Lifestyle and Parenting blog based in Surrey.

Thursday 26 February 2015

New Spring Hair Colour nice'n easy Medium Golden Brown


I have totally decided that Spring has sprung and as part of my beauty spring sort out, I needed to colour up the naught greys that are trying hide undetected. I always find dying my hair a little scary: Will I like the colour? Will it go super dark and take away any warmth from my complexion? Will it go really red in the sunlight? So when I home-dye I always opt for the the semi-perminent, as it gradually fades, rather than a fully permanent colour. I was recommended nice’n easy Medium Golden brown (colour 78) (£3.75 Superdrug) by UK Colour advisor of Clairol nice n' easy and Perfect 10 - Jonny Lockonego. So trusting his judgement (although he is always trying to make me go darker…) I took the plunge. I do find nice’n easy super simple to apply and then you only need to leave on for 15 mins then rise and condition with the Colour Seal Gloss which is provided. I do really like the colour, which has faded slightly in the week since I put it on (the photos show the day I first dyed it) and added a lovely shine and condition to my hair at the same time. It does have a slight reddish tinge under bright lights, but not upsettingly so!




SHARE:

Wednesday 25 February 2015

New Spring Additions from Elizabeth Arden


Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR Makeup SPF 15

Elizabeth Arden has brought out a few new goodies for Spring, including a matte version of their fab Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick (£21) in 5 fresh shades. Some matte lipsticks I’ve tried have been super-matte, but also drying on the lips. Lizzy Arden’s version finds a good compromise between the catwalk trend and keeping your pout soft and smooth. So although not a shiny lipstick, it isn’t the most matte looking either. The 5 shades range included a Bold Red, Raspberry, Coral Crush (which looks fabulous for spring/summer) Nude and the beauty that I’ve been trying - Rose Petal. The packaging, as expected from the brand, feel luxurious and expensive, so a lipstick you’ll enjoy re-applying from your handbag. 

 The other new addition is the Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR Makeup SPF 15 (£29)- which I’m really enjoying. The medium-full coverage makes it fabulous for creating a fabulous base, covering imperfections (of which I have far too many!). It also makes your skin feel super soft and smooth and I have found that my skin is still looking good post-work. I have found that when I first tried it out, I did use a little too much of the product, which then looked a little un-natural, so make sure you go gentle to start with and build the product up gradually, making sure to blend around the nose and eyes in particular. Available in 10 shades, a colour match service is available at Elizabeth Arden counters - and I opted for Sunbeige.
Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick


Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR Makeup SPF 15

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick

SHARE:

Tuesday 24 February 2015

Issey Miyake City Blossom Fragrance

Issey Miyake City Blossom Fragrance

A couple of weeks ago I popped along to the launch of Issey Miyake's new limited edition fragrance, City Blossom. The scent was inspired by the poetic and colored works of french artist, Mademoiselle Maurice.

Issey Miyake City Blossom Fragrance


As the morning are getting lighter and the sun is shining, I'm totally ready to embrace all things spring and wave a farewell to my warm musky fragrances of winter and embrace light floral scents. City Blossom has been named as such, as the fragrance tries to encapsulate the short-lived moment where a flower blossom appears in the city. Combining pink pepper, lemon, magnolia, fresesia, crystalline musk and woody notes the scent does have depth and warmth - which I find lacking in many light floral fragrances.

The bottle is the classic Issey Miyake shape, however, I'm not a massive fan of the silver colouring at the bottom, so is one for my dressing table draw rather than to be displayed proudly. Although priced at £51/50ml, Debenhams currently have 10% of the RRP - at £45.90.


SHARE:

Friday 20 February 2015

Inkerman Candles


I always have got a couple of scented candles on the go and when school pal Becci started up her candle-making business before Christmas I was thrilled, and even more delighted when I got to sniff test them all for you.

Becci loves poetry, even her cute sausage dogs are names after famous poets, so naming each of her fragrances after one of her favourite poems seemed a natural move. There are currently three fragrances in the capsule collection each prices at £18 for 180g/35 hours burn time.

My favourite has to be The Tyger, (inspired by a poem of the same name by William Blake) which combined sandlewood (one of my fav scents) with bergamot and lemongrass. Summer Sun is a floral blend of lavender, honeysuckle and Jasmine whereas Maud combines the scent of rose with cedar and spices.

The packaging is simple and elegant and being boxed is a beautiful gift. and they can be bought online at http://www.inkermancandles.co.uk




SHARE:

Thursday 19 February 2015

GOSH Spring Makeup

GOSH Spring makeup

GOSH have recently unveiled their new collection for SS15, and here are the new goodies in all their glory! So here are the different pieces and then my favourites modelled for you too. The collection includes a hydrating primer (£15.99) containing snow algae, an anti-ageing ingredient so will be fighting the wrinkles which also helping to blur imperfections and to help keep your skin hydrated through the day.


