Product review: Liz Earle Vanilla and Saffron creamy shower nectar and silky body lotion

Who doesn’t like a relaxing, indulgent shower/bath? Well, braces yourselves: Liz Earle is launching their amazing Indulgent Bath and Body range in March 2014 and I was lucky enough to get my hands on the lovely Vanilla and Saffron creamy shower nectar and silky body lotion.

Firstly, the scent: I just love this warm vanilla with saffron fragrance, laced with water lotus, honeydew, gardenia, lily of the valley and white orchid, tonka bean and musk notes. From the three launching, this is my favourite (read more about all the products and fragrances here).

I like the packaging, colours are lovely and bold, and it is functional. The pump dispenses a good amount of product and they are easy to use in the shower.

The creamy shower nectar has a luxuriously thick consistency and is gorgeously pearlescent. It feels really lovely on the skin, leaving it soft and supple, with a hint of the scent when washed away. If it has a small downside is that it doesn’t lather and I am a foam kinda gal… It is also fantastic as a bath cream!

The silky body milk is light in texture, applies and absorbs really well. It leaves the skin moisturised and soft – but best of all, smelling fabulous. And it lasts (the smell and softness too!) This is a great treat not only for your body but for your mind too! I’ve been using it daily since I got it and I just can’t get enough.

As mentioned, the whole line will be out in March 2014. The Vanilla and Saffron creamy shower nectar and silky body lotion will sell for £12.50 and £14.50 respectively.

Keep an eye on the Liz Earle website for more information and out for the whole range, which also has a body butter and scrub (which I cannot wait to put my hand on!).

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Shoe obsession – Sergio Rossi’s Papillons sandals

From time to time I fall in love with some unobtainable pair of shoes. This is quite a common occurrence – in fact, it happens more often that not.

The current “victim” of my infatuation this time comes from Sergio Rossi – it is the Papillons sandals, in gold and black leather and metal. Oh, Sergio, why do you do this to me???

Not many of you know, but a have a thing for butterflies. I have two tattooed on my shoulder. I just love them – less to do with their beauty, more with their transformation, their new found self and freedom plus the fact they live, on average, a month – this is, for me, a reminder that you should make the best of every minute.

Anyway… Mr Rossi (actually, Angelo Ruggeri, Sergio Rossi’s creative director) then comes up with this. Butterflies that could be hugging my ankles right now. And they are gold. And art-inspired. Plus they are just beautiful. Look at those melting metal heels!!!! Oh, God, do I LOVE a metal heel or not?!

The flying inspiration – Crespi’s Collana Farfalla

Gabriella Crespi’s candelabra from the Groce Oro collection

Ruggeri took inspiration from some of artist Gabriella Crespi’s pieces from the Gocce Oro collection, including a pair of candelabra, created in the 70’s and the result is just stunning.

Well, WANT doesn’t even start to describe it. Anyone?! Please?

Images credits: French Vogue and Gabriella Crespi’s website

Nails of the week: purple and silver

For the first time, I have a “nail of the week” backlog – I am about three weeks behind!!!

This is quite a simple one, but I really like – still from when I was in Brazil! My lovely manicurist Irma is not a nail art one, at their salon, they just have people wearing nudes and reds, so I usually drive her crazy with my colourful requests.

The base colour is one I loved, Colorama’s Noite Quente – I had it in plain my toes. It is a beautiful warm purple! I then had a coat of Risque’s Diamante Fúcsia added to the top. This is a lovely and very saturated magenta and silver fine glitter suspended in a clear base.

The accent nail was done with the super metallic silver Cromo from Impala. It is a really shiny chrome-like nail polish, one of the best effects I’ve seen.

A simple combination great for the party season – not too out there but still sparkly enough for the festive spirit!

Rating:

Product review: Guinot Damsel in De-stress gift set

Oh, Christmas time… Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way…. my bells are jingling so vigorously they are about to jingle all the way out of the window in seasonal rage.

Well, maybe it is not that bad. It is however, quite stressful to walk around frantic shoppers. Everywhere you go is so busy. This takes its toll on me. And I thank Guinot for this helping hand – the Damsel in De-stress gift set, that will help you ease away a little bit of the parties anxiety.

