The Beauty Brands Worth Investing In (& What To Buy) #1

With so many new beauty brands and products cropping up every week, it can be a little hard to know what to spend your dollar on. So, if you're one to get just a little overwhelmed when walking down the aisles of Boots, you may wanna keep reading. Allow me to share my go-to brands (& their kick-ass products) well worth trying.

Bumble & Bumble.

Ah, Bumble, my one and only hair-shaped love. I've probably tried around 50% of their products and loved every single one of them. Slightly pricier than the likes of L'Oreal and Aussie, but well worth the investment. Not only are their formulas spot on, but you only need the smallest amount per use, meaning your bottle/tube/whatever, will last you forever (which I must stress, is definitely not a bad thing). Whether you're curly haired, fine or poker straight, Bumble will have a product to tame and treat your locks. Click here to be met by approximately five thousand Bumble-themed reviews - told you I dig the brand.

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What to buy: B&b Surf Spray for effortless, surfer gal waves, B&b Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner for added texture and grit, B&b Sunday Shampoo for  a squeaky-clean scalp, and 

Lush.

Who doesn't love a bit of Lush in their life (answer: no one). A mention of this brand is unlikely to be a major surprise, but, on the off-chance that you've never experienced one of their bath bombs, then get 'yo little self over to Lush and stock up, stat. Check here for some serious, Lush-heavy reviews.

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What to buy: Dream Cream for silky soft, sooth skin (and perfect for those with KP), Mask of Magnaminty for a cleansed, gently exfoliated complexion, and Popcorn Lip Scrub for a perfect pout. Come Christmas, however, it's all about this bad boy...

Neal's Yard.

Neal's Yard is a fairly recent beauty discovery for me, but by golly am I obsessed with their products. My b-e-a-utiful Momma snapped up the Award Winning Skincare Set from John Lewis (check my full review here) a little while ago, and I was blown.away. I'm not one to go over-board when buying cleansers, but god damn, the brands Wild Rose Beauty Balm is just perfection in a tub. As soon as I've finished my mini size I will 100% be running out to buy a 50g. If multi-tasking products rock your world, you will seriously dig this. If you fancy reading up on my review of the Award Winning Skincare Set, head here.

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What to buy: The Wild Rose Beauty Balm (obvs - see above), White Tea Facial Mist for a refreshing quick-fix, and the White Tea Enriching Facial Mask for serious nourishment and redness relief. 

Origins.
Onto a long-time love, we have Origins. Basically, is there anything this brand can't do? High quality, natural and long-lasting skincare (oh, and makeup and haircare, of course). Not only are their products glorious, but every order comes alongside some pretty generous samples meaning a stock-up is even more worthwhile. Expensive, but worth it. Check here for reviews.

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What to buy: The Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturizer, for, well, a moisturising energy boost (who'da thunk it?), Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask for clear pores and Make a Difference Plus Rejuvenating Moisturizer to banish dry, flaky skin.


Bee Good.
I first came across Bee Good earlier in the year thanks to their Honey and Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Micellar Water*. If you fancy reading up on the brand and their philosophy, click here for my reviews, but otherwise, their products and natural with only the finest ingredients. 

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What to buy: The Honey and Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Micellar Water* for a refreshing, easy-peasy cleanse, and their new, Honey & Camelina Facial Exfoliator* to wave buh-bye to a dull, congested complexion.

Ok so before this turns into a mini dissertation on beauty & skincare goodness, I'm gonna wrap this up and save the rest for a second post (next Sunday to be precise!).

Are you a fan of any of the above brands? What are your go-to beauty stores? Do you have any products that you can't live without? I'd love to know your recommendations!

Interior Wishlist.

S'all About The Birkenstocks.

5 Minutes With: Danny Defreitas.

Celebrity makeup artist, Danny Defreitas could undoubtedly be defined as 'the one to know' when it comes to the beauty industry. Boasting an impressive career, the guru is known for his skills at not only making clients look beautiful, but feel beautiful, too. Combine this with the artist's bubbly, engaging persona and you can grasp exactly why he is one of the industry's top names. We caught up to chat must-have products, beauty mishaps and mastering the art of contouring.

