Some recent loves…

Let’s take a break from all the travel chat, shall we? I’d like to share a few things that I’ve been loving lately – things that have impressed me so much that it would be a shame not to share them with you.

I’m hoping to do one of these round ups every couple of months, or whenever I have a long enough list of great finds that I just can’t keep to myself anymore.

 

Gambettes Box

My favourite ever monthly subscription! I’ve tried a few beauty, magazine and food subscriptions but have always become a bit bored of them. Every time, I’ve ended up with a bunch of beauty products I don’t use and a stack of half read magazines. Gambettes Box is different! Every month, this Parisian brand sends me two pairs of very chic tights. I’m always really excited to try them on, and have loved every pair so far! Usually the tights are black, although from time to time there’s a dark colour thrown in – never bright, and always elegant. Best thing is, I never have to worry about replacing holey tights anymore.

 

The Ordinary

If you want powerful skincare that won’t break the bank, you should consider buying products from The Ordinary. This Canadian brand has had so much success that its products are constantly selling out, both in store and online. The reason for their success is that they take the frills away from skincare and offer simple, high quality formulations without the huge price margins of big beauty brands.

The products are a tad confusing at first: they all have complicated names and choosing the right range for you is never straightforward. Definitely read their regimen guide to find what’s best for you and read up on each product before you use it. There’s even a (sometimes terrifying) Facebook group for fanatics of the brand where you can ask questions and get tips from people who have tried the products before.

My favourite products so far are Niacinamide to help prevent blemishes and congestion (only £5!), Buffet to prevent ageing, and AHA 30% + BHA 2% as a weekly exfoliating facial.

The Ordinary promises “clinical formulations with integrity” – what’s not to love about that?

 

Make Up Tricks

So I’ve never been the kind to spend a lot of time or effort on make up. I think it’s the French woman in me – I like to keep things simple. As a result of this, I’d never really given lip liner a try until very recently. Game changer! Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat pencil has the power to make any lips look fuller and more defined. I use it as a base for lipstick and it makes a huge difference. Another Tilbury product I’ve been loving is the Full Fat Lashes mascara. I’ve been using my tester for the past couple of months and will need to purchase the full size asap. It does what it promises, and gives me defined, clump-free voluminous lashes.

One more product that I absolutely love: More Brows by ModelCo. I first tried it thanks to a Birchbox subscription last year but have since repurchased because it is the best product for making my eyebrows look fuller and stay in place. I’ve tried Boy Brow by Glossier, which everyone seems to be raving about, but I like this better. I think it applies more evenly, without clumps.

 

Sézane Hope Bag

I was a bit reluctant to part with 200€ for this bag, but my Mum convinced me when we visited the Sézane shop in Paris. Having used it for a few months now, I can tell you that it was an amazing investment. It honestly feels like a much more expensive designer bag; the leather is super soft but sturdy and the light gold hardware is beautiful quality. Having it in black means it goes with everything and it makes any outfit look instantly more chic and put together. I can even fit my camera and my fat purse inside it. I know I’ll be using it for years to come!

 

Fight Klub

These classes have been a revelation for me. I’ve never been able to stick to a fitness schedule before, and have never really found any form of fitness enjoyable (apart from yoga). Fight Klub is the first fitness class that I actually find fun! It combines boxing moves (both with and without a bag) with drum and bass. The instructor is always super energetic and keeps the whole room going. He lets you go at your own pace but keeps the class fun and upbeat. No very difficult moves, but you’re guaranteed to end up sweaty!

There are classes all over London and in many other UK cities. They’re only £7 a pop so I’d urge you to give Fight Klub a go. I’ve been going almost every week since January and intend to continue, hooray!

 

That’s it for now! All of the things I’ve mentioned above are genuine favourites that I would honestly recommend to my best friends. Let me know what you think of this post in the comments below. It’s something a bit different from me!