Beauty & Wellbeing Archives - Page 2 of 2

Masks & Treatments I Swear By

I used to forget to use all the lovely masks and treatments in my beauty drawer; out of sight, out of mind. It’s not that I didn’t want to use them but that I didn’t make the time for them. When you run your own business there’s always something you can do to improve it and I’d always prioritise work over ‘me time’. I’ve come to realise that taking time out for myself is actually really important, not just for the way I look but for my all round wellbeing. And this in itself can impact positively on my ability to bring the best to the table in my work.

I’ve started to notice that when I don’t take care of myself it shows, in my skin, in my hair, in my weight, and these changes can really impact my mood. One small way I’ve made a change recently is to take half an hour in the week to use masks and treatments. Depending on how my skin’s looking, I’ll use one or more of the following.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask

This subtle unsuspecting tube packs a punch when I’m dealing with spots. It does a great job of drawing out all the impurities or at least helps bring them to the surface. It dries out anything that’s a little bit purulent and helps get rid of them quicker.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

Another well used tube is this lovely nourishing mask from Antipodes. The texture is like that of a cream, it’s very quickly absorbed (especially when my skin is a bit dehydrated) and leaves my skin feeling really fresh.

NUORI Supreme Moisture Mask

I mentioned NUORI’s rehydrating mask in my last beauty post, it’s fairly new to me but has already made a strong impression. It’s a bit of an all rounder, not only is it highly moisturising but is also anti-inflammatory and improves elasticity.

Vestige Verdant Bioactive Organic Mask

This mask was recommended to me by skin specialist, Tarryn Warren. It’s a deep cleansing peat-based mask that’s a bit grubby to use but totally worth the mess when you see the results. It’s really great for blackheads and is also good if you have acne.

The Estée Edit Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack

I use this instead of a moisturiser some evenings but if I’ve got a special event or I’m shooting I’ll quite often leave this on for ten minutes in the morning to make sure my make-up goes on well.

Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

This is my secret weapon, it breaks down all the dead skin cells on the surface of my skin leaving it feeling smooth and looking brighter. If my skin is dull this is the one I reach for. I’ll often follow it up with one of the moisturising masks above.

And, a candle always helps…

**Eve Lom** Rescue Mask* | **Antipodes** Aura Manuka Honey Mask* | **NUORI** Supreme Moisture Mask* | **Vestige Verdant** Bioactive Organic Mask | **The Estée Edit** Pink Peony Overnight Water Pack* | **Murad** Intensive-C Radiance Peel* | **Brooklyn Candle Studio** Sweet Fig Mason Jar Candle c/o **Wood/Grey***

Brighter Skin

I learnt the hard way that you should always protect your skin. At 17 I burnt my face and chest badly. At the time, it appeared to recover, it’s only now in my 30s that I’m seeing the long-lasting damage I caused. I have uneven skin tone across my face and chest which really bother me, there are also some dark spots on my face that look like freckles but I know aren’t. I’ve looked into ways of reversing the damage and although I’ve not found a quick fix (is there ever one?), I’ve read over and over again that vitamin C can really help to reduce dark marks, even-out skin tone and brighten the skin.

Back in June I wrote about a new beauty concept, NUORI fresh skincare, products that are free from parabens, synthetic colour, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, petrolatum, PEGs, sulfates, MEA, DEA, TEA, polypropylene glycol, phthalates, and silicones; they come with a best before date. Basically, all of the good stuff without any of the bad stuff that is usually used to preserve products for an unnecessarily long period of time. Earlier this year they launched Supreme-C Serum*, a 20 day intensive treatment that helps repair prior skin damage. It comes in two small bottles each with a separate pipet. Once you’re ready to start using the product, you depress the button in the lid and 100% pure vitamin C is released into the serum below. You shake it and the use the first bottle for 10 days. When it’s finished you do the same with the second bottle.

Halfway through I began to notice that my skin definitely looked a little brighter and the skin tone more even across my cheeks. The darker spots seemed more noticeable to me but I think this is because the rest of my skin was already more even in tone. By the time I had finished the second bottle I could definitely see a difference. My skin isn’t totally even as I think the damage is quite significant. I think that by using this product regularly I will start to see a more pronounced change.

Even if you don’t have visible skin damage, vitamin C treatments could still benefit you, especially if you’re living in a polluted city like London. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which means it’s great for tackling damage from free radicals and and it helps in the production of collagen.

There are a couple more products from NUORI that I’ve also been using, their Perfecting Facial Oil* and Supreme Moisture Mask*. The facial oil is quite viscose and with my skin having been a bit more spotty recently I’ve just been using it when I’ve given my face a mini-facial at home. I start with a double cleanse, then a scrub, followed by a clay-based mask to draw out the impurities, then the Supreme Moisture Mask for 10-15 minutes which leaves my skin feeling dewy and fresh. It’s lightweight in texture for a mask but very effective. I’ll give my skin a little break and then apply a thin layer of the Perfecting Facial Oil. I’ve been trying to do this once a week in order to get my skin back in good shape.

I found out from my Instagram friend @minnabussey that ‘NUORI’ means ‘young’ in Finnish. So keep it fresh and stay young.

Fire + Ice Skin Resurfacing Treatment

This post was created in collaboration with Mayfair Aesthetics Laser & Skin Clinic.

Leaving the Mayfair Aesthetics Laser & Skin Clinic my skin felt cleaner and fresher than it had done in months; and a little tighter, too. I was quickly reminded just how important it is to have a regular facial; it had been a few months since my last and I regret that I had left it so long.

I visited the clinic to try out a new treatment in London, the Fire + Ice Skin Resurfacing Treatment, reputed to be fans are Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jessica Alba. Don’t worry the name sounds a lot more scary than the reality. The treatment was perfect for me as it not only moisturises but also tackles pigmentation, uneven skin tone and fine lines; all of which I have.

