My Favourites: January Edit

Welcome to the first monthly favourites of the year over on JHM! Whilst there's a couple of makeup favourites, this month was skincare heavy and I loved discovering new products and launches aimed at detoxing your skin for a new year and bringing my skin back to life from all the cold and flu. Alongside the skincare, there's a couple of makeup favourites I've loved using, a beautiful collaboration between two wonderful brands, denim I haven't stopped wearing, books, perfume and my first ever bullet journal.

SKINCARE FAVOURTES

Darphin Vetiver Range*: This incredible new Stress Relief Detox Collection from Darphin has been a stand out range for me and my favourite skincare launch so far this year. I've been using the restorative oil mask around 3 times a week which is pure bliss. Infused with golden flower petals, Vetiver, geranium, lavender and marjoram essential oils, it's incredibly luxurious feeling on the skin and helps to soothe and calm. I've also been using the oil in the evenings which rebalances my skin and helps to strengthen and enhance my skins resistance to daily aggressors.

Origins GinZing Ultra-Hydrating Cream*: My skins been suffering from major dehydration recently due to the weather, central heating and having a cold/flu so I've needed all the moisture I can get and this Origins cream has been a true hero. An updated, thicker and richer version of the original Ginzing cream, this ultra hydrating version drenches the skin in hydration whilst the Ginseng and Coffee Beans give you the look of a few extra hours sleep, keeping everything looking nice and glowy.

Caudalie VinoPerfect Radiance Serum: The one product that I've actually used up now but used relentlessly was this wonder serum from Caudalie - the product that cleared up my dark spot marks, any redness and kept my skin looking bright and healthy.

BEAUTY FAVOURITES

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser: I was looking for a new base around mid-jan as my usual daily base (BECCA Aqua Luminous) has become that little bit too dark and I decided to pick up an old favourite from Laura Mercier just in a different formula to usual. This oil free version has a build-able, long wearing coverage that still offers a satin finish and lit from within glow without extreme shine and shimmer from the illuminating version (my old favourite). Blending with my fingers or a sponge, this has become my go-to daily base for fresh faced beauty.

Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder: I've really enjoyed adding some extra definition into my face recently and in addition to my usual bronzer, I've been opting for a light contour. This super easy to apply and blend in powder from Kevyn Aucoin has always been my go-to contour for it's ash-tone shade that makes me look I was born with killer cheekbones.

Aesop Resurrection Hand Balm: As an avid hand-cream user, its so important to me to find one that is thick enough to hydrate but not at all feel sticky or greasy and Aesop have answered each and every one of my hand cream prayers. This nourishing, soothing and deliciously smelling aromatique hand balm from Aesop is just the best, I apply it multiple times throughout the day and love how it instantly puts the moisture back in for hands that feel silky soft all day long.

LIFESTYLE & FASHION FAVOURITES

Amber Laboratory Perfumes: There's nothing quite like a new scent and I received this lovely Laboratory perfume for Christmas which has been a firm favourite throughout January for it's spicy, woody and slightly grassy/green scent. The scent is strong but not overpowering nor heavy, it's subdued, warm and up-lifting.

Topshop Straight Leg Jeans: If there's one fashion piece I've worn non-stop this past month then it's these straight leg raw hem jeans. High waisted with a tapered leg and a contemporary raw hem twist, these have been a wardrobe staple for me. Dressed down with trainers, a breton and puffa or styled up with a leather ankle boot, high neck knit and a navy wool coat, they are a versatile and essential wardrobe piece. An even bigger benefit is how stretchy they are meaning there's no need to undo the jeans mid-meal! Pasta friendly.

The Bullet Journal: After endless notebooks, lists, missing notes, ideas and content plans, I decided to start a bullet journal in the hope to organise everything a little better. I have always loved the concept of starting one but was put off by the time to set one up and keep it updated but in January, I bit the bullet and got going. So far, I absolutely love it - it's got everything I need to stay organised and balance my blog and uni life/deadlines and room for plenty more lists and notes.

This Is Going To Hurt: After reading "When Breathe Becomes Air" and feeling utterly amazed, moved and inspired I really wanted to find something similar as my next read, this was when I discovered This Is Going To Hurt. A memoir by Adam Kay about his time as a junior doctor in the NHS, revealing his diaries of horror, hilarity, heartbreak, sorrow and grief. Each time I read this I laugh, cry, smile and grimace through each diary entry. Its an exceptional read and one I recommend to all.

COLLABORATION OF THE MONTH

L'OCCITANE x Rifle Paper: I don't think there has been a more beautiful collaboration than this. L'OCCITANE have joined forces with stationery and lifestyle brand Rifle Paper on creating limited edition hand-painted pastel blue and pink designs across their best selling Shea Butter range. I adore the packaging so much in this range, the aesthetics, colours and designs are so pretty, a brand match made in heaven.

The collection includes: Mini Rose and Shea Hand Cream, Shea Collection, Shea Soap Trio, Shea Balms, Shea Butter Hand Cream.