Mother's Day Gift Idea: L'Occitane Almond Collection

Here is a slightly more lux Mother's Day gift idea. L'Occitane is a very safe choice when it comes to gifts, have you ever met someone who doesn't like L'Occitane?! Their skincare products are not only gorgeously scented but they also feel beautifully nourishing on the skin. This particular Almond Collections would be great as a Mother's day gift as the scent is very gentle and most moms are likely to love it! 

The Lighter Legs cream with Almond Tree Bud helps to relieve achy legs which is always a plus point for Mothers and Mothers-to-be, along with an almond milk hand cream which is pretty much a must-have all year around! The Tonic Body Oil is a bit of a special one, the powerful combination of Pink Pepper Oils and a cocktail of five essential oils: immortelle, palmarosa, mint, carrot, and cypress help the skin to look more refined and toned. It's a dry oil which doesn't stay greasy on the skin, while a micro exfoliating lemon extract makes the skin feel smoother and look firmer.

LOVE

Mother's Day Gift Idea: Le Couvent des Minimes Morning Cologne

Le Couvent des Minimes Cologne of the Morning is a great scent to kick start an early morning with. Refreshing Orange and Lemon are combined with the energetic Basil and Cedar to create a beautifully refreshing and uplifting scent. I've become a huge fan of the Le Couvent des Minimes colognes after trying their Cologne of Love, which I am still addicted too. The Cologne of the Morning is a light scent so it would be perfect for someone who is not into heavy scents. This cologne makes a great Mother's Day gift, whether it's your mother or a friend who is an expecting Mother-to-be it would definitely brighten up their  Spring morning!

LOVE

Mother's Day Gift Idea: Baylis & Harding Bath & Body Treats.

For this year's Mother's Day I decided to start with something quite simple and affordable. Baylis & Harding is available pretty much anywhere and everywhere, if you had a crazy busy week and totally forgot about Mother's Day [which happens more often than we like to admit] you can pick a cute little B&H set even while doing your groceries. Regardless how much you spend the thought is what counts! This particular set has three items: Soap, Body Wash and Body Lotion in a lovely Rhubarb & Vanilla scent. 

LOVE

New! Erborian CC Crème

When Korean and French skincare meets make-up the result is pure skin indulgence. CC Crème is a colour corrector, which evens out your complexion making blemishes and uneven skin pigmentation invisible. Erborian CC Crème is a lightweight texture white cream that has millions of tiny pigment pearls that burst as soon as you start to massage it into the skin matching your skin colour. If you like light coverage foundation you may use this product on its own as it makes your skin look prettier and healthier but if you like heavier coverage you may treat it as a primer. Although I had a spot at the time of applying the CC, after I applied foundation the spot was pretty much invisible and did not need any extra concealing. It has hydrating skincare benefits making the skin looking radiant. 

LOVE

New Reformulated Chanel Rouge Coco in Arthur and Gabrielle!

Chanel Rouge Coco in 440 Arthur

Chanel Rouge Coco in 444 Gabrielle [L] and 440 Arthur [R]

Chanel has reinvented their famous Rouge Coco lipstick, now with the new ultra hydrating formula. This collection houses 29 shades, all named after friends, artists, and lovers who have inspired Gabrielle Chanel throughout her amazing journey to fashion success. Amongst the chic reds the colours range from nudes, to pinks and plums, with every colour telling a story. Arthur was the one and only man in Coco's life that she admitted to truly love. Shade-wise Arthur is a vibrant warm toned red, whilst Gabrielle is a darker blue-toned red. The new texture can be applied sheer or build up to a saturated gorgeous colour, it has a glossy finish and feels super light-weight and incredibly hydrating. 

LOVE

DAKS London LFW15 Nail Art

 Essie Demure Vixen [two coats]

Essie Snap Happy [red] + Licorice [black]

Every fashion week I pay more attention to beauty looks and nail art than to the clothes, yep that's the truth. Mostly because it's something everyone can recreate at the convenience of their own habitat. As seen during LFW15 at DAKS London fashion show this nail art look is pretty catchy and combines the three classics: nude, red and black nail polish colours. 

To create this look you won't need any fancy nail art brushes or tools. As a nude I went for the good old Demure Vixen, it's a greyish/pinkish nude with a purple sheen, which is a nice alternative to a flat nude. Then taking off most of the nail polish from the brush I then pulled Licorice down and up the nail to create the black dragged effect, same thing with Snap Happy, but this time pulling the red one down and one across the nail. If you find you can't quite get the textured effect, swatch your brush couple of times gently on a tissue and that is guaranteed to create the desired effect.

