.July Favourites.

Better late than never, that's what I like to say! Plus, the boyfriend has taken over the Sky box today due to the football season starting again - whoop dee doo. So what a perfect time to do some blogging. Without further ado, here are some of my favourite products from the month of July.

Shu Uemera Skin Purifier: This is a simply gorgeous cleansing oil. I originally had the Skin Purifier for combo/oily skin a few years ago, but looking back I don't think it was entirely suitable, as my skin is much more 'normal to slightly dry'. I purchased this one which is suitable for all skin types. I feel this turns cleansing from a chore to a luxury. It practically dissolves your makeup off your face, including eye makeup & waterproof mascara. For the last few months I was loyal to Bioderma, but began to notice the skin around my eyes was getting quite dry and my (very) fine lines were looking more like wrinkles than usual and this made me decide to go back to using this. It's incredibly moisturising and leaves your skin supple and comfortable. I only use it in the evenings, because my Liz Earle cleanse and polish does a fine job in the morning on my bare face. In the evenings I use this as a pre-cleanse and then use my Liz Earle for my second cleanse. (£28 for 150ml, £56.50 for 450ml)

Bourjois Delice De Poudre Bronzing Powder no.52: I think this was one of the first bronzers I purchased, and I have gone back... So glad I did. Not only does it look like a chocolate bar, smells divine and is quite good value (£6.99) it really is a lovely bronzer. I am not a fan of shimmery bronzers, and this Bourjois one has only tiny particles of shimmer. I would say it is much more of a matte than shimmer, so it's perfect for adding colour but also contouring your face. It also comes in three shades, so really you could buy all three for the price of one luxury brand bronzer, when really I think this gives most of them a run for their money!

Leighton Denny Glass Nail File: I have owned this for about three years and found it in my vast makeup drawer a couple of months ago. I always have it in my handbag, because I know it's not just me that can't stand having a snagged nail when you're out and about. I really like glass nail files, because they last you forever. This has never damaged my nails and it comes in a little case to keep it protected when you just lob it in your handbag.  Two thumbs/nails up for this!

MAC Satin Powder Blush in Well Dressed: I must have worn this blush for 90% of the days in July. I adore blushes, but this is always the one I go back to. It is such a pretty dusky pink colour with a very subtle shimmer to it. I don't find I like it as much when i'm pale, but when i'm tanned, it's very flattering. MAC blushes will always be up there with my favourite brands, and this blush cements my feelings for them.

Louise Young LY38 Tapered Shadow Brush: Alot of you blogging ladies will be familiar with Louise Young brushes, due to the girls at Pixiwoo... (They were trained by Louise Young, who has now brought out a range of brushes and palettes). This brush is a dream. It is insanely perfect to apply shadow into the crease of your socket, as I find alot of brushes are too large to do it as acurately as I like it. The bristles are so soft and it is a joy to use. I will definitely be purchashing more Louise Young brushes. This brush cost me £17, and I think they're competitively priced comparing them to MAC, NARS and Laura Mercier brushes.

Clinique Chubby Stick in Woppin' Watermelon: I'm not ashamed to admit that I only bought this product due to it's name - chubby is such a cute word, however if anyone described me as chubby, my opinion would quickly change. Even though I bought this tinted lip balm on a whim due to it's name, I really do love this product. It is really well packaged, like a pen design, with a twisting mechanism to dispense product. This is perfect when you're on the go, as you're not getting any product on your fingers. It gives a lovely pink, glossy tint to the lips and I feel it does do a nice job of moisturising. I'm thinking of getting a few more in different shades.

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm SPF 15: I know i'm feauturing two lip balms on my July favourites, but I really have used these two balms to death in the last few months. I use this morning and night. It forms a perfect base for my lip makeup, and keeps my lips nourished throughout the night. I really struggle with chapped, sore lips through the Winter months and I think I will need a more heavy duty product for then (Elizabeth 8 Hour Cream, i'm talking about you), but for the spring and summer months this has been perfect. It really is a 'balmy' lip balm, and sinks in, not leaving a horrible residue like some do.

Boots Hair Doughnut: Slightly random hair product, but I really like using a hair doughnut to put my hair up into a classy, 'done' looking bun. So simple to use, but very effective.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair: I actually bought this for my mum for her birthday at the beginning of July, but asked the girl if she could give me a sample to try. I know it's meant to be an anti-ageing serum, but the sales assistant told me the sooner you start using it, the more effective it is. She also told me it is the only serum that penetrates into the skin past the first top layer, really getting down into your skin and repairing any damage. I love using this product and my skin really thanks me for it. Every morning when I wake up after using it the night before, my skin looks refreshed and the pigmentation I have on one of my cheeks looks alot less. Expensive, but I think it's worth it as it lasts an age. (However I might be cheeky and use Mum's until payday!)

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder: I bought this a couple of months ago, and I really enjoy using it. It is an extremely finely milled loose powder and the colour of it is totally white. You need a tiny tiny amount and I sweep it all over my face after my foundation application. I am really not a powder kind of girl therefore I am a huge fan of the dewy, healthy glowy look. This delivers it, as well as setting your makeup, 'blurring' fine lines and giving your foundation a naturally done look. If you have oily skin, you will need to carry a compact around with you however, as it doesn't set mine for the whole day. I still love it though and my makeup routine isn't complete without it.

MAC Velvet Eyeshadow in Mulch: This is my favourite MAC shade, along with Antiqued. I have been wearing this alone on my eye alot this month. It is the perfect shade to wear alone, when you don't want to be blending thoroughly and adding other colours to your crease. I apply it all over the lid and then blend out with my MAC 217 brush for a soft smoky brown eye. It is a really flattering shade, and not too gold/brown (that is the problem I have with Woodwinked). I am positive this will be staying in my makeup bag for the forseeable future.

Kate x