Despite having the best intentions for my mental and physical state of mind at the beginning of the new School season, I always feel frazzled in September. This year a few trusted beauty brands have helped get my mind and skin back on track, and feeling ready for Autumn.

Summer may be waning but SPF is a must all year round, the Ultra Violette ‘Preen Screen SPF Reapplication Mist’ is super easy and quick to incorporate into your daily routine, and the ideal product to use on the go. The final step of your skincare regime, just spray a layer over your make-up for protection from unwanted rays. Pair with the ‘Fave Fluid’ which delivers a soft, natural finish.

My first try of Mirror Water did not disappoint, an award-winning brand which is all about self-care. The 100% Naturally-Derived Bath Salts and Smooth Body Oil are the perfect duo for an evening in this September. As the nights get cooler sooth your skin with a long warm bath followed by a generous layer of this daily body oil which will leave your skin feeling luxuriously soft and nourished.

I’ve been on the lookout for a new serum and moisturiser duo to treat my skin to this Autumn. With the change of seasons my skin has felt dull and unloved. The Skinceuticals range has often rescued me before so I felt confident that the C E Ferulic high potency serum and Daily Moisture moisturiser would do the trick. Just a few drops of the serum worked immediately, diminishing the appearance of fine lines while also adding a glowy tone to my face. The lightweight moisturiser followed well, minimising the pores on my t-zone particularly well.

I’ve always loved the Fresh skincare but never tried their bodycare selection before. The Rise Morning Body Wash and Body Lotion are the perfect duo for putting you in a good mood in the morning. Jump in the shower with this happy floral scented product and let the Vitamin C & E in the product cleanse without stripping your skin of goodness. Follow with the body lotion to stay soft and scented for the whole day ahead.

Everyone raves about no-fuss brand CeraVe and now I know why. With the change of seasons and weather fluctuations my skin always suffers. The Blemish Control range has kept my break-outs to a minimum unclogging pores efficiently and delicately while also improving the smoothness of the skin. Both these products contain 3 essential ceramides, glycolic and lactic acids to improve your complexion, fast.

Acqua di Parma are one of my favourite luxury Perfume brands for year-round use. The range of scents match the seasons with something to suit everyone. Lily of the Valley is a bright, citrusy scent, ideal for late summer days out… with powerful aromas of jasmine, magnolia and geranium coming through. For Autumnal evenings out I like the Oud & Spice, a lovely unisex perfume with more woody notes. When you first spray it on the skin I noticed hints of Raspberry and Rose (a combination I’ve always loved) but it mellows quickly and gives a lovely warmth to your skin as it matures.

Victoria Beckham can do no wrong, her beauty line is as stylish as it is effective. The Highlighter stick is my new handbag essential, a slick golden wand offering a fresh, glass-like glow when applied (I put it below my eyebrows and on my cheekbone). Amber is the new shade, ideal for sunkissed September complexions. For a minimal make-up look pair with a neutral lip and a lick of the Victoria Beckham Vast Lash mascara which voluminises and lashes while also being smudge resistant and easy to remove. It ticks every box for me.

I am a novice when it comes to probiotics, but I’m trying to learn more as the results are undeniable. The Seed brand is as stylish as it is effective. I love that the Seed products don’t need to be kept in the fridge (always a problem when you are a frequent traveller) and are suitable for kids too. This Pediatric Daily Synbiotic stabilises the bacteria in your gut promoting a healthier digestive system. These powder sachets can be stirred into water or food and begin to work within a few days, making you feel healthier without a major lifestyle change.

This post contains some press samples.

The changing seasons is always a time for me to shake up my beauty routine and refresh the products I use. Here are a few essentials that will nourish your skin, revitalise your tresses and leave you feeling (and smelling) lovely!

Skincare &  Makeup

Typology Tonique Eclat and Lip Masque – I adore this set for an easy Spring skincare routine. The toner is concentrated in active ingredients vitamin C and lemon verbena water to illuminate the complexion and tone the skin. I found that it reduced pigmentation in my cheeks. When your lips are feeling weather worn and chapped put a little bit of the lip masque on to repair dry lips – ideal as a leave-on overnight treatment.

Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque – This intense but versatile mask is intended to soothe sensitive skin. It can be used daily, and I found it added natural radiance to my complexion. Pair it with the Essence mist for the full effect.