What advice would you give to those interested in becoming a make-up artist?
It's taken me a long time, and a lot of hard work to get to where I am in my career at the moment, but if you are truly passionate about something you should definitely pursue it. What people don't realise is the sheer amount of work that goes into it. I truly believe hard work pays off. Stay passionate and be the best you can be. 

How, and what, influenced you to get into the industry?

I started my career in the hairdressing industry and got so inspired through doing session work along with shows and window displays. The level of creativity and the fact that you had to work alongside so many other teams of people within different industries fascinated me. 

Where do you gain your inspiration?

There's always inspiration around you but as a visual person I would have to say social media really inspires me at the moment, I use social media to keep my finger on the pulse with what other amazing creatives are doing. 

What is your ultimate piece of beauty advice? 

As a Session Make Up Artist I am all about skin. Who doesn't love flawless, glowing skin. I truly believe that skin prep is key and just as important if not more than the actual foundation application. You'll be amazed at how you can make someone's skin look even before any actual make up touches it. 

What make-up and hair looks do we need to be rocking this S/S season?
This season is all about sexy, volumed beach hair, I love to use Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray along with their Sea Salt Surf Spray to create this look. CLOUDNINE also do these amazing tongs for naturally soft bouncy waves. Make up wise it's all about a matte lip and soft colour placements in the eyes - washes of earthy colours to suit and bring out individual peoples focus features. 

What five things do all women need in their beauty collection?

My current essential must haves are: 

- Primer: Tom Ford do a great skin Illuminating one.

- Moisturiser: Most make up artists I know can't get enough of EMBRYOLISSE. 

- Night cream: I love how rich Nip+Fab products are for night time. 

- Concealer: NARS do really creamy ones that blend beautifully. 

- Lipstick: You Just can't beat one from MAC

Which beauty looks do you feel look amazing on women of all ages?

Everybody loves glowing, fresh looking skin. This is definitely something that can be incorporated for all ages. Don't forget as skin ages it needs more moisture for a soft supple look. 

Are there any beauty mistakes you often come across?

Make up in my mind is the interpretation of the eye. I am always looking to help individuals by advising and educating them on a product, which has to be suitable for them in terms of skin type, what you are trying to achieve, and also the best way to apply it. 

Contouring has taken the beauty world by storm over recent months, any advice or products you’d recommend to pull it off successfully?

Everyone who knows me, knows that I love a contour. With so much out there and lots of YouTube videos, there's so many ways to do it. Remember, blend, blend, blend! Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate is my ultimate favourite at the minute. It comes in two colours and has a dewy highlighter and an amazing shading cream colour. 

What items are always in your stash when you’re on a shoot?

In my kit I always have some Burberry pieces, their range is all about adding that glow that I love creating. Also their BB creams and foundation powders are amazing. I also always stock up on Eldora lashes, soft fluffy and natural looking lashes just to add a feminine touch to the eye. I also go no where without some Rodial Skincare, like I said it's all about prep! 

You’ve collaborated with numerous famed faces, publications and events from the likes of Rita Ora, Rihanna For River Island and Sky television show, The Face. It’s most likely you’ll be unable to choose just one, but do you have a standout moment of your career so far?
It's so hard for me to pick and I always get asked this. I still get so excited and nervous sometimes when doing some jobs, but I pride myself to treat every job with the highest efforts and professionalism. I will say though that I will never forget the moment I had to talk to Rihanna about hair...she's great to work with. 

Finally, what’s next for Danny Defreitas?

I am currently focusing on lots of new projects and collaborations that are coming up for the next few months. I love working with amazing people, it's all about bouncing off positive vibes off other creatives. 

To keep upto date with Danny, be sure to check out his social channels below:

Website: www.dannydefreitas.com/

Twitter: @Danny_Defreitas

Instagram: @dannydefreitas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DANNYDEFREITASMUA

*image links 1 & 2* 

Will you be snapping up any of Danny's recommendations? Are you a fan of this seasons beach hair?

Heat, Sweat and Tube-proof Makeup.