#beautypost - StriVectin Clinical Corrector Anti-Ageing Lip Tint

I've been having trouble with my lips for a while now and I've tried absolutely everything to get them back to normal.... trusty Vaseline, pharmacy recommended lip balm, Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream, honey based products. They've all worked temporarily but the balance has never been right; too oily, too greasy, too sticky, short-lasting.

It's all good when I can slap it on before bedtime in the privacy of my own home looking like a wax model horror show but during the day I need something a little more subtle that doesn't draw everyone and their sister to my chapped lips. So... after doing a little homework, I went purse in hand to Sephora and purchased myself StriVectin Clinical Corrector Anti-Ageing Lip Tint SPF20.

The CC lip tint comes in two shades, Rose (the one I bought) and Plum for a darker, richer look.

Since trying this product I haven't looked back... the redness has relaxed on the corners of my lips, my lips are super smooth & soft and the shade really does add a healthy, natural glow. I was initially worried that with it being tinted it would be too shiny and overdone giving it a 'lipgloss look' but it's proven me wrong. It's also thick enough to know that it will last a while and not so thick so that it's gloopy and sticky when applied. 

Although it's not the cheapest of options 19 euros (Sephora & online), it comes in quite a large tube, it's backed up by medical research to hydrate, restore and repair and I've noticed a huge difference within the first 5 days. It's been a big feature with Vogue Paris this week too as their Beauty Buzz of the Day Picture Perfect Pout... if my word's not enough, take Vogue's!

#beautypost - Bee-eautiful Winter Lips

Anyone will know that a spoonful of honey (or in my case 2 or 3) over your morning muesli, your brunch-time teacake, a side full of fried aubergines at dinner or a late night Greek yoghurt makes for a perfect eat.

I found this out during my student years when I realised pouring honey over my yoghurt made for a much cheaper treat than my old friend Haagen Dazs and it didn't hate my hips and thighs so much either.

However, this week I've found a completely new reason as to why honey is my savour thanks to the Winter weather that's slowly creeping in Cordoba's direction.

Now that November is here, with the breezy 20 degree days come the brisk bike rides home every night and I really don't think this change in temperature is doing my skin or lips any good. My skin's holding up for now but my lips have taken the brunt of it having become dry and cracked within a matter of days. After having tried multiple lip balms, I'd almost given up and told myself once February comes they'll be back to their normal selves once again... until I remembered my old friend honey!

So.. I did a bit of research and it's true. The antibacterial and antiseptic qualities prevent infection, rejuvenate skin and  prevent discolouration, giving your lips a natural, rosy tint.

All you need to do is apply a drop of honey to your bottom lip, smack and spread it around like you would with regular lip balm and then the trickiest part... wait patiently (that means no licking) until the honey has dried, creating a moisture barrier around your lips and there you go! Try it 2 or 3 times a day for a day or so and your lips will be soft and plump like never before.

Now that I've realised just how good honey is for your lips Burts Bees Beeswax Lip Balm (£3.69) has never looked so good!