GOSH extreme gel eyeliner

GOSH no limit mascara

I'm really liking the No Limit Mascara (£7.49) which adds an impressive combination of length and volume to my lashes and since first trying has become a fast favourite in my mascara collection. In the eyes department, the Xtreme Liquid Gel Eye Liners (£5.99) have got hooked on feline flicks once more. Being a bit more reserved, I've been opting for the black and gunmetal shades, but for the more adventurous, there is a whole rainbow to tryout which would be fun for the spring and summer.

GOSH eyelight trio fairytale

Eyeshadow trios are such a dream, in the mornings I really have time to choose complementing shades, so having them picked for me is perfect. The Eyesight Trio (£6.99) each contains a highlighting, glitter and satin shade to make your own smokey eye effect. Available in 4 colour ways, Fairytale (pictured) is one for the girlie girls and the Chucky Chocolate or Vanilla Sky are lovely nude-brown combinations.

GOSH forever lip shine

GOSH forever lip shine

For the lips the slim Forever Lip Shine (£6.99) crayons are really moisturising and the nib allows for precise application. Available in 10 shades, I've trued out three, and I'm loving the bright freshness of Spring Fling and caramel-nude Sweet Moments.

GOSH spring nail colours

Finally, what cosmetics spring collection is complete without some pastel nail shades? GOSH have added 7 new colours to their Nail Lacquers (£3.99) and I am loving the muted lilac French Dream (swatched below) in particular.

So here I am wearing a few of my faves (the products shown in the top pictue) including The Hydrating Primer, No Limit Mascara, Eyesight Trio in Fairytale, Forever Lip Shine in Spring Fling and Xtreme Liquid Gel Eye Liner in Gun Metal - which are yours?


GOSH Spring makeup


SHARE:

Tuesday 17 February 2015

Outfit of the Day: Sunday Walk


As my baby-bump is expanding, being comfortable is becoming higher up on my priorities for my fashion choices. So for a Sunday morning walk and a coffee the cashmere was calling!

I am loving H&M Mama Maternity skinny jeans (£29.99)- I live in them. Being super skinny the help me to look pregnant, rather than just a bit of a fatty. Annoyingly the leg length really varies, in the same style but different colours I've got pairs that are perfect ankle grazers and others that need serious rolling over at the ankles, but they have been a serious investment as I've being wearing them pretty much non-stop since the end of my first trimester.

I teamed them with my cosy F&F Reverse Seam Cashmere Jumper which is currently on sale at £35, which although being non-maternity has some useful side slits, so still fits and the slim arms stop it from being tent-like. Being chilly, I popped on my MoonCats Pop Grey scarf (39.99 USD) and my furry bobble from Ochre Cashmere boutique in Weybridge (also stocked at Somerville Scarves £45)

I'm trying to wear more flats, and this was the first walk out for my new Superga 2950 Cotu in Grey Vapor plimsoles (£40), which are a light-weight style of the classic and a little more feminine - these are going to become my Spring-Summer staple!





SHARE:

Wednesday 11 February 2015

Pixi Beauty: Shea Butter Lip Balms and fairy Dust

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balms

Pixi beauty is the cutest little shop in London’s Covent Garden and if you are a beauty addict, I totally recommend you pop in. The brand has some cult beauty classics, such a Glow Tonic and new goodies arriving each season. I’ve been trying out a couple of their products recently and I’m really enjoying the Shea Butter Lip Balms (£8). The cold weather plays havoc with my lips, going from baltic conditions outside to overly central heated rooms which really dries them out and makes them more prone to painful cracking. These lip balms are super hydrating and soothing and depending on the shade you choose, add a pop of colour too. The Pipe Raspberry is a vibrant dark pink, which I really like, but on more reserve days, the subdued Honey Nectar is a good option. If your not really a lip-colour girl, the Comfort Clear is a transparent balm which just gives you the shea butter softening - or you could pop it under your fav lipstick as a hydrating base. 



Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balms

The Fairy Dust Favourite stacker pot containing loose eye shadow powder in a range of natural and nude shades, I like using Brightening Bare and Mocha Magic as a day time combo. I must say that also loose powders are fun, in a stacker, being a but clumsy, I have ended up getting them everywhere! Currently half price at £9, you would be grabbing a bargain though!

Pixi Fairy Dust Favourites
Pixi Fairy Dust Favourites

Pixi Fairy Dust Favourites



SHARE:

Tuesday 10 February 2015

No 7 Spring Makeup

No 7 Spring Collection

I was telling you how much I loved February! All the Spring collections have started popping up (plus I left work in the light yesterday - winning!). Here are some of the goodies that Boots No 7 are launching for the new season, a super beautiful eye palette (£11) which is just up my street as I love nudes and browns on my eyes. The range means you can create a range of looks, from relaxed Sunday afternoon to a glam look for a night on the town. The Coral Crush and Sweet Lilac nail colours (£7 each) have also been making me smile this weekend and despite the poor condition of my talons, the gel-look polish has lasted well. Which is your fav of the newbies?



no 7 gel look shine coral crush

no 7 gel look shine sweet lilac

no 7 mini eye palette

No 7 spring makeup

SHARE:

Monday 9 February 2015

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

If it has caught you slightly off guard, V-day is on Saturday, so now is the time to drop some not-so-subtle hints to your loved one on what you’d love to be ‘surprised’ by this weekend.

