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The Hype Check: Lockdown Summer Nostalgia
Throwing the posting schedule completely out of the window and just writing for the pure joy of it? Some things never change.
June 2020 was such a unique moment in time. We were all spending so much time at home, finding little ways to get by. It was also the exact month I decided to stop worrying about strict blogging rules and just share whatever brought me happiness. Let’s look back at the beauty staples, body care heroes, and the gripping book that defined lockdown summer.
Beyond Perfecting 2 in 1 Foundation | Clinique
This formula was a quiet hero in my collection for a long time. It provides a beautiful, full coverage that blends out effortlessly without leaving the skin looking heavy. Because it has a lovely, slightly luminous finish, it never accentuates my dry patches—instead, it completely covers them up with a healthy glow.
My shade, Alabaster, actually oxidises a little bit on the skin, which is usually a downside, but during the height of June, it turned into the absolute perfect summer shade match for a light tan.
This foundation eventually made it into an empties post, if you’d like to hear more.
Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit | Anastasia Beverly Hills
Discontinued
Summer 2020 was all about intentionally cycling through my makeup stash, which led to a massive rediscovery of this iconic highlighter palette. My absolute favourite trick that month was custom-mixing the shades Forever Lit (a bright icy white) and Glo Getter (a warm champagne gold). Sweeping them together created the ultimate blinding, metallic summer strobe that wasn’t too dark or too stark.
Fresh | Sugar Strawberry Exfoliating Face Wash
I had been hunting for a new daily cleanser to upgrade my skincare routine when my boyfriend sweetly treated me to this one. Having dry, sensitive skin means physical exfoliators can be incredibly hit or miss, but this formula is a total dream. The real strawberry fruit extracts are gentle enough to use every single day without leaving the skin feeling tight or stripped. Plus, it smells exactly like a fresh summer dessert.
Almond Milk Body Yogurt | The Body Shop
June 2020 was the official moment I found my holy grail summer moisturiser. While the classic Body Shop body butters are great for deep winter hydration, the Body Yogurts have an absolute elite lightweight texture. They absorb into the skin in literally seconds, meaning you can moisturise in the summer heat without feeling sticky or waiting around to get dressed.
One of Us is Lying
If you love a fast paced mystery, this book is an absolute must read. During those slow lockdown afternoons, I found myself unable to put it down. The story is told through short, snappy chapters that constantly shift between different characters’ perspectives, keeping the pacing incredibly high. It is the ultimate addictive, easy to read summer thriller that leaves you guessing.
Blogging
In June 2020. I put my head down, sat in the sunshine, and completely reinvented how I looked at content creation. This is when I started putting less pressure on myself and posted whatever I loved. Whether it was a book review, a deep dive beauty stash update, or personal life chats.
The Low-Buy Reflection
Looking back at these past summer lifestyle favourites reminds me that the best routines are built on simple comforts. Whether it’s a skincare gift from a loved one, a body moisturiser that actually works in the heat, or a book that completely transports you, the simplest things always bring the most joy.
Let’s chat in the comments!
Have you read One of Us Is Lying? What were your go-to summer beauty habits back in 2020?
Thank you for reading!
I’ve always wanted to try that Clinique foundation, I’ve heard great things about it and I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a matte version too which would suit my oily skin perfectly!
It’s such a good one, it’s my go to in the Summer! Oooh it’s brilliant when brands release a version for different skin types xx
The Body Shop Almond Milk scent is lovely. I’m using the body butter in it at the moment. I haven’t tried the Body yoghurt in this scent.
http://shimmeringhighlights.blogspot.com/
It’s a good one isn’t it? It’s lovely. I prefer the body yogurts for how quick they are as I find the body butters leave me wanting a shower haha xx
Thanks for sharing your favourites 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
It’s no problem! Thank you for stopping by xx
These products are such a throwback but such gems!! Definitely would want to check them out again
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
I am so glad you think so! I hope you enjoy them if you do xx
I gave that ABH palette away to a friend when I realised I wasn’t using it enough and now I’d like it again! Love the sound of the body cream x
Ah no way! It’s always the way isn’t it? To be honest, I hadn’t used it for a while and then when I mixed the shades I loved it. It’s such a good one, the body yogurts are the best xx
The almond milk body lotion sounds like it would smell absolutely gorgeous!
Amber | http://www.amberatlanta.blogspot.co.uk
It smells incredible for sure xx
I like that face wash. My sister has it so I’ve kind of been stealing it from her…hahaha!
http://www.fashionradi.com
It’s a good one isn’t it? haha, I don’t blame you xx
I haven’t tried that Clinique foundation before but I’ve always heard really good things about it! I love the look of that body lotion, I bet it smells amazing x
It’s a good one, I love it in the summer. It’s a good one xx
I remember starting to read one of us us lying and having the same problem! Except I had a microbiologist test the next day and decided to finish the book instead of studying (I inevitably failed but it was worth it – I got to resit)!! I love ABH products but I’ve never gotten round to using the glow kit but i love their blush so I’m sure the highlight is great too!!