The treatment started with Siobhan (my therapist) taking me through the iS Clinical products she would use during my treatment. Once I was comfortable and tucked up under a blanket, she began with a thorough cleanse using the Cleansing Complex, a gentle but effective cleanser that contains white willow bark (a source of salicylic acid), sugar can extract (a source of glycolic acid), chamomile oil, as well as vitamins A, C and E. It can be used by all skin types.

I was a little concerned about the next stage of the treatment, the ‘Fire’ part, as it would be my first ever peel. The Intensive Resurfacing Masque contains 18% unbuffered glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, vitamin B3, retinol and potent antioxidants, including green tea extracts. My concern, however, was unwarranted, it was more of a prickly heat akin to when you touch your face after cutting chilli than the burning sensation I had expected. Initially I felt nothing, the tingling starts to develop after a couple of minutes. Siobhan regularly checked I was comfortable and asked where I could feel the mask and at what intensity, 1-4. Only 4 minutes later and it was all removed with another thorough cleanse.

This was followed by the ‘Ice’ part of my treatment, Hydra-Intensive Cooling Masque, a cooling, soothing masque with hyaluronic acid, Japanese green tea extracts, aloe vera gel, liquorice extracts, rosemary extracts and grape seed extracts. Whilst the masque worked its magic, Siobhan worked hers, with an incredible head massage. She gave me the option of dry or with oil, I chose dry as I didn’t want my hair looking like a bird’s nest when she finished. I was close to falling asleep by the time she had finished.

My skin goes red quite easily, even when I wash my face at home, just a light scrub with a cloth can effect it. It returns to normal quite quickly though. Still just to be sure, Siobhan used the Hydra-Cool Serum, after taking off my mask with a third cleanse. She also applied Youth Serum around my eyes and Extreme Protect SPF 30 sunscreen. A high SPF is important as the treatment works with deeper layers of the skin than a physical exfoliant and reveals new skin cells.

Probiotics For Your Skin

**Aurelia Probiotic Skincare** Eye Revitalising Duo* | **Aurelia Probiotic Skincare** Refine & Polish Miracle Balm* | **Aurelia Probiotic Skincare** Calming Botanical Essence*

I love being recommended new skincare products; in an industry that is constantly moving forward there are always exciting developments, lots of them utilising natural ingredients and fewer chemicals. At the end of last year, I was introduced to Aurelia Probiotic Skincare by Marine from Merci Maman (a lovely French jewellery brand you should also check out). Intrigued by the name, I did some research to find out what makes a product ‘probiotic’, and why it’s good for you.

The term ‘probiotic’ comes from the Latin ‘pro’ meaning for and ‘biotic’ meaning life. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system and can be found in lots of foods.

We are constantly being told how good they are for our insides but Aurelia Probiotic Skincare have discovered that they are also good for the microbiome of our skin.

We are regularly exposed to situations that cause our skin to become stressed and inflamed, such as pollution, a lack of sleep, our hormones, stress, harsh weather and UV light. A little inflammation is natural for the skin but to be constantly inflamed isn’t and causes premature skin ageing. Aurelia’s probiotic technology helps to control inflammation and create balance in the skin.

All Aurelia Probiotic Skincare’s products are manufactured here in England, are cruelty free and free from synthetic fragrances, colorants, parabens, mineral oils, silicones, sulphates, propylene glycol, phthalates, GMO, PEGs, TEA, DEA, MI, formaldehyde, urea, mercury, lead and bee venom.

I’ve been trying their Eye Revitalising Duo, Refine & Polish Miracle Balm and (their latest product) Calming Botanical Essence.

I’ve been struggling to find an eye cream that does everything I want it to. I often wake up with puffy upper eyelids after using some creams. All I want to do is nourish the delicate skin, but I often have an allergic reaction that leaves the skin sore and flakey. It’s only been a week since I started using the Eye Revitalising Duo, which is made up of Revitalise & Brighten Eye Dew and Illuminate & Smooth Puff Reduction Eye Cream. The Revitalise & Brighten Eye Dew has a cooling metal roller applicator which promotes blood circulation around the eye area. I felt a slight tingle the first couple of times I used it that went away within a few seconds. The Illuminate & Smooth Puff Reduction Eye Cream is on the thicker side but quickly melts into the skin. Both have a subtle fragrance. I’ve not experienced any puffiness or sore flakey skin since I started using them.

Refine & Polish Miracle Balm is a gentle exfoliant that can also be used as a 5 minute mask. It removes dead skin cells, smoothing the appearance of the skin without leaving it feeling tight or stripped. It feels like a balm cleanser with small beads of rice bran that gently exfoliate. And the smell is lovely, like walking into an aromatherapists. I’ve been pausing just before washing it off to cup my face with my hands and breath in the scent.

The other product I’ve been using is their Calming Botanical Essence, a spray that’s designed to help you de-stress throughout the day and help you relax at the end of the day when you’re trying to get to sleep. It has the soothing scent of linden blossom, chamomile, camellia and lavender. The 10ml bottle is the perfect size for carrying in your handbag, great for dealing with the stresses of rush hour or for keeping on your desk for testing days.

Bespoke Perfume Making At The Experimental Perfume Club

This post was created in collaboration with the Experimental Perfume Club.

Everyone should have at least one signature scent, a fragrance that when your friends get a whiff, instantly know it’s you. Even better is to have one that is unique to you, that is made up of notes that you are instinctually drawn to; you couldn’t get more personal than that.

