clarins Limited Edition Bronzing & Blush Compact*, £30. It's the most beautiful compact I've seen in a while but the inside is what gets me going back again and again. The compact features 3 bronzer shades and one peachy apricot blush. It's glowy, it's bronzy, and it leaves you looking as though you've just stepped off the beach - and that's a winner in my books. It's pigmented and easy to blend and honestly? I can't say a bad word about it. With all of the shades in one, it's been my go-to palette for travelling and popping in my bag to top up that beachy glow, on-the-go.  

During the summer, not only do I want a beachy tanned glow, but I want my makeup to last! The Clarins Limited Edition Waterproof Eyeshadow Shimmering Cream Colour*, £18 and the Clarins Double Fix Mascara*, £20 are perfect for this. The cream colour eyeshadows are the perfect all over the lid metallic eyeshadow base, they can be used on their own, blended together or used as part of your eyeshadow look. I took these on holiday with me, to Glastonbury too and honestly they were a god send as they really did last. The same could be said about the Double Fix Mascara. I fall in love with certain mascaras and I hate it when the waterproof formula just isn't quite the same and this product gets around that. It's a mascara topper and it makes what you've already applied last that bit longer too. 

These are perfect for packing for your holiday, or even perfect for packing for any festival you've got coming up as they really do what they are supposed to. A luxury favourite that's really worth spending a few extra pennies on. Highly recommend!

Lorna x

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The Best SPFs

PROTECT YOUR SKIN. Just do it, promise? 

With all the fun of the lovely weather in the summer, whether that's on a tropical beach on your summer holiday or in good ol' England during the heatwave, it's so easy to get caught up and forget to slather a bit of SPF on your skin. You wake up the next day burnt to a crisp, your skin peeling and well, let's face it - in a lot of pain - and it's at that moment, you vouch that you'll never forget to not wear sun cream again. I want you to remember that moment, I'm remembering that moment - let's not let it happen again, okay? It's not blooming worth it. 

So now you want to get your hands on some SPF that's actually going to do something, but with so many on the market - which do you go for? 

Budget Friendly Sun Cream

Can you really be protected with budget SPF? Yes, of course you can. It might not feel as luxurious and as comfortable, but at the end of the day it's protecting your skin so if you can't afford to spend on your SPF this year I'd recommend looking at Soltan, Solero or Nivea. 

When it comes to sun care, I remember using the Nivea SPF as a child. I remember having the blue coloured one and slathering it all over my skin. It felt fun but it was actually doing it's job. The whole range is great for the body - but if you're looking for something to keep in your bag to top up on the go, the Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Roll on SPF30*, £4.99 is my go to. It's small enough to squeeze into your day bag and with the roll on, the application is incredibly easy and you don't run the risk of the sun cream exploding in your bag. Mess be gone. 

Solero is another great option and can be picked up super cheap. It's available from Lloyds Pharmacy and is well worth a visit to check it out. My pick is the Solero SPF 30 Moisturising Sun Spray*, £7. With it's spray formula and packaging, it makes application incredibly easy. If you want a higher or lower factor, they are available too but SPF 30 is usually my go-to, though I do generally alternate it with SPF 50 as my skin is pretty damn fair... 

Solait is a great budget alternative too. My pick of the brand is the Solait Pouch SPF30*, £1.99. It's perfect for popping in your bag to top up if you're on the go and won't be hitting the sun too much or great to have around in case the sun comes out to say hello and you didn't quite realise you'd need it. It takes up no space and reminds me of the similarly packaged drinks I'd have as a child - though I'd recommend not drinking this one. 

Soltan is a great brand to have a look at if you've got specific concerns and want a targeted sun cream. They are still budget friendly but will give you a few more options than Nivea, Solait or Solero. They have ones for your face; the Soltan Protect and Moisturise Face Cream in SPF 50+, £5 ones for sensitive skin; the Soltan Sensitive Hypoallergenic Suncare Spray SPF 30*, £6 ones with insect repellent; the Soltan Protect and Repel Spray SPF 30*, £6 invisible ones that you just need to apply once; the Soltan Once Invisible Pump Spray SPF 25* £10 and so many more. The best bit? I find that they actually work. They feel alright against the skin, but for the price, they really are just truly incredible. 