The kit contains a full size Mousse Nettoyante Bioxygene (150ml), a foam cleanser that removes impurities and makeup and has oxygenating properties. The liquid inside turns into a very light, airy foam – one full pump is enough for the whole face. It melts makeup well (heavier eye makeup still needs proper removal) and leaves the face feeling clean and soft. It doesn’t dry the skin and smells deliciously floral.

It also comes with a full size 50ml Masque Dynamisant Anti-Fatigue, a masque that helps reduce the signs of fatigue. It has AHA’s and refreshing mint and eucalyptus cold oils and “eliminates dead skin cells, boosts cell vitality, refines the skin’s texture and leaves the skin perfectly moisturised and luminous”. The mask is a thick-ish white cream and indeed very refreshing on application. It doesn’t dry on the skin after applied. My skin was feeling moisturised and slightly stimulated by the freshness of this mask. It removes easily and there is no residue or greasy feeling.

Finally, the third item in the kit is a scented candle, which I find great for when you out on your Masque Dynamisant. It has a similar scent to the Mousse Nettoyante Bioxygene and it not lives permanently in my bathroom.

It makes a brilliant Christmas present that will help the owner get a little post-party lift! And it also great for day to day. The cleanser has become my official morning cleanser.

It reatils at £50, but you can find the Guinot Damsel in De-stress gift set for £40 at Salon Skincare. It can also be found at Guinot salons. All info on Guinot products and treatments can be found on their website and products can also be bought here.

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Naked Fake It Gotta Glow gift set with self tan lotion and bronzer

That time of the year. All hopes of sun rays have long passed and I feel so white I am bordering on see-through – honestly, you can see all my veins and if you squint enough, you might be able to spot the outline of an internal organ. Quite tragic.

No wonder this little Naked Fake It Gotta Glow gift set landed on my lap at the right time – the time of need.

The set has the Glow it up self tan lotion and the Dust Me mineral shimmer powder.

The self tan lotion is enriched with cocoa and shea butter. It looks like a very rich moisturiser, a thick cream, white in colour. It spreads well, and smells lovely on application. I got the light/medium and applied it before bed. I woke up with a lovely glow, I could definitely see the effects of the self tan lotion, but it wasn’t too blatant, just sunkissed. It didn’t stain and – wait for it – there was NO biscuity smell! None at all.

The shimmer makes a lovely loose bronzer, applies and spreads well and is not glittery – the colour is pretty and warm, giving your face that healthy flush – but it is also great for the body!!!

Always worth mentioning that the Naked products are 97% natural – this is true for both tanning lotion and shimmer. Also, the tanning agent on this beauty is 100% natural, so no nasties. Naked is one of the good and super nice companies in the beauty world – natural ingredients, no parabens, SLS or petrochemicals, no animal testing, recycled packaging, ethical sourcing and involvement with humanitarian and environmental charities.

You can get the Naked Fake It Gotta Glow gift set for £14 from the Naked Bodycare website, where you will also find their fantastic range products!

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

What I’ve been wearing – 16/12/2013

Christmas is upon us and 2013 is almost over… I haven’t posted an outfit selection for a while, so this is a bit of a random mix of work day to day work attires and only one night out one!

I promise the next one will be more festive, and might even have sequins…..

Outfit #1

Grey full midi skirt from Primark, black cardigan with white bows and necklace from Primark, shoes from Viviana, rings from Accessorize, Forever 21 and Topshop.

Outfit #2

Faux leather effect plaited skirt and Mickey Mouse jumper from Primark, black ankle boots from H&M, necklace from Primark, bracelet from New Look, rings from Disney Couture, Primark, H&M.

Outfit #3

Burgundy crop jumper from H&M, black faux leather pleated skirt from Primark,black leather ankle boots from H&M, necklace and bracelet from Primark, rings from Topshop, H&M and New Look.

Outfit #4

Black crop knitted jumper and red tartan skirt from H&M, black leather ankle boots from H&M, necklace and bracelet from Primark, rings from H&M, Topshop, New Look and H&M.

Outfit #5

White leopard crop box top from Boohoo, black trousers from Topshop, black leather court shoes from Christian Louboutin (Pigalle), necklace from Miss Selfridge.

118 118 Beauty Pass brings “more gorgeousness” to our lives

118 118, the phone directory assistance service, is launching today, 15 December 2013, a prettifying helping hand of a service called 118 118 Beauty Pass – a little card that gives us beauty lovers 50% discount in salons and spas around London.

The pass works on a membership basis, so you pay a fee of £79.99 to use the discounts for a whole year. For salon and spas regulars this is a great deal and only a few uses will make up for the membership fee, making the rest pure savings! They even have a little savings calculator so you can see how much you could save before signing up.

The pass is available at 118118beauty.com and can be used for hair, nails, body and face treatments at around 300 salons and spas in London, with many joining in everyday! It is very easy to subscribe via their website, where you can also find beauty tips and reviews.

What I would also love to see in this product would be small discount with beauty retailers too, so we can save on our beauty products as well as treatments… maybe one for the 118 188 Beauty team to think about *hint hint*.

Now, for me, this is a great idea – a no-brainer for those who use beauty services regularly, but also a little incentive to those that want to treat themselves more often! I have already subscribed!

And great news: until Valentine’s day 2014 they are offering a special price annual membership: for £29.99 only! Hurry to their Facebook page and @118118Beauty on Twitter to get the exclusive discount code and head to 118118beauty.com to sign up and start saving!

This would make a great Christmas gift to any beauty babe!

The launch information was sent to me by 118118Beauty, but opinions (and suggestions) are my own.

Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! exhibition at Somerset House

Going straight to it: I was blown away by Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore exhibition at Somerset House in London.

If you can, get yourself there now and feast yourself on Isabella’s fabulous life. Well, at least the part that is shown, which I find only fair, as it is a celebration of all things Issie. Despite all the unhappiness and tragedy throughout her life, as Philip Treacy said, “Nothing about her was tragic. She was triumphant”.

Isabella Blow, fashion editor, consultant, muse and nurturer of young fashion talent was born English aristocracy and started her career as Anna Wintour’s assistant at Vogue US, only to come home and head fashion for Vogue, Tatler and The Sunday Times.

Her quirkiness, creativity and wonderfully outrageous fashion sense was more than evident in her wonderful fashion edits. Sadly, her personal life was plagued by depression, infertility, cancer and multiple suicide bids, which eventually materialised, taking her away in 2007.

Blow is credited to discovering Philip Treacy, Alexander McQueen and Julien MacDonald, amongst other designers, and also models.

It was no surprise I would love the exhibition, being the huge millinery fan I am. Treacy’s amazing head pieces are an integral part of the exhibition, dotted around all over the place, as well as McQueen pieces – and I really like that the their stories appear entwined as they were in real life. It proves it takes one talent to know one. The what I now call “Blow triad” is very palpable: head in Treacy, body in McQueen and feet in Manolo Blahnik.

From all the wonder of feasting my eyes with glorious garments, a few caught my eye, including the fabulous Deborah Milner, A/W 1997 red velvet coat with fur collar. Sigh…

Another interesting aspect is the state of her personal garments. They show wear. And tear. This is something really important to me, as although I don’t share her careless attitude to these expensive items (she famously left shoes at the back of cabs – God forbid I will EVER do that; just the thought makes me shiver!), I believe every item should be worn and enjoyed to the maximum. Yes, a scuff, a stain might look ugly, but it gives the item life and tells a small story itself. And I think that is why they didn’t restore items.

isabella blow exhibition - photo from design_scene

isabella blow exhibition - photo from vogue

isabella blow exhibition - photo from somersethouse.org

In the various areas of the exhibition, we are taken through her life, her style, her influences and the celebration of British.

***SPOILER ALERT***

And the finale almost brought a tear to my eye – McQueen’s S/S 08 fashion show, a collection in collaboration with Philip Treacy and dedicated to Isabella after her death. The pieces are breathtaking, as well as the closing with the legacy of the unique legend that was Isabella Blow.