I’m glad you got to resit the test haha! It’s so good isn’t it? Oooh I’ve never tried the blush, but I bet it’s amazing! If you like an intense glow you will love the highlighters xx
I’m so curious to try the fresh exfoliator! And did you know that if you put The Body Shop Yoghurts in the fridge, they also work as a great after sun? Love them as well!
It’s a good one. Oooh I’ll have to try that, I bet it’s amazing! Glad you like them too xx
I’ve yet to try a BS yoghurt cream but I keep hearing such good things about them. And yay for going niche-less, so am I and I love the freedom to write on all kinds of things! Lisa x
They’re great, they’re by far my favourite. It’s so good isn’t it? Not having a limitation is amazing xx
I love the Body Shop body yogurts too – they’re so great and I agree; I like being able to rub it in without having to stand around for ages waiting for it to dry! Have never actually tried Clinque makeup; although it’s been one I have been meaning to for the longest time as many people recommend it. I’m glad you enjoyed One of Us Is Lying – it does get addictive, doesn’t it! Well done for taking the plunge for throwing out your niche – I think your content has been fab x
Paige
They’re fab aren’t they?! The drying time is amazing. I know, it’s so much better to be able to get up and go. It’s a brand that I don’t hear that much about, but I think they have some gems, this foundation is a fave. It really does, it’s a fab book. Thank you so much, I appreciate that a lot xx
I loved One of Us is Lying too! Have you read Two Can Keep a Secret yet? It’s a standalone by Karen McManus that’s even better than OOUIL in my opinion – but both are absolutely brilliant!
Hayley | happilyeverhomebody.com
I’ve looked at that one and think I’m going to pick that one up next! Thank you for the recommendation xx
I need a new foundation to try and this one looks fab, exactly what I am looking for! And I read that book a few months ago and I thought it was really great! I need some new book inspo for July! x
I love it a lot, the coverage is fab. I hope you love it too, if you pick it up! It’s such a good read isn’t it?! Someone has recommended Two can keep a secret by the same author and it is supposed to be better than One of Us is Lying xx
The Body Shop body yogurts are my absolute favourite, especially in the Summer! I wish they would bring back their limited edition scents from last year as they were to die for!
The Fresh scrub has been on my wishlist for ages now, think I should treat myself to it soon 😍
Maya x || http://www.voguebymaya.co.uk
They’re so good aren’t they?! Me too, I was gutted when I went to repurchase and saw they didn’t do banana anymore. It’s a really good one, especially as it isn’t too harsh xx
Loved One of Us Is Lying! Such a great book! I also loved the Almond Milk scent from the Body Shop, so lush! <3
It’s so good isn’t it?! It’s definitely one of their best xx
You make me want to try the Body Yogurts from The Body Shop! I have stopped using their body butters but I used to love them. This does sound even better so hopefully I’ll get to try them out! Thanks for sharing your favourites! 🙂
Have a great weekend Hannah x
Julia x
http://www.juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.com
The body yogurts are great, as they dry instantly where as the body butters take longer. I hope you like them! It’s no problem, thank you for stopping by! Thank you, and you too xx
That ABH Palette is absolutely stunning!
Love, Amie ❤️
The Curvaceous Vegan
It’s a good one xx
Oh wow I would like to have all your beauty faves for June!!
Allie
haha thank you!xx
So many great sounding favourites! I’ve always wanted to try The Body Shop yoghurts. I just love the packaging design of them xx
Lauren
I am so glad you think so! They’re fab, and you’re right the packaging is great xx
Ooh that Glow Kit looks so beautiful! The ABH highlighters are always so stunning xx
http://www.GemmaEtc.com
It’s a good one! They have so many gorgeous shades don’t they?!
I really need that ABH palette in my life! It looks amazing! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
It’s a good one for sure xx
These look like a great products. I like shades in that palette. Thank you for review.
New Post – https://www.exclusivebeautydiary.com/2020/06/shelas-rotating-makeup-organiser.html
I am so glad you think so!xx
Ooooh!!! Clinique does a great job with their products. It is great that it doesn’t leave a cakey finish. I haven’t used products from Anastasia before but LOVE the shimmer of the palette you got. It is good that you’ve tried out new things with your blog. Keep it up!
Nancy ✨
Thank you for your review and information about Yogurt Body from The Body Shop. I just found out about the product in this post. Hopefully in the Body Shop outlets in the city I live already available.
Greetings from Indonesia.
Foundations that oxidise are the worst!! I really want to smell that face wash now haha. Soo glad you liked that book!!
Fab post Hannah! I always use the almond body butter from the body shop, I love it 🙂 the glow kit palette looks amazing.
Emma
I love your favorites posts! It’s definitely one of the posts that I look forward to the most. I’m SO glad to hear that you loved the book! It’s definitely a great read, and I want to read the next one in the series, that came out recently. I’m definitely curious about the clinique foundation, I have never heard of it, but it seems like something I would love! Another thing I’m super interested is the body yogurt! I am constantly moisturizing myself, so I think the next time I need a body lotion, I’ll look into these. Great post Han, hope you’re doing well xxx
Melina | http://www.melinaelisa.com