Lifestyle and Parenting blog based in Surrey.

Thursday 31 July 2014

July Favourites

July Beauty Favourites

Every month when it comes to favourites time I'm always caught slightly unaware - time just goes too quickly, especially during summer holidays! So yesterday morning I had a sit down at my dressing table and had a little think about what products I've been using this month and what I've really loved using and will keep using into August too. For the products I've written about before, I've included links to my past posts so you can read more about them and see more pics of the products too.
To start with it has been HOT in London and my moisturising has changed to suit, as if you carry on using creamy products, your gonna get a bit sticky! For my face I've been using Indeed Labs Hydraluron Serum (£24.99 - but currently on offer at Boots for £16.66) to push hydration into my skin, but as it is a jelly-ish serum it absorbs really quickly and no trace is left on your skin after a few mins. I've also been using their new moisture jelly too as it has a similar none-creamy texture which doesn't make you perspire.
When the sun is out, you want your limbs to dehydrated and shiny, but if you use a moisturising cream, lotion, or worse still body butter in this heat you will feel so clammy and start to sweat. To avoid this, my dry obsession has been particularly useful - Melvita L'Or bio huile extraordinaire (£27.50) smells gorgeous, hydrates and leaves your skin which a subtle glow, which really complements a tan too.
Makeup-wise I've been opting for tinted moisturisers, BB and CC creams over standard foundations for a lighter, more summery feel. and my current fav is Bioderma Sensiobio AR BB cream (£14.50). Formulated for sensitive skin and to reduce redness (that is what the AR stands for!) with soothing ingredients to reduce redness and prevent over heating, its been fab on hot summer days. The texture is light but velvety and although only currently available in one shade, does suit fair-medium skin tones.
I used to think that you should used bronzer or blush - but now I am a total convert to using blush everyday and I am currently loving this beautiful Clinique Cheek Pop in Ginger Pop (£16.50),  the colour is a brownish-peach and looks so pretty on sun kissed skin. The embossed flower on the blush makes you feel really special using it too!
NARS Duel Intensity Eyeshadow in Europa (£21) has been my eye-shadow of choice this month, a sheer pretty pink, I have swept it across my eye lids for a super quick look, but have also played around using it with a damp brush along my lower lash line too.






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Wednesday 30 July 2014

He-Shi 1 Hour Tan

He Shi 1 hour tan

When the mercury rises we want to get the sundresses out, but if you haven't been on holiday, or aren't partial to melting in the sun's heat getting the pasty white limbs out can be a bit daunting. My answer this summer has been a variety of fake tanning products. The week before last, I woke up on the Sunday morning and remembered I was heading out for a cycle ride with friends and needed to bronze up my pins. Time not being on my side, I popped on He-Shi's 1 hour tan (£22.50/150ml). Being a liquid, it can be a bit messy, as I got a few drips on the floor (luckily washable tiles- don't tan on a carpet!) but using the mitt (£3.85), and the tanner being dark brown, I was able to get a even and non-streaky layer over me. I then headed downstairs to breakfast and read the sunday papers then it was time to wash off and see the results. Being only on for 1 hour, it doesn't have much time for the biscuity fake tan smell to develop, which I appreciated, and if your busy, an hour really does go fast. The tan did transfer onto my clothes, so don't wear your fave outfit whilst you wait for it to develop - but the marks came off easily in the wash.
I was pleased with the even subtle bronzed glow the tan gave me, good for those new or nervous of tanning. I then added a layer of He-Shi's Sublime Dry Oil (£20/150ml) to help lock in the tan. I much prefer an oil to moisturiser in the heat as it doesn't make you sweat and gives a nice healthy glow to exposed skin and was perfect for my sunday cycle and BBQ to follow.

