Monthly Archives: May 2017

New (makeup) kid on the block

Posted in Beauty, Make Up by

Ok, maybe my headline is not entirely true (clickbait alert!) but it does feel like it: e.l.f. is back and in a way it is new, for the first time at Superdrug stores.

I first found out about e.l.f. many years ago, at the very beginning of my blog life; the prices were super appealing and the products good. A massive hit in the US, in the UK they were only available online.

Eyes.Lips.Face. (e.l.f., you silly) fell off my radar a few years ago and getting the invitation to their launch party was like meeting an old friend. It was however, and old friend that grew up and is frankly looking quite hot.

From the range to the packaging, but mainly on quality, the brand has improved massively. It looks the part, and does the deed. And the prices are still quite unbelievable.

I have to start with the Intense Ink Eyeliner in Blackest Black (£4.50). I love a pen liner (bet you never heard me saying that, right?!).

Precise, super black and with an amazing finish and durability. Maybe the nib is a tiny bit on the soft side for me, but that in no way compromises performance. Love it.

Now, a gem: the Lip Scrub Exfoliator (£4.50). Looking like a lipstick and behaving like one (almost), just circle over the lips, massage gently and rinse to get rid of dry skin and get kissable lips.

Mine is Sweet Cherry and tastes lovely so double the joy. I’m a bit obsessed with his one.

The Nude Rose Gold eyeshadow palette (£12.50) is a little joy: super wearable shades, very compact and perfect to carry around for a day to night transformation. Pigmentation is decent and they are super soft and blendable.

The brushes are a good deal. I got a Precision Airbrush Blender powder brush (£12.50), which is packed with bristles and super soft. Their star Precision Multi Blender Massager Brush costs only £14.50. I really want to try that one!

The Natural Glow Face Palette (£9) is also a great makeup bag addition. Personally, the highlighter does not shine enough for me, but I’m not the rule.

It gives a lovely, discreet yet noticeable glow to the areas, and has that important discreet bronzer for contouring or just a healthy glow. The blusher shades – both peach – are amazing, silk and matte, just how like I like them.

The handy Baked Highlighter and Blush in Rose Gold (£5) delivers a bit more shimmer on the golden highlight front, it’s not too glittery but also on the discreet side; the blusher is the fave rosey peach shade and again, another addiction to on the go makeup bag.

Also, scrape the surface a bit before using. Only criticism is that their face powders could last longer!

The Radiant Gel Lip Tint in Dewy Berry (£5) is from their Aqua Beauty collection, and is a stain that intensifies on the lips. It does remind me a bit of lip oils, but not stick and with colour that sticks!

Not something I’d wear an awful lot, as love bold, but I see it having a place in more natural productions.

You can get the extensive and full of gems collection exclusively at Superdrug, online and at more than 200 stores around the UK from 1st June 2017. You can, of course, still buy from the e.l.f. UK site directly!

written by Dani

Glow tools

Posted in Beauty, Make Up by

Happy birthday! 2017 marks 10 years of EcoTools and as I mentioned before, the brand has revamped their winning collection and added some pretty (and do-good) surprises to celebrate.

And the official celebration piece is the Limited Edition Anniversary Collection that comes in a gorgeous (and very handy) rose gold circular tin.

There are six brushes to help you create an illuminating glow:

Airbrushed finish: duo fibre that works well with powder, creams and liquid foundation, to buff that base right in. Personally, I think this one could be a bit firmer but does a great job creating that foundation for the makeup.

Controlled setting: tapered for precise highlighting and setting on cheekbones and brow arches.

Angled crease: great for smoking, in any proportion; just to create a bit of definition and dimension of smoke away.

Flat eyeliner: a hero for upper or lower lining that works a treat with powder, liquid and gel.

Eye/Lip blur: so soft to diffuse shadows and liners. Great to blend harsh lines on eyeshadow, eye or lip liners.

Spoolie: great brow and lash combing.

The sturdy canister is great to protect brushes while in transit. And looks great on a dressing table.

All brushes are super soft on the skin and have a bamboo handle with recycled aluminium ferrules and cruelty free bristles.

