Summer Beauty Favourites

I know it's not long since I did my August favourites but I thought I'd round off the summer with my favourites products from the last few months. While I'm super sad that summer is over, we haven't exactly had the best weather and this autumn brings a really exciting new part of my life, plus I'm loving the look of this season's trends, so there are some positives (although in three months when I'm wearing 5 layers with a sniffly nose we'll see if I'm still saying this!). Anyway, let's look back over the summer!

The most obvious favourite is of course my Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue. It's the perfect light base but one that I'll definitely keep using through the winter months because it keeps my skin feeling so nourished and hydrated and adds a gorgeous glow to my skin. Another product that I've been loving is the Clinique Pop Lipstick. It's really moisturising and glossy but with a really intense colour payoff although to be honest I probably haven't used this as much as I should. A product I've only recently found is the Charles Worthington Sun Protection Shampoo and Conditioner as I picked up a mini bottles of these to take on my holiday. The small bottles actually didn't quite last me two weeks so I did have to pick something else up while I was there but I did really enjoy this combo. It made my hair feel so soft and my dry ends practically disappeared. As I wash my hair everyday on holiday I was worried it would look a bit limp but this wasn't a problem at all.

Something that I'll definitely continue to use all year round is the Soltan Shimmer Body Oil. While scent-wise it's probably not on the same level as the Nuxe or Tom Ford one, it's still a great dupe for making my legs look lovely. It's important to shake it up before applying it (something I've forgotten to do many a time!) as the shimmer particles do sometimes sink a little in the bottle, but once rubbed into my skin leaves it feeling super soft, enhances my tan and gives a perfected look. Finally is the Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scent. It's the sugar crush scent condensed into a really strong body mist, that really lingers on the skin and hair. It's a fresh scent that will remind me of summer whenever I spray it.

Olivia Ellen XXX

August Favourites

This post marks the end of summer although I still have a few weeks until I head off to university and start working. This months favourites is a mixed back. The Bare Minerals Mineral Veil and Sleek Face Form are products I've had for a while but have recently begun using more regularly again and I'm loving them. The Mineral Veil holds my make-up in place and removes any oiliness without fully mattifying my skin and the Face Form has a beautiful natural contour shade and I've been really enjoying the highlighter too.

I'm still loving having dip-dyed hair and have recently redone it with the L'Oreal Feria Dip Dye Kit. It's easy to do and gives me a bright colour without bleaching that fades out really nicely. I'm really wanting to pick up some of the other colours in the range to see if they give the same effect. In terms of skincare I've been using the Body Shop Lemon Body Scrub (I actually think this has been discontinued now as I bought it in the sale)to keep my skin summer-ready. At first I was unsure because it leaves a greasy feeling on the skin once you rinsed of the sugar particles but I'm getting used to that and think it actually helps to make my skin extra nourished and moisturised. I've been wearing this super cute tasseled necklace from Accessorize a lot lately as it's prefect for jazzing up a simple outfit- I love to wear it with a simple crisp white shirt for a simple look.

Olivia Ellen XXX

July Favourites

I don't know how but I completely forgot to do a favourites post last month. I think the month just rushed by as I was so busy and I by the time I'd realised I decided it was too late. But I'm back with some of the things I've been loving this July.

Nuxe Reve de Miel Cleansing Gel: I didn't realise until recently what a good beauty section Marks and Spencer has. It has a lot of brands (Nuxe, Ren etc) that I didn't think I could buy in my city so when I saw this cleanser I just had to pick it up. The fact that it has a pump is really handy as I can keep it by my sink without spilling it everywhere. It has a sweet honey scent which has grown on me and it feels really creamy and smooth on the skin and dissolves my makeup very easily so I'm a big fan.

MAC 'Brave': I did a full review of this last week if you want to know more but I've been getting so much use out of this lipstick recently I just had to include it as a favourite. Whenever I want a quick nude lip I reach for this because it looks very pretty and natural and lasts well on the lips without looking cakey or smudging.

Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm: Similarly to the Mac lipstick, this balm in Exquisite Caramel has been serving a similar purpose, where I can just slick this on for a shiny nude lip. It very much matches my natural lip colour but just adds some shine and nourishment. I also love that is comes in a stick as it's much more hygienic than a tin or pot lip balm.

Mii Brow Conceal and Contour Duo: Again, I did a full review of this if you want details but this is the perfect product for creating a really neat brow. I had my brows done at the beginning of the month but really wasn't happy with how they looked so this has been helping to tidy them up and give my the shape that I want before I get them done again.

Olivia Ellen XXX

May Favourites

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue: I have too much love for this product to share in a tiny favourites post but I do have a full review up if you want my full thoughts. I knew this had to go in my favourites because I've worn it almost everyday this month since I bought it. It's the perfect summery base and leaves my skin looking so glowing and radiant, it's my perfect everyday base.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir Eau Fraiche: This was a birthday present from last month and is a really love scent- it's fresh, clean and a little floral making it the perfect daytime spring fragrance. I also find it really lingers on the skin so I'm constantly catching a whiff of it throughout the day which is good.

MAC Lipstick in 'Cardinal': Again, I have a full review of this (along with MAC's lip liner in 'Soar') but the main reason I've been loving this shade this month is because it's a satin finish rather than my usual matte. It's been nice to reach for something a little creamier because it means my lips don't have to be in perfect condition before I apply it as it doesn't dry them out as much.

Blow Pro Dry Texture Spray: I've been after a texturising spray for a while and spotted this one in TK Maxx recently and picked it up because it was really cheap. Turns out I adore it! It's great for keeping it looking alive after blow drying and also perfect for spicing up second-day hair. It's actually a hard brand to get hold of in the UK though unfortunately so once this runs out I'll be looking for another brand so recommendations are welcome!

Liquid Luck Necklace: My brother always buys me great gifts and this necklace that he got me for my birthday is no exception. I've always been a big Harry Potter fan so this is a great way for me to add a bit of fun and sparkle to any outfit, plus it's subtle enough for any occasion.

Rainbow In the Cloud by Maya Angelou: This book was published after Maya's death and is full of quotes and words of wisdom for the wonderful woman herself. It really inspired me and made me think and I like to think that that is exactly what she would have wanted it to. She really was a fantastic person and I'm slowly but surely working my way through her autobiographies so this was a refreshing change.

Olivia Ellen XXX

April Favourites

Took the sunshine as an opportunity to take some summery pictures and was interrupted by this little cutie wanting to know what I was doing! It was so hard for me to narrow down my favourites this month, it's been a great one for trying new things (despite shopping a little too much perhaps!) so here's what I came up with!

Coach Rose Gold Watch: This is by far the best thing I've bought this month. I say I've bought, but in fact this is my birthday present from my parents which I chose in New York. A watch was on my birthday list and when I saw this one I fell in love- it's great because it now reminds me of my 18th birthday but of new York too. The watch itself compliments any outfit and I think the rose gold and pale pink mix is a classic combination that I'll wear for years to come.

New Base Routine: I've fallen in love with so many new products this month so rather than talk about them all separately, I thought I'd send you all to check out the post on my new base routine featuring the Tarte Amazonian Clay Foundation and more. It's a gorgeous mix of products that is just suiting me so well at the moment.

Illamasqua Precision Brow Gel: I feel like this has very quickly become the best brow product I've tried. My full review went up last week if you want to no more, but as a quick round up- it's precise, incredibly long lasting and easy to create a variety of brow looks, from something very soft to super sharp.

Organix Thick and Full Range: This is my latest purchase but it's already made it onto my favourites because I'm so impressed. Initially I only picked up the root boost spray and was so impressed I went back for the shampoo and conditioner. They're the only thickening products that genuinely feel like they've made a difference. I like that the shampoo and conditioner have really unique textures (not like your regular gel-type products) and are scented but not overpowering. In combination with the Not Your Mother's Thickening Serum I've just been loving how my hair has been looking and feeling since I picked these up, and while they're a little more than I would normally spend on shampoo (each product is £6.99) I really feel it's worth it.