All of these brands are pretty affordable, but they're always on deals so I'd recommend keeping your eyes peeled for those and you can get your hands on some of them at an even better deal. Ready to save those pennies? 

SPF For Your Face

This is one thing that really grinds my gears. I swear by using a different SPF for my face. I mean, you'd never put your body moisturiser on your face would you? And I'd say this very much is the same thing. If you're reading this, you're probably with me on this but if you have been using the same one, I'd recommend picking something more specifically for your face and you'll really notice the difference. And don't worry, they don't all have to be uber expensive - I mean take the Soltan one for example.  

I have quite a few favourites in this region, but I think that probably goes along with my skincare addiction. 

If you're looking for something on the lighter side, the AVEDA Daily Light Guard SPF 30*, £34 is perfect. It's a lightweight liquid that applies perfectly before your makeup application and you really don't notice that you're wearing it. The packaging is lightweight just like the formula and is perfect for popping in your makeup bag should you need it again. This is also a great option for all year round SPF coverage.

If you struggle to remember to reapply, I'd recommend giving the Ultrasun SPF 30 Face Sun Lotion*, £20 a go. It's a once a day application and after applying, it'll protect you all day long. I've given this a good go and can say it does, though I was sitting directly in the sun for the entirety of the day once and felt the need to apply - though whether I really did was another story. It's perfect if you've got sensitive skin as it's non-irritable and it's extremely comfortable on the skin. I remember using a small sample years ago and falling in love with it and now I've got my hands on this one the love affair is very much starting again. 

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50*, £16 is also a great option, especially if you find that you get on with other The Body Shop skincare. It's a high protection that's great for protecting your skin when in the sun but also, I'd recommend using this one all year round. It's a little heavier than the AVEDA alternative above, but it works similarly and with a higher protection. 

If you'd rather have your face SPF from a skincare brand that you trust already, Dermalogica is great. Their Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster SPF 50, £38.90 is a great lightweight alternative with a high SPF but if you're after something that your makeup will sit better on and with a little less coverage that would work all year round, then I'd recommend giving the Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF30*, £38.90 a go.

Luxury SPF Alternatives

If you're looking to treat yourself however and spend a little more, I'd recommend giving the DNA Defence SPF 50+*, £55 a go. This SPF not only protects you on the go, but it works to 'undo' the sun damage that is already there. It feels incredible against the skin and works a treat. 

Okay, so this one isn't an SPF and you will need to make sure you apply an SPF with it but if you're the kind of person who won't apply SPF because you want to tan, then you need to give this a go. The Institut Esthederm Bronz Impulse UV In Cellium Face and Body Spray*, £38 a go. This is a pre-tanning treatment which activates the skins natural pigmentation process and that gives you a deeper tan and makes sure it lasts longer. So don't skip out on SPF, give this a go alongside your SPF and you'll really notice the difference. 

An SPF That Cools

Sometimes, I know, you're feeling super hot and the last thing you want to do is slather more cream on your body to leave you feeling hot and sticky. That's where the Piz Buin Protect and Cool Refreshing Sun Mousse SPF30 comes in. Now I actually have SPF 15 of this, but I wouldn't usually opt for this low coverage on my fair skin but as this feels so blooming great against the skin, I need to get my hands on a higher factor. This is a mousse in texture and it provides an immediate cooling sensation when applied to the skin. This is perfect for your summer holiday when on the beach as it'll allow you to cool down at the same time as having protection. Now just let me book a sunny holiday to go alongside my new favourite poolside SPF. 

A Sporty SPF

Exercising in the sun? You need an SPF that'll last. The Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF 50*, £30.20 is perfect as it sticks around whatever you're doing. Whether your hiking in the heat or just playing tennis in a bit of sun, you need to give this one a go. Plus it doesn't irritate the skin and won't affect your skincare regime. 