In mid-December, whilst everyone else was deep in Christmas preparations, I met with Emmanuelle Moeglin, founder of the Experimental Perfume Club, at her lab in Dalston. Emmanuelle is keen to demystify the art of fragrance, helping those that are passionate about fragrance to better understand how they are created and to learn how to develop their own. Her background in the industry spans ten years, having been educated at ISIPCA in Paris, before working for brands in Paris, Barcelona, New York and London.

“Scent is a very personal item of someone’s wardrobe, but it can often be difficult to find something truly unique.”

I visited Emmanuelle for a one-to-one taster session. We talked about the types of scents I would usually wear, which are, for the most-part, fairly unisex. I love woody, citrus fragrances with notes of bergamot, vetiver and cedar, like Laboratory Perfumes Amber, Byredo Palermo and Le Labo Bergamote 22.

Emmanuelle had created seven perfumery accords (blends) that span the various different notes that make up most perfumes; citrus, floral, fruity, spicy, amber, woody and musk. She blind tested me to confirm which notes I was drawn to and these formed the basis for the fragrance I created. I instinctually chose (in order of preference) woody, citrus, spicy and floral. The order of preference was important as it determined the proportions of each blend I would use to create my perfume. The fragrance I created, which I called ‘Night Garden’, had a citrus top note, a spicy and floral heart and woody base. I love it, it’s just the sort of fragrance I would usually choose, and best of all it’s unique to me.

Emmanuelle runs group workshops and one-to-one sessions (for one or two people), as well as an open-access perfumer studio every other Wednesday.

Christmas Gifts For Mums with Caudalie

This post was created in collaboration with Caudalie.

**Caudalie** Jason Wu Limited Edition Beauty Elixir

Caudalie is a great French beauty brand that use natural and environmentally-friendly ingredients. They source their vine and grape extracts (key ingredients in a lot of their products) from the vineyards of Bordeaux, Champagne and Burgundy.

The research that has gone into developing each product and sourcing ingredients is astounding. Grape-seed Polyphenols are reputed to be the most powerful anti-oxidant in the plant world and Vine Resveratrol, from grapevine stalks, intensifies the firmness and youthfulness of the skin. All their products are free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, mineral oils, paraffin, sodium laureth sulfate, phthalates and animal-derived raw materials.

I first came across Caudalie about three years ago. I was looking for Christmas gifts for my mum and she always like to be given beauty products. I’d already found her a few bits and pieces but felt I needed just one more gift. I spotted a handbag-sized bottle of Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir on the shelf of Space NK and bought two (one for her and one for me). It’s a fine mist that you spritz on your face throughout the day, it wakes up the skin and gives it a quick hit of moisture. It’s perfect for your desk or make-up bag. I’ve heard it’s used by lots of make-up artists for setting make-up.

This year my mum will be receiving some lovely Christmas gifts from Caudalie. The Vine Body Gift Set (which combines Vine Body Butter, Hand & Nail Cream, and a Lip Conditioner) should keep her feeling nourished all over. She’ll also be receiving an exclusive new limited edition bottle of their Beauty Elixir that’s been designed by Jason Wu. They have a few more gift sets that would all make lovely presents so if you’re stuck for an idea, you’ll easily find some nice gifts for friends and family on their website.

Votary’s Autumn Skincare Essentials

I find the skincare industry fascinating, it’s constantly evolving and new brands and products come onto the market every day. There is a lot of confusion amongst consumers about what is good and bad when it comes to ingredients. I’ve found that companies using complicated sounding ingredients tend not to be transparent about what they do. My current solution is to look for products that use natural and organic ingredients.

Votary is a new brand I discovered from Navas Batliwalla, the lovely editor behind Disney Roller Girl. Their skincare products use 100% natural ingredients.

“I am passionate about the skin-transforming power of natural oils – that means oils that are derived from plants – whether it’s a vegetable, fruit, seed or flower. Natural plant oils are packed full of nature’s super-ingredients such as Omega-3 fatty acids and are rich in anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing nutrients such as Alpha Linoleic and Ellagic Acid.” Arabella Preston, Votary

My skin often breaks out after going from the cold into heavily central heated rooms, and then if I’m out in the cold too long, will dry up to the point it becomes sore. I asked Votary to recommend their autumn skincare essentials, a selection of products that would help my skin transition into winter. They came back to me with these three products Cleansing Oil – Rose Geranium and Apricot, Toning Serum – Lemon and Neroli, and Facial Oil – Rose Maroc and Sandalwood. Lots of oil-rich products which are great for my naturally dehydrated skin.

If you have oily skin don’t be afraid to use oil-based products; oil attracts oil, making it great for cleansing, they’re also great for healing the skin when you have a breakout.

I followed the instructions precisely for each product; there are clear written instructions and videos on the website, explaining how to use them. The Cleansing Oil left my skin feeling like velvet, super soft and not oily in the least. There wasn’t that tight feeling either when you know you’ve used something that’s stripped the skin of its natural oils. The Toning Serum gives a fast hit of moisture, my skin absorbed it in a second so I used a little more. I finished with the Facial Oil which felt a little bit greasy at first but after a few minutes it had settled into my skin and left it looking fairly matte, as if I’d used a primer.

There are lots of videos on their website showing you the best techniques for using each of their products; as well as lots of great advice on their blog, The Votarist.

You can buy these products directly from Votary, they’re also stocked by Liberty London in the UK and Anthropologie in the US.

Body Basics From Guinot

Douche Mirific Nourishing Flower Oil Shower Gel* | Baume NutriLogic Nourishing Body Balm*

I need to accept that winter is on its way, although I’m still in denial when it comes to getting dressed; as I write this, I’m wearing a pair of shorts and a sweatshirt. When it comes to beauty I think I’m ahead of the game though; I’ve been using some very nourishing products on my face and body in preparation for the shock winter weather and central heating will throw at it.

