Another month has flown by so it's time to reflect on some beauty favourites! This edit showcases the products that I've been reaching for the most often during October. Spot any of your own faves here?
Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam in Dark* (200ml, £14.99, link)
Summer is sadly over, so if you still want a gorgeous bronzed tan, it's time to hit the bottle! Regular readers will already know that I'm a huge fan of the Australian brand, Bondi Sands, and their Self-Tanning Foam in Dark is by far the best formula in their range. It's easy to use, doesn't streak or go patchy when you're applying it, and it has a yummy coconut scent. Whenever I use this, I find that I can usually get about 5-7 days worth of tanning goodness before I need to re-apply, and the colour is incredibly realistic and natural looking - no hints of orange at all! Highly recommended for anyone who is new to fake tanning or who just wants something easy and foolproof to use.
Botanicals Gentle Cleanse Melt* (30g travel size shown, full size is £26, link)
Cleansing balms are a staple in my skincare routine but they really come into their own when the cold weather starts, as I always find that my skin needs something 'extra' at this time of the year than just a gel or light cleanser. The Gentle Cleanse Melt from Botanicals contains a simple but effective blend of natural and certified organic ingredients such as Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, which effortlessly removes all traces of makeup and daily grime in one sweep. I love the semi-solid consistency because it melts quickly when massaged into the skin and it doesn't leave any greasy residue afterwards. Lovely stuff and suitable for vegans too.
Ultrasonic Beauty Algae Peel Off Mask with Spiriluna* (200g, £23, link)
Featuring two of the year's big superfood ingredients, Algae and Spiriluna, this peel-off mask comes in a powder format that you mix with water to create a thick paste. Now, usually I find these kinds of masks a bit of a faff, but I've been pleasantly surprised by this one because the consistency is just right each time and it's easy to apply with a face brush or mask spatula. Once on the skin, it begins to harden and after 20 minutes, it's ready to be peeled off. This mask is brilliant for anyone who has dry, dehydrated and/or skin that's showing the first signs of ageing, as it helps to firm everything up (albeit temporarily), and makes you look instantly more glowy and revitalised. A good one to use if you have a hangover or have had a busy week and need a quick fix!
Leighton Denny Modern Bohemia in Vintage Chic & Bohemian Spirit* (12ml, £12 each, link)
For nails, I've been enjoying embracing all of the quintessential Autumnal shades, and Leighton Denny's new A/W18 Modern Bohemia collection is simply stunning. Two of my personal faves from the range are Vintage Chic, a dark purple-red that's beautifully rich and glossy, and Bohemian Spirit, a very chic muted lavender-grey that goes with everything. The formula is fantastic and long-wearing with plenty of shine - definitely worth checking out if you're in the market for some new nail polishes.
Illamasqua Antimatter Lipstick in Asteroid* (4.15g, £20, link)
Lastly, I just had to include Illamasqua's Antimatter Lipstick in the shade Asteroid, which I've been smitten with ever since I discovered it in last month's Cohorted beauty box. Not only is Asteroid the most beautiful, wearable mid-toned vampy red that I have in my makeup collection, but the brand's Antimatter formula is one of my favourites for when I want a longer lasting semi-matte finish. Super pigmented, it goes on creamy and it doesn't dry out my lips - win, win!
What beauty products have you been loving lately?
