2017 || JUNE FAVOURITES

June was yet an another big month full of new products for me to try out. I got my hands on some amazing limited edition products from MAC as well as my very first Milani product, but my favourite thing about June was finishing second year of university and getting a very good grade too! Happy days!

Unfortunately, June has also brought many devastating events such as the Grenfell Tower fire, the Finsbury Park attack, and many more terrible, terrible events. This month will definitely not be forgotten and my love and sympathy are with those affected by the terrible events. However, I don't want this post to be depressing and uneasy to read as we should all try to move on and share love around the world, so let's get into it.

Were coloured mascaras ever a proper thing? I remember experimenting with different colours when I was younger and going to school discos, but now it's so rare to find a wearable shade that isn't too 'in your face'. Ever since discovering the YSL Luxurious Mascara False Lash Effect in the shade Extreme Blue, I was hooked and can safely say this is my favourite summer mascara. I think the blue really complements my eye colour, especially if worn with bronze eyeshadows and a bit of liner.

Most of you probably already know that I'm a massive sucker for pretty packaging, so when I saw that MAC brought out a new Summer collection including a coconut scented Fix+, I knew I had to buy it. So, quite naturally I picked up the Fix+ which smells absolutely divine, and also this cute Hawaiian looking bronzer which makes a perfect addition to my little collection. I've said it before and will stick to it, that MAC's limited edition packaging is over-rated however, I still fall for it every time... Being a huge fan of anything coconut scented and the original Fix+ spray I knew that it was a no-brainer that I'll love this newbie (I wasn't wrong - it is amazing). On the other hand, the bronzer is so beautiful to look at that I haven't given it a proper go yet as I'm scared I'll ruin the pretty pattern! I bet I sound so whiny but I just love the pattern too much! I was the same when it came to my Elizabeth Arden bronzer but now I've used it plenty of times.

I've not tried a lot of Lancome products but the ones I have tested out were pretty damn good. Who doesn't love a new fragrance? When my mum gifted me with the Lancome La Vie Est Belle I was very happy and surprised with how much I actually loved it. Not only was I intrigued by the perfume because of the beautiful Julia Roberts who is the face of Lancome, but also because of the unique shape of the bottle and its not-so-old-fashioned scent as I expected it to be.

Finally, the star of the month. I must admit that I've not been a religious user of blushers these past few years of me using makeup however, I started to get back into wearing blusher recently and this little guy has completely won me over that I NEED the whole collection like, right now, please! I bought the shade 'Tea Rose' which is very cool-toned and I thought it'll work best with my skin tone without making me look too flushed or unnatural. I have my eyes on the other shades, so who knows maybe I'll feature another one in my next monthly favourites?

What have you been loving last month? Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

2017 || MAY FAVOURITES

For me, May was a good month full of amazing new beauty products I got to try out! I love trying out new things, as well as using up old products haha - I don't know if it's just me but I find it so satisfying to use up products and chuck out the empty packaging??

First up, we've got my beautiful Vivienne Westwood Orb Earrings which I received for my birthday from the other half. I love them so much and try to get a lot of wear out of them but they're so precious I'm scared to lose them :( One of my close friends lost her VW earring down the sink, so imagine how painful that must have been for her!!

The fragrance I've been constantly using throughout the month of May is Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb - come on now, the clue is in the name haha, it's the most perfect scent for spring! I love the cute bottle, it comes very handy if you're travelling as the bottle is easy to store.

I don't know about you but I've never really seen/heard any makeup gurus rave about any high-end face powders but when I got my hands on this little number by Lancome my life literally changed haha. The packaging, for one, is gorgeous. I love the lid - it screams expensive. This powder was a part of a limited edition collection for Christmas in 2014 called 'Parisian Lights' and has bits of shimmer in it. I got this from my mum as she works in makeup and is lucky enough to get her hands on LE stock that can't be sold to the public anymore - sort of like Bicester village.

Another one of my May favourites was the Makeup Revolution Contour Palette. This bad boy only retails at £3.50 (last time I checked anyway). It comes in a cute compact with a mirror, a cool-toned bronzer shade, bright highlighter and rose-gold blusher. I've already used up one of these but the one I had before didn't come with a mirror which makes me feel like this one might be slightly more expensive, but most likely still very affordable. My favourite part of this palette is probably the highlighter as it is BLINDING. It looks great on my pale skin which is hard to find, to begin with, so if it shows up crazy bright on my skin tone you can only imagine how piercing it'd look on darker skin tones. The blusher reminds me a lot of Nars' Orgasm but for a fraction of the price. The bronzing shade is also great for those who prefer cool-toned contour shades over warmer shades.

What best way to tone up than using a Firming Anti-Cellulite Gel?! Haha don't get me wrong, this isn't going to make you look like Rihanna but it will help reduce the appearance of cellulite wherever you desire to get rid of it. I've been using this for a while now and have noticed a slight difference in the cellulite on my thighs. I've also been trying to drink more water and work out harder at the gym so I can gladly say my Summer body is coming along nicely! (Update: 16/02/2021 - I was very obsessed with having to look a certain way and have since become confident in my own skin and would never recommend a cellulite 'removing' product as 1. this cannot be done, and 2. cellulite is normal!!!)

Last, but not least the Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream - the saviour. I had a lot of deadlines and a few exams in May so it resulted in many sleepless nights thus making my eyes very puffy. This cream is amazing and I have raved about it many times before so if you'd like a further read on it, check my post here.