These two products from Guinot will nourish the body from the outside. They also happen to be two of their best-sellers. The Douche Mirific Nourishing Flower Oil Shower Gel* uses passion flower oil to keep the skin moisturised whilst you cleanse. It helps prevent the skin from being stripped of its natural oils and also to remain balanced. It has a light pleasant fragrance, feminine but not too overpowering. The Baume NutriLogic Nourishing Body Balm* is a thick creamy balm that leaves the skin feeling velvety soft and is still noticeable in the evening but not in a greasy way, my skin just feels well moisturised. Hopefully these two will stop me from turning into a scaly, flaky mess come the cold and the rain (yes, I’m still in denial).

Both products are available in Guinot salons, click here to find your nearest salon.

Plenish Juice Cleanse Diary

This post was created in collaboration with Plenish.

In advance of my wedding I decided to try a juice cleanse. I didn’t take the decision lightly as I’ve always been wary that I might just be starving myself, and in the process slowing down my metabolism. Juices and cleanses have come a long way though, and when you’re drinking five juices and a nut milk each day starvation isn’t an option, trust me.

I often have problems with digestion and regularly suffer from bloating. I really wanted to give my digestive system a break from irritants so that on the day of the wedding I would feel more comfortable in my dress. I chose Plenish as they have a great reputation and have been recommended to me on many occasions. Their cold-pressed juices also taste much better than a lot I’ve tried.

I kept a diary each day so I could share my thoughts and experiences with you about their three-day Level 2 Cleanse.

Day 1

I woke up hungry on the first day of my cleanse, not a good sign when you know your day isn’t going to include any solid food (and mentally, that’s what makes me feel full up). I don’t usually have breakfast til 10.30am so I was relieved that the juices were delivered before then and I could get started straightaway. The juices arrive numbered 1-6 so that you know which order you should drink them in. Number 1 is called Lift, a mix of pear, cucumber, romaine, spinach, kale, basil and broccoli. It was not unpleasant and I was surprised to find that I didn’t feel hungry afterwards; I had expected to.

In addition to the cleanse I’ve been working out to the Spotebi exercises most mornings, to get toned before my wedding. This morning it was an arms & shoulders workout. I use the time between sets to catch-up on my emails.

As I didn’t start my juices til 10.30am I found myself drinking the rest almost back-to-back throughout the day, finishing one and then reaching for another within the hour.

By 6pm I was a little bit irritable and not the best person to be around. Wedding pressures, a busy weekend and no solid food all day can do that do a girl. I decided it might be in everyone’s interest to have some fresh, homemade soup. I made it with just a few carrots, beetroot and a clean veggie stock.

Day 2

I started my second day with a cup of hot water and some thick slices of lemon, kindly made by my other-half. This combination early in the morning is great for kick-starting the digestive system and cleansing the liver, it’s also anti-bacterial and anti-viral, whilst tasting good.

My day of juices again started with Lift which I sipped slowly whilst also doing a legs workout from Spotebi. I try to mix-up my workouts so no one area feels over worked and I allow the muscles to rest and rebuild in-between.

Calm, juice number 2 of the day is my absolute favourite for taste; a mix of pineapple, apple, mint and aloe vera. It feels soothing and with a touch of sweetness it kept me going.

I’m quite surprised by Kick, juice number 4, it’s a bit spicy and did actually give me a kick. I was feeling a bit sleepy around 3pm when I drank it and realised that soon after I was running around the house tidying up, not my usual behaviour at this time of the day. I definitely think I’ve found a much healthier option to my usual tea or coffee.

Day 3

I started the day with my usual hot water and lemon but took a break from exercise. It’s my last day of the three-day cleanse and I’m feeling pretty good, I’m looking forward to a proper meal but not as desperately as I thought I would.

I’m going to be running around town for a few meetings today, so it’ll be juice on the run for me. My bag is heavy with the three juices (2, 3 & 4) I’m going to need whilst I’m out.

I’m back home and it’s time for juice number 5, Fuel. It’s not my favourite for flavour as it tastes very green but green is good right!

Everyday I’ve been looking forward to number 6, Build, which is a nut milk rather than a juice. It’s thicker than the juices which makes it feel more substantial. I also quite like the taste, it’s not something for everyday but I’m certainly going to keep this one as a regular thing, maybe instead of dinner on days when I’ve had a big lunch.

With my three-day cleanse over I’m now on a mix of food and juices in smaller quantities. Back to my usual breakfast, porridge made with almond milk, agave syrup and blueberries. The oats are good for lowering cholesterol; almond milk is low in calories and dairy-free; agave syrup has a low glycemic index which means it doesn’t give you a sudden rush of sugar; and blueberries contain anti-oxidants.

I’m going to be watching what I eat from now until the wedding, so as not to undo all the good my cleanse has done. I was wary when I started but I’m not any more, I will definitely be taking part in another Plenish juice cleanse soon.

My Wedding Day Make-Up Guide

Eyes

**Estée Lauder** Pure Color Envy in 02 Ivory Power* | **Anastasia Beverly Hills** Brow Wiz in Soft Brown | **Chanel** Le Crayon Khôl in Noir | **Estée Lauder** Pure Color Envy in 04 Rebel Metal* | **Sephora** PRO Allover Shadow Brush in Large 12 | **MAC** Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly | **Sensai** 38° Mascara in Separating & Lengthening | **Estée Lauder** Bronze Goddess Summer Glow EyeShadow Palette*

Base

Blush & Bronze

Lips

Three months ago I started to take a vested interest in make-up, with a wedding on the horizon and no make-up artist, I needed to learn what worked for me. I’ve never worn a lot of make-up as I’ve never felt that comfortable with it. Whenever I’ve tried a stronger look I feel ridiculous and I’m convinced everyone’s staring at me when I do. However, my everyday look – which consists of Jouer Luminizing Moisturiser Tint, Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow, a couple of subtle MAC eyeshadows and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner – just wasn’t going to cut it on my wedding day. I needed help!

