Packing for Paris #2: A slick of rouge hue

A fresh base and sculpted cheeks, followed by a swipe of rouge coco. I have the Chanel advert featuring Vanessa Paradis playing in my head and whistling the tune as I write this post. Most pictures I found of the french model online she's rocking a coloured lip and a smudged lid enhancing her green eyes. Packing my makeup bag for Paris I'm leaving the neutrals behind and moved some more braver pout colours in. VP has inspired me to let my lips do the talkin'. 

In the makeup department, starting with a familiar base of mine: L'Oreals Lumi Magique primer to brighten before foundation. On top of that a buffed in MAC studiosculpt for some spf and a medium coverage. To hide pesky blemishes that have been appearing the Collection lasting perfection concealer is coming with me along with the Lumi Magique pen for under the eyes. MAC Mineralize skinfinish will set all of that together nicely in a couple of sweeps. Whilst travelling overseas the quad that is Benefit's Powder Wowzer is a handy size with three multifunctional products. Hoola, Coralista and Bella bamba. A bronzer/contour, blush and highlighter combined and a peachy tone shimmer will see me through the four days of sightseeing. The brows and lashes will be kept the same with false lash telescopic and NYX brow powder cake which leaves the two best parts till last.

Dainty Doll's Saucy Sailor. Not keen on the name, but the formula's a winner. The best red I've found to carry with me to fit in with the red clichéd pouts in France. Kate Moss in 110 that I'm wearing here made the cut for pairing with macaroon testing and all things sweet. The 'Balance me lip salve' will be slathered on at night for prepped lips in the morning.
To wrap it up for the bag, my newest polish additions. Kate Moss Salon pro and the one that's coming with me is 'Rock&Roll', a true red with shine that stays put for a good few days.

Packing for Paris #1: Miniatures

This time next week I will be in Paris! 

My excitement for our trip has turned me into an organised traveller ahead of our four day visit.
I have various lists of where I want to go, but most importantly before hand, what to take with me. Normally I bring whatever I'd use on a daily basis and end up leaving the products in the hotel to prevent a dead arm carrying excess luggage. Travel size and mini products are always handy for shoving in your case and disposing of when you're finished. Pictured are some products for face and lips to try out and judge in France. Will for sure be easier than lugging 100ml+ bottled brands on the metro & more room for some nouveau français skincare  ;).

A couple I've already purchased in full size which I'll talk about at a later date but for now these will be joining me next week. Including two glossy lip treats, some face clearing/hydrating lotions, make up remover newbies and the obvious essentials: toothpaste and SPF (finger's crossed the sun will be shining). Cramming these in my wash bag won't take any wrestling the zip malarky to close it. Although my makeup bag's going to be a different issue.
Now to transfer hair care into tiny tubs. If only I could decant my waving wand and hairdryer...

Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover, Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15, La Roche Posay Effaclar Foaming Wash, Clarins Hydra Matte Lotion, Benefit Porefessional, Sk:n Suncreen SPF 30, Skinetica Anti-Blemish Treatment*, Clarins Hydra Quench Cream, Sensodyne Repair Toothpaste, Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector

Bedtime Basics

Searching the isles of any health or beauty store is quite daunting nowadays. With so many body and hair options it's enough to make you leave with the opposite of what you went in for. Narrowing it down to a few basics once in a while that do the job well is what I try to arrange now and again. All products under a fiver they're worth the repurchase.

Starting with bath time bubbles. Normally bath ballistics from Lush are looking at me from all angles in the bathroom waiting to be fizzled under running water. But it's nice to go back to a basic old favourite which is Johnsons Baby Bedtime Bath that takes me back to being a young'un. The smell is very therapeutic for night time and puts you in the mood to climb into bed particularly after being on your feet all day. It leaves my skin quite soft too and the scent lingers even after putting your pj's on.

For hair, the Herbal Essences tousle me softly range is something I use when I'm not really going anywhere but want my hair clean and tangle free. I have naturally wavy hair so a cleanse with this shampoo and conditioner works well to maintain my waves without the frizz.It doesn't leave your hair looking limp but not too big either, just moulds around your natural hair type. Brushing through my hair afterwards doesn't leave me pulling at my ends while smelling fruity but not too sweet. Using the Herbal Essences range once in a while makes my Aussie and Toni & Guy hair products last that bit longer while still giving my hair what it needs.