I’m not sure what it is about summer and beauty.

Maybe it’s the thought of the beach (and the female grooming required)? Or the fact that there’s actually sunshine for longer than eight hours a day? Or possibly, that I can apply post shower moisturiser without fearing catching the flu?

Whatever it is, I do quite enjoy the self indulgent side of summer, and these are a few of my current favs for the season (and a few little not quite beauty summer essentials to!!).

Snaking from front top to bottom….

Cacti: the only plant that’s actually *survived* our apartment for over six months (without a painful death)

Glasshouse Candle : vanilla

NARS Contour Blush : read more about this Natasha Dearden Blog

Khiels Microblur Skin Perfector : this keeps my oily/combo skin in check and make up smoothly in place all day long

M.A.C Paint Pot : in soft ochre. This is such a versatile product. Excellent on its own with some brows and mascara – as an amazingly quick pre work look. It’s also perfect for helping keep stronger and heavier eyeshadow looks in place, even in hot weather. My jar also appears to magically never get any lower in product, despite being used everyday since July?

Sephora Mini Eyelash Curler : most fantastic travel and storage friendly eyelash curler!!!! Mecca eyelash curler in Australia also does an excellent version as well.

Face Scrub : this Ole Hendrikson walnut complexion scrub was purchased in Sephora. When I bought it in July I was a little worried it wouldn’t live up to its price tag. But my excellent sales assistant Elijah sold me on it – and it’s managed to last close on five months with great results (perfect for both summer and winter!).

YSL BabyDoll Mascaraa : this was a mini at Sephora. Gives a very full almost fluffy look to my lashes without being to thick or heavy for an everyday look.

Benefit Brow Zingss : I think I have been and will forever be in love with this product.

Brushes : NARS, M.A.C., Sephora (times 2), have become my absolute daily holy grail.

Urban Decay Setting Spray : when I remember to use it, it’s excellent! Perfect for sweltering days when you can’t get out of wearing make up, long days at work and evenings out.

NARS Narsisst Palette : it’s true love. Have also recently discovered one of the the matt shades works perfectly for brows when you’re in a cinch.

Karen Walker Necklace : five years old and it’s still going strong despite being worn to bed most evenings.

Original Source Shower Gel : super cheap, and all the flavours smell and feel amazing.

NARS Tinter Moisturiser : in Finland. A great light base with the all important 30+.

Beauty Blender : from Mecca.

Benefit They’re Real Liner : once I finally figured out how to use this it’s been really amazing. The lasting power even in hot weather is truly remarkable. To remove the product I have found coconut oil is the easiest and most gentle way to go.

Arbonne Eyeshadow : super pigmented and very creamy!

NARS Translucent Crystal Powder : the only powder that has ever truly captured my heart – with excellent staying powder!

Mazda 2 : although not technically beauty, transportable air con is a god send in an Australian summer.

Wot Not Facial Wipes : all natural products and insanely quick make up removal.

Korres Greek Yoghurt Face Cream : Super nourishing night cream.

Aesop Camellia Nut Face Moisturiser : my daily staple year round.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation : read more here.

Carmex lip balm : the only lip balm you will ever need.

Bumble and Bumble – Pret-a-Powder : ideal for volume or lazy non hair washing days. A little will take you a long way, making it well worth the investment.

Emma Organics – Nourishing Body Milk : a new find from my local vegan store the Goodness Bureau. All natural products and my skin has never felt better.

What are your favourite items for summer?