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Summer Loving

IMG_2161This was initially just skincare but I realised that these were some of my current absolute favourites, regardless of category. Some of are new, some are old but they are definitely my summer stand outs. Masque Bar Hydro Gel EyeThis product so impressed me that it was going to get a post all of its own before I realised a paragraph of raving was all I could likely cobble together. I am obsessed with gel eye masks so the idea of a daily pair for a month was hugely appealing just for the refreshing, hydrating sensation but I believe these have actually brightened my under eye. Between the severe jet lag I've been living with and the pigmentation around my eyes I can see real results having only used these for about a week and a half. At £29.99 they aren't cheap but considering that's less than £1 a treatment I'd happily go out and buy another jar when these run out. I don't know whether they would be as effective used sporadically or whether the effects will wear off if I stop using them.. time will tell. For now I'm totally enamoured and if you have malasma or darkness around your eyes I'd suggest you give them a go.Kiehls Ultra Facial CreamThis is something I've read a lot about over the years but my oily skin doesn't always love a moisturiser, especially one that claims to give 24 hour hydration. I don't use this daily, 2 or 3 times per week max as it's pretty heavy for me but my skin always feels great the morning after I've used it. The jar is £24 but it's large and at the rate I use it it will last me the rest of my natural life.Fresh Rose Floral TonerThe facial mists I've used in the past have tended to be alcohol based and smell amazing, Caudalie Beauty Elixir is a great example of this.. love the stuff but I know it might not be the BEST for my skin. Fresh Rose Floral Toner was something I wasn't expecting to enjoy using as I really dislike rose scented products but it's a very subtle scent and the light hydrating mist is perfect for my oily skin in summertime. I spritz this as my final skincare step when I'm not using a traditional moisturiser at night but it's also light enough to wear underneath my makeup.. an unexpected favourite!Rapid BrowI've bored you to tears about Rapid Brow in the past, I'm sure but if you have sparse/thin brows that you'd like to grow out you might just have to give it a go. Mine were so thin that I felt naked without filling them in but now I feel totally comfortable sweeping a tinted brow mascara through them on a lazy day.. Rapid Brow just WORKS.Essie Sand TropezI dabbled with colour again over the past few months but this year has really been the year of nude/natural nails for me. I love a sheer neutral but recently I've been so enjoying this opaque, pale greige shade from Essie that it's rarely off my nails. If I remove and repaint the same shade more than once I know it's a hit!NUXE Reve De MielAnother long time favourite that I always return to when my lips are super dry. Usually something reserved for the Winter months as it's a very thick, almost mask like balm.. I'm not sure if it's the sun or my new lip biting habit but this past month I've had sore, almost chapped skin on my lips and this is the only thing that soothes them.Superdrug Clearly Youthful Peel Off MaskI love retexturising, glycolic products but if you don't this will be a miss for you. It tingles a bit on my skin but leaves it feeling insanely smooth and as many similar products as I've tried I just cannot beat it and the price tag is tiny compared to so many others on the market. It also peels off really easily, very gentle and in one sheet.. satisfying!Origins GinZing Peel Off MaskI received a sample of this in my British Beauty Blogger Origins box a month or so ago and it is by far the most bizarre mask I've ever used. It is a rose gold/iridescent colour on the skin, full on molten metal effect. You need to apply a generous layer if you want it to be easy to peel off as it's super thin but when it DOES peel off you feel like your skin is going to come with it. Reminds me a lot of the charcoal mask by Masque Bar, once it's peeled away your almost feel like you've been slapped in the face  but man oh man does it leave my skin super soft?! It's an odd one and definitely not for everyone but I love it.I realise now that most of my favourites are on the pricier side, I've definitely been dabbling with more high end skin/haircare this year but I'd like to rediscover some drugstore gems so if you have any suggestions or any products you'd like me to test out let me know. I've been stuck in a bit of a rut lately so it might be time to switch things up!