I met with the team at Estée Lauder, who showed me some new tricks and gave me lots of lovely new products to try. Their Pure Color Envy eyeshadow palettes are quite possibly the best I’ve come across, the shades are natural and work well with my own skin tone. And, their Bronze Goddess Summer Glow EyeShadow Palette is great for a subtle holiday look, with shimmery, fresh shades. Estée Lauder’s Genuine Glow Blushing Creme For Lips And Cheeks is a great multi-use product, it gives a natural flush to the cheeks but equally works well on lips to enhance their colour without looking obvious. At first I didn’t get on so well with their Illuminating Perfecting Primer until their make-up artist Emma showed me how to use it as a highlighter on the tops of your cheeks. Apply a small amount to the soft fleshy bit of your hand just at the base of your thumb (the thumb pad), then rub your pads together before patting it to the tops of your cheekbones. It applies it evenly and not too heavily.

I was struggling to find the right base and was beginning to think that foundation wasn’t for me and that I would never use anything other than a tinted moisturiser for the rest of my days. All the foundations I tried made my skin feel caked in make-up. My skin is naturally a little bit dry and longwear formulas tend to suck up the moisture I do have in my skin, leaving any dry spots highlighted and my pores clearly visible; not a look anyone wants. For this reason, I tend to avoid using powders on my skin most of the time as they have a similar effect. However, if you do prefer to use a powder to set your make-up I have a great tip, spritz your skin with a face mist after you’ve dusted your T-zone with powder. I’ve found Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist is great for this or Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist. It takes away the granny face look you get with lots of powder.

With our wedding day looming I started to worry more and more about my make-up base and asked my friends about what they had used on their wedding days. One friend told me to avoid using anything with a high SPF as it can be quite reflective in photos and suggested trying a mix of Chanel Vitalumière Aqua with their Les Beiges for natural looking coverage. At the Chanel counters I visited in London they either didn’t have a sample suitable for my skin tone or wanted me to book in for a bridal make-up tutorial (at a cost). Another friend suggested MAC Face & Body, a water-based foundation that’s quite light but also long wearing. If I had been a little more confident about my skin and didn’t have a few little dark spots to cover this would have been great. It evens out subtle differences in tone but it wasn’t enough for me to feel confident on my wedding day. I’ll definitely be using it as an everyday foundation going forwards though when I want light coverage.

I took a break from my search for the perfect foundation and started looking for waterproof mascara. I’m such a softy and anything vaguely emotional can have me in floods of tears (the good kind). I needed a mascara that would stay put regardless of my strong emotions. After a search online I came across a recent report by Marie Claire. One brand that stood out was Sensai, reportedly used by none other than Kim Kardashian. (I have to admit ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ is one of my guilty pleasures, it’s easy watching whilst I workout in the mornings.) Sensai make a mascara called 38°, it only comes off with water that’s at least 38°C. It works in the swimming pool (a bonus for the summer) and doesn’t run when you cry. There are two types, a separating and lengthening one, and a thickening one. I opted for the separating and lengthening one as my little lashes clump quite easily. Whilst at their counter in Harrods I decided to give their foundation a try too – in for a penny, in for a pound. Their make-up artist started with a primer (something else I’ve struggled with previously), Smoothing Water Make-Up Base, she told me it’s always best to use it on top of your moisturiser. It’s without doubt the best primer I’ve ever used on my skin. Sensai follow the concept of make-up Saho which “teaches that anyone can achieve flawless make-up by following a simple rule: “Veil + Colour”. Applying a veil of moisture followed by make-up will help keep your skin protected and beautiful through the long hours of the day, encouraging a healthy, natural radiance“. I then tested two of their foundations, their Cream Foundation felt too heavy so I tried their Fluid Foundation, bingo! This one gets a gold star from me, a first. I bought the mascara, left their counter at Harrods wearing the foundation and wore it for the rest of the day. I rarely make impulse purchases these days and I wanted to be sure it stood up to my needs before spending any money. Within the week I was back for both the Smoothing Water Make-Up Base and Fluid Foundation in two colours, my usual shade and a shade darker for when my skin’s tanned.

Knowing I was onto a good thing with Sensai I spoke to their PR team to find out more about the brand. They very kindly sent me a Bronzing Gel and Gel Brush to try. Once again a product I absolutely love, with a great applicator brush to match. If you want a warm natural glow that you can build up you will love this, it’s a wonderful fluid product with a cooling feel as you apply it with the brush.

For a little while I’ve been using a dark eyeshadow and an angled brush to fill-in my brows, there’s nothing wrong with this but I much prefer Anastasia Beverly Hills‘ Brow Whiz, the effect is much more subtle and easier to build up. I just kept forgetting to replace my old one but with the wedding coming up I had no excuse.

The only thing left to worry about were my lips. I’d read many good things about Charlotte Tilbury‘s make-up and their Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk was the main product I’d been meaning to try. It imitates the natural colour of your lips, allowing you to create a smooth lip line for use with almost any lipstick (it’s not ideal for red or dark lipsticks). I then applied a little of their K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipstick in Bitch Perfect and topped it with Beauté‘s Luminous Volume Gloss.

I was really pleased with my wedding day make-up. I’ll share some photos soon so you can see what it looked like altogether. If you’re not sure about what to use I would recommend spending some time trying products and asking for advice from your friends and make-up artists, reading articles and trying to identify which products work with your skin condition, texture and tone. Although frustrating at times, I have found that it’s been beneficial in the long run. I have products in my make-up bag now that I know work for me.

Please get in touch if you have any questions about the products I’ve mentioned or my experience.

