August Faves 2013 ft Armani, Crabtree & Evelyn, L'Oreal, Ojon, Shiseido & Smashbox.

August has been a veritable beauty bonanza, what with every brand and its brother bringing out their Aw13 collections. This post could have gone on for eons but I'm just not that cruel, 

I've decided instead to show you what I've been reaching for far and above any other products in the past month and sure isn't that what Favourites are all about?  

Smashbox Black Cherry Be Lengendary from the Fade to Black collection: €19

One of the most deceptive lippies I've used, Black Cherry is a deep purple/plum in the bullet but once applied is a sheer cranberry glossfest. Bright and lovely but just this side of bold, it's been the only lipstick I've used that's ever gotten repeated compliments. I'm halfway through the bullet and will be repurchasing once it hits counters this month. 

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Skincare Range: from €19.99

Though it's been skincare central here of late with umpteen releases, each more exciting than the last, the one range that I've consistently picked up morning and night is the new L'Oreal Skin Perfection. Boasting everything the 25-30 (ahem) year old needs, this range was designed to bridge the gap between high end potions and off the shelf budget buys. 

With Perline-P for larger pores and the anti-aging derivative LR2412 (which is Lancôme Visionnaire's secret weapon by the by), Skin Perfection has given me touchably soft and visibly brighter skin in just over a month. I've gifted the 5-in-1 BB Cream to my Momma, reluctantly and so impressed was she that she brought it to her Stitch' n' Bitch class to show off to them. No, they're not under 30.. No, I'm not bitter... (I'm a little bitter)

Ojon Rare Blend Deep Conditioner: €35.69

This salon quality hair treatment is the most expensive haircare item that I've ever repurchased once the press sample ran out. A thick, luxurious double blend cream of 7 rare oils and moisturisers with African Shea, Brazilian Muru Muru, and Indian Kokum butters. While the price gave me initial pause for thought, you only need the tiniest amount for touchably soft and beautifully scented, high shine and tresses without the weighed down feeling of other treatments. 

I'm going to advise picking one of these amber tubes up when you're next in Boots, if they haven't sold out again and take a deep sniff, if you're not immediately handing over your points, I'll be shocked. SHOCKED. 

Shiseido Eyebrow Styling Compact: €30

On counters since just yesterday, one of the standouts of Shiseido's AW13 collection is their Eyebrow Styling Palette. Coming in three shades the velvety soft powder makes brow work a cinch, even for the cack handed like me. 

I haven't needed additional wax or even additional combing when using the dinky little angled brow brush provided in the palette (a functional palette brush! Unheard of, right?) which has meant I'm managing to touch up on the go if heading straight out after the office. It's a definite brow win for me. 

Crabtree & Evelyn Tarocco Orange & Eucalyptus Sage Body Lotion: €19

I was introduced to this beautiful range of citrussy, zesty gorgeousness at a Dolledup.ie event a couple of months back. I remember being blown away by the scent immediately and even as Anita was explaining the Sicilian orange, neroli and bergamot fusion within, I just couldn't keep my nose out of the tub. 

Think warm Mediterranean breezes, think of that heady citrussy aroma of orange groves at dusk and you're only barely getting there. I just feel good when I use this, it's a feel good thing. The matching body souffle will be mine before this month is out, you mark my words. 

Armani Si: €55 

August was a busy month perfume launch wise too and Armani faced some stiff competition to get this spot over Marc Jacobs Honey AND Thomas Sabo's Charm Rose Intense but Si just seemed to resonate with me from the first spritz. 

I'm not going to tell you it's women's youth bottled, or the furrowed brow of a working woman or any of that other perfumery, marketing tosh, simply put it's a vanilla and patchouli floral earthed by warm woody notes. It's a warm, smooth scent that, while it reminds me of La Vie est Belle, is softer and more wearable and has one me over completely. 

Tell me, what's been floating your goat this past month then? Have you tried any of the above? Do you disagree entirely with any of my stand outs? Lemme know!