January Favourites

January Favourites

I can’t believe the first month of 2018 is done and dusted!

January not only provided a new year, new focus attitude, but a few gems in terms of products to help get me through the summer heat, delicious eats and entertainment for the extra leisure time of the holidays.

Here are a few of my favourite things from January.

Hair and beauty

Stefan Ultimate Leave-In Treatment

This product is amazing and has made such a difference to my hair’s health. I bought this during Stefan’s Christmas bag sale (keep this sale in mind for December this year!) and haven’t looked back. My hair feels so much softer as soon as I put it on, but its lightweight enough not to make any difference to styling. I use it after every wash and will definitely be buying more when I run out.

Not Your Mother’s Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

I’ve loved using this sea salt spray on summer weekends for a beach look – the dead sea salt and sea kelp adds the perfect texture to my thick, wavy hair. It makes styling an absolute breeze, with it being quick to apply and leaving a light matte finish. If you’re not family with sea salt sprays, all I do is spray it all over – the nozzle on this is fantastic for controlling how much product you want – then run my fingers through sections and crunch the ends to create extra oomph. I do make sure I put on my moisturising products prior though and find that I definitely need to wash my hair after using this, as my hair doesn’t sit nicely and feels too dried out the following day otherwise.

favourite january beauty products flatlay sea salt spray stefan hair rimmel london insta fix and go bondi sands tanner

My favourite January beauty and hair products. Photo: Lisa Maynard, My Eclectic Muse.

Rimmel London #insta Fix & Go

This is a two for one product – win (especially for summer getaways when you don’t want to bring along too many)! It works as a primer and a setting spray to help makeup last longer. I tend to go for a dewy look, rather than worry about powder in large part due to the Queensland heat, and this product has been working well so far. I apply it right after I moisturise as a primer and then on top of my foundation and concealer to lock my makeup in place. When you spray the product it feels refreshing, but then it’s also really quick-drying. I think it works really well for an affordable, drugstore product, but I’d be curious to see how other setting sprays work in comparison.

Bondi Sands Gradual Tanning Milk

Since I pretty rarely apply fake tan and am no expert, I much prefer gradual tan products. This product from Bondi Sands definitely ticks all the boxes. It’s simply and quick to apply, with no streaks, no heavy scent, plus the colour is really natural. After two applications I have a nice light tan that I find is perfect, but even after one application you can see a little glow on your arms if you have an event that needs a quick fix.

blueberries creative common photo

Eats

Fruit

Mangos, berries and stone fruit – need I say more? Summer is so generous to us when it comes to delicious fruit. I had the best cherries over Christmas from Jan Powers Markets and have been loving blueberries for snacks and baking.

Poke bowls

Have you ever tried a poke bowl? I hadn’t until I visited Cheeky Poke Bar in Newstead. The menu is abundant with fresh seafood in the form of poké bowls, nori tacos and bone broths – ideal for a guilt free yet indulgent meal. You can design your own poke bowl, but with so many options, I went down the route of choosing one of the signature bowls that was stuffed with the most incredible prawns and other nourishing fillings. Yum!

netflix entertainment

Entertainment

I’ve loved reading more lately and the fact that I now live so closely to a library, but although the books have been good, they’re not rave recommendation worthy. I’m finishing off one now, so stay tuned. Fingers crossed I’ll have read a novel engaging enough to be in February’s favourites.

But, when it comes to shows, I’ve got some goodies. If you’re looking for a guilty Netflix pleasure, get onto watching Dynasty. Full of drama, deceit, betrayal and blackmail, the reboot makes for perfect escapism. The fights between the two female leads are the stuff of soap opera legend and the fashion in seriously on-point. Plus, with one episode being released per week, you can’t fall too far into binge watching territory.

Speaking of, this month I started watching The Good Wife again. It’s such a great show with a strong female lead, but there are just so many seasons (I’ve got a lot to go). Part legal show, part relationship drama, it’s got some political insights and is surprisingly funny.

popcorn creative commons image related to entertainment januaryI hope you have enjoyed my favourites.

There were definitely many highlights during January and I feel lucky to have discovered so many great new things.

Here’s to an exciting February also!

Lisa,

My Eclectic Muse

january favourites with beauty products flatlay blog post for pinterest

January favourites. Pinterest image.

2 Comments

  1. Anna January 31, 2018 / 10:33 pm

    Obsessed with poke bowls – such a good option for something quick & healthy!

    • Lisa February 2, 2018 / 8:30 pm

      So yum for a healthy eating out option. Plus, I was surprised how filling it was 🙂

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