Summer time favourites. That seems like a lovely post idea, I thought. Like a really well thought out, planned and scheduled for post that totally wasn't the brain child of the realisation that I'd totally forgotten to do a June or July favourites.
[insert guilty face emoji here]
But despite being the world's worst blogger, a forgetful cow, a dozy bimbo temporarily forgetful, I thought that I'd combine both of those months and bring together something a little different. You see, there's lots of different things I love each month - give a girl the option of 100 different Mac Eyeshadows and I should bloody well hope that she'd be opting for a different one each month - but there are certain things for me that I just can't live* without each summer. And those items are the ones in question today.
*Let's just take a moment to appreciate exaggeration at it's absolute finest right there!
Superdry Mirrored Aviators - Not only are they essential for keeping your peepers healthy (you know, because obviously us bloggers' first thoughts when it comes to sunglasses are healthy eyes and not because they look cool. Obviously...) but as just mentioned, they look amazing and can totally make an outfit. As much as I love my classic Raybans, I also adore Primark/highstreet sunglasses which is probably why my collection is so ridiculously embarrassing. My current favourites? These gorgeous Superdry mirrored aviators.
The perfect sandals - This will come as no surprise to you because I have worn these Linzi Delilah sandals in so many posts/video's recently. They're comfortable, they look fab, they make me feel like a Grecian goddess - well, Grecian... definitely not a goddess - and I am totally OK with that.
The perfect summer dress - I wore this ASOS dress in a post last week and I'm not sure an item of clothing has ever received such love. It probably had something to do with the photography - Dear Joe, can you take all of my photo's please? thanks... - but it's just so flowy, so comfortable, the navy and red pattern provides that bit of chic... love!!
Astral moisturisers - If you've been around these parts for a while, you'll know that despite having
all the body lotions/butters/[insert your own choice of body product here] products in the world, I am
very lazy when it comes to using them. However, when these little beauties entered my life, I found that they just slipped into my routine perfectly. The Astral soft lotion not only smells incredible - as do all Astral products fyi - but it's so
light. It really does sink in so quickly whilst still managing to nourish the skin.
Now, the Astral original on the other hand does not sink in/absorb quickly. This stuff is thick, it's intense, and if that's not your thing... you ain't gonna' like it. However for me, this is an absolute essential after being fried in the sun out in the sun all day. I suck it up, prepare for the greasiness/tackiness and just slather this on and in the morning? Plump, nourished, hydrated skin. Good, classic, basic moisturisers that just work.
Essie Maximillian Strasse her - Considering how much Instagram, Youtube, blog etc. love this polish has received from me, I don't really need to wax lyrical over how perfect it is. But I will anyway - because this is me, gobshite rambling Elle - this is the most perfect grey/green/pastel/murky but stunning colour (murky? sexy...) that I am clearly finding impossible to describe. It's just so unique and rather than butcher it to death, I'll leave you with photo evidence of said beauty.
Zoella Tutti fruity Let's spritz - This is another item I raved about on my Youtube channel - you can find the video here if you wish to watch make a tit out of myself - but in short, this a sweet, fruity (but not overly so) fresh fragrance that is beyond perfect for a summer's day. I genuinely haven't stopped using this since I received it, so pretty.
Zoella Tutti Fruity Scrubbing me softly - Again, another product I've spoken about on my channel, the scrubbing me softly scrub really is one of my favourites from the line. It's not too abrasive so it's fab for sensitive skin, but there's also enough abrasion for a good exfoliation. It's quite an oily scrub so your skin is left feeling so nourished and soft and my favourite part? The scent - which is beyond stunning - really lingers on the skin after. You go Glen coco Zoe! (... I'll stop using that joke one day I promise).
Mitchum Deodorants - I was very kindly contacted by Mitchum and asked if I wanted to receive some products. Now, deodorants are something that I would never ever usually receive as a PR sample however, as I've used Mitchum's roll on constantly for at least 6 years, it made sense to receive something I would have to go and stock up on in a couple of weeks anyway, right? I know it's a little strange to include deodorant in a favourite but ladies... these.things.are.incredible! The roll on has been my go to for years because it dries quickly, it's invisible and it keeps me fresh all day long. The spray is incredible for when you're in a rush and don't have any time to wait around for it dry, and just like the roll on, keeps me so fresh and dry all day. Finally we have the stick anti-perspirant/deodorant which is kinda special. (A special deodorant #SaddoSays) This is what I like to use when it's time to call in the big guns. When you know you're going to be out all day, if you're going to be stressed, hot, sticky... basically, when you know that you're going to be a sweaty mess - attractive... - this is what you need. This leaves me feeling more protected than any other deodorant I've used so once you get over having to wait a few minutes extra for it to dry, it's totally worth it!
Cocoa Brown 1hour tan mousse - If you follow my Instagram -
oh, you don't and you'd love to know what it is, you say? I'm @ellenextdoor ;) - then it'll come to no surprise to you that I'm a huge fan of Cocoa brown. Their gradual tanner is my absolute
favourite tan so
obviously I needed to branch out and add the 1 hr tan to my collection right?
right... This, in short, is perfection. It dries in minutes, it applies so evenly and seamlessly and after an hour, a gorgeous olive/brown/totally non-orange glow has developed. You can of course leave it on longer for a deeper glow depending on what you're going for. I am forever on a quest to be (shorter, stubbier) Victoria's Secret Model so this stays on a fair few hours for me ;)
So that is the end of my Summer favourites. I have absolutely loved using these and it's safe to say, I'll be praying to the weather gods that I get to enjoy them for a little while longer.
I would love to know what you have been loving this summer? Any summer essentials I need to try out? I always love hearing your thoughts :)
As always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
xx
Labels: ASOS, Beauty, Cocoa Brown, Essie, Linzi, Mitchum, OOTD, Review, Superdry, Zoella beauty