A romantic weekend away is top of my list, but if that is less than likely, here are some of my top goodies…

Fragrance is always a fail safe, and a ladies signature scent is always a winner, especially a gift set with some extra beauties to include in. I am still loving L’Occitane’s Fleur d’Or & Acacia £49/L'Occitane (full post here) and teamed with the shower gel and body lotion would be a perfect fit for me!

L’Occitane’s Fleur d’Or & Acacia

Alternatively on the fragrance option, a Valentines themed perfume such as The Body Shop Red Musk (£30/The Body Shop) or Le Couvent des Minimes Eau Amiable Botanical Cologne of Love (£19/Boots) might be some well themed gifts.

The Body Shop Red Musk

Le Couveit des Mihime Eau Amiable

I love my candles and a new gorgeous home scent is another winner to getting to my heart. This single wick Gingerlily candle from Molton Brown (£36 House Of Fraser) would get me smiling.

Molton Brown Gingerliliy candle

Beauty-wise a v-day pressies has to be a lipstick and I love these Lipsurgence balms and glosses from Tarte. This was a summer gift set, but there is a similar set currently on QVC for £29.

Tarte lips

A gorgeous makeup palette is always a winner with me, so this Pixi beauty palette is perfect. I can't find this on the pix website, but this smaller palette is super cute too, and a cuter price tag of £24!



I am currently addicted to baths, having one pretty much every evening, so a gorgeous pampering bath milk such as Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Honey Bath (£33 SpaceNK) would be a dream, preferably it run for me too…

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Honey Bath

You probably know by now that I am obsessed with most things from The White Company, so my heart would be won with pretty much anything they make, but how cute are these heart shaped beauties? The large on bowl (£40 The White Company) and Silver Leather Keyring (£30/The White Company) would be gorgeous all year round.

The White Company heart bowl

The White Company heart keyring
SHARE:

Friday 6 February 2015

Serum Favourites


I seem to be dabbling a lot with my serums at the moment as I have a few newbies that I’ve been really enjoying. Ranging in price and skincare targets here is the low-down. 

 No 7 updated their well loved Protect and Perfect Serum (£23.95/30ml Boots) recently to produce the Advanced formula, again designed to combat early signs of ageing, fine lines and boosting radiance. I've been using this at night to help fight fatigue whist I sleep.

 Another radiance boosting serum is Vichy Idealia Life Serum (£26.96 Feel Unique) which has a pearlescent tone. It helps to reduce the exposure our skin from stress, pollution and unbalanced diets, so perfect for the city girl. I’ve really enjoyed using in the mornings under my regular moisturiser for an instant boost and extra protection from the day ahead. 

 The new kid on the block from Olay is the lasted edition to their Regenerist Luminous Range that was launched last year (see review here). The new serum is designed to help brighten the skin and add luminosity whilst helping disguise dark sports and gradually lift the skin too. I've been using this on rotation with the Vichy Idealia Life as a day serum - don't want that luminosity wasted on my pillow! It is currently reduced to £19.99 from £29.99 at Boots.

 Finally, if you have some cash to splash, you might fancy trying Dr Sebago Serum Repair (£69/20ml Space NK) which is all about the hydration, containing water loving Hyaluronic Acid as well as micro molecular collagen to reduce wrinkles. It does feel a little sticky when you first apply, then sinks into the skin. For best results you need to massage into the skin and allow 10 minutes before applying makeup, so this is my Sunday serum, or perfect to plump up your complexion pre-party.



SHARE:

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Model's Own Colour Chrome

Model's Own Colour Chrome

Models’s own have recently launched the Colour Chrome collection, which include 10 metallic polishes in a range of colours, and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to try a few of them out. they are super-highly pigmented to get the foil-lie appearance, which is achieved in one coat, but more are recorded to improve durability.

Although not reccomended for use with a base or top coat, I totally didn’t read this before doing my swatches… so found the polishes went a little streaky when I put a top coat on - silly me. But found the polishes went on quite easily, using thinner coats and building up is the best way to use, but it is far too tempting to put thicker layers on, as they are so shimmery! 

Model's Own Colour Chrome

Model's Own Colour Chrome

Model's Own Colour Chrome


I wore the pink polish to my sisters b’day party on Saturday, which is a cute girlie shade, but if its not your shade of pink, the Cerise and Rose Gold alternatives in the collection (not pictured) are pretty stunning options!

Model's Own Colour Chrome

Model's Own Colour Chrome

Model's Own Colour Chrome

On Sunday I tried out the blue polish for a girlie pub lunch  and have really enjoyed my ice-blue talons. I think Frozen’s Elsa would approve!

Model's Own Colour Chrome

Model's Own Colour Chrome

Model's Own Colour Chrome
The Gold is a classy shade and a good addition to my collection - although I must apologise for the state of the swatches, I was rushing to get them all done in the daylight hours!

Prices at £4.99 each - but their is currently a half price sale on the Models Own website (ends tonight!) - use code: HALFPRICE.
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig