The entire month of May for me was filled with final university deadlines and exam stress leaving most days makeup free and the same skincare / body-care routine in place but I still LOVED so many fabulous products and actually used up quite a few of them due to constant daily use throughout the month. I've thrown in a TV show and book favourite too which you need to add straight to your to watch/read list along with some Zara sandals I can see myself living in all Summer. June I promise, will be filled with new makeup and skincare discoveries (I've got a huge bundle of goodies to test out so keep checking back for regular beauty updates on here) but for now, let's chat about the best stuff from May. 

James Read Sleep Mask Tan*: This is tan made easy; a beautiful clear silky gel that glides over the skin blending seamlessly with no buffing or fast action required. It's earned the best tan award (from me) for a reason and I've been applying this all over throughout May for a natural and even golden colour all over that leaves me looking healthy and as though I've stepped off the plane from a long weekend in the sun. I love that after 6 hours I'm left with a noticeable yet light golden colour but as it's a gradual formula, the next day things get a lot deeper and eventually it's developed into a 2 week holiday looking tan. The clear consistency does mean no colour guide so if you're a tan newbie then maybe try the James Read Bronzing Mousse first to get your application practice in. 

Soaper Duper Coconut Body Butter*: Pre summer I always make sure my body-care routine is just as good as my skincare to ensure soft, luminous and smooth limbs for Summer when the legs start coming out and the bikini is on. Throughout May I slathered my skin in this rich, thick and deliciously scented Coconut and Neroli body butter from Soaper Duper that smells just like holidays. 

Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturising Face Tint SPF30*: I've recently been doubling up my moisturiser, SPF and skin tint in one with this wonder product that leaves skin immensely hydrated and bright looking with unique pigment capsules that release throughout the day to maintain glow and a warm luminous tint. This is my current day cream that I use over my serum and oil and it blends into the skin beautifully, not sticky or greasy and doesn't sit on top; it's fast absorbing, contains SPF30 and anti-oxidant rich, making it the perfect Summer cream. 

Zelens Absolute Facial Oil*: This is one of my all time favourite face oils and I saw the end of it last week as I pressed the last drops into my skin. A cult product for a reason, this omega packed Z-22 facial oil is a blend of 22 precious oils from Rosemary, Basil, Bergamot and Rosehip that have been carefully chosen for their skin repairing properties and skin enhancing abilities. This lightweight formula instantly nourishes the skin, adds an incredibly powerful glow and helps to strengthen and reinforce skins natural barrier. 

Decléor Aromessence Neroli Oil Serum*: Post Zelens, I've started using this as my daily face oil and so far, it's keeping my skin just as glowy and healthy looking. Decléor is another favourite brand of mine and this delicate 100% natural oil serum has a silky, light texture that hits skin with hydration, radiance and nourishment

Clive Christian Perfumes: Two samples from the L Private Collection of this luxury British perfume brand arrived in the Spring Perfume Society box and I instantly fell in love with both for their deep and woody notes that lingered on the skin all day. Woody Oriental is the more masculine of the two a mass of amber notes amongst the sweet musk, tobacco orris and geranium, finished off with top notes of lemon and mandarin with a 'peppery kick'. Floral Chypre was the second Christian Clive sample in the box which held more feminine notes built around rose, jasmine with a twist of peppery frankincense, vanillas and musk meaning it remains deep and bold but holds a feminine floral skew. 

Rosie for Autograph Cream Blusher in Romantic Blush*: Cream blushes really are all I apply to my face into the blush department, particularly in the Summer, for their butter-like texture and dewy finishes. I've spoken about Rosie's Starstruck Cheek Sticks for months now and they are some of the best cream makeup sticks out there but I've recently started testing this bright pink blush from the range which is far more pigmented with a stronger flushed look but with a less glossy finish, making it the perfect long-wearing, durable cream blush for cheeks that appear healthy and bright from day to night. 

True Grace Green and Citrus Tea Candle: One of my favourite things to treat myself to is candles; they make such a difference on the atmosphere in a room, fill a house with scent and create a really cosy feel. I've been burning this heavenly Green Tea and Citrus True Grace candle lately which gives off a soothing and uplifting smell that captures the sub-tropical plants with a citrus, spicy twist. 

Zara Buckled Slides: These are the perfect comfortable sandal that style well with everything in my wardrobe; floaty Summer mini and midi dresses, denim, raw hems and tapered trousers. Coming in black and white, these metallic buckled sandal are just £17 and the ideal affordable, high-street option for on trend one buckle slides that the magazines and online site shave been raving about in the run up to Summer. Whether you want a beach, city or at home sandal that will make each of your outfits stylish, chic and effortless looking, these are my new favourite. 

The Last Act of Love by Cathy Rentzenbrink: My current book that is so moving and powerful, I had to recommend it to you all. This is a devastating memoir about Cathy's own relationship with her brother Matty, who lay in a coma for almost a decade after a hit and run accident. This compelling, heartbreaking and extraordinary book is an incredible read that captures sibling affection and the endless love between a brother and sister before and after a life changing accident.  

Netflix SAFE: I sat and watched this 1 Season, 8 episode show in two nights over the Bank Holiday Weekend and every hour I wasn't watching it, I was thinking about it. Starring Michael C. Hall aka; Dexter, this British crime/drama series tells the story of a widowed surgeon who's daughter doesn't return home after a party and the lengths he goes to find her, uncovering dark secrets about his family and daughters friends along the way. One of the best Netflix Originals I've watched in a long time and despite a (slightly) satisfactory ending, I'm desperate for a Season 2 to be announced. To all the crime and drama TV show lovers out there, get this on your screens tonight. 

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J x