I had great fun and learnt a fair bit. I left with a sense of sadness for the losses fashion, and creativity, suffered. But I am also grateful for the legacy, nicely condensed and exposed here, for all to see.

The Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore exhibition is on at Somerset House until March 2014 and you can book tickets via their website.

Image credits: Somerset House, Vogue UK and Design Scene.

Read Vogue’s biography of Isabella Blow.

Liz Earle product launch

Not many things are more exciting than check out new products. Especially if they come from a brand that has delivered many great ones before. No wonder I was excited to attend the Liz Earle product launch in London.

The main launch was for their brand new Indulgent Bath & Body collection, which promises to help you “immerse yourself in a world of relaxation”. Basically, this range tells you that you should be allowed to bombard your senses with exquisite fragrances and sensations to treat your body and mind on a daily basis. And this should be affordable.

So this is exactly what they delivered: three exotic fragrances developed in partnership with top perfumers, available in March 2014.

In separate thematic rooms, we were expertly guided through the sensorial world of the fantastic blends:

Tiare & Jasmine, a floral blend of the exotic Tahitian tiare flower (which only flowers once a year) and the well known jasmine, neroli, orange blossom, almond milk and sandalwood, developed with master perfumer Oliver Cresp. I found this lovely and sweet, in the right amount.

Bergamot & Ginger, a zingy and fresh mix of citrus-y bergamots and ginger with flowery freesia, lily, jasmine petals and lemon blossom, created with Sabine de Tscharner. This is a refreshing fragrance, almost masculine, but very summery. My personal preference is for sweeter scents, so although it is a very pleasant scent, this one is not really for me.

Vanilla & Saffron, an exquisite blend of Madagascan vanilla with spicy saffron create a fragrance almost as good to eat. It also counts with water lotus, honeydew, gardenia, lily of the valley and white orchid, tonka bean and musk notes. Needless to say, this was my favourite, I feel warmly hugged and wrapped by it. I just love it and could be doused on it 24/7. It was developed with Harry Freemont.

Each fragrance has four products: Creamy Shower Nectar (£12.50) with a lusciously thick and pearly consistency; Melting Sugar Body Scrub (£14.50), which feels divine against the skin and leaves it oh-so-soft; Silky Body Lotion (£14.50), which glides, perfumes and moisturises beautifully and the Indulgent Body Butter (£16.50) which is absorbed quickly by the skin but offers that extra rich moisture touch.

You can see I am sold – they offered an amazing hand massage using the products and I could not stop smelling my hand for the rest of the day. The scents linger in a very discreet and comfortable way and I keep catching a whiff of the deliciousness of Vanilla & Saffron all day long.

In addition to that, they were also showing off their new nail colours for Spring/Summer 14, Moonlight, a pale grey and Awakening, a pretty coral, as well as their beautiful Radiant Glow Bronzer, a quad-shade bronzer which delivers a warm gold colour with discreet shimmer, really giving the skin a gorgeous glow!

A lot to look forward to come March next year!!!

You can also purchase and get more information on the current Liz Earle fabulous skincare and makeup ranges on their website!

Beautiful christmas: my selection of beauty gifts

Ho ho ho. It is December and I feel I am officially allowed to say the C word without attracting some dirty looks (and the “already?!” expression n their faces). Obviously, I am talking about CHRISTMAS, silly.

Most people know someone who is a beauty fanatic and if you are not one yourself, choosing the right thing can be quite difficult. But fear not, So Many Lovely Things will give you an easy solution that is certain to cause a good impression.

I went through my favourite places for beauty buys and here are my picks:

Up to £25

A good all rounder for a great price. Studio products are great value for money. This Smokey eye kit, for £6, is certain to please. New Years eve eyes, sorted!

I love the Eyeko Skinny liner – it is my favourite and I use everyday. This double pack from QVC is excellent value for £14 and after trying you will certainly need a second (and a third – you won’t live without it, ever!)

Classic skin care brand Nivea pulled together a lovely pampering selection with Honey Face Masks, Body lotion, Pearly Shine Lip, Cleansing Wipes, Moisturising Day Cream, amongst others. For £15, this gift goes a long way. Available at Boots.

