Hands up if you’re guilty of, at some point in your life, not re-applying SPF as often as you should not to ruin your makeup? o/
Unfortunately, this is the reality: women fail to re-apply, or even apply in the first place (1 in 5 never do when in the UK), SPF because of its inconvenience. Stickiness, heaviness and interference with a flawless makeup are the main reasons.
And this is damaging our skin. I am often quite careful, and still, my analysis showed my skin is 4 years older than my actual age. Yikes!
So we get it: sunscreen is very important. Even in the city, and all year around.
As only it could be practical…. Fear not. With the sun coming out to play in London and all of us wanting to flock to the parks ray-seeking, Garnier gives us a godsend: the Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Protecting and Hydrating Mist with SPF 50 that can go over makeup, no problems.
It is light and efficient. It dries instantly and not a hint of heaviness, greasiness or stickiness in sight. Its 75ml tube means that it’s perfect for the handbag.
Its cutting edge technology means, on top of the expected UVA and UVB protection, it also has long UVA and infrared protection, as well as anti-oxidants Baicaine and vitamin E, and hydrating vegetal glycerin.
Of course it is safe for your eyes (which should be closed when applying anyway), as well as your skin!
It also creates an anti-pollution barrier that can be reinforced throughout the day, effortlessly.
I became a huge fan instantly. It is a practical product that encourages us to use full sun protection day after day. It does not make it a burden, it is not restrictive and does not take time.
And for only £10, what is not to love? Plus, when it’s warmer, it’s a lovely breath of freshness on your face!
You can get the Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Protecting and Hydrating Mist now (in time for tomorrow’s picnic) from Boots (in-store and online). No excuses
A while ago I appeared on Instagram bobbing along looking like something out of a sci-fi movie. remember that?
After using for about a month, I noticed my skin is calmer. Usage overlapped with my pre-menstrual period, when my breakouts are more active. Although I still have some, I feel they disappeared much quicker.
Using it is very easy: wash your face, attach the activator device, make sure the metal pin is all the way in, pop the mask on like sunglasses and hit the button.
And that is the catch and what people have been feeling uncertain about: the mask itself costs £59.99 and can be re-used. Now the activator, which is a necessity for it to work, costs £14.99 and deliver 30 treatments of 10 minutes, enough for a month.
Again, making your skin a priority might require some compromise on other areas and back up from your parents. This is how I went through countless treatments when young.
Furthermore, I’d say that after a while month I will get extra activators and not do it every day. Maybe every other or even every three, just as maintenance.
Many a time I have raved about multi-use products. And every time I find one, well, I rave about it.
The new MultiTech line is very different from all the lot. First, all the brushes have the same shape, called Point, in different sizes, from XXXS to XXXL, plus a sponge.
Now, the design is sleek: monochrome with the brand in bright pink. The bristles are ever so soft, the brushes are packed with them and the shape really works in a multitude of ways. Plus, they are comfortable to grip.
The versatility of the shape really works: the L Point, a bit more tapered, will do well for highlighting and also blusher if angled.
I will stick with powder for XXXXL Point: one sweep covers a huge area. Great for a healthy sweep of bronzer. I see this being my hero for subtle body shimmer application in the summer, especially legs! It will fare really well with shimmer cream, and for those who use it, body foundation and cover ups.
First of all, I feel I have to explain the month long absence: I have moved houses. Bought a flat and been like a maniac between closing the deal, moving and furnishing and now I’m starting to settle. Although I have no wifi yet, tethering to my mobile has been useful. And the means to this post!
Second, I cannot see a better way of going to back to blogging than essie‘s retro revival 2nd edition limited collection nail polishes. The six shades embody the flawless chic vibe from the beginning of the brand in 1981 Las Vegas – in fact the caps have the original Stardust Casino gold star sign.
My favourite has to be the stunning sweet tart (oh how appropriate!) a pearlescent nude with mauve undertones. Just gorgeous.