Olivia Ellen XXX

March Favourites

How was everyone's March? Mine was incredibly busy and I can sense it's only going to get busier as Summer approaches. Perks of it being April? My 18th birthday, possibly my best holiday ever and one month closer to leaving school. It'll be a good one!

Alberto Balsam Tea Tree Tingle Shampoo: This is not the most exciting product by far but one that's been so useful to me this month. I'd been finding that my hair was getting greasy and unpleasant far too quickly, even if I din't use any products in it, so I did some research and read that a tea tree based product might help. This one costs around £1 and is brilliant- it smells minty and refreshing and has definitely been helping get my hair super clean. I use this with a Dove conditioner and it's a great combination at the moment.

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil: This was a complete impulse buy that I picked up on my way to the tills in Boots but I'm so glad I found it! It comes in a spray bottle making it very easy to apply and it just makes your skin look moisturised and glowy, it pretty much is a miracle in a bottle.

Maybelline Super Stay Nails: I am completely won over these polishes. With the Sally Hansen Diamond Strength over the top they last really well on the nails without chipping. I've had up to 5 days wear out of one shade, and I know own four different shades because I love them that much.

Froot by Marina and The Diamonds: OK, this is definitely my most favourite item of the month. I've been a fan of Marina since her first album came out back in 2010 and all her music since then has blown me away. I've had this (her third album) on pre-order for months so when it finally came I was thrilled and it really doesn't disappoint. It's a mixture of electro-pop music combined with really deep lyrics and I can't enough. If you wan't a preview I'd recommend Froot, Happy and Weeds.

Olivia Ellen XXX

February Favourites

February was unintentionally a very spendy month for me. I guess I got a little carried away but I can't deny the fact that I've found a lot of fantastic products and clothing items that I adore, so this month's favourites is a good one.

Una Brennan Cleansing Oil: I am so glad I found this product, and that it works so well for my skin too. I'm always wary when trying new skincare products as to whether they're really working or whether I'm just having a particularly good skin day/week. I feel confident enough though so say that this is really working. It takes my make-up off well and leaves my skin feeling extremely nourished and after using it both morning and night for a couple of weeks, my skin is looking so much brighter and even. At first I thought that £10.99 seemed like a lot of money for it, but you literally need a tiny amount for each use and it's such a huge bottle that it really is worth it in my eyes.

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara: I actually had this mascara when it first came out and liked it but for some reason didn't repurchase it. I was after a new on recently so decided to go back to his, but the waterproof version. I really like the size of the brush as it enable me to get really thick, voluminous lashes and it doesn't smudge at all so it's been great for nights out.

Soap and Glory Kick Ass Powder: If you saw my Soap and Glory haul at the start of the month, you'll know how much I loved the products so I have actually bought a couple more since then. I've been using the Rimmel Stay Matte powder for years now but was feeling a bit fed up so thought I'd try something a bit different. This powder is slightly yellow-toned although applies fairly translucent and does a great job of setting my make-up in place but isn't as matte as the Rimmel. Plus I love the packaging- the compact is light but sturdy and has a great size mirror in side so is definitely worth the price.

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss and Matte Lipstick: I've pretty much been alternating between these two lip products all month. The lipstick if a lovely berry tone that has a creamy matte finish and is great for both day and night. It's long lasting yet doesn't dry up on the lips. The other is a plumping gloss which I adore for nights out. It applies as a sheerer version of what it looks like in the tube. It feels quite thick but is not overly sticky and I like that it's easy to reapply without a mirror. It just makes your lips look glossy and plump, and although it feels incredibly tingly on the lips I'm a big fan!

Statement Earrings: I'm very lazy at times when it comes to wearing earrings and most days I just don't bother but I've recently bought a couple of pairs that I just can't take off because they're something a bit different. The pearl ones are from Dorothy Perkins and they're great because one pearl is a stud with the other hanging from a bar below the ear so they're really interesting and pretty. Secondly is this jeweled ear cuff from Topshop which just clips on to the side of your ear at the top and is great because I can put it through my second lobe piercing and still wear a stud in the other.

