Beauty Night In

End of weekend relaxation involves a little pamper, heavily scented candles and some relaxing bath oil. This sunday it was home alone for me, blasting Adele with a house full on candles and bubble baths - bliss!

Candle light is an essential part of my evening pampers, relaxing aromas, my latest candle Diptyque Amber Oud, which is part of their Christmas releases (post here), graced the halls of my bathroom. A warm and spicey scent that isn't too sweet - really gets me ready to sing some Christmas carols! 

I started off with a mini facial from my lovely Ren stash. Firstly lightly exfoliated with Jojoba Microbead Purifying Facial Polish then headed in with two masks - Ren Invisible Pores Detox Mask (post here) to cleanse and draw out impurities followed by Ren Gycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask which is a honey like texture that aims to encourage cell turnover leaving skin glowing and smooth. (Spot the Ren lover anyone?)

As I'm letting this mask soak in singing along to Someone Like You i'll have a bath, throw in some of This Works In The Zone Bath & Shower Gel for some bubbles along with some Aromatherapy Associates Relax Bath & Shower Oil for some seriously calming scented bubbles. 

Whilst sitting in the bath I'll sort out the dry ends that form at the end of a long weekend, Bumble and Bumble Deeep not only smells incredible but is a protein mask that helps repair damaged hair and really leaves my locks feeling soft, smooth and looking glossy. I'll run it though the mid-lengths to ends of my hair and leave on for 20 minutes. 

I'll then throw on some body lotion, usually my bottom half tends to need more moisture so Vaseline Essential Moisture Vitalising Body Gel Oil (post here) gets slapped on there whilst Aesop Rejuvinate Intensive Body Balm (post here) gets the top half. I'll then coat my hands and feet in Balance Me Super Moisturising Hand Cream, massage Neal's Yard Nourishing Melissa Nail Balm into my cuticles and add a thick layer of Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips all over my lips just before wondering off to sleep. 

It's very rare I get this much spare time so when I do I really go all out, just writing this all has made me want to do it all again...mmmm....

Nail Therapy

We all have our regrets when it comes to the beauty regime, whether it be not taking makeup off before bed or not applying an SPF. One of mine would be Gel and Acrylic overlay on my nails. I’ve had either one for as long as I can remember, barely giving my nails any time to ‘breathe’ from acrylics, extension tips to gels both bioscuplture and shellac.

They are something I have quite a love hate relationship with as I love the way they last on my nails without chipping but hate the condition they leave my nails in. After I finally took them off a couple of weeks ago my nails were thinner than paper - that's probably an understatement. In fact it's pretty disgusting how much they flake and break.

While I'm away on holiday I've decided it’s goodbye to gels for me and I am giving my nails some TLC with the aim of getting them back to a semi decent state.

To file my nails and even out any breakages I've been using these fantastic Stylefiles, which are curved and make filing nails so much simpler. Something so small yet makes such a big difference! For cuticles I've been applying Neals Yard Remedies Nail Balm at night as it’s a very rich hydrating cream and Sally Hansen Cuticle Eraser and Balm in the mornings. I’m not too keen on the Sally Hansen balm but it’s early days and a Sally Hansen product has never failed me so I'll keep ya posted. 

For stumpy little nails I've been applying coats of Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle daily. I'm unsure of the correct way to properly apply this treatment but it seems to be working pretty well just slapping on some coats whenever I feel needs. Another little Sally Hansen treatment is the Nailgrowth Miracle Serum, which I've been massaging into my nailbeds every other evening – I’d say the combination of the two has really helped give my stumpy nails an extra boost as they seem to be growing!

Now onto the star of the show, Dr Lewinns Renunail Nail Strengthener, after having no luck with OPI Nail Envy I got second time lucky. This stuff in an absolute gem, something you’re supposed to apply two coats of and then another coat everyday but I've been applying two coats every other day and have seen a huge difference in the strength of my nails. They aren't as strong as I'd like them to be yet, still a couple of breakages here but definitely a huge improvement.

To top the whole thing off I've been appling a super nourishing handcream by Balance Me, which I've been keeping by my bedside as a lovely treatment.

We aren't back to normal nail strength yet but the finish line is definitely in sight! What are some of your beauty regrets?

Product Rave: Neal's Yard Body Elixir

When I first bought this I said to myself I would reserve all judgements until I had given it a go in the conditions that my skin would need it the most, when it's very dry. After coming back from holiday and landing back in London only to what could be described as crocodile skin legs it was time to give it a proper go. There are sometimes those products you use once and know you've found something amazing, Neal's Yard Wild Rose Body Elixir was that kinda thing. Prepare yourself for a MAAJOR rave! 

