Autumn/Winter Beauty Favourites & Giveaway

I’ve spent the last week living like a complete hermit whilst I had a cold. Every single year I remind myself, ‘It’s only a cold, get a grip’ and then it completely knocks me for six. Stupid, stupid viral infectious disease. Can you tell I’m bitter?

When I did have to face the world the very bare minimum of makeup was worn; beauty was not on my mind, nor a priority. So it was a treat, now I’m on the mend, to take some time out this weekend and you know, brush my hair and act like a functioning adult. I painted my nails, I spent more than 5 minutes doing my makeup and I began to resemble a human being again. Hu-rrah. I don’t wear a lot of makeup but boy did it make me feel better to wear lipstick and a spritz of perfume after looking and feeling like death all week.

Whilst having a pampering session, I thought I’d share some of my beauty favourites that I’ll be using this Autumn/Winter. Plus! If you’re in need of a post-cold pamper, there’s a giveaway at the bottom of the post for a little Monday motivation.

Neal’s Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm I love a good multi purpose product and this balm is just that. I use this for all sorts but it’s been great this week as a beauty cold remedy for my nose and dry lips. I like to use it in the evenings as a skin moisturiser but it can be used as a cleanser too. The Wild Rose Beauty Balm is great on nails, tips of your hair (to fight the frizz), and a little goes a long, long way. P.S My friend is a Neal’s Yard independent consultant and introduced me to this so I’ve linked to her online shop! Treat yo’ self.

The Ordinary Coverage Foundation I’ve been using The Ordinary serum foundation in the warmer months but that’s now been swapped for the coverage version, which I LOVE and if I’m honest, prefer. I can’t believe how good this is for the price. I read the reviews, and having not really settled on a foundation favourite (37 years of trying), I think I’ve found my lobster. It’s light, a great match to my skin tone (1.2N), SPF15 and lasts all day, with occasional light touch ups around my nose and chin (I normally touch up with concealer). Oh and it’s only £5.90. Brucie bonus. I bought mine from Victoria Health.

Xtava Infrared Straighteners* As much as my hair looks better straightened (pure frizz otherwise), I kinda gave up over the summer months. Within a matter of minutes of stepping out the front door my hair would have an unruly mind of its own in the heat. So I was pleased to sample the Xtava Infrared Straighter now we’re in October and give my hair a fighting chance. The difference with these straighteners is that they help to protect your hair from heat damage including having heat settings between 130°C and 230 and Infrared rays that work by penetrating the innermost layer of the strands, heating them from the inside out. This sounds a tad scary but means less stress on the cuticle, and therefore healthier hair. So far, I’ve been very impressed with them. For £30 these are a great choice if GHD’s aren’t in your budget and I love that the focus of these is protecting your hair first. The larger plates are a revelation in styling my hair (I have a long bob). I always presumed the slimline straighteners would work best for my hair but these styled my hair faster (I’ve since worked out I have fine hair but a lot of it). Fancy a try? Enter the giveaway below to win your own!

Shea Moisture 10 in 1 Hair Masque (Press Sample) If your hair needs a little attention then I’d wholeheartedly recommend this product. I’ve tried a few deep conditioning hair treatments before but this weekly wonder is my new favourite giving my hair a lift on lacklustre days; adding shine and bounce. And it smells so, so good. Missing summer? Add this to your shower must-haves. Available from Boots, Feel Unique, ASOS and Superdrug.

To enter the Xtava Infrared Giveaway prize draw giveaway enter via the Gleam widget below. There are 15 ways to enter. No cash or alternative prizes will be given. The prize draw giveaway is open to UK residents only. The prize draw will end at 12am (GMT) on 8th November. The winner will be picked at random from all valid entries. The winner will be notified directly via email. The winner must reply within seven days of receiving the email or a new winner will be picked at random. Good luck friends!