This lovely EcoTools Limited Edition Anniversary Collection is available at Boots (with a buy 1 get 2nd half price on EcoTools*) and Superdrug (at the moment with a 3 for 2 on EcoTools*) for £19.99.

And hurry because it’s limited edition, so be speedy!

written by Dani

*Information correct at the time of publishing (21 May 2017).

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

More good from the grape

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

No, it is not champagne! It’s Caudalie, of course, silly!

When the weather changes, my skin tends to suffer. I did talk about it a while back, but twice a year history repeats itself so I’m always on the lookout for new products to restore the glow through the transition phase and if they have pollution protection, even better.

Enter Caudalie Vine[Active], a collection of four products designed to support the skin and help prevent cell burn-out, which accelerates close to out mid-thirties.

The Anti-Cell Burnout Complex has vitamins E and C, stabilised grape seed polyphenol, and spruce extract to, respectively, maintain radiance, boost collagen and maintain melanin productions, preserve collagen and natural hyaluronic acid and stimulate cellular defense and, protect skin against oxidation.

Obviously I’ll start with the oil. The Overnight Detox Oil (£36) is 100% natural with omega 6, vitamin E and six essential oils (carrot, grapeseed, lavender, white sandalwood, sweet almond, rose, musk and neroli).

It’s a luscious oil that sinks well on the skin; which wakes up plump and healed. I love the distinctive herbal smell this oil has.

The VineActive Glow Activating Anti-Wrinkle Serum (£36) is another favourite. So light in contrast with the oil, it is great for wearing under makeup.

It has the Anti-Cell Burnout Complex together with hyaluronic acid in low molecular weight. It helps with skin ageing prevention and pigmentation.

Again, I use it in combination with the oil, at night and the VineActive 3-in-1 moisturiser (£32) during the day, which contains the same ingredients of the serum, for added plumping, plus anti-pollution polysaccharides and soft focus mattifying powders making it a great day cream, nourishing and creating that protection barrier. An SPF wouldn’t go amiss!

Finally, another obsession of mine: eye creams. The VineActive Energizing and Smoothing Eye Cream (£27.50) also carries the anti Burnout complex together with peptides, fern and liquorice extracts and horse chestnut to lift, combat puffiness and dark circles.

Very light and quickly absorbed, I feel this eye cream is suitable for day or night. It also doesn’t upset my sensitive eye, which is a bonus!

The range is available from the Caudalie website and shops, as well as selected retailers.

And there’s also the purifying VineActive Facial Treatment available at the Caudalie spas, which deep cleanses and detoxifies. It includes thorough cleansing, deep exfoliation, detoxifying mask and moisturising, with a lymph and blood circulation activating facial massage.

Happening now: Organic Beauty and Wellbeing week

Posted in Beauty by

If you follow me on Instagram and saw my stories (if not, @dani_dutra, I talk non-stop), you know I went a bit crazy after coming back from the first day of the Organic Beauty and Wellbeing Week, currently happening at Protein Studios, 31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, London, EC2, until the 21st March.

I attended the press event last year and in 2017 they are back, bigger and better, to also include wellbeing, which is a great advantage of organic cosmetics. Don’t you know, they have high concentration of pure ingredients which can actually get properly absorbed by your body and bring other effects apart from the cosmetic ones!

The Soil Association is behind the event to reinforce their “Look for the logo” message, which confirms the product organic certification. Natural and organic are very different things and because cosmetics are not as regulated as food when it comes to be called organic, products with very little organic content can pass for being organic, even though that is quite misleading.

With the Soil Association logo on the product, you can rest assured you are getting the real deal. Here’s a little word of advice from them on what’s NOT in products they certify. You can also check their full list of certified brands. Handy!

With an increase of 30% in sales in the last 2 years, it is important you know that you are getting what you expect from the organics beauty products.

The pop up shop is a great chance to know some brands pioneering organic beauty and looking to extend their knowledge to the consumer, so they can be confident on their purchases.