Yoga At The Top of The Shard

This post was created in collaboration with Farfetch.

So much has happened over the last couple of months that I want to share with you. Please be patient with me whilst I slowly fill you in on all the details. I promise I will be sharing more about my wedding and our trip around France soon but first here’s an exciting morning I spent doing yoga with Farfetch.

Just before I disappeared off to France I was up very early one morning (6am), as I had been invited by Farfetch for an early morning yoga session with Yogasphere, at the very top of The Shard. At the time it was being built I freelanced at The Body Shop at their head office just below it but in all this time I’d never been up it or even in it. I’m such a Londoner in that I live in this incredible city and yet I’ve not visited many of its amazing sights. And the view from the top of The Shard is one sight you don’t want to miss. It’s sensational and left me lost for words, although that may have been down to it being about the time my alarm usually goes off.

Leo from Yogasphere gave us a full body stretch, just what I needed after all the strength training I’d been doing to tone up for the wedding. It felt really good to be back doing yoga again as I’ve had a little break from it – there are only so many hours in the day. Aside from teaching yoga classes at the top of the tallest building in the UK, Yogasphere plant ten trees for every person that takes a class with them; impressive, right, a sustainable yoga class.

I felt really invigorated by the class and even though it was still early and I hadn’t eaten a bite I felt very ready for the day. As we descended in the lift I suddenly felt my stomach and realised that food was a good idea. Which is about the time that the Farfetch girls let on that we were heading down to the Shangri-La for a private breakfast. It was such a lovely surprise to be greeted with a fresh fruit salad, an egg white omelette with asparagus and smoked salmon, and lots of little tasty nibbles. It was also a great opportunity to catch up with some of my friends in the industry and meet some new ones too.

Thank you so much Farfetch for spoiling me in the healthiest possible way.

NUORI Fresh Skincare

NUORI Vital Foaming Cleanser* | NUORI Vital Facial Cream*

So many people now question what goes into the food they eat, they want to know where it’s come from, where it was made and how. So why aren’t we asking the same thing of our skincare? Beauty advertising is so good that we are willing to believe that anything we use will keep us looking youthful.

Since the beginning of the year I’ve been looking at how I can live in a better way, and with that, how what I buy impacts the world. I’m careful about the brands I choose to work with and how I use my blog to showcase brands. I look for brands that are doing things in a more considered and sustainable way. Beauty for me is such a difficult one to fathom, using natural and organic products isn’t always the best for the planet or your skin, and sometimes an ingredient created in a lab is better for both. Whilst doing some research I came across NUORI, a Danish skincare brand, launched in September last year, that create fresh skincare products.

NUORI is what you get when a new brand challenges an established industry to think outside the box. They create each of their fresh skincare products in small batches every 12 weeks. Over time active ingredients breakdown with standard skincare products, with NUORI their products are at 100% efficacy. They use 100% natural ingredients, without any synthetic preservatives. Their products are free from parabens, synthetic colour, synthetic fragrances, mineral oil, petrolatum, PEGs, sulfates, MEA, DEA, TEA, polypropylene glycol, phthalates, and silicones. Their packaging minimises exposure to air, light, and bacteria, before and during use.

For over a month I’ve been using their Vital Foaming Cleanser and Vital Facial Cream. Over that time they have remained as effective as the day I started using them and look, smell and feel exactly the same. The Vital Foaming Cleanser is a rich creamy foam that cleans without stripping, you apply it to dry skin and then rinse with warm water. It’s an effective cleanser that I will continue to use it until the pump runs dry. The other product I’ve been using, their Vital Facial Cream, contains hyaluronic acid and squalane, two ingredients I’m currently obsessed with. They’re both great for improving the levels of moisture in the skin, hyaluronic acid replaces lost moisture and squalane helps to keep it there. I use a lot of moisturising products morning and night, a serum, an oil, a moisturiser and an SPF booster. The lightweight cream has become part of my morning regime and I’ve found it very effective.

If you would like to try their products or find out more about NUORI, visit their site.

Davines NOUNOU Haircare

Davines is an Italian haircare brand. They started out as a research laboratory, producing high-end hair care products for renowned cosmetic companies worldwide. Then, in 1992, they decided to focus on producing their own products, under the Davines brand. Later adding skincare to the brand in 1996.

Davines products are designed, formulated and manufactured at their headquarters and laboratories in Parma, Italy. They are made with a combination of natural and synthetic ingredients (used to stabilise their products).

“BY CREATING BEAUTY SUSTAINABLY, WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES, OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE & WORK, AND OF THE THINGS THEY LOVE.”
Davide Bollati, President

I’ve found their products incredibly effective on my highlighted hair. I’ve been using their NOUNOU range for a little while and love them! The shampoo is gentle and the conditioner leaves my hair soft, nourished and manageable, and they smell amazing. Both products use Fiaschetto tomatoes which are full of antioxidants and Vitamin C, to help restore and invigorate the hair. Davines are transparent about their ingredients and you can trace the tomatoes back to the farm of Mr. Mario di Latte in Serranova, di Carovigno, Brindisi; a member of the Slow Food Presidia.

Davines NOUNOU Shampoo | Davines NOUNOU Conditioner

Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum

My skin if often quite dehydrated, this is due to a combination of my genetics and an inability to manage to drink the daily recommended amount of water the body requires (around 2 litres). Every time I have a facial the facialist confirms this. So in an effort to combat the dehydration, I use a lot of moisturising products.

Lately, I’ve been trying out a new product, Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum. Its active ingredient is sodium hyaluronate, the salt of hyaluronic acid. Now for the science bit, it has a smaller molecular size than hyaluronic acid which means it can penetrate deeper into the skin. It’s been designed to target fine lines, dullness and dehydration. Those with sensitive skin can use it too, it can even be used on the delicate eye area.