Post Chirstmas excesses will show on your face. Pull yourself together with this L’Oréal Port-Party Beauty SOS and be ready for the next one in no time! £10 from Boots.

A pretty bauble from Rodial, with its lovely Glam Balm inside. A tiny bit of luxury to plump those lips for that all important unde the mistletoe action! £14 from Harrods.

I love this book. Rae Morris’ classic Makeup: The Ultimate Guide will help you get the grips with makeup and look even more fabulous! Only £12.50 from Amazon.

The Sanctuary’s Best Sellers Collection is a great body indulgence kit with their classic scent. £15 from Debenhams.

Clinique’s Chubby stick Whole Lotta Candy collection means you will have three beautiful shades to choose from for the New Year’s party! £20 from House of Fraser.

Pretty doll eyes with YSL Baby Doll Mascara Set – to put it on and remove later! Find it at Boots for £24.50.

Must Have minis from Nails Inc – lots of shades to start well the year – fro nudes to neons – this will keep your talons colour going for a while! Great value of £23.52 from QVC!

Festive talons courtesy of Clinique’s Party Tips nail polish set.. Three pretty shades for sensitive skin for £20 from House of Fraser.

Discover Elemis’ great Tri-enzime kit with this 4 piece set, for only £24.12 from QVC.

OPI’s Fit to be Tied #2 has two beautiful nail shades and delivers glitter in the right amount. £18.55 from QVC.

Clinique’s classic 3 step kit is one of my favourites cleanse, tone and moisturise sets. Have a go with this intro collection and see for yourself. £20 from Debenhams.

The Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is a classic – and is has a special edition for Christmas – £26.25 for 200ml cleaner and 2 muslim cloths!

Over £26

I couldn’t leave out the Naked 3 palette from Urban Decay, coming out on the 12 December for £37. Hurry!!!

Beautifully packaged MAC’s Stroke of Midnight eye kit in Smoky got me hooked. Smokey eyes paradise with Chillproof, Retrospeck, Gaelic Gold, Well Put Together and Carbon (my fave matte black eyeshadow). At £32, exceptional value for money.

Benefit’s Groovy Kinda Love gift set has their best sellers to keep you pretty – and all for £29.50 from Boots.

Sparkle! The Urban Decay Starlight Glitter set can help with that! £30 from House of Fraser.

Guinot has brought some lovely gift boxes this year, each one looking to fix a “problem” in a girl’s life.

Ready Set Glow will deliver complexion brightening tools; Damsel in De-Stress will pamper and help relief stress; Supercharged Youth Boost delivers a boost for ageing skin. They also have a male grooming gift set called Tied up, with a face wash, after shave and shaving brush! They are priced between £46 and £64 and can be found at your nearest salon using Guinot products or at the Salon Skincare website, amongst others. website

Reveal a younger you with YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum set, £64 from Boots.

Lancôme’s Visionnaire is of my favourite serums – and this set has lots of amazing goodies to accompany it! It costs £82 from Boots.

This classic selection of half size MAC brushes is amazing – and a fantastic value too at £42.

And finally, a girl can dream…. fro £300 you can get the WHOLE Alber Elbaz collection for Lancôme at Harrods. Sigh…

So Many Lovely Things

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Author Archives: Dani - So Many Lovely Things

Product review: Liz Earle Vanilla and Saffron creamy shower nectar and silky body lotion

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Shoe obsession – Sergio Rossi’s Papillons sandals

Nails of the week: purple and silver

Rating:

Product review: Guinot Damsel in De-stress gift set

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Naked Fake It Gotta Glow gift set with self tan lotion and bronzer

This post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my own true experience with the products and reflects my honest opinion on them.

What I’ve been wearing – 16/12/2013

Outfit #1

Outfit #2

Outfit #3

Outfit #4

Outfit #5

118 118 Beauty Pass brings “more gorgeousness” to our lives

The launch information was sent to me by 118118Beauty, but opinions (and suggestions) are my own.

Isabella Blow: Fashion Galore! exhibition at Somerset House

Liz Earle product launch

Beautiful christmas: my selection of beauty gifts

Up to £25

Over £26