June Favourites - and YouTube!

So I'm on Youtube! You can watch my first video above, where I'm talking about my June Favourites. I've never really been a 'monthly faves' type gal, I'm more of a talk-about-my-loves-all-the-time blogger. You may have noticed. From today onwards, monthly favourites are going to be exclusive to my channel so get subbin'. I'm still getting used to talking to the camera, filming with a DSLR and editing. My current laptop situation isn't too great either so I'm doing what I can! I'm hopefully purchasing a Macbook Pro next month so there will be lots of shiny new posts, videos and content to look forward to. Let me know what you think and leave me some video suggestions below! P.S. It's my practical driving test today. Eeek.

Current Favourites #3

I've got some really lovely products to talk to you about today. Only one of them is unnatural so I think I'm doing pretty well on that front!

 First we have the Andalou Naturals Untinted Oil Control Beauty Balm. To be honest, I do not have a clue why they call this a beauty balm. Definitely some bandwagon hoppin' going on here. Plain and simple, this is a SPF moisturiser with amazing skincare benefits. It's a white cream typical of SPF and while it feels kind of heavy, it really isn't. However, it is very easy to use too much and that is what will  leave you a greasy mess. You only need a tiny amount to cover your whole face, leaving your skin nourished and most importantly, protected from the evil sun. I'm pale so I don't experience a white cast but if you're even a tone darker than me, be wary! It comes with chemical-free protection from UVA/UVB rays, as well as some beautiful hydrating and protecting ingredients such as aloe vera, rooibos, hyaluronic acid and pomegrante oils. I'm loving this so much that I may even do an in-depth review in the future!

You may have seen my earlier post on The All Natural Face. Originally I thought the cream blushes were the star of the show but I cannot stop reaching for the Vegan Cream Foundation! I had always associated cream foundations with being heavy and greasy but this beauty really isn't. It's hydrating, but not slimy and it's buildable coverage means I can get a really light but effective application (my fave!).

Let me start by saying this isn't natural, vegan or cruelty-free. And it's one of the products in my stash that I'm freaking out about when it comes to finding a worthy replacement. Everything about this kohl pencil is perfect, the shade, the texture, the colour pay-off... except maybe the fact it causes harm to wee bunnies. Nevertheless, the Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Pencil in Taupe is great for that one-step smokey if you're not particularly cruelty-free.

Finally, a soap *GASP*. I can positively feel Caroline Hirons' piercing scorn when I profess that I use this for washing my face... Herbivore Botanicals Blue Clay Soap is a 100% natural and handmade soap that is suitable for both face and body. It smells amazing and the clay content does a good job of keeping my skin clear. I used to favour REN's clay offering for my shower face cleanse but this has well and truly taken centre stage as a slightly more natural - and purse friendly - option.

Have you tried any of these products? 

Current Favourites #2

This month has truly been the month of Pai (Will I ever shut up about the brand?) and my top product has to be the BioRegenerate Oil. A beautiful mix of rosehip fruit and seed oils, this blend will leave you glowing. It has been doing wonders for my lack-lustre winter skin and is truly a miracle worker when it comes to giving your skin that extra boost ready for spring. 

Another body part of mine that always seems to suffer in the colder weather is my elbows. And what have I been using to keep them healthy and smooth? Hand cream. Duh. Soap and Glory's Hand Food is a bit of a cult classic as it sinks in almost instantly and smells absolutely divine. I've had my eye on some hand creams from Deep Steep and what better way to use up this one by slathering it absolutely everywhere except my hands? 

When it comes to lip care, I'm a big fan of the tinted lip balm. A dirty Maybelline Baby Lips featured in my last Current Favourites and this time round I'm all about Hurraw, a brand offerring 100% raw and vegan lip balms in a variety of flavours and tints. This one is 'Black Cherry' and tastes of you guessed it... cherries, while imparting your lips with the most gorgeous "just eat some raspberries" stain.

On the makeup front, I've continued my exploration in to mineral makeup. An eyeshadow I've been loving lately is 'Hodor' by Shiro Cosmetics, a soft grey-taupe with subtle silver shimmer. Named after the loveable Stark servant in Game of Thrones, this shade is perfect for the coveted one-step smokey eye that I just adore. I picked up quite a few shades from Shiro's GoT collection because really, who can resist?

Finally, we have this Pressed Powder from Honeybee Gardens. Marketed as a foundation, this is a highly pigmented powder that can be layered to achieve any desired level of coverage. It's surprisingly mattifying and has a really good shade range. I have the lightest shade, Geisha. The packaging is 100% no frills, but you can buy a compact for it if you're willing to shell out a few extra pennies. I've really been enjoying this as an alternative to my much loved S&G powder.

What products have you been loving lately?