I’ve been using Pure Hyaluronic Serum as the first step in my beauty regime, after cleansing. I then layer on an oil based serum and a moisturiser, both morning and night. It may sound like a lot of products but I let each one sink in a little before adding the next layer; the Pure Hyaluronic Serum sinks in quickly. I can honestly say that my skin has been looking and feeling much better for this routine.

The Ex Nihilo Demi-Bespoke Experience

I recently had the opportunity to try the Ex Nihilo demi-bespoke experience. It’s rare to be able to encounter such a unique perfume consultation, not because the 6th floor of Harrods is a restricted shopping zone but because the experience itself is unlike any other. Your senses are overwhelmed in a measured way. To begin with, you walk into a small gallery with walls painted Jardin Majorelle blue (just like Yves Saint Laurent’s gardens in Morocco), this is Ex Nihilo’s signature colour.

You would be forgiven for thinking for a minute that you have stumbled upon a pop-up homewares section of Harrods and that the gold-tone metal and Carrara marble units would look perfect in your home, and then you notice what resembles a chemistry lab at the far end of the room. This is the work of Christophe Pillet, his deft skill had me dying to take the whole boutique home with me.

After taking in the vivid blue, marble and metal, you notice some strange blocks on your right, part see through, part opaque, they look like flasks of some sort. This is where the magic truly begins. These objects are not flasks but Vase de Senteurs, a device that delivers dry capsules of each of Ex Nihilio’s unusual core fragrances. Why dry you ask? Well without the alcohol and water your senses are not overwhelmed by each scent which allows you to smell as many as you like.

Once you’ve chosen a scent from the Vase de Senteurs it’s onto trying the fragrance on your skin. All fragrances react with your skin making them unique when you wear them. I chose Vetiver Moloko, described as ‘a racy woody fragrance wrapped in a creamy and enveloping veil’. I tend to wear fragrances that are not overtly feminine and this combination of bergamot, Bulgarian rose, cypress, milky accord, vetiver, amyris and Madagscar vanilla forms the most beautiful and exquisite scent that could be worn by both a man or a woman; all the fragrances have been created like this although some are definitely more suited to one or the other.

If you want something a little more unique there’s a third step, the Ex Nihilo demi-bespoke experience. Sitting down at the marble bench towards the back of the boutique you’re presented with lots of little atomisers and to the side six small glass bottles which contain six of the world’s finest raw ingredients; Orange Flower Absolute from Morocco, Rose Centifolia from France, Bourbon Vanilla from Madagascar, Sandlewood from Australia, Pallida Iris Absolute from France and Grandiflorum Jasmine Absolute from India. These are the six raw ingredients that can be combined with each of Ex Nihilo’s fragrances to create a demi-bespoke fragrance. In each of the atomisers is the original fragrance and the three best combinations, each with one of the raw ingredients added (not all combine perfectly). I rather unexpectedly liked the Bourbon Vanilla and Vetiver Moloko combination most, my past experiences with vanilla have not been positive ones due to their poor quality but this is the best vanilla in the world. In order to create the perfect balance of ingredients Ex Nihilo have created a high-precision dosing machine called the Osmologue. Whilst you watch your demi-bespoke perfume(s) are created before your eyes. There’s also the option to personalise your bottle cap with mother of pearl, onyx, horn or leather. If you select all three variations of your original perfume you can have them presented in a beautiful case, subtly decorated with a geometric pattern that references the Ex Nihilo logo.

The whole experience left my senses overwhelmed and excited. If you’re still looking for a unique present for a special someone this would be an extraordinary gift.

Winter Skincare Tips with Antipodes

Although the weather so far this winter has been pretty mild I’ve still felt the need to ramp up my skincare routine to compensate for the wind, changes in temperature and home heating. These three can play havoc with my skin so I tend to use more moisturising products that will help prepare and protect it at this time of the year.

Earlier this year I discovered a new skincare brand called Antipodes (back in May I wrote a post about their Aura Manuka Honey Mask). If, like me, you’re a fan of Aesop you are going to love Antipodes. The products are made with bioactive plant ingredients and are certified organic and approved for vegetarians. I love using their rich moisturising mask so I thought they might be a good place to start when looking for products that would be deeply moisturising and without any nasties. Once again I’ve been very impressed.

Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum

Serums might mean another step in your skincare routine but I can assure you it’s not one you’ll regret. This is my favourite of the four products I tried, the results were instantaneous. It does exactly what it says it will, my skin felt plumped from the first use. It has a nice texture and is absorped very fast.

Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream

This moisturiser is actually a lot richer than I was expecting from the name but again it’s quickly absorped. A little goes along way, it spreads easily. Carry this one around in your bag for a moisture hit during the day.

Joyous Protein-Rich Night Replenish Serum

The Joyous night serum is a lot more oily than the Skin-Plumping serum. It’s actually more of a rich and luscious oil. After your evening cleanse, pat this over your face avoiding your eyes. Give it a few minutes and then use the next product or your favourite night cream.

Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream

Antipodes’ Nourishing Night Cream has a slightly unusual but not unpleasant scent. It’s super rich and has been doing great things to my skin overnight. I wake up without fearing what I’ll find in the mirror. My skin has been well nourished and appears a lot more even in texture and tone.

Sprekenhus Essentials

I don’t tend to judge beauty products by their packaging but it certainly makes them more appealing when you come across the sort of products you want to have on show in your bathroom. It was the minimal design of Sprekenhus’ products that initially caught my eye but when I delved deeper it turned out that the packaging was just the icing on the cake.