He Shi 1 hour tan

He Shi 1 hour tan



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Tuesday 29 July 2014

No 7 Temple Weybridge


I love a new restaurant to try and one walking distance from my house is even better. On Friday for date-night with my husband we ventured to No 7 Temple in Weybridge. As 'Indian Gastronomy' is their strap line, I was expecting more than a chicken tikka marsala, and I was not to be disappointed.  Whilst perusing the menu I sipped on a glass of Merlot whilst Mr BMB opted for draft Cobra and  popadoms to nibble. Although the classic Indian dishes are available, the specials were recommended and held a senior position on the menu. We decided upon The Railway Lamb Tava and Goan Fish Curry with pilaw rice , garlic nan and okra bhindi and shared a mixed grill as a appetiser. Although the rice, nan and popadoms were pretty much what I'd expect from a local take-away, the meat dishes were pretty special. Made with whole spices, the tastes and flavours were really fresh and and the meat and fish were succulent and well cooked. Although the spices added lots of flavour and a little warmth, the taste shone through rather than the heat I would really recommend the Railway Lamb Tava and the king prawn on the mixed grill was amazing, so next time I want to try the Chola Jhinga - fresh water king prawns grilled in the tandoor. Unlike most curries, I didn't have the gorged feeling after we finished are feast as the food wasn't greasy, so we even managed to share a carrot tart - served with mango smoothies.
Although a little more expensive than your average curry house (special mains £10-13 depending on meat choice, sides around £5) it is definitely worth the extra spend as the taste, service and ingredients are exceptional. I think No 7 Temple might be getting another visit very soon...





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Sunday 27 July 2014

Mani Monday: Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Nail Laquer in Marilyn


Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Nail Laquer in Marilyn

Back in March,  Joan Collins launched her Timeless Beauty Range including a collection of nail lacquers (£12.50 from QVC) and last week I tried out Marilyn, which is a muted reddish-orangy-pink shade. I think the bottle is quite Art-Deco with the long tapered gold handel being inspired by Hermes and Cartier and has been designed to help improve precision of application. Although the formula of the polish is good (despite my swatches being rushed and not perfect!) I think the colour might be more suited to a slightly more mature lady, like Joan herself! However, I have felt quite demure and lady-lie wearing this shade, so I might save it for afternoon teas!Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Nail Laquer in Marilyn

Joan Collins Timeless Beauty Nail Laquer in Marilyn

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Phyto Plage

Phyto Plage

Hair care brand Phyto have recently launched their Plage collection in time for summer holidays. Although I haven't been away yet and haven't made it down to the beach, I've been trying out a few of the products from the collection. 

The Protective Sun Veil (£15) is a lightweight spray that protects your hair from UV and free radicals whilst also adding hydration and softening your locks. Although it is an oil, it isn't greasy so doesn't weigh your hair down and the spray is fine enough to get the right amount of product into your hair.

When on holiday, I always pack a clarifying shampoo to cleanse my hair of the chlorine, salt and SPF  protection. The Rehydrating Hair and Body Wash (£13.50) is a really thick and luxurious shampoo and the fact that it is a body wash too will reduce my beauty packing slightly too.

After sun exposure, skin and hair need extra moisture and using an oil to lock it in helps repair sun damage. The Sublime After Sun Oil (£16) smells amazing - of holidays and it is quickly absorbed by the hair and skin and adds a shine to both and the Buriti oil will also help prolong your tan too. I've been using this oil after showering and washing my hair and I've loved it. My only reserve about taking it to the beach or pool side is the glass bottle - I'd be so sad if it smashed!

Phyto Plage
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Saturday 26 July 2014

GHD Aura

GHD Aura
Up until only a few years ago, I didn't give that much thought into hair dryers, I assumed that the cheaper ones did the same job, but they might just take longer, be heavier or not last as long. Oh - I was wrong. A good hair dryer can improve the softness, volume, frizz and quality of your locks with no extra ability in your drying technique. The new GHD Aura has a couple of key features that have helped to make my hair shinier and add extra volume at the roots - the two key things I'm always looking for.  It works as the narrow nozzle delivers a concentrated stream of air which means that it is more precise which the area of your hair it is drying with your brush, as this is what makes your hair follicles lie flat giving a shiny appearance, and directed at your roots gives lift. Around the hot air stream, the Aura also produces a ring of cool air, which prevents the hair over heating and the cooling also helps to give shine. Being a powerful dryer, the Aura is actually quite quiet and light with the 4m cord being really handy.
There is only two settings for heat and speed - I was expecting more, although I never tend to use more than a couple of settings even when more are available - so no upset from me there. As you would expect there is a cool shot button, which does go cool quickly from the highest heat setting. Overall I've been really pleased and impressed withe the Aura, despite its high price tag of £145.

GHD Aura

GHD Aura

GHD Aura

GHD Aura

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Friday 25 July 2014

Fashion Friday: My early birthday pressie





So this week I went shopping with my mum and she bought me an early birthday present (it's not until the end of August but my lovely mum let me have it early!) - a blue/grey and white striped dress from Toast. I think it is quite shaker in style with the simple thin stripes and the muted colour, but the thickness of the fabric gives it a luxe feel, so it looks super easy breezy casual with my fave Havaiana  slim flip flops and plait accessorize belt, but could be easily dressed up with heels. The length is really lady-like so I can hop on my bike without the worry of showing more than I'd like and would be suitable for the office too. This Elia dress is in the sale, so be quick if you want to add it to your wardrobe.

