Hi there,
I know, it’s been a while. Between working from home, taking care of my physical and mental health and trying to live more and more in the present, I’ve sadly been neglecting this creative space for a bit,
But to make up for my absence, today we’re throwing it back to the good ol’ days where I would sit down and chat all about my monthly favourites. The last one I did was in January 2020, and oh how things have changed…
As we’re enjoying the beginning of hot summer days, I thought I should pick up my laptop, put keyboard to webpage (my interpretation of digital pen to paper) and tell you all about the latest beauty discoveries that I’ve fallen in love with recently.
Let’s start with makeup, shall we?
You might already know, if you follow me on Instagram, that I have an obsession for all things Huda Beauty. The quality is just purely amazing and the products are a clear reflection of that. One of their latest releases includes the Brown Obsessions palette in Chocolate. To say I am obsessed is an understatement. The shades are super pigmented, soft to touch and all you need for that perfect neutral smoky eye.
When I placed the order I couldn’t help myself but add some lipsticks to the cart too. Alexa, play Oops I did it again by Britney Spears. So, I got the Power Bullet Matte Lipstick in shade Interview, and minis in Interview and Girls Trip. Such great nude shades that glide on so effortlessly and are also long-lasting.
We all know the cult-favourite BECCA (who are unfortunately closing in September 2021, so better stock up on your faves now) pressed highlighter in shade Champagne Pop. Well, I’ve given the liquid version, BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector Liquid Highlighter, a try and it transformed my entire makeup routine. I mix it with the foundation, use it to highlight and even apply it on my eyelids for that glossy look.
Moving onto skincare… I received the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel to try in a Look Fantastic beauty box. It brightens, leaves a nice glow and subtly exfoliates my skin. I apply it for 10-15 minutes after cleansing and then simply rinse with warm water. As I’ve retired my physical face exfoliators, this non-abrasive, cream exfoliator is just what I needed.
The Glamour Beauty Festival, which was postponed from March 2020 to July/August 2021, was moved online under Glamour’s Big Beauty Call at the beginning of May 2021. Over three days, the Glamour team hosted a series of events, from skincare to makeup and hair, with amazing brands sharing helpful information, tips and tricks and talking about SS21 beauty trends. And the goodie bag was not missing either from this event!
Packed with plenty of amazing products, I’ve been reaching out for the Pixi Vitamin Wakeup Mist when running out the door to run errands, before going to the gym and to give my makeup a glowy look. It has orange blossom water to soothe and tone the skin, grapefruit peel oil to get rid of excessive oiliness, licorice root extract to brighten the skin, plus arginine to help with collagen production. Ah-mazing, right?
In the goodie bag, I also received the Amika Soul Food Nourishing Mask enriched with jojoba seed oil and sea buckthorn for elasticity and moisture. Whenever I feel like my hair needs extra love and hydration, this is the hair mask I’m always using nowadays. Hair feels super soft, silky even, and really nourished. The best part? It doesn’t weigh down my hair, but it provides amazing hydration.
Now, let’s talk all things nails. I’ve been obsessed with summery nail designs, from dainty daisies and colourful swirls to bright cherries and pastel French manicures. I’ve always loved doing my own nails, letting my creativity run free and having fun in the meantime – great manicures were a bonus. I remember the funky nails I used to have in high school, imagine leopard-inspired and galaxy themed nails. So, it’s obvious I’ve eagerly jumped on this trend – give it a try too if you want to brighten up your aesthetic this summer.
I hope you enjoyed these beauty discoveries and please let me know what’s one beauty product you’ve fallen in love with recently. I’m always on the hunt for the latest and would truly appreciate your recommendations. Send me a message on Instagram @irinaiacob or comment below.
Have a super productive and positive week!
Speak soon,
Irina x
Irina Iacob 