Sprekenhus is a Norwegian natural hair care, organic skin care, perfume and body care brand, founded by Alexander Sprekenhus. Like a lot of the best products, his came about after encountering a problem, he wanted to “gain control over my curly, frizzy hair”. With no background in the beauty industry Sprekenhus has learned a lot along the way and has developed some pretty affective products. The three I’ve been using do exactly what they promise to do, rare in an oversaturated industry where the packaging is so often the best thing about a product.

I’ve been using the Hair Styling Elixir after I wash my hair when it’s damp but not wet, before blow drying it, and then also as a finishing product. The Argan oil based elixir is quite viscous, a couple of drops is enough for my hair. It’s now much smoother and shinier, and honestly looks so much healthier.

In addition to the elixir, I’ve been using Sprekenhus’ Hydrating Mask, a once-a-week hair treatment. It’s really thick but a small amount spreads easily to coat all the hair strands. Leaving it on my hair for 5 minutes leaves it silky and tangle-free (although my hair is rarely knotty).

My hair has been in much better shape since using these two products and I wholeheartedly recommend them to you, especially if you have fine, dry, highlighted hair like mine.

As you are probably aware by now oils are my favourite type of hair and beauty products, and I feel like I’m becoming quite the connoiseur, well from a user perspective at least. When it comes to body oils I look for a product that is moisturising, quickly absorbed and has a nice scent. The Sprekenhus Body Oil is all of these, although for some the scent might be a little bit rich. I’ve only used it as a body moisturiser so far but it can also be used for massage and in the bath.

You can find out more about Sprekenhus here.

Sprekenhus Hair Styling Elixir Light* | Sprekenhus Hydrating Mask* | Sprekenhus Body Oil*

Golden Summer Legs

This post was created in collaboration with Urban Outfitters and Philips.

**Fig + Yarrow** Sea Scrub* | **Fig + Yarrow**Yarrow Buttercream* | **Philips** Lumea Comfort* | **Madame La La** Self Tan Mousse in Light* | **Samsøe & Samsøe** Moffa White Shirt

I find that getting my legs out during the first days of a holiday can be a bit daunting if they’ve not seen much sunshine. Ahead of my trip to the South of France I tested out a few products given to me by Urban Outfitters, to help give the illusion of golden summer legs so I felt more comfortable and confident in my summer dresses; I swear a tan can make you look a little bit slimmer.

I started by preparing my skin, giving it a really good scrub with Fig + Yarrow’s Sea Scrub every 2-3 days for a couple of weeks before we left. I kept it in the shower so it was easy to add to my morning routine. This particular scrub is a mix of salt and oils so is both exfoliating and moisturising, it left my legs super soft. It doesn’t smell like the sea as you might think from the name, it just harnesses the sea’s wonderful minerals. Even though the scrub did a great job of moisturising I still followed it with a rich body butter, also by Fig + Yarrow. Their Yarrow Buttercream is absorbed quickly and left my skin feeling nourished. The yarrow scent reminds me of walks in the Dorset countryside.

I usually epilate my legs every 1-2 weeks but when I read about Philips‘ Lumea products I was intrigued. It uses flashes of light to put the hair follicles to sleep and over time thins and slows hair growth. You start by using it just after you shave but as I don’t shave I epilated and then gave it a go to see if that would work too. Initially you’re told to wait two weeks until your second use, so when fine hairs started to appear one week in I went back to my epilator to keep my legs fluff free. I was actually really surprised to find that there were far fewer hairs already and they were much finer. If you want to know how I’m getting on in a few weeks feel free to tweet me.

The pièce de la résistance to getting my legs honey brown without the sunshine was Madame La La’s Self Tan Mousse. Latex gloves are essential when applying the mousse, it dries quickly and deepens in colour with each layer, so you have to blend it quickly. The coconut water gives it a pleasant scent initially but within a few hours it does have that coco butter smell often associated with self-tans. After waiting 5 minutes you can get dressed but you’re advised not to shower for 10 hours. I’m so pleased with the results, my fiancé even commented on my legs, noticing how much browner they were.

Aesop Daily Essentials

I test out a lot of amazing skincare products, these two are my Aesop daily essentials and have remained a constant in my skincare arsenal for about six months, taking me seamlessly from winter into summer.

My skin is normal to dry and both these products are perfect for it. The Fabulous Face Cleanser is a gentle foaming cleanser that cleans the skin without stripping away every natural oil it produces; it also removes my eye make-up. The Camellia Nut Hydrating Facial Cream is quite rich but not heavy and is quickly absorbed by my skin; when it’s feeling a bit dehydrated I top it up with another layer 10-15 minutes later.

The little black glass candle was a gift from the lovely people at Sandro. Even when it’s not lit it gives off a wonderful scent. I’ll get a waft every now and then, look round to see who’s walked in the room that smells so good, and then realise that there’s no one there.

Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser | Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream | Sandro Candle

Sunday Morning Rituals

What Sunday’s are all about, some light reading and a very good face mask. Face masks are amazing and I often forget what wonders they work on my skin. I know I should be using them once a week but the reality is more like once a month.

Urban Outfitters have recently added beauty to their offering and I’ve been impressed with the products I’ve tried so far. This mask by New Zealand brand Antipodes is pretty spectacular as moisturising masks go. Following the instructions, I smoothed a thick layer over my face and left it for 15 minutes; the results were incredible, I couldn’t stop touching my face, smooth as could be and intensely hydrated.

The science bit, all their products are made with carefully selected bioactive plant ingredients and are certified organic and approved for vegetarians.

If you haven’t picked up, read or even seen a copy of How To Be Parisian where have you been? It’s a wonderful book full of Parisienne idiosyncrasies, not a book to be taken too seriously but if you’ve ever wondered how those Parisiennes create that unique mystique they all seem to have, this book divulges all.

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask* | How To Be Parisian by Anne Berest, Caroline De Maigret, Audrey Diwan & Sophie Mas