LOVE

A Chic Way to Wear a Dark Lip in the Spring!

Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura [Limited Edition] Lipstick in Luxe Burgundy

Generally speaking spring is associated with fresh and light shades, such as pinks and peaches, and of course all things pastels... But it's a lot more fun to be a beauty-rebellion and break the rules once in a blue moon! As for London we are still fluctuating between freezing cold winter and springy warm sunny days, so you won't look too much out of place with a bold lip on. I find that a burgundy lip sits best with a warm smokey shimmery eye. This particular lipstick that I found in my beauty cupboard is unfortunately from a limited edition collection from a couple of years ago, when Karl Lagerfeld teamed up with Shu Uemura. Luxe Burgundy is a warm toned lip colour with subtle gold shimmers. But any burgundy lipstick will do, choose a tone that looks most flattering on your complexion and embrace the dark lip.

LOVE

ELEGANT TOUCH EXPRESS MANI for LFW15

Shade: Pastel Green

Available at: eleganttouch.com

LFW AW15 has commenced! Your diary is most likely to be scribbled with all sorts of fashion/beauty bookings and meetings and what not, meaning you nails might get a little neglected during these manic five days. Elegant Touch Express Press-On Instant Manicure is a fantastic invention for anyone with a busy life style and even those of us that still manage to find the time to paint our nails there is always that one occasion when it's physically impossible to always have pristine looking nails. These feel pretty comfortable and are incredibly easy to apply, to the point that you could press them on in the back of a cab while on the way to a meeting/fashion show. 

These press-on nails have a shiny finish, realistic shape and could easily be mistaken for your own tips. There is a wide range of colours to choose from whether you are a classic red nail girl, or a chic nude, or the experimental nail-art lover. You get 24 pre-glued nails, so no need for huffing and puffing with the old glue tube. Even if you lose a nail, keep the neat little press-on pack in your handbag and just stick the closest size on as you'll have plenty of leftovers. I'm really impressed with these press-ons no pun intended, they are definitely going to be regulars in my beauty cupboard!

LOVE

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN PERFECT FOUNDATION

Dr.Jart+ Regenerating BB Beauty Balm SPF30 [one shade],  Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream SPF25 [02 medium], Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint SPF15 [Capri], Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15 [Natural 4], MAC Matchmaster Foundation SPF15 [3.0], MAC Studio Face and Body [C3]

  Colour & Texture

Clockwise starting at 11: Dr.Jart+, Clarins, Rodial, Bobbi Brown, MAC, MAC Studio

[all shades info under the image above]

There is nothing wrong with mixing up a foundation to create your own perfect shade and/or finish. I have been mixing up my foundations for years, some of them are couple of shades too light, some have too much pink or yellow undertones and others are frankly way too dark. Even if you get consulted by a beauty counter "make-up artist", which by the way most of my foundation purchased that way were the wrong shade as I'd learn later after I get home and try it on. So you end up with a bunch of foundation bottles sitting there looking out of place. Be the creator of your own perfect custom made foundation, use one or two pumps of one foundation with less, more or equal amount of another and see what you can end up with.

Sometimes however you may find that the shade is more or less matching but the texture and finish is either too shiny, too matte, or has too much/too little coverage. This issue is also rectifiable. If mixing two foundations doesn't cut it, try mixing a foundation with a BB cream, it works wonders as I have recently discovered by trying to finish a too dark foundation that also is a touch too heavy on my skin. Classically BB creams are marketed as a stand-alone product or a primer for foundation, but truthfully speaking I love mixing a BB with a foundation and apply it that way, rather than layering it. 

My favourite mix up at the moment is Rodial BB Venom Skin Tint in Capri + MAC Matchmaster Foundation in 3.0 [only god knows why I was matched with this shade, which is at least 2-3 shades darker than needed to be]. Also keep in mind that some foundations work better when applied with a brush, whilst others need to be warmed up and therefore a finger-application is more suitable, so don't give up on a foundation just yet, you may discover that sometimes a foundation mixed yourself can be better than a ready bought from the shelf!

LOVE

Smashbox Cherry Smoke Photo OP Eye Shadow Palette

 Smashbox Cherry Smoke Photo OP Eyeshadow Palette

Smashbox Brow Tech in Taupe/Soft Brown

I am somewhat late with this post, having created this smokey eye as one of my Christmas beauty looks I had no time to actually put it on my blog. Even though I believe this palette to be LE [limited edition] I still want to share it with you because the texture and pigments of Smashbox eyeshadows are sublime! So I am looking into investing in a couple more of their eyeshadow palette, particularly excited about the new Double Exposure Palette!! 