That doesn’t mean I am not in love with the other shades: pure chiffon is the perfect warm beige which will suit most skin tones; flawless is a delicate pink that feels quite neutral; chastity is a lively cherry blossom pink and bold beauty is a fabulous and seductive mid-century deep red. All sorts of love for this collection.
Apart from the neutrals and a killer red, that never goes out of fashion, pinks were all over the catwalk for the new season.
Of course how well a product works is its best feature, but really, cute packaging goes a long way. Grow Gorgeous has it all: fab products which work and smell great and the most delightful packaging.
Their new hair Strengthening Oil is a finishing product for mid and end of the hair.
That and my ever suspicion of 2-in-1 products made me extremely sceptical about this product, which is enriched with abyssinica seeds and panthenol.
And surprised I was! Admittedly, it lacks foaming and hair doesn’t get squeaky clean on rinse but it does feel extra smooth. I was worried about, without a wash for two days, it wouldn’t be enough to break down the grease and it would clump.
The Hair Growth Serum was designed to help you grow thicker, longer hair. It contains acetyl tetrapeptide-3, clover flower extract active complex, bio-active complex of Chinese skullcap, soy sprout, wheat sprouthyalurinoci acid and caffeine to stimulate follicles, increase scalp hydration and improve density and length.
It dries fine and does not weight down the roots, which is very important for fine hair! I did notice a very slight improvement after a while, but hey, every little helps! It costs £30 for 60ml.
Grow Gorgeous products are on sale at the moment, with up to 50% off. Right now (28 Dec 2016), you can get the 
I have that kind of skin that goes downhill during the day – it loses hydration, lines and scars become more visible, even if make up does not sink. Add the weather and the stresses this time of the year and boom! Skin nightmare!
The amazing 
After that I apply the 
Then comes the 
So I spoke about how liquid lipsticks unexpectedly stole my heart and this is the culprit of this new found love: Collection Velvet Kiss.
Yes, a liquid lipstick with a flawless matte finish. Trust me, I took a while to believe too.
Now, why not, this Christmas, give the gift of good skin?
Perfect for this time of the year and multitasking, this kit will cater for many skin concerns. You can also layer the masks – when I say this is a super muilti-tasking kit, I mean business!
We’ve all been there: great party straight out of a stressful day in the office. And now with the end of year parties in full swing, it is likely you are finding yourself in that situation more often than not.
For skin that has been in the office (and in party mode) the 
To refresh your makeup, invest in a little multi-tasking palette which doesn’t take much space and will go a long way.
For you lips, my newest obsession, liquid lipsticks are just perfect as they are quick to apply. At the moment, Kat Von D Vampira is my autumn go-to shade and scream edgy party look.
A small deodorant goes a long way – I love the little 
Sore feet? Carnation has a fabulous range to maximise your heel-wearing span and I love this Anti-Blister Stick, which minimises the party-busting shoe rubbing.
Make sure you always carry flats; I love these 
For extra hair oomph use a good dry shampoo. I love the 
I always carry a good brush with me, and this mini 
Has barely made it home for a shower? This tiny Gillette Venus razor is perfect for shaving on the go. Showers in the office or the gym? Done! Just make sure you rinse the floor well :)!
Finally, to smell good, nothing better than a roller ball fragrance. The 
For me, Crabtree & Evelyn have the best hand creams in the market. Undisputed. When they add a festive spin to the scents, they become unbeatable.
This season sees the rise of Rose Pineapple, a gorgeous scent that combines the classic delicate and subtle rose with the tropical, sweet zing of pineapple. It’s like something you never smelt before.
Having loved the two fragrances about, I must confess my biggest surprise was the gorgeous Spiced Earl Grey fragrance. It’s got a sweet spice scent with a hint of lemon that is totally intoxicating and soothing.
I also have the fabulous Christmas cracker, which also comes with the three seasonal hand therapy creams in a handy 10g.
Prettily set on frosted glass rectangles and stackable, they deliver a durable punch of the fabulous festive scents to really set the mood and create that seasonal ambiance.
So Many Lovely Things 