WHERE TO EAT IN LONDON
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FEBRUARY FAVOURITES 2016
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BECCA AQUA LUMINOUS PERFECTING FOUNDATION
When a product promises skin-like luminosity my ears perk up... I'm listening. BECCA as a brand has always been the one for fresh looking skin and if you want to look like an Aussie babe Becca is the brand to go to. On a recent trip to Space NK I spied their new foundation, the Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation. I quickly picked up my shade and headed home for a quick cleanse and foundation re-application.
The packaging is a little confusing, you have to shake it up, twist the lid slightly, press down on the pusher, twist the lid off completely and then press again to release the dropper. Maybe a little too faffy for me but the important thing is what comes out!
The foundation is 32% water hence the "aqua" in the name and it truly gives the iconic Becca look to the skin, natural luminosity. I've tried applying it with my fingers and with a damp sponge and both work great. It definitely gives that wet, one with the skin look and feel which I completely love, one application is light to medium but it can be built up to a medium coverage. There are eight "flexible" shades in the range which doesn't sound like that many but Becca have said they picked specific shades that can work with all different skin tones. I am shade Fair and it works perfectly with my skin tone.
The foundation is £34 and you get 30ml of product. I've really been loving this so far, I'll try and use it in a tutorial video soon!
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NARS VELVET MATTE LIP PENCIL IN BAHAMA
I am the proud owner of quite a few NARS matte lip pencils but in the past I've only really gone matte for red and now I'm really enjoying wearing more neutral mauve shades in a matte formula. I decided to pick up a new NARS velvet matte lip pencil but this time in the shade 'Bahama'. It's a beautiful shade that sits somewhere between a rosey brown and a mauve. It's right up my street and less pink than MAC 'Mehr' so a bit more on trend.
The Velvet Matte Lipsticks are long wearing but not drying on the lips. Some shades are more drying than others but I found this one to be really comfortable. There's not much else to say, the photos do all the talking. It's £20 and available at Space NK.
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SHOPPING FRENZY IN AMSTERDAM
As you might have already seen if you subscribe to my YouTube channel or follow me on Instagram, I was whisked off to Amsterdam for the day on Wednesday. Wella Professionals invited me out to visit the Mogeen salon and get my hair done by Hester Wemert-Rijn ahead of Paris Fashion Week which I'll be attending with them this weekend.
I spent quite a few hours in the salon with one of their global creative artists, Hester and she created a bespoke hair colour just for me. The technique is called Ecaille and it's a multi-tonal colour technique that's very on trend for SS16. I specifically asked for natural tones but this technique can be catered to all hair colours and can be as intense or subtle as you like.
I vlogged the whole experience so have a watch of the vlog above where I may have also got a little bit spendy in the Amsterdam boutiques!
To find a Wella Salon to get your own personalized Ecaille look or to purchase the EIMI styling products, visit this site. Visit the Ecaille collection page for more information + Ecaille looks.
*This blog post contains a paid for advertorial from Wella Professionals.
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HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY
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CHANEL , A TOUCHE DE PARFUM
Chanel have done it again. Turned something practical into something both practical and incredible beautiful. Everything Chanel does has class, an approachable sense of luxury and indulgent feel that is infectious. In this case I'm talking about the new "on-the-go" Coco Mademoiselle Touche De Parfum. The original Coco Mademoiselle is one of their most popular fragrances, it's fresh and vibrant with orange, jasmine, rose, patchouli and vetiver notes throughout. It's slightly lighter than the other Chanel fragrances and probably my favourite from their "for her" range. The Chanel perfume bottles are gorgeous and worth keeping out on display, but the glass bottles means they have never been great for travelling.
At the end of February they launched the Touche De Parfum, a limited edition perfume dispenser that was inspired by lipstick. It's the size of a lipgloss and housed in their famous "pop up" lipgloss packaging too. You press the Chanel logo at the end and the applicator pops out. This is the first time I've seen perfume that can be applied like this. I've seen rollerballs but this perfume has a stiff, plastic applicator that can deposit the clear fragrance onto your wrists, neck or behind the ears. It means you can discreetly top up your fragrance almost like you would a lipgloss. The perfume comes in a beautiful beige suede case so it really is a handbag accessory.
I've never seen anything like it and it's the ultimate treat - it would make a beautiful gift too!
