MY AUTUMN BEAUTY PICKS AND WHY PAMPERING IS IMPORTANT

Although I’m back at work, back going to events and starting YouTube, I’m also so aware that I need to take time out to relax.

Before I went off work with anxiety at the start of the summer, I really was not looking after myself. My room was constantly a mess, I was always running in and out to after work events and taking no time to really treat myself to any sort of beauty regime.

Self care to many might be meditating or reading, and that is great for me too, but I also love making myself feel better on the outside with a bit of pampering. I thought I’d share some of the products that are making me feel a little brighter in the darker nights and giving me some of that breathing space I need.

– S C E N T –

Back in June, I went to the St Enoch Centre summer style evening and met the lovely Harriet from Guerlain. I’m obsessed with Guerlain’s mascara, but had never tried their scents and oh my god am I glad I now have.

The team very kindly gave me a full size bottle of the new Mon Guerlain scent, as well as the Mon Guerlain body lotion and – I could barely contain my excitement as a complete candle enthusiast – my very own Mon Guerlain candle which smells heavenly.

I really love when a scent can bring back a memory and had saved the perfume to go on holiday to Ibiza, but – as you may know – it wasn’t my best week away and I was worried I’d associate the smell with feeling sad (yes, weird concern I know), however it has become my autumn go-to instead and I feel like this is a much happier time. It’s a fragrance which, in my opinion, can be worn any time of the year and I cannot wait to get using this candle! A perfect Christmas gift too (yes, I did just mention the C word).

– F A C E M A S K –

Until this year, I wasn’t really one for a face mask – I just didn’t think it would make much difference. It wasn’t until I went to a spa review at the Coach House with Scottish Wedding Directory (which, FYI, you can read the full review of in the summer 17 issue. Shameless plug, soz) that I had the most amazing facial, well needed at the time as I was having a serious break out. One of the products the therapist swore by was the GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD™ Clearing Treatment.

Unfortunately, my bank balance wasn’t in a particularly healthy state so I just could not justify the £40 price tag. However, the face mask Gods were on my side and led me to HQ Hair, who stocked a travel size of GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD, the cult beauty favourite for just £16. You really don’t need a lot of the mask at all, I just tend to use it on areas I’m having a breakout so even the small jar has lasted over 3 months so far. It’s also a perfect size to take with you (Yes, I’m aware this is the point of a travel size, but thought I’d point that out anyway). So there you go, indulge in a face mask!

– C A N D L E L I G H T –

Is it even autumn if you don’t have a candle burning? I’ve been going through candles like there’s no tomorrow; I totally now see how they can really add to the relaxing vibes. As soon as the lovely Leopold + Frida team gave me this Jasmine candle by Laura Thomas (who you may know for her gorgeous linens and homeware – if not you need to check her out here), I knew I had to save it for autumn.

The wait was worth it and the dreamy scent just makes me feel so chilled when I’m relaxing with a good magazine. It also comes in the lovely box too, so perfect as a gift.

– F A U X G L O W –

ICYMI, I am the fake tan queen. I just don’t feel myself without a little bit of help from good old fake tan, but it does get a bit tedious tanning every second day. You might think it’s vain, but I truly believe if something makes you feel a bit more fabulous, you should always do it. I’m also dead set against sunbeds so fake tan is my go-to.

Anyway, there’s two tan products I’m getting ready to use through the autumn and winter months, both from brands I love. First up, it’s the Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Lotion and I’m really excited to properly try this out. I wasn’t sure whether to include it in this round up as I haven’t fully put it to the test yet, but I’ll make sure to let you know how I get on in a few weeks. So far, so good.

I often get asked if I fake tan my face and the truth is I do if I’m going somewhere special (think wedding) and I want a proper tan look, but feel it really clogs my skin. I was so excited when I was sent this Charlotte Tilbury Overnight Bronze & Glow Mask. It gives such a gorgeous subtle tan and I’m already obsessed. I think this will be a firm fixture in my beauty drawer through the dreary winter days to give me a much needed glow.

– E X F O L I A T E –

If you read my post on the Blythswood Square Spa Party, you might remember they kindly gave me a little bit of spa to take home, with a gift from Scottish Seaweed Skincare brand, ishga. I opted for the Scottish Seaweed Sea Salt Scrub and oh-my-gosh-it’s-amazing. My skin feels so nourished after just one use and it buffs off any left over fake tan so well. For any girls who are partial to a fake tan, you’ll know how hard it is to find something to take off that dreaded fake tan layer and this is the miracle product.

I try and use the scrub once a week and a little goes a long way so, if you’re looking for a little gift to you from you, I seriously recommend.

– P E A R L Y W H I T E S –

Ever since having to go through years of braces and retainers, I’ve always vowed to look after my teeth. I’ve seen a lot of teeth whitening toothpastes via the many (many) sponsored posts on Instagram, but I don’t really fancy using any old product from an unknown brand because Jess from Love Island told me to (sorry, Jess). When Beverley Hills Formula got in touch to ask if I’d like to try their new Beverly Hills Professional White Black Pearl Toothpaste and Mouthwash however, I was on board as it is a brand I know and trust.

I’m just starting to use this toothpaste and mouthwash combo (after brushing and flossing with my normal toothpaste) to get my teeth looking their best for the party season (sorry, I will stop mentioning Christmas now – it is only October after all) so I’ll keep you updated with how I get on. Here’s hoping for a subtle yet dazzling result!

– L E G S O U T –

It could be snowing outside and, even though I’m someone who pretty much constantly feels the cold, I’ll still be trying to get my bare legs out. I don’t really get on with tights (is it possible that my feet suffer from claustrophobia? Don’t even get me started on that horrible feeling of needing to pull your tights up either – my list of why I hate tights goes on). Anyway, the point is in the cold weather, our skin gets so dried out and my legs seem to get worst hit no matter what I do.

This Works clearly heard my pleas and have created this Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil, which is so hydrating and has your legs looking almost airbrushed. It might be a more expensive price tag than some lotions, but I’ve come to quite like This Works products and think skincare can really be worth that little investment. I’m going to continue using this and will update you as the season goes on. Oh and the oil can also be used on the body so it’s not just your legs benefiting from a bit of TLC.

– ‘ Y O U ‘ T I M E –

This post might be all about beauty products, but what I hope you take from it is creating time for yourself. I’m going to share a bit more in depth about my other methods of self care, but I feel a good bit of pampering is where it begins. Put your phone on silent, light a lovely candle and take even 5 minutes to unwind. Your body and mind will thank you.