New Look: I feel like I have to include New Look as a whole this month as I've just been shopping there so much lately. This new bag for one has been wonderful as it has the choice of short handles on top or a longer strap and is deceptively big so I can fit loads in there. I've also bought a few dresses which I adore and can't wait to take into spring (no doubt they'll be in some outfit posts soon!) and my big batwing cardigan is still my best friend. I've also got my eye on a pair of shoes I plan on treating myself to soon!

Olivia Ellen XXX

January Favourites

It's that time of month again! Time to find out what I've been loving in January (although you can probably already guess- it's pretty predictable!)

ASOS Makeshift Brogues: I've actually been really enjoying breaking these shoes in since I got them (see the shoe unboxing here). I've been just popping them out when I'm going short distances and I so far they've been fairly comfortable. I love that they go with so much and the cream is just a bit more interesting that the predictable brown or black that brogues normally come in.

Spectrum Flat Top Buffer: This is just one of the brushes I picked up from Spectrum and reviewed recently. I've been using it every single day to apply my foundation and it's completely sped up my make-up routine because of how densely packed the bristles are. It creates a wonderfully flawless look which leads me on to...

Max Factor Facefinity Foundation: Is this the third favourites post I've featured this base in? I cannot get enough of it and I've worn nothing else throughout the whole month of January. I'm going to talk about it a little more in my next Face of the Day post so keep your eyes peeled if you want to know more!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer: Here's something that's been in my collection for a while, but has been a bit unloved. I used it quite regularly for a while but then was finding it was just a little too yellow-toned and didn't match with my foundation at the time. Recently though I've rediscovered it as a blemish concealer and am really enjoying it. It's creamy and matches my current face pretty well, plus a little goes a long way. 

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lipstick in Crushed Plum: I have reviewed this product in full if you want to know more, but I am so in love with this lipstick. The formula is pretty much faultless in my eyes and though it's quite a bold colour, I've been getting it on my lips at every opportunity and relishing it. 

The Hours by Michael Cunningham: Unfortunately I no longer have a copy of this book but it's definitely been my most memorable this month. It follows the story of three women in different time periods (once of them being Virigina Woolf) and is a bit of mystery, where the pieces don't slot into place until the very end. It's got a focus on mental illness and was also made into a film in 2002 (it's fab by the way) which you can catch on Netflix- highly recommend both!

Olivia Ellen XXX

Best of 2014 // Outfits

It seems so strange looking back over a year of outfits. While admittedly these photos are only a small selection of the outfits I wore last year, I can still remember what I did on the day of wearing each of these. Anyway, I thought I'd just share with you some of my favourite snaps from the year, mainly for my reminiscing purposes but if you want to see more of my past outfits be sure to check out the Outfits tab down the right hand side of my blog. Hope the new year is treating you well and look out for some new outfits coming at you very soon.

Olivia Ellen XXX

Best of 2014 // Reviews

Revlon Skinlights // L'Oreal Skin Perfection Moisturiser // Topshop Nails in 'Suffuse' // Bourjois Rouge Velvet // Scottish Fine Soaps Hand Wash

Here are some of my favourite product reviews from last year- while there are many more products I adore, these are just a few snaps from the reviews I've loved. If you want to see more be sure to check out the Review tab down the right hand side of my blog where you can see everything I've reviewed over the past 2 and a half years (although please don't go back that far- it's cringey!).

Olivia Ellen XXX

November Favourites

November has been a pretty busy month for me overall but secretly I've quite enjoyed having a lot on. December will bring even more hectic-ness but it also means Christmas is on it's way so that's something to look forward to!

Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub: When I get up in the morning and can barely open my eyes, this is the perfect product to use. The zesty scent wakes me right up, plus it leaves my skin feeling super soft and the scene lingers on the skin too. I also love using the Breakfast Smoothie Scrub, although I've been reaching for Sugar Crush slightly more this month. I reviewed these a while ago which you can read here!

Max Factor Facefinity All Day Flawless Foundation: I know it's kind of cheating because I included this product in last month's favourites too but I just can't help but mention it again! I've been wearing this almost everyday this month as I know it won't fail me, whereas sometimes I have mishaps with some of my other bases.

