It's that time of year where the weather has cooled down and my tan has officially faded. I'll admit it's not my favourite season but some new additions to my bathroom cabinet have certainly managed to brighten things up. I thought I'd share with you some new products that I'm currently coveting and won't be saying goodbye to for the foreseeable future! Simply click any of the images in the post to shop the product online!

I don't like being pale; I've tried embracing it, it looks beautiful on some people but it's just not for me. I glow more of a bluish pink as opposed to a Kristen Stewart in Twighlight glisten so as my natural colour dwindles I've been trying out a couple of new tanning products. The arrival of James Reed's tanning products to my favourite salon Vintage Glamour could not have been timed more appropriately. I have been using his Overnight Tan Sleep Mask in the shade 'Go Darker' and cannot say praise it enough. It gives me the ideal olive based colour that looks like I'm just off a plane rather than the latest shade of coral. The mask has added skin boosting ingredients too, infused with Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid and Algae Extract to leave skin hydrated and moisturised. It hasn't made me break out with some facial tanners do, dries instantly and doesn't destroy white pillows. His instant wash off tan is also gorgeous and well worth a look if you're like me and don't like to commit! Winner in my book!

Continuing on with the skincare theme, Pestle and Mortar's Superstar Retinol Night Oil almost deserves a post of it's own. I'd read a lot about the benefit of introducing retinoids into your skincare regime but had always been a little nervous to try them. A lot of stronger strength retinol creams on the market can cause skin irritation and excessive dryness when first used and while the general consensus is to push through any initial unwanted side effects because the long term results are worth it, I personally couldn't afford that down time. Pestle and Mortar's Retinol Night Oil contains Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate that they claim represents a new generation of retinoid. It is supposed to help reverse signs of ageing, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and boost collagen production, all of which I can confidently say it does. It stimulates cell growth and cell turnover, restoring suppleness and hydration to the skin. Any dry patches or flaking I had before are long gone and I noticed a visible difference in my skin after about a month of consistent use.

Vitamin A is one of the known ingredients which helps skin structure. Topical vitamin A can be readily absorbed by the skin and has the ability to interrupt the damage caused by free radicals resulting in smoother, softer skin. If you've read my previous blogs you'll know I already swear by their Hyaluronic Serum and daily moisturizer so my skincare system is now solely Pestle and Mortar. Worth every penny!

About twice a week I like to do a mask, I initially wasn't sure about this one and couldn't understand what all the global fuss was about but fast forward a couple of months and I'm converted. I think the problem was that I was thinking of it as a traditional clay mask that should be cleaning out my skin and it just wasn't doing that. I really should have taken a hint from the product name. Glamglow's Youthmud Tinglexfoliate does something to my pores that I've never experienced. Do you ever have one of those days where you start your makeup but things just aren't going well? Foundation clings in places it shouldn't and powder does nothing but accentuate things that no one wants to see. That's when I stop and apply this mask, ten minutes later it's like I have a new face. My skin is smooth, pores have vanished and makeup glides on. I love it.

Sheet masks are also something I've been loving. I've tried most of Sephora's own brand ones and they're ok, not amazing but ok if you're on a budget. My favourite mid range one that I've found is by a brand called Starskin. Their Bio Cellulose masks actually feel like they've done something when I remove them leaving my skin soft and supple. When I've time to lounge around looking mad I sit and watch tv with one of these on for about half an hour. With the month that's in it you could always buy one and have it double as your halloween costume...no time like the present!

On to some makeup, the Kat Von D 'Shade and Light Eye Contour Pallet' is handsdown the best eyeshadow pallet I've ever tried. The colours are right up my alley, neutral and matte with some beautiful deep warm browns. The black is actually black unlike so many other dark shadows and they blend like butter. Kat Von D is now available in Debenhams for us here in Ireland so I know this is one product I'll never be without again. Obsessed.

I'll admit I am a bit of a creature of habit, give or take a week or two I reckon I have had the same Shallac combination on my nails for the last two years solid, two coats of 'Romantique' with one coat of 'Beau' on top. I go to NewYorki Nails in Bray and they don't even ask me what I want anymore. This being said I am officially bored of it so I went wild and tried a new nude. Shellac 'Bare Chemise' is my new favourite. The perfect pale nude thats neutral, not too sickly pink, not too white and not too beige. I'll be wearing it all winter, wonders will never cease eh!

We'll finish with foundation, Armani's Luminous Silk Foundation has been in my makeup bag for a couple of months now and while I flirt between it and YSL's Touche Eclait foundation I have to say it takes the biscuit. Last week I changed shade from 6.5 to 6.25 and it's made me love it even more. While it's called 'luminous' silk I would describe it as a satin finish, no excessive shine so it should be fine with a dusting of powder for those with oilier skin. It's natural looking with a medium buildable coverage so it's just what I look for in foundation, applied with a beauty blender it's pretty close to perfect. Why YSL reformulated their Touche Eclait foundation I'll never know, unfortunately it's nothing like the original and left me a little disappointed!

So there you have it, my favourite products of the moment. Let me know if you've discovered anything new recently that you think I'd like! I love chatting on snapchat so you can message me there, my username is Jodielawsonwood!

Have a great week! Jodie xx