Apart from brands such as Neal’s Yard Remedies, Viridian, VOYA, Bamford, Herbfarmacy, LA-EVA, Therapi, Nourish, amongst others, you can also catch some amazing talks, workshops and events. My highlights:

  • Naissance bespoke serum bar (OMG! NEED): 16/05, from 12-13:00, FREE!
  • Energising Yoga with Cristina Chandika Ma: 17/05, 8:30-10:00, for £5 which goes to charity
  • A night of food and beauty (I mean COME ON!): 18/05, 18:10-22:00, FREE!
  • Neal’s Yard Remedies Stress Less Workshop: 20/05, 14-15:00, for a £5 charity donation

To browse all events, and book your place, go to organicbeautyandwellbeingweek.eventcube.io. Some events are already sold out.

Of course, you can (and should) take a look at the brands’ stands (it’s all so pretty) and grab your favourites with discounts or deals. And have a nice chat.

If I were you, I’d keep an eye out for the Neals Yard Organic Eye Makeup Remover, Viridian brand new Organic Curcumin Latte (seriously delicious), Nourish London Illuminating Face Shimmer and the Toning Body Shimmer (in love), Yes organic intimate products(read lubricants and hygiene), anything Herbfarmacy (lookout for the marshmallow root!), Therapi toners, LA-EVA Roséum Lotion (for face, hands and body!),  VOYA body oils (OMG, can’t even), Naissance Organic Beauty box, Bamford Essential Oil blend (I am overworking the Padmasana one, which is for concentration when writing this so late!)… I cannot stop!

And that’s not even a fraction of the goodness available… plus the added bonus of all the lovely people.

So hurry, you have until the 21st of May to catch them. All information can be found on the Soil Association website.

Oh, and here’s the logo! LOOK!

If you are not in London, they put a handy list of all the discounts together, you know, because they are nice like that!

Also, a massive shout out to the lovely Nicola from Black Book Communications who pulls this all together and is always so kind to get me over! ❤

written by Dani

Right, you know the drill… this is a bit of a PR post.

Glazed AF

Posted in Beauty, Make Up by

Did anyone say iridescent? Well, believe your eyes, Sleek Makeup has brought out yet another killer highlighter palette, and it comes with some friends. The Distorted Dreams collection carries all the holo vibes.

The Distorted Dreams highlighting palette has five stunning shades brimming with reflective holographic pigments that can be used all over the face. It’s a combination of 3 creams and 2 powders that are gorgeous on their own but really come to life when layered.

The creams have a beautiful colour colour shift and opalescence in pink (Anodise), blue (Beam) and green (Refracted). The powders are a quite shimmery, a cool pink with some glittery particles (Blurred Lights) and a tanned gold (Sweet Delusion).

What I have been using the most is the pink cream and either one of the powders on top for face highlighting. The blue and green are great for eyes (especially as a base) and over lipstick, especially over black (both), blue and purple (blue cream).

I know for a fact these creams will form a base for my festival makeup this year!

The hashtag GlazedAF could not be more appropriate and only a cool AF brand like Sleek could put it out there.

The “glazing” is serious but not ridiculous. Although highly pigmented and very shimmery, there is no excess glitter, so basically it looks look someone planted a beam of light under your skin. It really pulls the light in.

Be mindful that if using alone, the creams and will need translucent powder to set for better durability.

The Matte Me Metallic Matte Smooth Lip Cream liquid lipsticks are quite amazing – a bit of molten metal for the lips. Sadly, alone, none do much for my complexion, but they are amazing to layer on lipstick, especially at the centre of the mouth!

They have great pigmentation and consistency and they dry Matte, but retaining that metallic, luminous finish. Durability is excellent.

And there are three shades to choose from: Roman Copper, a warm and deep rusty copper, Rusted Rose, an intense muted pink with purple undertones (Carol really likes this one) and Volcanic, my fave, with that slight beetle wing colour shift between light pink and subtle green. So pretty!

The collection is already available at Superdrug – YAY.  The Distorted Dreams Highlighting palette costs £10.99 and each of the new Matte Me Metallic Matte Smooth Lip Cream cost £4.99.