Shop the post:
Eila dress from Toast was £115 now £55
Accessorize plait belt was £15 now £7.50
Zara necklace - last season
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Thursday 24 July 2014

Revlon Colourstay Moisture Stain


I love a bright lip and these gorgeous Colourstay Moisture Stain lip glosses (£7.99) launching next month from Revlon have some stunning shades which are inspired by global destinations to reflect current trends across the world.  The gel-like glosses are highly pigmented and stain the lips so you aren't having to reapply them to often and they also keep the lips feeling smooth and hydrated. Although I am enjoying matte lipsticks at the moment, these are the perfect antidote as they are super glossy and really fun to wear. Of the four shades I've tried I love Barcelona Nights - a bright reddish-pink shade and Miami Fever which is a striking coral. With other shades inspired by London, LA and Rio, I really want to try them all!



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Wednesday 23 July 2014

Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly

Indeed Laboratories hydraluron moisture jelly review

Indeed Laboratories have recently launched a new addition to the hydraluron range, which previously featured the cult skincare moisture boosting serum (£24.99) and moisture boosting masks (£19.99). Although I had heard all the hype around the serum, I had never got around to trying it, so I was expecting great things from these goodies as it has some impressive ingredients. Containing the maximum about of hyaluronic acid which holds up to 1,000 times its own weight in water it helps to plump out and hydrate your skin and the PatchH20 complex reduced evaporation of water from your skin surface. The naming of the the Moisture Jelly (£24.99) was spot on - it is a jelly which quickly sinks into the skin and is really cooling, so has been perfect for the hot weather recently, and sinks into the skin quickly, rapidly being absorbed, with no residue, which creams often leave which cause me to overheat this time of year. Having dry patches, and dehydrated skin always being quoted by beauticians when I have facials, I'm hoping this little beauty will help me out.
Although Indeed Labs suggest that the serum and moisturiser can be used together, I found their textures to be really similar and the moisture jelly didn't skin in as well when I used them together, so I tend to opt for an either or mentality, using one of my fave rosehip oils under the moisture jelly, or a cream over the hydraluron serum.
The moisture boosting masks have been added to my weekly skincare routine, popping one on after my shower on a Sunday morning to hydrate my skin after a busy week. I did totally scare my husband when he first saw me wearing the sheet mask which is a bit like a cleansing wipe impregnated with hydrating goodies which goes over yuor whole face for 15 mins - the eye, nose and mouth holes make you look terrifying!

Indeed Laboratories hydraluron moisture jelly review,



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Tuesday 22 July 2014

New Clinique Makeup

Clinique make up

I am a complete sucker for pretty packaging, so when the actual makeup looks pretty too I go all of a flutter. Clinique's new Cheek Pops (£16.50) are just so beautiful it took me nearly a week of admiring them before I could bare to imperfect them and try them out. Luckily I did, as they also look super pretty on my cheeks too. They feel like a hybrid between a powder and a cream, so when  first tried them i applied with my fingers, however, I ended up with a little too much of the product on my cheeks and found it difficult to blend. Learning from this (and reading the press release!) I've used a brush to apply over the apples of my cheeks and blended up my cheek bones to achieve a much more natural result. I've tried two of the four available shades, the bright pink Berry Pop is more vibrant and gives a girlie fresh Spring look whereas the Ginger Pop is more subtle for a laid black summer feel.

Clinique cheek pop

Matte lips are really having a moment, and Clinique's Matte Lipsticks (£18) give a punchy shade with a no-shine finish. The two shades that I have tried are bold, but add a touch of glamour to a simple sundress. In the heat I have't really wanted to wear products that feel like they are melting off me, so these lipsticks have been perfect.

Clinique matte lipstick

Clinique cheek pop matte lipstick swatches

The Lash Power Feathering Mascara (£18) has also been launched recently in Dark Chocolate (shown) and Black Onyx. I'm totally a super-black mascara kinda girl, so I haven't been won over with the brown shade I've tried, but it does add length and volume without clumping, so maybe I should give the Black Onyx a try.