The Touche De Parfum is £65, it's Chanel after all and it's limited edition. I love the idea, it's so special.
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VLOGGING AT PARIS FASHION WEEK
As you may have seen already if you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, after a day in Amsterdam I had a day at home before catching the train to Paris for the weekend. It was Paris Fashion Week, an incredibly exciting time in the city and I was there with Wella Professionals to go backstage and sit front row at three shows over the weekend.
The entire weekend was captured in the vlog posted above so have a watch to see what I got up to. I had my hair styled using EIMI products on both days, Saturday's look was a bit fun and different for me! I went to the Acne, Vivienne Westwood and Roland Mouret shows where I got to see Eugene Souleiman work his magic on the models' hair. A look I saw a couple of times was slicked down hair on the crown that opens up towards the neck into soft, clean, wispy hair. It looked beautiful on the catwalk!
To find a Wella Salon to get your own personalized Ecaille look or to purchase the EIMI styling products, visit this site. Visit the Ecaille collection page for more information + Ecaille looks.
*This blog post contains a paid for advertorial from Wella Professionals.
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ISLE OF ROSES HAIR OIL
"More than just a look or an effect, Isle of Roses Hair Oil is a feeling, an effortless polish, a quiet glamour. It's a subtle reminder of the sensual self, a transporting aroma, and a quintessentially feminine moment like dabbing fragrance behind the ear or gazing into a compact mirror while putting on lipstick. It's a private luxury to keep close and resort to anytime".
This was the first thing I read when looking at the side of this little white box that landed on my desk. It's the perfect description of the product and there's no way I could put it better myself. I've had a love/hate relationship with hair oils over the years. I know that it really helps my dry, coarse hair but some are just too heavy and make the boring task of hair washing more of a frequent priority.
The Isle of Roses hair oil is the new hair baby of Michael Gordon, the founder of Bumble & Bumble. What first grabbed my attention was the little, delicate, discreet white and blush pink bottle. It's the perfect handbag size and reminds me of something from Alice in Wonderland. The dropper picks up a small amount of oil so it's hard to go overboard.
Right, so onto the oil itself. It can be used on both damp or dry hair and I've tried using it both ways. Used on damp hair it acts as a slight protector and shield for any heat damage and used on dry hair it acts as a frizz and split-end tamer, an on-the-go hair fixer if you will. I use a couple of drops and rub it in between my hands before running my fingers through the mid to end lengths of the hair. It's light enough that it doesn't make your hair feel greasy but it's oily (?) enough that it actually makes a difference!
I'm a convert. This is the sort of product I would definitely add to the beauty bag that lives in my handbag. It's currently a bit hard to get hold of, Beauty Mart stock it for £42 if you want to get your hands on it.
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AFFORDABLE DRUGSTORE MAKEUP TUTORIAL
Today's video is a simple, everyday makeup look using exclusively affordable products. I know you guys like to have options and it took me a while to find the right products that are great quality but I'm really happy with the finished look so I hope you like it!
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FRONT COVER SHOOT!
This all seems very surreal, but if you haven't yet seen on my social media, I'm on the front cover of a magazine! I've had to keep it a secret for quite a while so it's really exciting to be able to share the photoshoot and final piece. Blogosphere Magazine got in touch a while back and asked if I'd like to be their next cover girl and I of course jumped at the opportunity. Blogosphere magazine, for those of you who don't know, is a magazine about blogging, written and edited by bloggers. It's one of those special, thick, lovely-to-hold magazines that you just want to display on your coffee table to look pretty. It not only looks pretty though, it's a really interesting read.
I spent the day shooting with them and they created the video above which I absolutely love. The entire day was incredibly relaxed, we just sat and chatted and it didn't feel at all like I was being interviewed. I left with absolutely no idea what I had said so I was incredibly happy with the interview, considering I blabbed on for so long. I feel like Alice, the editor, really captured what I'm all about and how I feel about blogging. She covered so many topics and wrote down my ramblings in such a beautiful way. I've re-read the piece so many times, I really do love it.
The magazine is available to order online and can be shipped internationally and it would mean the world to me if you got one! If you're based in the UK it'll also be stocked in most of the larger WHSmiths from today. Head over to Blogosphere's Twitter to see a list of shops that will have it. I'm so excited to hear what you all think and thanks again for all of your support and encouragement... there's no way I would have been asked to do this shoot without you guys!
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HOW TO TAKE GOOD INSTAGRAM PHOTOS
Today's video is all about my favourite social media platform, Instagram. How I take/edit/post my photos as well as who I love to follow and lots of other tips and tricks. Enjoy!
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LANCOME JUICY SHAKERS
When Lancome took on Lisa Eldridge as their new creative director I think we all knew we'd be in for some big changes and exciting new treats. And so here it is, the first most exciting new launch of the year, the Juicy Shakers. The Lancome Juicy Tube was one of my first ever beauty purchases as a young teenager so this new update really excites me. When I first opened these up to have a look I didn't really understand what I was looking at as I've never really seen anything else like it but I've had a couple of weeks to play with them and I'm ready to review!
The packaging was inspired by the original Lancome cocktail shaker lipstick and the 90s Juicy Tube that I remember so well. It's a bi-phase formula that combines pigment with oil so you need to give them a good shake before applying. Although the packaging is insanely cute it's the applicator that really impressed me. After giving them a good shake you can twist open the lid to reveal a slightly pointed cushion applicator. It's soft, squishy and very flexible so it feels amazing on the lips. It definitely allows you to apply without a mirror as it really melts the product into the lips.
The formula is incredibly sheer which also makes a mirror-free application easy. It leaves a very sheer tint to the lips and because of the sweet almond and cranberry oil in the formula it feels really lovely and comforting on the lips. The only problem with such a sheer finish is that, on my lips, I can hardly tell the difference between the shades. If you also find this then I'd say pick your shade by picking your favourite scent because each Juicy Shaker has a different scent, most of them are fruity. "Meli Melon" is completely delicious and has me reapplying all day!
They are £18 and come in 14 shades, one of which is a clear mint. I'd say it's worth picking up one but it's not the kind of thing you'd need multiple of. I've really enjoyed using mine just as a day to day stain. My natural lip colour is very pale so it just adds a little colour and shine.
I'm really excited to see what else Lancome come up but this is a great start for sure!
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OSKIA’S NEW RENNAISANCE PRODUCTS
If you've read my blog and watched my videos for a while now, you'll be more than aware of my love for Oskia's Renaissance Cleansing Gel. It's the only cleanser I use these days as it removes my makeup and cleanses my skin better than any other cleanser I've tried. I've always been a huge fan of the brand itself, Georgie the founder is a working mum with such a passion for skincare it really shines through. I've had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of times and hearing her back story and sharing news of exciting future launches.
At a recent event she shared two new products which I've been trialling now for about a month. In today's post I'm going to share with you the details of both products and my experience with them so far. Oskia list all of their ingredients on their website so please check there to see ingredients list.
Renaissance Brightlight - link Brightlight is their new daily correcting serum. The serum is designed to combat hyper-pigmentation, fade dark spots and repair sun damage so it's definitely aimed at the slightly older market. It evens out skin tone and gives a brighter, illuminated complexion. I checked first to make sure it was ok for me to use, despite not having hyper-pigmentation or dark spots. I won't be able to tell you the results of that aspect but I do know that this serum has really improved the texture and glow to my skin. It has some AHAs in there which help with the texture so I have been using this morning and night before moisturiser. It's quite a liquidy serum so a little goes a long way!
Renaissance 360 Moisturiser - link
Housed in their new, more compact packaging the Renaissance 360 is Oskia's new daily moisturiser. It's a vitamin-rich day cream that combats ageing, improving skin elasticity, reducing fine lines, reducing pigmentation and fading discolouration on the skin. It has an underlying SPF of 8 to protect (Georgie believes in using a separate SPF layered) and this has become a firm favourite of mine. It feels rich enough to hydrate my skin but sinks into the skin really nicely - you only need one pump!
Oskia is the brand I always direct people to when they're lost in the skincare world. It's a beautiful brand with passion and quality throughout. The new products are out now, the serum is £85 and the moisturiser is £65.
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LIVING ROOM TOUR
Yesterday's video was a little tour around our living room. I've been meaning to do this video for the longest time but as I mention in the video I never felt the room was ready. It still isn't but I don't think it ever will be. So I decided to show you in it's current state and it's a room we both love. It's the hub of the flat and we spend some much time in there. I hope you like the tour!