The SPF I Keep Going Back To

Now I'm not quite sure, but my most-used SPF is definitely the Ladival Sun Protection Lotion SPF30*. This sun cream protects against UV-A, UV-B and also Infrared-A rays. The formula is non-greasy and feels great against the skin. I rarely tan that quickly but when using this I've found I have and it really does protect at the same time. It lasts well and it really doesn't irritate my skin at all. With all of this, I've found myself going back and back to this time and time again.

I always burn, but when using a mixture of these I've genuinely not burnt at all this year but have managed to get myself a bit of a tan. 

Being protected in the sun is so important, I really can't stress that enough and I know it's all great to joke about the pain of a sun burn but let's not forget that the damage is lasting... 

Now let's hope for heatwave round two so I can give this lot a bit more attention again... 

What's your go-to SPF?

Lorna x

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Fragrances for the summer

I used to always be a one fragrance only kinda gal. Marc Jacobs Daisy was it for me, but with a few fragrances between now and then my collection is growing and I love to change my scent for the season. 

The first scent I swear by was something I've had for quite a while now and it really was love at first sniff. The Jo Loves Pomelo Fragrance* is my go-to summer scent and you can just tell that it's perfect for the season as Jo Malone herself says that its inspired by memories of summer holidays, white sandy beaches, fresh linen sheets and sparkling iced water. With the notes of grapefruit, this scent is the perfect mix of refreshing, energising and just blooming delicious. If you love a fruity scent, then this is a must try. 

Moving slightly away from the fruity scent, but still just as fresh I love the Roger & Gallet Fragrance Water Sprays. I've got Gingembre* and Gingembre Rouge* - both favourite scents of mine and I can't get enough. These are far lighter scents and so are perfect for spritzing on in the summer and keeping in your bag to freshen up on the go. Gingembre has notes of Ginger Flower, Neroli, Bergamot, Ambrette, Benzoin Balm and Musk. The perfect summer-esque scent with a hint of a little something extra. Gingembre Rouge is fairly similar on the note front, but with a different twist. It has notes of ginger, mandarin, pomegranate and lychee - this fragrance is just stunning. I have to admit it pips the post just slightly over the original Gingembre scent, but as always this will depend on my mood on the day. This fruity, yet spicy scent is just beautiful and you must give it a sniff. 

If you're looking for another light scent for the summer that's also budget friendly like the Roger & Gallett scents I'd really recommend looking at The Body Shop. Their fragrances are so underrated but they really are great and mind blowingly affordable. My pick is the newest to the range and is the The Body Shop Polynesian Island Tiare Eau De Toilette*. This is more on the floral end of the summer fragrance spectrum but I'd really recommend giving this a go the next time you walk past a Body Shop. 

Finally, moving a little bit away from summer specific scents as actually I don't always opt for summer only scents - I mean I live in England, it could feel like the bloody winter in the summer so I may sometimes opt for something a little different or warmer. My current picks are the Giorgio Armani Si Eau De Parfum* for its notes of cassis nectar, modern chypre and light musky wood. I'll go for this if the weather is a little cooler or in the evening. The same can be said for the Leighton Denny Light & Dark fragrances*. There's a few different fragrances in this uni-sex range and I'd recommend giving them all a sniff to find out which is the best for you (or your partner!). 

I'm obsessed with adding fragrances to my collection so I can just seeing this keep on growing... So watch this space for a new update with some new favourites in a couple of months. Who know's what I'll be loving then. 

What are your favourite summer fragrances? 

Lorna x

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The Rose Gold Makeup Collection You Need To Try

Are you a copper and rose gold fiend? Yep, yes I am. There's just something about the finish of the shade that gets me hook, line and sinker every time. If it's copper, I want it. If it's rose gold, I want it. I just want it all, okay? 

When I first set eyes on the KIKO Limited Edition Summer Trend Collection I fell in love. The Wanderlust collection* is that love at first sight kind of beauty. You see it, and then you need it. You don't just need one product, you don't want just two products - you want the whole blooming range and that's just the way it has to be. 

KIKO is one of my all time favourite budget beauty brands. Some of the prices fall more in the mid-range price-wise but for the quality, luxurious packaging and incredible range of choice product-wise, it's still pretty budget. 