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

The London festival experience

Posted in food, Lifestyle, music by

GALA Brixton

As spring is firmly underway – or so we hope… c’mon, it’s still around 13°C most days here in London!– and daylight gets one extra minute each day, we get closer and closer to the wonderful stream of festivals that sweep across the UK. However, it seems like long gone are the weekends of mud, sweat and tears…

It seems that, as years have gone by, people are less interested in what some still love to call *the festival experience*. By that they mean camping for three/four days, often braving horrible weather conditions, large quantities of mud, bad toilet facilities, with little or no possibility of freshening up, let alone having a shower.

GALA Brixton

For someone who loves freshly washed hair (although I thank the Gods every day for dry shampoo!), clean and crisp clothing and the comfort of my own bed, this reads as my description of HELL.

I was never into this idea of ‘festival experience’, and I remember going to V Festival in 2006 and saying “oh my word, I cannot BELIEVE I’m home”. Don’t get me wrong, the festival was incredible! And it was even more so because in 55 minutes I was at my door, skipping happily to my warm shower.

I’m so glad to know that I’m not alone in this. The new festival experience involves VIP bracelets, a “sweat only if you want to” attitude, gourmet food trucks, drinks from independent producers and –the best of it all – a short tube/bus/Uber ride home.

LOVEBOX

It is no wonder that inner London festivals are becoming big players in the music scene. Field Day (Victoria Park), South West Four (Clapham Common), British Summer Time (Hyde Park), Wireless (Finsbury Park), Lovebox (Victoria Park) and GALA (Brixton) are some of the main festivals happening within London this spring and summer, taking advantage of the appeal of being at home after a long day (and sometimes night) of partying.

And let’s not forget that 2017 will be the first year where we’ll be able to use the night tube during summer! This is something I’m really looking forward to, in order to reduce my late night post-partying Uber addiction…

So, if you ever thought that you wanted to experience festivals but wouldn’t be happy applying your makeup in a muddy compact mirror, after cleansing your face with just a baby wipe for the third day straight… I HEAR YOU. Have a thorough look on all events happening within London and I’m sure you’ll find something that tickles your fancy – and with travelling time possibly shorter than your daily work commute!

written by Carol

Right, you know the drill… this is a bit of a PR post.

Festive, me?

Posted in Beauty, Lifestyle by

2017. I am doing festivals. What?! I hear you shriek in disbelief. Really?

That’s something I’ve been wanting to do for a while. I dipped my toes for a day once, a couple of years ago, but never really got into it.

The fact that on festivals you can get away with copious amounts of glitter on your body is too big an attractive for me to pass.

But fear not, it’s still me and you won’t catch me camping anytime soon.

To open the season, I am going to ease myself with GALA, in Brockwell Park on the 28th May, bank holiday weekend, and welcome summer with Carol in a disco fashion with a very local vibe.

Of course, preparations have started – you know me, nothing happens without due preparation.

I’ve decided silver holo is the way forward for this one, because…disco ball. Stars, chunky and fine glitter are waiting to be devised into some shimmery face adornments.

As for outfit, I am keeping my options open. It’s London after all and the weather will dictate what I wear (plus I won’t tell you in advance, silly!) but expect some fun and comfortable, married with comfy footwear. I might crimp my hair. Just putting it out there.

In my bag, Dove deodorant, Gucci Guilty roll on perfume, the Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF mist, lollipops, lipstick, glitter, a fan and a power pack for the phone.

Juuuust in case it turns into an after party (or just for that post frantic dancing much needed touch up), I will have some powder, concealer, eyeliner and that e.l.f. Baked highlighter/blusher duo at hand.

Now, enough about me. Let’s dissect this. GALA will host the holy trinity of disco: Studio 54’s Nicky Siano, Paradise Garage DJs and Horse Meat Disco.

And that is not all, expect to also boogie to the sound of Late Night Tuff Guy (a Bowie tribute), Moxie, Honey Soundsystem, Afriquoi, Stevie Wonderland, Crazy P Soundsystem Live, Love Glove, Mood II Swing, Harvey Sutherland & Bermuda, Bas Ibellini, Krywald & Farrer and NixWax.

Gala 2016

What if all that dancing get you hungry? Fear not, there will be a feast of South London independent food on offer: The Joint (delish BBQ, bread from prison guys), Kriket (Indian small dishes), Bill or Beak (pulled duck? Drool. You know what I’m having).

