Stuff and more stuff from the last few months

It's been a busy few months of baby rearing and getting to grips with motherhood. What can I say? It's not easy but just one little smile from Tabitha makes it all worthwhile. People get sick of me saying that every morning feels like Christmas.  Once the horror of having to get up subsides, I can't wait to see my little girl and spend the day with her.

So other than that, I haven't forgotten about the world of cosmetics... So here's a round up of products I've been using and/or trying over the past few months.

Carmex (various products were sent to me for trial). Generally I don't opt for products ending in x, there's something unnatural about it, and where possible which is nearly always, I prefer the natural option. Unfortunately I was right about my suspicions, I didn't like much about the range - neither the scent, taste, feeling on the lips, tingling or longevity. For a brand I have avoided because I thought they weren't cruelty free, I was excited to try them but after a month or so of keeping them in my handbag and using them regularly, I can't say that I would buy replenishment. I haven't found anything that compares to Nip and Fab, lip and nip fix - pure lanolin sheepy smelling goodness that lasts and lasts. I prefer the sheep smell to the coconut and fruits of Carmex.

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream (bought from John and Ginger). After receiving a sachet sample with a previous order or Precleanse, I had to buy this product. It is a lovely fresh feeling but intensely moisturising cream. My skin was so parched and flaky in the months after Tabitha was born, I tried all of my usual oils and even E45 couldn't help. The wonder of samples, and they really do work to stimulate purchases!

The Body Shop, Moringa Beautifying Dry Oil (sent as as sample for review). I do buy this range as a treat for myself, mainly when at Paddington Station to look forward to after a loooong day in London. The scent is adorable, luscious and alluring.  A small bottle seems to go a long way too. I shower and before towelling off, use it all over the body. It's a quick and effective way to moisturise and smell gorgeous in one step. The oil is light enough not to feel greasy and is absorbed quickly ready for dressing immediately.

I badly need to replenish my supply of Tisserand Essential Oil hand cream, as my hands are really suffering from near constant hand washing and this recent heat has flared up some eczema to epic proportions of bumpy itchiness.

On the rare occasions I have been out in the evening I have been using a surprisingly good gel eyeliner by Coastal scents (also sent for review). It has been ages since I used a gel eyeliner and I have missed the easy smooth application and budge proof wear. Busy mums will know that you can look like you've tried too hard, so it is best to stay with looks that are practised, easy and comfortable.  Although I had my doubts at its potential and even more about the accompanying brush - it hasn't let me down yet. I find it very good for a smoky eye. As seen below!

Night night from Tabitha xxx (and yes I have had a haircut!)