So to create this look I applies Oxidize eyeshadow all over and Rustic in the socket for extra depth, also smoking it out under the lower lash line, while highlighting the brow-bone with Bare. All three eyeshadows are from this palette. Oxidize is a stunning burned coppery cranberry with a metallic finish, Rustic is a matte deep red-ish chocolate brown, and Bare is just a matte base colour. The texture is amazing, incredibly smooth and super blendable, as well as beautifully pigmented. 

The day I purchased this palette I also got to other Smashbox eye products both of which I am also wearing in this look, Brow Tech in Taupe/Soft Brown, which is a great colour for blondes with medium skin. Brow Tech has to powder shades that you can mix with an angled brush to create the perfect shade, which you then dip into the wax and then fill in the brows. This product is not designed to look neat after usage, but it does the job when it comes to a natural looking brow. And the second eye product that I have already featured in my V-Day Brigitte Bardot look [click here to see the image of the product] is the Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Deep Black. As you can see it's a saturated black with a chic matte finish. Both of these products are from the permanent line.

LOVE

Spring Nails with Essie Mojito Madness

 Essie Mojito Madness [two coats]

Essie Mojito Madness + Essie Luxeffects in Set In Stones [one coat]

Somewhere between the V-Day [Valentine's Day] and the P-Day [Pancake Day] you know that the Spring is coming, and that means changing your wardrobe, shoes, lipstick colour and nail colour which is a rather exciting prospect. I have been craving Essie Mojito Madness for weeks and finally I think the time has come to embark on some green tips. Green is not an easy nail colour to wear, but you can keep it chic by choosing the right shade for your skin tone. Essie Mojito Madness is a green that works on many skin tones and so there is something flattering and very refreshing about it. On the accent nails I added Essie Luxeeffects in Set In Stones, an optional step to add a silver sparkle to the look.

LOVE

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15

We all have a foundation or two that we used to be obsessed with. A foundation that has that special something, which makes your skin look amazing and it's not just about the flawless finish, but it pulls everything together giving you the most flattering complexion and making you look your prettiest. For me it's Bobbi Brown good old Skin Foundation with SPF15. I used this foundation in the shade 3.5 Warm Beige a few years back. As it happens after you finish your beloved bottle of foundation you then go on to try something new and sort of forget about it, at least for a while. Since I turned thirty my skin has changed slightly, and although it is still oily-combo I now also experience dehydrated skin during winter, especially this winter I have been using deeply moisturising serums and make-up primers to keep the skin looking dewy and pretty rather than matt and dry. 

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation is a light coverage but can be build up to a medium in places where extra bit of coverage is needed, for me it's the chin and cheeks area. But if you have spots or other pigmentation issues you will need to use a concealer. In terms of texture it's a beautiful lightweight foundation with a pretty dewy finish, which is why it's a great foundation for winter or going into spring. I would recommend to set it either with powder or a mineral foundation, which is how I wear all of my foundations. If you have very oily skin I don't think this foundation would be good for you but anything from combo to dry is perfect. This time I went for a shade darker and with more yellow undertones - shade 4 Natural is the perfect match as I still have traces of my Christmas Caribbean tan left.

LOVE

V-Day Beauty Look: Brigitte Bardot

WAB Wild About Beauty Nutrilips Colour Lipstick in 08 Caroline 

For the application I used realTechniques Retractable Lip Brush, 

which I love throwing in my handbag and always have on hand for retouching.

Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Deep Black

I was thinking to myself should I pull out the red lipstick and go for the classic look this V-Day, but then I decided to bring out my alter ego Brigitte Bardot and keep it nice and nude. A smokey eye and a nude lip is always a winner in my beauty-book. On the eyes I used MAC Haux eyeshadow all over and then blended in a touch of MAC Folie into the socket. The legendary Brigitte Bardot feline flick + the black waterline frames the eye beautifully allowing the rest of the make-up to be pretty nude and natural. 

For the feline flick I used Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eye Liner in Deep Black [which I am currently obsessed with! - an intense black that dries matte] and for the waterline I had to go for my favourite kohl liner Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'N' Kohl Iconic Liquid Eye Pencil in Bedroom Black. And on the lips I used a lipstick which is pretty new to me, Wild About Beauty Nutrilips Colour in 08 Caroline. It's a gorgeous pinky nude and the texture is beautifully smooth and lightweight, leaving your lips look nourished and perfectly kissable.