They are joined by The Chicken Shop (succulent rotisserie chicken), Kerbisher and Malt (traditional fish and chips), Fatties Bakery (deserts. Amazing ones. Salted caramel dreams. I am not going to disagree), Made of Dough (pizza, pizza!), Killa Dilla (sexy quesadillas) and Oh My Dog (also sexy hot dogs) to make sure you’re suitably fed. Yum.

And to ensure you’re properly watered, the Soulshakers (they are bar and cocktails experts. Here’s my number), Brixton Brewery (local, independent, full of craft beer), Brick Brewery (a Peckham microbrewery) and Canopy Beer (a Herne Hill microbrewery) will be at hand for refreshments galore.

This is a bit of what went down last year!

Now, how much you ask? Tickets started at £20 but at the moment, they are on third release through good old Resident Advisor (how I love thee) for £35 plus £3.50 booking fee, which is excellent value for money.

You can also get a group ticket for £140 for 5 people or early entry (before 13:30) for £25, and the 10% booking fee also applies.

It starts at 12 and goes to 22:30, last admission at 17:00, with an after party at Jamm (£10 + £1.30 booking fee).

And you might bump into me (YAY). I’ll be the shiny disco ball-like girl bouncing around.

To get all the information go to thisisgala.co.uk.

Right, you know the drill… this is a bit of a PR post.

Urban yoga

Posted in Body, Lifestyle by

My body has now entered rehab mode. My gluteus tendonitis, which is an office injury, means that circus is, for now, off the table.

So I am giving my body time to heal and what better than yoga to help the process? Add all the much needed mind benefits and there I was, with a smile on my face to be invited to the launch of the Karma Sanctum Yoga brunch club.

Karma Sanctum Yoga_5
Karma Sanctum Yoga_3
Karma Sanctum Yoga_2

Taking place monthly at the lovely boutique Karma Sanctum hotel in Soho, London, the experience has a whole hour Vinyasa flow yoga with Katie Silver, coconut water, Lululemon yoga mats, a goodie bag, bottomless healthy brunch at the lovely heated hotel rooftop.

Oh, and did I mention there is a hot tub you can also use after your practice? Of yeah, THAT.

Carol and I headed to the inaugural yoga session, which took place at their cinema room. I found Katie excellent; an instructor who delivered a class for all levels.

Her voice and presence are calming and soothing, her instructions paced and clear, her adjustments fair and focused on you, even on a large class. And the orange oil she used at the end was divine.

Carol also pointed out that Katie was very available (and smiley!) after the practice, talking to some attendees about their technique, how to improve postures, etc.

On the bottomless, al fresco buffet brunch menu devised by James Cathcart, coffee, rolls, pancakes, plenty of fruit, fresh juices, yoghurt, scrambled eggs and avocados (made into a delicious guacamole). Being able to mix and match is really great. The setting is calming and it was great to be outside.

Carol and I were expecting to perhaps see gluten free carbs opposed to white rolls and very healthy smoothies/green juices, but those were not available, although we were satisfied with the fresh and filling fare provided.

Then I got changed and took a dip on the fabulous hot tub, with some super relaxing jets that soothed my muscles post-practice. I left feeling light, relaxed and open. What a delightful way to reset for the new week.

Overall, I believe it is very good value for money!

karma-sanctm-yoga-brunch-review - 4 (1)
karma-sanctm-yoga-brunch-review - 2 (1)
karma-sanctm-yoga-brunch-review - 1 (1)
Katie Silver

If you want to snap up one of the 20 monthly spaces, go to sanctumsoho.com and get booking. Yoga sessions start at 10 and finish at 11, with brunch/hot tubbing going until 13:30 on a Sunday. The next one is on the 4th June, then 30th July and it costs £40 per session.

On the goodie bag, great brands such as Skin & Tonic (which I love!), Yogandha Body Oil, Gallinee Hand Cream, Potion London, Orelia and Hype Clothing, probably worth more than the session alone!

To find out more about Katie, visit her website.

