In the nude

A nude lip is everyone woman's failsafe, a comfort blanket in the form a lipstick. 

Here are my current fave nude shades, 

Illamasqua in rose pout (1) full of colour, perfect to make that nude lip impact, that's less skin coloured with a deeper pink pigment, MAC myth - which is a pale nude, lighter than hue (2) with a more of a yellow undertone, Body Shop colour crush 310 (3) a slightly darker nude, perfect for warm skin tones, Autograph at M&S - Nude (4) an almost sheer tone with a gloss effect and Kiko - 131 Shiny Lipstick (5) with golden undertones, this colour is perfect for beachy days and adds a bit more shimmer and blends with a natural lip colour and becomes almost sheer. 

Each of these nudes are colour rich so the colour you see is the colour you get, rather than it being overly sheer and the colour disappearing . Mixing any of these with a foundation base really brings out the colours. 

Available from Marks & Spencers, Selfridges and Body Shop, Kiko Stores.

From £6.90 to £18.50 

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Champneys Skin Comforting Miracle Balm

This balm is a mini handbag must have. 

Perfect for comforting tired toes after a long day flip flopping around a city, the beach or just generally flip flopping about in the sunshine. A well rounded, multitasking balm that can be used all over the body (obviously wash your hands before you go toes to mouth) which is why it can also go neatly into a suitcase with a baggage restriction and even in hand luggage and not take up to much space!

Made with 100% natural ingredients means it wont irritate sensitive skin and wont harm the skins natural barrier. Although I wouldn't apply to broken skin or to a rash, this is a simply for comforting tired, dry skin anything more will need something slightly more medical. 

Whilst it is natural, it is heavily scented, you can definitely smell the floral undertones of the Lavender, geranium and meadowfarm seed. I have also used this on my elbows pre tanning as it absorbs into the skin quickly without a residue like some lotions or creams can. 

A bargain in Boots at the moment costing only £5.50 available HERE (and it's also three for two!) So it's not a bank breaking summer holiday investment!

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*Price and 3 for 2 correct on 17.6.14

Kiko Universal Fit Foundation

I have struggled with finding my go to foundation, I discovered KIKO a few years ago whilst away in Rome I can’t say how much of a go to place this is. I would advise a trip first thing, as the store on Regent Street can get a bit packed out as the day goes on and it’s never nice to feel rushed when browsing!

My favourite summer time foundation is the Universal Fit Hydrating Foundation. It’s somewhere between BB and a foundation in texture and has a medium coverage – perfect for sunny days when foundations can seem a little thick and clog pores. This foundation hasn't been around long, but it is a total must for this summer. 

There isn’t many colour ways available but I always find that you can always go a little darker with foundation in the summer when you’re rocking a summer glow. Long lasting and evens out colour, covering redness but not looking over done. Perfect for summer days in the park where going bare faced isn’t an option.

A steal at just £6.90, perfect for all skin types and the hydrating formula fights the drying elements of the heat and air conditioning.

A swatch of the Light Beige - I am generally the lightest shade in foundation, but I chose a slighter darker shade to help blend in with a natural tan as summer works it's magic. 

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 RRP £6.90 Buy online HERE

South Seas - Shade SportSPF Lotion

With the sun out this weekend I chose to cover up with a broad spectrum SPF, containing UVA and UVB protection. I love laying out in the sun and gaining a summer glow after the long winter months, but I also want to stay protected.

Containing aloe to soothe the skin and packed with an army of vitamins, this is not only sun protection but also nourishes the skin. I find some sun screens to be quite greasy and can leave an oily sheen on the skin. SHADE by South Seas soak into the skin quickly, leaves skin soft and protects you for up to 8 hours.

A softly scented cream and blends in seconds and dries quickly so you're able to get dressed and it doesn't mark clothes. 

It seems a little thick at first, but goes on like dream by far my favourite, doesn't melt off if you're running about in the sun either. Remember to always re apply after being in water, even if the lotion is waterproof!

 Available online at www.stripboutique.com or in Strip Wax Bar boutiques across London. RRP £20

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Inhibitif - Hair reduction

Hair is always a tricky subject. We have it, but we removed it by waxing, shaving, using creams and never really talking about it. Whilst I'm not a hairy person, I am fond of anything that prolongs the smooth effect and the chore of hair removal.

So, trialling Inhibitif has been nothing but a pleasure. I am two weeks from shaving (I KNOW. EW) however, whilst I am waiting for my first summer time wax, hair is taking its sweet time in growing back, I would normally get a week - tops without taking a razor to my legs, hair is also growing back finer. Finer hair means no fuzz and no itch, which in my books, is always something to rave about. I have used this everywhere, from my legs to my underarms and can't fault it.

Hair Reduction – Check
No nasty smells (it smells minty but fades quickly) – Check

Quick drying time – Check

Quick results - Check

Whilst it does require some time investment (2 months), if you start something today, in the days to come it becomes routine and before you know if you’re got results! Applying every day for two months seems like a small price to pay for hair free legs. I can see this working an absolute dream with waxing, as waxing causes hair to be finer and grow back slower. Summer (I hope) is just round the corner and my winter investment will sure pay off! I have stocked up, because as you can see it’s running a little low. A little bottle also goes a very long way, I have been using this in conjunction with an ingrown hair fixer and my legs have never looked better! 

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