I'm not too fussed on body moisturisers, I normally reach for Kiehl's Creme De Corps in the summer (post here) and for drier winter legs I slap on some body oil like L'Occitane Supple Skin Oil (link to post here) but there's that one awkward time in summer, where skin is tanned but not glowing and just looks a little lifeless from the sun. Wild Rose Body Elixir is unlike an oil or a moisturiser, it's a little mix of both, something that I would describe as a gel balm. An intensive moisturiser that has a thick oily texture. It needs serious working into the skin and takes a while to be absorbed so definitely one to apply before bed but it's unlike anything I've ever tried, or my skin has ever liked. In the morning there's still a little moisture to my skin but no more dryness, crocodile legs or flakey patches. 

I'm not one to go into detail about ingredients about products, if it works, it works! Right? But after having a brief look over there was a pretty good list that included omega 6 and 9, coco butter, brazil nut and rose hip oil. All together making it a very heavy moisturiser! In terms of application I smother my skin in the stuff straight after my shower, when skin is a little moist, for it to be well absorbed. 

It's not the cheapest body product around at £28 for 150ml but in my opinion well worth it if you're in need of an intensive moisture, and a little goes a seriously long way! Smooth and silky skin is definitely the result! 

I don't think I'll ever be without this stuff, it's seriously amazing! Just talking about it no makes me want to go and smother myself in it. Holy grail? Yeah, why not.

How To: Maintain A Tan

Last year I remember spending days of hours soaking up the suns rays with a minimal factor slapped all over myself only for my glowing skin to significantly decrease after stepping onto that heavily air-conditioned plane. Not to mention getting back to the cold weather in london. Being less of a sun junkie this year I've been slapping on a few extra products to help maintain my glow. 

Whilst I was still in Ibiza every evening I'de apply some after sun, Lierac Apres Soleil is my one of choice as it's very cooling, sinks into the skin really easily, smells amazing and hydrates dry skin. I do pick this up in France but have found it on Feel Unique here

Just before I got on the plane I slathered my skin in some good old Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula, Boots do some really handily mini bottles and this being under 100ml means it was perfect for travelling. It kept my skin hydrated throughout the flight as well as had me smelling like a yummy chocolate      

Right so the tricky bit, after a couple of days skin starts peeling, looking a day flakey and dry and just generally looking a tad lifeless. That's where the big guns come in, I've been reaching for Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion which was a free gift with purchase but I'm definitely considering buying the full bottle. It feels super luxurious on the skin and the formula is very rich and nourishing. Another product I've been loving is Neal's Yard Wild Rose Body Elixir, which is really wowing me at the moment so be prepared for a product rave coming your way soon! It's unlike anything I've ever tried before but in a nutshell is an intensely hydrating body cream.

If I'm going on I'll apply some St Tropez Skin Illuminator in Rose, which isn't sticky, sinks in immediately and adds a lovely glow to the skin, just to give it that extra bit of colour. 

So that's everything I've been religiously applying to try and maintain my tan before my next holiday! 

What are your favourite products for maintaining a tan?

Loves Of The Month: July

I've become a bit more religious with my skincare routine this month, trying to take everything back to basics and learning a little more about what goes into my products. That said I've decided to turn to my favourite brand, Ren which are now the majority of my skincare routine. I've only been using my new bits for a week so it's too soon to tell but I will be sure to let you ladies know! In the meantime here's what I've been loving this month...

Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream

Part of their new Bee Lovely range and my favourite item is the Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream. It's not sticky, really moisturising and smells incredible. Neal's Yard will be donating 5% of sales to charities that support awareness of the decline in our precious pollinators too!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm

I've raved about my love for cleansing balms, how the don't strip the skin and remove makeup easily here but the Amazing Face Cleansing Balm is my latest favourite, purely because of the scent! It doesn't sting eyes too which means it can be used all over the face and removes makeup with such ease.

Ojon Dry Recover Conditioner - post here

I was more than happy to return back to my favourite condition after the ends of my hair drying out a little on holiday. This is by far the favourite conditioner I have ever used! Smells amazing, really nourishing and helps detangle hair easily.

Institut Estederm UV Incellium Bronzant & Adaptasun - post here & here

My usual tanning routine every summer consists of Institut Estederm but this time I added UV InCellium Bronzant into the mix, which claims to adapt your skin to the sun and prepare it for the rays. I don't want to speak too soon but so far so good - I didn't burn!

Melvita Eye Makeup Remover - post here

With all this waterproof mascara I'm applying I've been reaching for Melvita which removes it with such ease and there's no need to rub and tug against my eyes!

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask

I'm not sure what's happening to my skin at the moment, if it's just being a bit hormonal or I haven't properly been removing all the SPF I've been wearing but I've come out with a few blemishes. Something that I've been dabbing on them overnight is the Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask which seems to be doing a good job of keeping them at bay whilst reducing redness.