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SEPHORA HAUL & LIQUID LIPSTICK TRY ON
Yesterday's video was a Sephora haul that mainly consisted of liquid lipsticks, some other liquid lipsticks and more liquid lipsticks. Enjoy!
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LEAN IN
I'm feeling particularly spritely at the moment and I'm trying harder to take the time for the occasional fist-pump and self pat on the back. I'm pretty sure it's all down to my current read, "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg. The Facebook COO has written down her personal career story and I'm only half way through but already feeling completely empowered. She has an incredible way of looking at things and it's really made me think about my own take on feminism and my own personal career path. I'd definitely recommend it!
I met up with the lovely Amber-Rose last week to take some snaps on Charlotte Street as I wanted to share some new pieces in my wardrobe. Charlotte Street is one of my favourite areas in London, especially for food! Right in the middle of the street is the Charlotte Street hotel, a beautiful location and a great spot for afternoon tea.
I picked up this blazer in Topshop and it's quite different for me so I was unsure at first but I love it. It's loose fitting with double breasted button details and a gorgeous bamboo print. It actually comes with matching shorts but I prefer to wear it with casual jeans and flats. I'm so happy the weather is improving in London, it means I can finally start wearing my Whistles flats - they're so comfortable and go with everything!
I'm so in love with my new bag, it's the Celine Nano Luggage Tote and I picked it up when I was in Paris for fashion week. The purchase was completely overshadowed by the fact that I saw Jessica Alba in the Celine store but it was a really special purchase and one I'd done a lot of research for beforehand. I'll be filming a handbag collection soon where I'll talk more about this bag in detail but I'm so happy with it and I'm glad I chose this one in the end. The tricolour makes it really interesting and I love the pop of blue!
NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu has been my staple nude lip gloss recently and it's perfect for a subtle everyday lip. I'd love to know what you think of these photos? Would you like me to do more?
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Photos by Amber-Rose
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MARCH FAVOURITES
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Disneyland Paris Travel Photo Diary
Disneyland as a kid was always the dream, but I'm telling you... Disneyland as an adult is even better.
A couple of weeks ago I visited Disneyland Paris with my family, we took the kids but the adult to child ratio was quite hilarious and the adults were definitely more excited than the kids. It's because we all knew what was coming, we knew we'd soon be stepping into this bizarre, magical land where nothing feels real and it all seems like an amazing dream. We stayed at the Disneyland hotel which meant we could really get the most out of the weekend as it's literally in the park. Everything is so grand at Disney, including the hotels and the huge staircases and high ceilings bring back so many amazing childhood memories for me. It was one of my nephews' first time in a hotel so having to explain to him why he has to put shoes on when he leaves his bedroom was definitely memorable.
I've never been one for rides, as a kid I was always the bag holder and I'd prefer to soak up the experience instead. This time round I seemed to have a bit more courage as I was with family and well, they're very good at convincing me to do things. We went on pretty much all the big rides (and all the kiddy ones too!). My favourite rides were Ratatouille, Crush's Coaster and Pirates of the Caribbean. Somehow I survived Space Mountain despite being told it definitely doesn't go upside down... it definitely did. The Disney Studios park had so many great rides but the atmosphere at the Disneyland Park can't be beaten. I ate far too many toffee apples and far too much candy floss, I was pretty much on a sugar high the entire time.
It was a great opportunity to practice some of new camera skills and I became family photographer for the weekend (I took 703 photos and edited them down to 93 great ones for our family album). One of my highlights from the trip was without a doubt the beautiful light and fireworks display on the Friday night. It's incredible how the projections are shown on the castle whilst a water and fireworks display compliments the most memorable Disney songs. I was grinning ear to ear the entire time!
I love sharing my trips every now again by doing these travel photo diaries so I hope you like seeing my snaps. It's rare for me and my family to all go away together so it was a trip that I won't be forgetting any time soon. Very special indeed.
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Edinburgh, Beauty Chat Live & Photo Shoots
I'm back with another weekly vlog and this week I visited Edinburgh! I filmed our quick journey, Beauty Chat Live and then made my way back to London for an exciting shoot! Hope you like the vlog.
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More Pages to Explore .....