LOVE

V-Day Fragrance: L'Occitane Arlesienne

When it comes to V-Day and scents you can't go wrong with a springy sexy fragrance like L'Occitane Arlesienne. I have reviewed a few products from this line in my Gift Guide last Christmas so go check it out for more info. This is the fragrance I will be wearing tomorrow simply because it's fresh, floral and sexy yet effortless. It's beautifully feminine and chic, a fragrance perfect for the upcoming spring/summer.

LOVE

Cosmetics a la Carte Rose Skincare!

Hey Beauty Lovers! I had a little rumble in my beauty cupboard in the hope of finding some rescue skincare for my currently under-the-weather dehydrated winter skin and came across this lovely trio! First of all I absolutely love rose scented skincare and secondly these three skincare products are exactly what dull winter skin needs right now. I love the packaging, scent and texture of Cosmetics a la Carte Rose skincare range. The light-weight texture of the Rose Dew Moisturiser & Make-Up Primer is perfect for the awakening of the winter dormant skin, it helps to plump dull winter skin with moisture for that naturally dewy skin finish. 

Both the Rose Water and Rose Dew are suitable for all skin types and are the epiphany of Spring skin! I am also very much fond of the Rose Hydrabalm, which is a collagen enhancing & hydrating lip balm, again the scent and texture are lovely! This sort of skincare gets me very excited for winter-to-spring skin transition. I have always associated the V-Day with the soon-to-come mellow Spring sunshine and the goodbye-wave to  freezing cold Winter days, which in abundance suck all the moisture out of the skin. So why not give someone you love the pleasure of beautiful skincare this upcoming V-Day, or indeed to yourself!

LOVE

Le Couvent des Minimes Botanical Cologne of Love!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Here is a great new find which I have become quite frankly addicted to. If you are into scents I highly recommend you check out Le Couvent des Minimes, which are available at Boots.com or directly on their website lecouventdesminimes.co.uk [currently there is a V-Day offer on their website, two products for £28 worth £34]. They are a French brand based in the South of France that believe in the goodness of natural ingredients. On the back of their products you will find the botanical info that will satisfy your inner-nerd and tell you what natural ingredients went into the potion as well as what benefits it has for the skin, which I find to be a very neat idea! 

Botanical Cologne of Love collection is perfect for the upcoming V-Day! My personal pick is the Cologne and the Beneficial Care Oil, simply because I find to make a scent linger the longest it is best to apply it in 'layers'. This oil is multifunctional, you can utilise your significant other and kindly ask for a much deserved V-Day Special massage, or apply the oil through the ends of your hair to give it a natural healthy shine, or you can even indulge in some quality me-time and have a beautiful bath pouring a few drops of the oil into the water. Having a bit of the oil on your hair or skin will make the cologne scent last longer, so that's a little trick for you there. 

Speaking of which the actual cologne scent is incredible, I have become quite literally obsessed with it. It's a combination of sweet and fresh Orange Blossom and Citrus Fruits. Orange Blossom is traditionally known as the scent of love and it was considered a remedy for dry skin. It's a great scent with a hint of sexy to kick-start the Spring! 

LOVE

Lush V-Day Treats!

 Lush Heart Throb, Bubble Bar

 Clockwise: Heart Throb, Bubble Bar; Cupid's Love, Soap; Floating Flower, Bath Bomb; 

and Unicorn Horn, Bubble Bar

Hey Beauty Lovers! It's that time of the year again when love should be embraced. Lush has mixed a few potions together and created lots of lovely treats for the V-Day, whether you are loved-up or enjoying the single-hood there is something for everyone. When it comes to Lush I love displaying a few soaps and bath bombs in a platter on my windowsill in the bathroom, it fills the room with beautiful sweet and floral aromas. 

Heart Throb Bubble Bar turns your bath water a bright red for a romantic mood setting. Frangipani and Vanilla create a beautifully floral and comforting sweet scent, while Geranium Oil helps to tone and balance the skin. 

Cupid's Love Soap has Bergamot and Rosewood for an uplifting atmosphere and fresh figs, passion fruit juice with soya yoghurt help to nourish and soften the skin.

Floating Flower Bath Bomb is great for a sensual evening, Jasmine and Ylang Ylang create a sweet and floral scent concoction, while Cypress Oil has calming and toning properties.

And finally, Unicorn Horn Bubble Bar is perfect for brightening up your day and bringing a little rainbow into the premises of your bathroom. Uplifting and toning Neroli is paired up with balancing and calming Lavender and sweet and floral Ylang Ylang.

LOVE