Well oiled up

Posted in Beauty, Skincare by

Oil on my face. That is something I never thought I’d put on deliberately. Having had problematic, blemish  skin all my life, I always struggled with the oiliness of my dry skin.

Three years ago, facial oils changed my life. And my skin. For the first time, I felt radiance coming from my acne-treatment-battered skin. And oh, boy, did I get addicted!

And now, I cannot live my life without it. For those that like me ran away from facial oils, give it a go. The reasoning behind it is that if you provide oils to the skin, it won’t produce, or produce much less of it.

On top of it, oils carry a great concentration of raw nutrients, nourishing the skin and working mainly on texture and condition.

Some nights, all I put on is face oil. I give it a lovely uplifting circular massage to my face and neck, breathe in the natural aromas and off to bed I go!

The this works stress check face oil is a bliss, I’ve been loving it recently. On top of its redness relief, calming and hydrating properties, thanks to its botanical oils, vitamin C, E and omega 3, it has the most calming neroli, patchouli, lavender, vetivert and camomile fragrance. A treat for face and mind.

Caudalie has just launched a fab facial oil, the Vine[Active] Overnight Detox Oil, perfect for city skins which are exposed to pollution and free radicals.

It is 100% natural and works towards detoxifying and regenerating stressed skin. Full review coming soon!

And while on the natural subject, other pure blend oils such as Dr Jackson’s everyday oil and the Skin & Tonic London Naked Beauty oil, a bit richer, are perfect for overnight.

I feel they work their magic getting deep in the skin, healing and supporting the skin regenerating process.

I love that Dr Jackson’s everyday oil also comes in a handy roll on, perfect for travelling, and perfect to carry on the plane. Definitely one to invest on for the holiday season, for its portability and to help sun exposed skin heal!

Super light oils like the Body Shop Oils of Life facial oil, the Eucerin Facial oil and the dermalogica phyto replenish oil are perfect to add to the foundation for extra hydration and glow.

For more specific needs, the GOSH Primer Oil Essence doubles up as a night oil that preps the skin for the next day and the Indemne Gimme Clear! oil is a helping hand for blemish prone skins.

Of course, I cannot leave out the first oil I ever put on my face: balance me radiance face oil. On the “natural, richer” category, this one really changed my skin and I owe it my absolute love (ok, obsession) with facial oils.

The market is brimming with great products, for all budgets. It is a great time for facial oils. And my skin is grateful!

What about you? Have you tried facial oils? How do they feel on your skin? Or are you like me in the beginning, scared of using them?

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

We are better together: Carol Aquino for So Many Lovely Things

Posted in Fashion, Lifestyle, Style by

Wow. That’s how I am opening. I never thought I’d get someone other than my selfish and picky self to write on So Many Lovely Things.

The day, however, has come. Welcome Carol Aquino *all clap*.

Our paths crossed randomly a few years ago but just recently we realised we may have more in common than previously accounted for. Add to that the fact Carol, originally from Rio but a good old London soul like myself, has enviable credentials and boom.

In all honesty, I am over the moon (surprised and a bit incredulous, tbh) she agreed to become a collaborator on So Many Lovely Things. I cannot say enough how ecstatic I am to get a bit of her shimmering sea of knowledge, professionalism and fun over the blog.

Ms. Aquino brings extensive fashion, style and communications expertise, plus a ridiculous gift for seeing the future (she works in trend forecasting) to the little blog, to make up for some of my shortcomings, mainly in knowledge, but also in, erm… lazy assness time to create more posts.

The low-dow:

  • MA in Fashion Journalism (London College of Fashion)
  • Extensive experience on international trend forecasting (she worked for Stylus and trendwatching.com)
  • A background in economics, mainly providing poignant research for politics.
  • An undying love of glitter and dancing (hello! <3)

Some of you may have already seen her on my Instagram or at an event, so will not be surprised to see her face (and wise words) ’round here too.

Carol will be covering fashion, trends, style, lifestyle and to be honest, anything she wants, gracing us with her fabulous flair and that eye in the future!

Catch her on Instagram (@carolaquino), Twitter (@querouaquino) and of course, here real soon.