Monthly Favourites - January

Since putting myself through a month long ban on any makeup purchases which I (almost) stuck to, this months favourites are all about skin care. Travelling from one side of the globe to another this past month definitely put a strain on my skin, but luckily I found some amazing products to help with the transition.

Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask

I attended my 20 year school reunion while I was in Sydney and there was no way I was going to that with bags under my eyes. These are so easy to use. You just pop them on for 5-10 minutes while you get dressed and do your hair, and by the time you are ready for makeup you just remove them and delicately massage in any excess. I think they did pep me up a little and gave me a perfect base to go in with my corrector and concealer. £ 59.00 here.

Sanctuary Spa Thermal Detox Mask

I picked this up in a mini travel sized sachet in Boots and took it away with me. I was so impressed with it that I purchased the full size last week while at the Sanctuary Spa. What makes it different from other deep cleansing masks is that it heats up once applied to your skin. The heat feels amazing! It is so reasonably priced and has been really good for my combination skin. A definite thumbs up. £10.20 here.

Kora Organics Hydrating Mask

I have been using this in tandem with the detox mask above. I use this one on my cheeks, forehead and all other areas of my face that are not congested while I use the detox mask around my chin area. Living in London in winter with the dry heating being pumped through the house makes your skin so thirsty and this mask does a good job of replumping the skin. £37 here.

By Terry Or de Rose Blush Prestige

I picked this up for half price while at the By Terry store in Paris in December and have been using it constantly. There are a few ways to use it, but my favourite is to add a pump to your foundation to give your skin a radiant glow. If I have any extra left on my hand, I lightly dab the remainder along my cheekbones for some added highlighting. Did I mention it was half price? 

By Terry Baume de Rose

I finally took the plunge and purchased this late last year. It is so good that I am dedicating an entire post to it so stay tuned. £38.00 here.

Come Fly With Me - My Realistic Long Haul Flying Routine

Throughout the year I do my fair share of flying, but it is usually short hops within Europe with the odd trip to NYC thrown in. However, once a year I fly home to Sydney and that flight puts the LONG into long haul. For those British readers who are unaware, to get to Sydney you must endure two flights, each of which are between 8-12 hours. Your entire body is confused, your stomach wants a steak at 6am and no amount of coffee or alcohol can make you feel better. This joyful experience is happening to me and my family next week and the only way I can cope with the thought is by planning a few little in-flight skin treats to look forward to.

Once you have taken off and got your little ones settled, slip into the bathroom and do a quick cleanse of your face. I think this is one of the only times that Caroline Hirons supports the use of facial wipes, so go for it. They are easy to transport and cost effective. Take off all your makeup as if you are going to bed. Then it is time for some moisturising action. If you can't get to the bathroom, you can even do this step in your seat.

I picked up these masks in Boots recently on a 3 for 2 offer. The Moisture Boosting Mask is the one i'm going to use on-board. Once my face is cleansed, smooth this on and like it states on the back - 'leave on overnight for an extra moisture injection'. Apply some really good lip balm, I am using the Malin + Goetz Mojito one which you can read about here, and I will continue to reapply this incessantly throughout the flight. Now sit back and relax.

Face masks by The Sanctuary Spa, available at Boots

Before you land, slip back in to the bathroom and wash off the mask with water. Apply a layer of Hydraluron (you can read more about this wonder product here), then apply a generous layer of moisturiser. For this purpose, i'm using my Keihls Ultra Facial cream (details here).  

If you want to take it one step further, I recommend a quick application of tinted moisturiser and concealer before you disembark to pep you up. Slide on some lip gloss and you are good to go. As a good friend once advised me - 'you've got to touch up before you touch down' !! 

I'm also slipping this little multi-purpose balm 'Coiffette' by Jao into my carry-on, the makes of the fabulous Goe Oil. It moisturises cuticles, hair and skin and smells lovely.