Jones Road Bronzer – It’s finally time to wear bronzer again! Opt for the Jones Road powder bronzers, silky sheer powder that will add an immediate natural warmth to your skin tone.

Never Go Alone Renew Hand Cream – A hydrating, non-greasy hand cream reduces inflammation and dryness and strengthens the skin barrier to reverse signs of ageing and protect from environmental stress. I loved that this hand cream also really repaired my dry cuticles.

Officine Universelle Buly Face Cream – A multi-purpose face cream that is suitable for all skin types. I keep this cream in my handbag for an essential daily moisture boost. It is lovely and light and works well as an overnight cream too.

Cowshed Ultimate Sleep Set – Lovely as a gift to a friend (or yourself) this set has everything you need for a good night’s sleep whether you are at home or travelling – sensual candle, calming pillow mist and truly lovely bath salts. With essential oils, and ingredients like lavender and myrtle these products are sure to relax your mind and body when you most need some down time.

Haircare

R + Co Super Garden – A shampoo and conditioner set with gently cleanses, detangles + imparts moisture without disrupting the scalp’s natural balance. The Super Garden products include Hemp-Derived CBD which has regenerative benefits for your hair and scalp, and also contains coconut oil, a natural hair growth stimulant.

Philip Kingsley Hydration Edit – As the warmer weather slowly comes in I tend to colour (and lighten) my hair more… so I’m always in need of hydrating and nourishing products. This Philip Kingsley set is ideal for fine hair that has a tendency to get greasy at the roots – I found my hair felt stronger but the strands were less oily.

Perfume

Diptyque Papier – Part of the Woody family, L’Eau Papier celebrates the musk and texture of when ink meets paper. It had a comforting and gentle scent on my skin, I love it for Spring but can see myself wearing it all year.

Jo Loves White Rose and Lemon Leaves – A subtle and elegant scent that will give the skin a gentle warmth perfect for this time of the year. The Jo Loves scents tend to last really well on my skin, ensuring I smell delicious all day.

Ostens Impression Rose Oil Isparta – This floral, but genderless, scent combines jammy blackcurrant and Turkish rose. It’s a bold perfume that clevery redesigns the classic rose fragrance. I found it was particularly nice worn as an evening scent.

Roads Neon – A vivid unisex perfume which is intended as a fun and lively scent. The Roads scents represent their original explorations into world culture, people, landscape, and art. This neon edition has top notes of Bergamot and Peach and base notes of Patchouli and Vanilla.

Thameen Fanfare – Inspired by Covent Garden’s iconic Flower Market, Fanfare Cologne Elixir from Thameen embodies the beauty along with the vibrancy and character of the historic site. The fragrance has watery floral and citrus notes, blended over the rich and daring heart note of vermouth. I loved how this complex scent changed and evolved on my skin throughout the day. A very special perfume.

Acqua di Parma, Mirto di Panarea – This fragrance is inspired by Panarea, one of the smallest and oldest of the Aeolian Islands. The fragrance pays homage to the volcanic landscape and the spirit of the Mediterranean with a blend of citrus notes paired with myrtle and fresh juniper notes.

Paul Smith Sunseeker – As Spring unfolds fill your home with this bright and beautiful sunseeker scent from Paul Smith. The candle has notes of Italian bergamot, mandarin, and basil, a fruity and charming smell which you’ll never tire of.

Post includes some press samples.

We are halfway through December and my Christmas shopping is far from being done. If you are making stockings this year for family or friends, here’s a few beauty little luxuries to help you tick off the final shopping bits and bobs. I’ve created a list including indulgent haircare, nourishing skincare, make-up favourites and even the ultimate party-hair gadget…

Officine Universelle Buly, body creams – This historic brand has the most beautiful packaging which lends itself to gifting, especially as it is all beautifully wrapped and ready to give. The fine body lotions are particularly wonderful in the colder months, despite the lightness, they are very effective and hydrating for weather worn skin. The scents are sophisticated and indulgent.

Jo Loves, Fig Trees Hand Wash and Hand Lotion – These aromatic hand care products are perfect sink companions. The fig tree scent is fresh and summery and will make the house and your hands smell lovely. At this time of year I need hand cream constantly to remedy my dry skin and this set is unbeatable.