Clinique lash power feathering mascara

So here are a couple of shots of me modelling the Cheek Pops and Matte Lipsticks, left is Berry Pop and Matte Crimson and right is Ginger Pop and Matte Plum - which is your favorite combination?

clinique makeup

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Sunday 20 July 2014

Bobbi Brown Surf & Sand Collection

Bobbi Brown Sand & Surf Collection

In the stunning sunshine we've been having recently, I've been reaching for bronze and shimmery makeup to set of my sunkissed skin. Bobbi Brown has recently launched the Sand & Surf Collection, inspired by the summer beach - obvs. From the collection, I've tried the Sheer Lip Colour in Sunlit Pink (£19.50), which is a shimmery bronze-pink colour. I'm not a massive fan of shimmery lipsticks, but the sheer consistency gives is a more natural look and makes it a perfect shade for holiday cocktails, or for pool-side glamour. Black Chocolate is a new shade that has been added to the long-wear eye pencil range (£18), which is a super dark brown, almost black. It is a really soft pencil, which makes application really easy and I'm no liner pro. Being so soft however, means you need to shapern the pencil pretty much every use as it wears down quickly. The waterproof nature means it is perfect for the hot weather here as well as holidays. The collection also features some beautiful eye and cheek pallets which I'd love to get my hands on too!

Bobbi Brown Sand & Surf Collection

Bobbi Brown Sand & Surf Collection

Bobbi Brown Sand & Surf Collection


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Saturday 19 July 2014

Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara

Seventeen FalsIfEye HD Mascara

You might have noticed that I haven't blogged about that many mascaras, mainly because I am really difficult to please with my number one beauty essential and if I don't like something, I won't write about it. Seventeen's new FalsifEye HD Mascara (£6.99) however, got me excited the first time I wiggled it through my lashes. It's brush is quite small and delicate, so you need to be a little patient and work the product through all your lashes, but wow, it really does add length, definition and volume and has been my go-to-daytime-mascara since it arrived on my dressing table. I hate mascaras that don't wash off easily, but it comes off like a dream with my mildest of cleansers. Clumping and flaking is also a no-no and this little beauty doesn't suffer from either of these issues, so at under a tenner, it is really worth trying out.

Seventeen FalsIfEye HD Mascara

Seventeen FalsIfEye HD Mascara
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Friday 18 July 2014

Fashion Friday: Date Night


A slightly delayed post, but I wanted to share with you my outfit that I wore to take my husband out for dinner for his birthday. I had just bought this pink skirt from Dorothy Perkins with isn't too sugary sweet in colour, although be warned it is a little see-through, so nude undies are a must. I though it looked cute with my H&M grey vest, but as it made my look a bit more casual, I popped on one of my favourite statement necklaces from Accessorize and my pale pink court shoes from M&S. I had also just got this cute coral jelly bag from Sun Jellies and even though I wasn't convinced it went with the rest of my outfit, I couldn't resist. As we were just a few mins walk from home, I didn't need much, but when taking this bag out for a longer stint, I put in a little makeup bag for all my little bits, so they don't fall out the gaps. 






Shop the post:
Dorothy Perkins Pale Pink Mesh Pleat Midi Skirt £22
H&M Figure-fit vest top in stretch jersey in grey £3.99
Accessorize Pretty Nagrath Statement Collar reduced - now £20.30
Sunjellies coral bag Dorthy £10
Caravelle watch in Rose Gold 44N101 £129
M&S Stiletto High Heel Platform Court Shoes £25.00 M&S - Caramel is the closest colour to my pair from 2 years ago.
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Thursday 17 July 2014

Bloggers meet up at Five Guys

Five Guys

Normally I try an eat healthily, but now an again you have to have a total blow out - and last Monday was one of those times. I headed into town to Covent Garden to meet up with some of my fave bloggers (Gemma from This London Life, Maddie from Fundamentally Flawless and Amanda from Belle de la Presse) to gorge ourselves on burgers at the new(ish) American chain To hit the UK: Five Guys to chat all things Carmex. Be warned, the que to the counter can go out of the door, but these burgers are totally worth waiting for, even though the ordering style is Mc Donald's style.
I opted for the cheeseburger (£8) and added a few free toppings (ketchup, mustard, pickles and grilled onion) and we shared some Cajun fries (regular £4). Although the fries were pretty standard, the burger was really yummy, the best I've had apart from homemade. I pushed through and managed to finish it, although Gemma blogger of This London Life was totally defeated - next time I might go for the mini cheeseburger (£6.50) for those with smaller appetites.
I'd been told that that soft drinks options were massive, so was a little disappointed when we first approached the massive machine with our cups (that you can keep topping up). There were about 20 different options, but when I hit the Fanta button I was then given about 10 more options, and I went for the peach - super sweet, but a fun change.

Although this calorie loaded dinner isn't for every night of the week, it was such a fun evening and I would totally recommend if you are a burger fun!

Five Guys

Five Guys

Five Guys bloggers

Five Guys drinks

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