L'Oreal Colour Riche Quad: I can read this very recently which you can read here, but this little eyeshadow quad has just brightened up my eyes multiple times this month. The beautiful bronze shades are perfect for this time of year and I can't believe the quality for the price.

Wonder by R J Palacio: This book blew me away. It's supposedly a children's book but it's such a lovely moving story that really made me think and I cannot recommend it enough to people of all ages.

Olivia Ellen XXX

October Favourites

I'm not going to say it. Nope. No way. Alright, I can't help it- where has the month gone?! Honestly, I feel like this year has just flown by and before I know it it'll be time for Christmas presents and new years resolutions. This month I've only got a few favourites because I've been so busy I've hardly had chance to think about new products, but enjoy!

Max Factor Facefinity Foundation: The only really new product I've used this month has been this foundation- I've been interested in it for a while and when I saw it was on offer in Superdrug, I decided to go for it. I only recently bought it which is why I haven't done a full review of it (let me know if you'd be interested in seeing that) but I'm really impressed that the 'all day flawless' claim turned out to be true.

Rimmel Salon Pro in Urban Purple: You can see this (albeit badly applied) nail polish in the above picture on my nails, and it's one I've had for probably over a year now. The other day I was after something Autumny and quick to apply so I reached for this and I'm really impressed with it. You can get away with just one coat (although 2 makes it last longer on the nails) and the flat brush makes for an easy application.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Moisturiser: My full review of this moisturiser is here and after using it for over a month, I can still truthfully say I'm loving it. I think it's really made a difference to how my make-up goes on as it leaves my skin feeling so smooth and moisturised.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver: This month's book was an easy choice- Lauren Oliver wrote one of my favourite book series (the Deliruim trilogy) and this novel didn't let me down. It was full of twists and I didn't guess what was going to happen until the very end. Think Groundhog Day mixed with Mean Girls and you get the picture.

Olivia Ellen XXX

September Favourites

It wasn't until I saw other blogger's favourites going up that I realised 'oh yeah, it is the end of September'. For me this is pretty scary as it means time to send of uni applications and I'm one month closer to lots of important decisions and exams. But hey, at least September has been a month full of fab things!

L'Oreal True Match Foundation: You can probably tell how much I've been loving this by the messiness of the bottle. Whereas before I didn't love wearing full coverage foundation in the day time (I found they just looked too heavy) this has been perfect and I think you get that flawless face with it still looking natural and not caked on. You can read my full review of it here!

ESPA ProCleanser: This is a sample size that was given to me at my local salon as they reckoned it would work well for my skin- and they were right. I haven't been using it long but I already really like it. It has little bursting exfoliating beads and has a pretty pleasant scent (though I can't put my finger on exactly what it reminds me of). You can also use it as a mask by leaving it on for about 15 minutes which I'm yet to try but will let you know how I get on with that!

Aloe Vera Vaseline: Ok, everyone's used Vaseline right? It's nothing particularly special but this little tin has been my savior this past month. My lips have been getting pretty dry at times and because this is not strongly scented or flavoured it really soothes my lips. I've been finding things like my Nivea Lip Butter has just been making my lips sore because of the strong flavour so the Vaseline has been spot on.

Topshop Denim Jacket: Boy, have I worn this to death. I can't stress enough how much it goes with everything (you can tell that just by looking through my latest outfit posts). I've already adorned it with so many cute badges and you can see me talk about it in more detail here.

ASOS Sugar Rush Heels: My latest shoe unboxing featured these babies and, like the denim jacket, I've worn these too much. Ok, there is no such thing as too much when shoes are this beautiful right? Putting them on my feet just makes me so happy due to their elegance and daintiness and the fact that they just dress up a simple outfit.

Delusions of Gender by Cordelia Fine: I have to admit that I haven't read much in September so my favourite book of the month has to be something that I'm still reading. If you're interested in feminism, sexism and gender then this is a really interesting book that explores whether men and women's brains are genetically different or whether the differences in gender are purely to do with with the society we live in (spoiler: it's the latter).

Olivia Ellen XXX