The KIKO Wanderlust collection is perfect for summer. With the beautiful rose gold metallic packaging and glowy, hydrating products that feature inside - this is a must try and you all need something from this range. 

I got my hands on a few of the products and I would recommend them all. 

The KIKO Endless Sky Volumizing Mascara, £12.90 is a little more lengthening than volumising, but I like it all the same. It's jet black and lengthens my lashes the way I want them to be. Plus, the packaging is just so beautiful. 

The KIKO Desert Dunes Trio Baked Blush, £16.90 in 02 Gypsy Pink looks beautiful in the pan and on the skin. This blusher is the most pigmented powder blush I have ever come across - so bear that in mind when applying. A little goes a long way but can be blended out to create a beautiful flush across the cheeks. 

To add highlight, the KIKO Desert Moon Highlighter, £19.90 is my new go to. These baked highlighting beads come in three shades in the pot to create a beautiful dimensional glow on the high points of the face. 

A great but hydrating lipstick is hard to come by, but the KIKO Mirage Lip Stylo*, £13.90 has very much done it. With incredible pigmentation and a super hydrating and glossy formula this lipstick has been a go-to in my day-to-day makeup regime. I've got the shades 11 Soul Blackcurrant, a bright purple toned pink and 14 Bohemium Sienna, a deep pinky nude. I love both shades but I've been picking up 14 on a day-to-day basis as it goes with every makeup look. 

If you want a little extra gloss though, the KIKO Heatwave Lip Oil, £10.90  is a must try. The glossy finish and hydrating formula is great for everyday wear. The best bit though? It smells like coconut, vanilla or grapefruit! I've got 02 Vanilla, a pink and I just can't get enough. 

This new collection is a new favourite of mine. From the gorgeous packaging to the brilliant formulas, KIKO really have hit the nail on the head with this one. Now excuse me while I go and browse the rest of the collection... The In The Shade Eyeshadow and Kajal has my name ALL over it. 

Lorna x

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Contouring and Strobing on a budget

Finding a budget friendly product for a specific trend can be difficult. And when it comes to base products, I always struggle to find the right kind of product for my skin tone so the high street is never normally my go-to but this time it's oh so different. 

I swear by the Rodial Instaglam Compact Deluxe Contouring Powder*, £52 but at that price I just can't justify recommending it all of the time. The colour is perfect for my fair and pale skin tone and up until now I hadn't found anything that met up to it and made me veer away from it at all. I've heard a lot about the incredible contour sticks out there and the Smashbox Step By Step Contour Stick Trio but as I wasn't quite sure about how the shades would work with my skin colour, I never quite bit the bullet and picked it up as it always looked a little too warm for me. The ease of a contour stick still appealed and then the Maybelline Master Contour V Contour  & Highlight Stick*, £6.99 arrived on my doorstep and I fell a little bit in love. This duo, multi-use product features both a contour and highlight stick in one within the same stick. You draw on your matte contour and matte highlight and blend. It's creamy and the finish looks flawless. For me, a highlight shade like that, would never actually be fair enough for my skin tone but it is! It comes in two shades, Light and Medium and for £6.99 you really can't go wrong. If you don't however like the idea of having both of the products in one, then I'd recommend giving the AmazingCosmetics Perfection Stick, £17.99* a go in a few shades darker than you'd usually go. This is a little more expensive, and a little less budget but the small nib and creamy product make it worthwhile. 

If strobing is more your thing and you really are looking to not spend much, then the Barry M Illuminating Strobe Cream Sticks*, £4.49 are a must try. These come in two shades, Frosty Pink and Iced Bronze and I'd recommend picking them both up if you can. They are a perfect creamy shimmer that highlight the high points of your face that would naturally catch the light and give a gorgeous dewy glow. The stick form makes application incredibly easy and I'd recommend blending the product in with your fingers. If you want it to last a little longer and want an a bit more of a glow, then I'd recommend setting the cream product into place with a subtle powder highlighter. This gives the look another dimension and your highlight will look incredible when the light catches it. 

What are your budget contour and strobing favourites? 

Lorna x

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