*This post contains some affiliate links.

What have you loved in May? Did you have any important deadlines to meet or exams?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

2017 || APRIL FAVOURITES

April, April, April... What a rollercoaster of emotions you were - just like the weather you brought to us this year! I must say I loved quite a few of the same items this year so it might look like a review - but I promise you they are so worth it.

First up, I've been really enjoying using the Kerastase Voluminifique Spray. I have very thin hair and it's difficult to keep it looking volumised and thick. I've been using this spray after every wash and then blow drying and styling my hair as usual, and I have noticed a change in the volume even after sleeping with my hair down. This is honestly a Holy Grail for me and I highly recommend it to all who haven't been blessed with thick hair.

The Collection Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Eyeliner in Glitz was my first glitter liner from this collection. It makes creating glam cut crease looks so much easier and it's great for those who aren't very good at using loose glitter as it sticks to the eyelid without any extra glitter glue. I try to use these as much as I can, but the turquoise shade is hands down my favourite and will get a lot of use this Summer!

Bell sleeves - my true love this Spring. How beautiful is this top from Topshop though? Not only has it got bell sleeves (which are so in this Spring - read my 'What's fashionable this Spring' post here), but also the oh-so-cute pie crust neckline! This is the top that's in my pictures however, the teal colour seems to be sold out on the website. I know for a fact that I'll be getting some more colours soon!

What have you been loving this April? Other than the hot days of course!

Lots of love,

Maya xo

2017 || MARCH FAVOURITES

Oh, well wasn't March an eventful month for me?! I have bought my own domain, updated my blog, did many collaborations with some amazing brands, went to a fashion show where I won the 'Best Dressed' award, got good grades from uni, and got rid of horrible people from my life! I can honestly say that March this year has made me stronger as a woman and I'm very grateful for all your support.

Moving on, March wasn't my best month for beauty favourites therefore I will say that the events mentioned above are a part of my monthly faves, but I did fall back in love with a couple of items I've had for a while.

First up, MAC's Paint Pot in the shade Painterly. I have previously reviewed this product here, but I started to reach for it more throughout the month to make my eyeshadow last longer. I really love the shade of this paint pot as it's very close to my natural skin tone so it makes it easy to blend any eyeshadow colour on my lid. I also have 3 more shades of these, would anyone like an updated MAC makeup collection? Please let me know!

The other product I've been loving this March is the glorious Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Eau de Parfum - 100 ml. I wanted to get this perfume for so long, and one of my closest friends bought me a bottle for Christmas last year! I was so happy when I opened it up - you should have seen my face! It smells great, it's suitable for all ages (especially teens and young adults, and anyone who loves sweet scents!). And can we just sit back and appreciate the packaging? It's so bloody gorgeous that I think I'll keep the bottle on display after I use the product up!!

*This post isn't sponsored but may include affiliate links.

What have you been loving this March? Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?

Lots of love,

Maya xo

2017 || FEBRUARY FAVOURITES

February was a massive emotional rollercoaster ride for me. I had to battle my depression and anxiety as well as distance myself from toxic people, yet I also met some very lovely like-minded people and been really successful with blogging and university work. Moral of the story - don't let temporary people affect your future, and that hard work does pay off!

Anyway, I must say the product I've been loving the most last month was something that I've had since August and had only used it once. It is the Natural Collection Lipstick in shade Fig Leaf. I don't know why I didn't use it, probably because I have so many lipsticks I usually stick to the old trusty ones like Jeffree Star's Celebrity Skin or NYX's Soft Matte Lip Cremes. With the weather not being so great, I've been wanting to just wear lip balm but I felt like I needed a bit of colour added to my lips, so that's when I turned to this natural shade that's full of moisture that locks in all day long and it only costs £1.99! Fantastic bargain and I must say it will definitely suit all skin tones!

My next favourite (especially in Spring) is the Urban Decay Beached Bronzer. I've had this since January and been using it nearly every day since. It's a beautiful shade that instantly adds warmth to my skin and makes me look sun-kissed in seconds which also lasts all day long! It is slightly pricey, however definitely worth the price if you wear bronzer every day.

I recently bought the whole range of Lee Stafford's Hair Growth products and I've been really loving the Leave-in Treatment. I've been using it after every wash and I've noticed the difference on how much thicker my hair looks thanks to the pro-growth complex and caffeine. I will do a full review of the whole range soon.

Another one of my oldies but goodies that I've completely neglected is the Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream. It is amazing for brightening up your eyes and reducing the appearance of dark circles. I tend to use it in the morning before applying my makeup, but it's also BENEFITcial (see what I did there haha) to wear it overnight as then I wake up feeling fresh and with bright eyes - not horrible droopy 'what is sleep' sort of eyes!

Wikaniko's Moringa oil is one of my newest additions to my skincare routine, and OMG can I just say that this is bloody amazing?! I've not had it for long but I've been using it every night since receiving a bottle to review and it makes my skin feel absolutely amazing; it's so soft and reduces the appearance of fine lines (a full review will be up soon).

I've probably spoken about the L'aimant fragrance before, but I honestly love this scent. It smells great and is very dusty but still refreshing - perfect for Spring. It's also a very handy small bottle which fits perfectly in my handbag without weighing it down too much! If you're a big fan of Chanel then I'd definitely recommend this fragrance as it smells identical to Chanel No5.

What have you been loving this February? Have you tried any of these products before?

Lots of love,

Maya xo