My summer Essentials....

I often get asked by my clients and friends what make-up and skin care products I use so today I thought I would share with you my personal summer essentials that I use everyday.

Inside my bathroom cabinet:

Bodyshop Cocoa Butter I Have used this product since my early teens, it is a very rich intensely hydrating moisturiser that is great for very dry skin and cracked heels and elbows as well as leaving skin gorgeously soft and glowing. It smells divine!

Creme de la mer the gel cream I have been using creme de la mer skin care since my early twenties and thoroughly believe in this 'wonder' cream. I occassionally break out in eczema on my eyelids and face and this cream is the only cream I have found to beat it! I absolutely love the silky, light feel of this luxurious face cream.

Creme de la mer eye balm I also use the eye balm patted very gently around the orbital bone area night and morning. I have to put a little on my eyelids aswell as they can get very dry.

Urban Retreat Ultra fast tan During the summer months I always apply a fake tan to achieve a healthy looking golden glow. This year I discovered Urban retreat's spray on tan in a can which gives a great naturally even and surprizingly long lasting colour.

Clarins Eau Dynamisante Invigorating fragrance Once again a staple summer fragrance that I have continously used since my mid teens, it is a gorgeous summery and light refreshing scent that evokes memories of holidays gone by. I usually carry this in my bag and spritz away throughout the day. It definitely has 'the feel good factor'.

Loreal Eye Absolute Eye & Lip make-up remover I only discovered this product recently but absoloutely love it! I use it every night to easily and gently sweep away all traces of eye make-up. I also use it in my make-up kit-it removes even stubborn waterproof mascara with no effort at all. It is non-greasy but has the feel of water so it is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Aveda hand cream I have tried a lot of hand cream's over the years but I always come back to this one. I try to use it everyday but often forget... It is extremely hydrating and smells pretty good too.

Aveda foot cream I have used this foot cream on and off over the last ten years, it really is great for moisturising and softening hard soles and I love the minty invigorating fragrance as you apply it.

Nivea Light SPF 20 I always use this if I know I will be out in the sun as I find I still tan but without burning and its great as it is non greasy.

Boots Soltan SPF 50 Stick I have used this product for a couple of years now. I have a few large scars so I apply plenty of this to them before I leave the house in the morning and quite often carry it with me for touch ups through out the day.

Inside my make-up bag:

Laura Mercier tinted bronzing gel I have used this product every summer for years now. It achieves a gorgeous, natural and glowing tan for the face and saves me having to wear foundation or damage my skin by getting a real tan. I have not found another product that even comes close to this it truely is amazing!

Lancome Bronzing powder I have used lancome bronzing powder for years and love the natural sunkissed look it achieves. I sweep it all over the face and neck with a large powder brush to achieve a natural finish after applying my Laura Mercier gel.

MAC studio finish concealer A fabulous concealer that provides ultra long lasting coverage, I use this under the eyes mixed with a little moisturiser and apply it directly to blemishes.

YSL Touche Eclat Another staple product for me that I have always used. I apply this over concealer under my eyes to highlight any shadows. I also use it around the mouth to accentuate the cupids bow and detract from shadows at the corners of the mouth.

MAC Eyepaint 'Untitled' I have long raved about this product it is better than any other primer or eye base I have tried! I use it on almost everyone, it is my favourite product in the world and I hope it is never discontinued! Apply a small amount over the lids to keep eyeshadow in place all day without creasing and it also evens out the skin tone on the lid perfectly.

MAC Eyeshadow 'Amber lights' This is my favourite colour eyeshadow to wear-a beautiful bronze. It opens my eyes and contrasts well against my dark brown eyes. It is a wearable everyday shade that even I am probably stuck in a rut with!

MAC Lipstick 'Faux' I have worn this colour most of the time over the last seven or so years maybe with different lip pencils and glosses but it is my favourite muted pink for everyday. The main reason behind this is many years ago when I first wore it my partner exclaimed "That's a lovely lip colour on you" and bearing in mind I worked at MAC at the time and he saw me in all sorts of make-up looks on a daily basis and never ever commented this comment stuck and I have pretty much worn it ever since....

Body shop brow gel clear I have always used a brow gel everyday without fail to keep my brows looking polished and well groomed. Brush through in an upwards direction and smooth over with fingertips to shape.

Maybeline False Effect Mascara At the moment this is my mascara of choice. It is always hard trying to find the perfect mascara but this one pretty much ticked all the boxes with me. Its reasonably priced and made the most of my short, fair lashes.

MAC creme blush 'Virgin Isle' I mostly use this colour during the summer months. It accentuates a tan beautifully. It is a bright orange that may look a little scary in the pot but if you pat on the apples of the cheeks and blend well it will create a fresh healthy flush of colour.

Well thats all my current fave's I hope you have enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it. Enjoy the summer!