My July has consisted of working, lounging around and trying to avoid doing any sort of strenuous activity in efforts to avoid becoming overly hot. My favourites this month have definitely followed a distinct theme – they are all products that stay put even while sweating in the heat and create the desired polished effect with the least amount of time and effort involved. Here’s the lowdown on the products:

Studio Makeup Smooth Endurance Creme Eyeshadow in Souffle ($26): I succumbed to the allure of this smooth and pigmented cream eyeshadow towards the beginning of the month and there have been very few days since that I haven’t happily slapped on this metallic golden champagne cream shadow. I think that I might actually say that the texture is smoother and longer wearing than even MAC’s, even on my creasing-prone eyelids in the heat. Also, the truly metallic finish gives it the effect of MAC All That Glitters without the effort of a powder eyeshadow or even a primer beforehand.

L’Oreal Lineur Intense Brush Tip Liquid Eyeliner ($10): While I do love putting that extra effort in and taking time and extra steps on my makeup on occasion, I have to say that trying to look really pulled together on a daily basis can get a little bit annoying and that’s where this liquid eyeliner comes in. I haven’t always been going for loads of eye makeup in general but I have consistently been reaching for this eyeliner to create that precise wing that makes it instantly look like you tried much harder than you actually did. I will say that this liner requires solid effort, drying time and a steady hand…

MAC False Lashes Mascara ($12-27): I repurchased this more expensive mascara a couple of months back because I remembered loving the formula years back when it was first released, but it wasn’t until July that I fully realized why I loved it so much; It adds definite volume, definition and curl to the lashes along with a bit of length but it does not feel heavy on the lashes in the slightest, nor does the brush deposit too much product. This is a mascara that I love for no-fuss days in the summer heat and during allergy season – and kind of the rest of the time, I daresay.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone ($23-50): I could have very easily started off this favourites ramble talking about how Summer and glowy illuminated skin are a match made in heaven, but in all honesty I love glowy skin all day every day – maybe even every hour? I’ve been happily dabbing this pale golden highlighter on my cheekbones, temples, nose and chin after foundation for that intense-but-naturally-glowing effect that makes you feel like a goddess. The hype is well deserved.

Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Enriched Calming Toner ($20 US): Earlier on during the month, I made and received my second Paula’s Choice order and this milky toner was a last minute addition and was the instant runaway hit of my purchases, instantly converting me to believing the toner hype. It has a milky texture that instantly soothed and nourished the skin but was light as air at the same time – this was particularly handy since I’ve been experiencing more combination skin than I usually do, with a normal t-zone and drier cheeks and chin. I’ve also been loving how concentrated it is with extremely beneficial ingredients; it’s loaded with anti-inflammatory plant oils, antioxidants and cell-communicating ingredients such as niacinamide and yet does not have a heavy feel or price tag.

Bath & Body Works Mahogany Teakwood Fine Fragrance Mist ($14): Particularly in the beginning stages of July before the heat really hit, I was happily spritzing myself with the cult classic scent that I picked up in body spray form at the Semi-Annual Sale. It’s not exactly summery but I do love the calming and somehow understated warm woodsy scent. I’ve been pleased that the body spray does not read to alcohol-heavy to my nose and that it doesn’t read too juvenile-and-Abercrombie-and-Fitch-esque. It also reads a whole lot more sophisticated than one would expect and it does last longer than one might expect.

What were you loving in July?

Maggie, x.