Decleor Neroli set – This Neroli Bigarade Hyrating Skincare set is worth £127, but is priced at £79, so you get three gifts in one. Decleor is a great brand for all skin types, and this set is a great set for daily use. The essential oils are great for dry skin in winter, and will leave your skin looking radiant. The trio includes a day cream, cleansing mousse and a serum – the essentials for every morning and evening.

S’able Labs, Discovery Essentials Kit – This is the new brand from Sabrina and Idris Elba, simple and effective skincare for everyone. This travel-friendly set is a great introduction to the brand with a Qasil Cleanser, Black Seed Toner and Baobab Moisturiser. This three step skincare will give your skin a lovely winter radiance and calm the skin’s tone. I can think of so many people who would love this set, it’s a great last minute gift to add to a stocking.

Necessaire, Neck Serum – I’ve never heard of a neck serum before but this Necessaire product is a must buy. It’s a fast absorbing emulsion, a multi-peptide solution which will repair your skin and ensure your neck skin is firm and soft. It’s an unusual product which makes it a great present as it’s a great gift for the person that has everything!

Molton Brown, Hand Care Gift Set – Molton Brown is a classic British beauty brand and is universally loved. For chapped winter hands this trio of hand creams is the perfect remedy, showcasing three of the iconic Molton Brown fragrances – pink pepper, orange & bergamot and rhubarb & rose. I also love the fun gold crackers, filled with four miniature shower gels, it is the perfect stocking filler.

Ultra Violette Limited Edition Duos – I adore Ultra Violette and take them everywhere with me when I travel. These little miniatures are perfect for trips away and now we know it’s important to wear sunscreen everyday these Ultra Violette products are my staples. Ultra Violette are conditioning for the skin while also giving complete protection, I love them and can’t recommend them enough.

Philip Kingsley, Moisture Balancing set – Get salon-worthy hair with this comprehensive set from Philip Kingsley. I love the shampoo and conditioner which is great for everyday use, but makes your hair look glossy and hydrated. There is a reason why the PK collection is award-winning – I noticed a change in quality after just 3 washes. This set is a great way to introduce someone to this luxurious haircare brand at a reduced price.

Hair by Sam Knight, Nourishing Shampoo & Conditioner – I love all the Sam McKnight products so it’s hard to highlight just a few. In winter I love the Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner which gives life to dull, colour-damaged tresses. But if you only want to buy one product go for the Happy Endings Nourishing Balm – a styling and conditioning styling cream. Just one pump of this magic cream will seal 50% of split ends and tame frizzy hair, I know everyone in my curly-haired family would love this product.

Olaplex, Bonding Oil – This highly concentrated bonding oil will give your hair an extra shine for celebrating this Christmas. Olaplex are the masters of nourishing haircare – this product is weightless and light despite its rich ingredients which will repair the structure of your hair and protect it in the harsh weather. It’s the perfect compact size to pop in a stocking!

Babyliss, Wave Secret Air – I am a seriously lazy with my hair, but on Christmas Day I try to make an effort adding a bit of a tousled wave. I’ve tried all kinds of wave methods and this Babyliss product is one of the best. Easy and quick to use creating loose, natural waves this new gadget will ensure your hair looks effortlessly chic on the big day. A little Christmas present to myself!

Jones Road, Miracle Balm & Sparkle Wash – These are two of the bestsellers from the Jones Road collection. The Miracle Balm offers an all over glow and comes in a range of shades. I love the ‘Flushed’ shade which will give your cheeks a natural rosy colour for winter. The Sparkle Wash is a subtle liquid glitter that I use as a highlighter for cheekbones and eyebrows but it’s also a great eyeshadow. The wand is easy to use or you can apply with your fingers. A lovely product to pop on before your Christmas party!

Hourglass, Ambient Palette – I discovered Hourglass a few years ago and it remains one of my favourite make-up brands. The quality is unbeatable and the products last forever. This palette will give you a bit of glisten and sparkle over the festive season, a beautiful set of six hues which will flatter and glow on the skin. Layer the colours or wear solo.

Aman, Fragrance Discovery Set – Aman is one of the most luxurious of beauty brands and this elegant fragrance set is a highlight of the range. A collection of seven fine perfumes, each inspired by an Aman destination. The perfect gift for a travel and beauty lover.

Post includes some press samples.