Instutue Estederm Pure System Shine Control Fluid - post here

As it's been a little hotter I've been a little shinier so I've been reaching for a mattifying primer, I've raved about this fully here, but it's gel texture really helps keep shine at a minimum and is a perfect base for foundation

Yes To Carrots Body Butter - post here

This was an outstanding body butter that came in a Travel Essentials set from Yes To and the full size has already been added to my list as it's really nourishing, not sticky and dries matt so there's no need for waiting around before putting clothes on!

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser

I'm still in two minds about this product, yes it's amazing, gives flawless coverage, lasts well throughout the day but is it worth the price tag of £55? I'm still deciding but for now it's my go-to summer product that I've been reaching for everyday for its weightless finish and healthy glow. 

Dior DiorSkin Nude Tan Powder - post here

For when I don't want to cake myself in powder but just add a light sweeping this is what I've been reaching for, very light in texture and gives a flawless finish - love!

Lancome Hypnose Star - post here

I'm definitely one for thick dramatic lashes and my latest discovery - Lancome Hypnose Star has been gracing my lashes for the majority of this month. It's very similar to my favourite mascara Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill (post here) but a tad more dramatic. 

What have you been loving this month?

The Pre-Holiday Pamper

Weekends tend to be one of those times I indulge in a spot of pampering, which usually involves some sort of face mask, nails and a bit of fake tan. Before I'm off to Ibiza tomorrow I opted for the morning at home to pack and do some last minute pampering. Here's what I got up to...

Firstly as soon as I woke up I tried something new, the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask, which I've had my eye on for a while. They are a funny little contraption with a separate cucumber infused liquid and cotton eye pads. To use, one must press firmly on the fluid chamber, wait for eye pads to soak up the water and follow by keeping them under eyes for about 15 minutes, of which I daydreamed about doing absolutely nothing in the sun! After 15 minutes of depuffing and hydrating my eyes looked brighter as well as feeling more refreshed. Having only four in a packet these should definitely be saved for when eyes need a major pick me up and I've already packed one saches in my suitcase as a post party saviour!

I then continue to wet my hair in the sink purely to apply my favourite hair mask, Fekkai Advanced Salon Technician Rapid Results Moisture Mask, which smells incredible, feels really nourishing and helps maintain coloured hair, but more on that here. I kept this in for as long as possible with my hair up in a bun. Before I started packing some Ren Invisible Pores Detox Mask (my all time favourite mask by the way - would highly recommend) covered my face with some Lierac Eye Contour Balm and Mask in a thick layer around my eyes.  I then continued to decide which bikinis to bring along for around half an hour until the face and eye masks were ready to wash off. 

After washing off the masks I hopped in the shower to remove my hair mask and exfoliate my body head to toe. Of course no surprises here I whipped out my favourite Soap & Glory scrub, all of which are amazing, but after finishing Some Like It Hot! recently I decided to try out Pulp Friction and let me tell you it was no disappointment. Smells much more fruity than the usual Soap & Glory scent, was much less emulsifying yet much more gritty - perfect for a hard scrub!

Normally after scrubbing I would reach for my moisturiser or Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe but this time I went over to indulge in a St Tropez tan with a professional. I'll let you know how that gets on but I'm currently in all black baggy clothing smelling a bit like a biscuit. 

Lastly, after getting out the shower I reached for my tweezers and got rid of a couple of stray hairs on my eyebrows, just to make sure everything was very neat, slapped on some nail oil, Neals Yard hand cream and Dr Lipp (post here) at this point was all pampered out.

Of course with all of this going on I had my Neom Candle - link to post here - burning in the background, helping my turn my room into a mini spa. Just writing this post makes me want to do it all again...perhaps a post holiday pamper too?


I'm off to finishing packing but before I do, what does your pamper regime consist of? Anything I need to add?

Oh and ps - I narrowed it down to eleven bikinis for a week...is that too much?

Neils Yard Rose Water Toner

Mmmm the smell of roses! Totally obsessed! I'm the kind of person that will buy something purely because it includes the word 'roses' in it, which is probably why I’m a sucker for By Terry products. I've recently been into a lot of rose based skincare products and one of my favorites is this Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose Toner. In the morning and evening I'll douse a cotton pad in the toner and wipe all over my face. It feels very refreshing and has a lovely comforting scent that really feels like soothing my skin.

Rose based toner also has a lot of benefits! Such as...

- Anti-inflammatory- great for people who suffer from breakouts or acne

- Soothing & gentle - great for people with skin irritations or sensitive skin

- Tightens pores

- Antioxidant - for people living in busy cities like London!

- Moisturisng, firming & anti-wrinkle


Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose Toner can be purchased for £15.00 here