New Origins Counter at Selfridges!

Yesterday I trotted along to meet the lovely ladies at Origins for a good browse through the new  counter at Selfridges. Being a huge Origins lover myself I was pleased to see the counter has been extended with a few new exciting offers, especially counting down to Christmas, that makes it definitely worth a visit....

I'm a big believe in 'try before you buy' and clearly Origins are too as they have set up a sampling system where you can help yourself to little pots and fill them up with the top 5 best selling Origins products. In the run up to Christmas they've added a gift wrapping station with gift tags in six different languages, there's also a tote bag free with purchases over £75. 

Their counter is filled with Christmas gift sets (I have my eye on quite a few) but my favourite part has got to be their display of best selling products as it's a fantastic way to get to know the brand.

And if that wasn't enough to celebrate the new counter Origins are hosting exciting promotions for the next three weeks. This week if you purchase a skincare item and trade in any product you get a full size Origins face mask free! (May I suggest the Drink Up Intensive - post here). 

Will you be making a trip to the new Origins counter?

Spot Zapping

Once a month lurkers, I'm sure some of you ladies know what I'm talking about. Those horrible under the skin, take a week to kick, blemishes. Every grey cloud has a silver lining they say - and this particular cloud lurker brought about the discovery of something truly amazing...

Unfortunately deciding to try out the Origins Super Spot Remover was a mistake, I absolutely love Origins but this left my skin looking so red, irritated and dry that not only was it twice the size it started off it was also impossible to cover up! A big thumbs down from me...

Time for damage control and bring out the big guns, I decided to try something Caroline recommended, Darphin Purifying Balm, which I'm sure you've seen me sing it's praises on twitter all week - spoiler alert: it's a total healer! Massaged in to the affected area and left overnight I noticed my blemish looked less angry, redness had significantly decreased and was much easier to cover as it was less dry and flakey! (Lovely details I know...)

After this positive experience I continued to apply Darphin Purifying Balm all over my face for that double whammy of keeping blemishes at bay and hydrating my skin. The aftermath was incredible, hydrated plump skin, lurkers significantly decreased and skin looked much less dull. It's a small pot for £41 but a little goes a seriously long way. I've been pairing it with Overnight Refining Lotion, which I've also been using as a primer before concealer as it leaves skin so smooth and makes it much easier to cover. The two have been a killer blemish combatting combination! Conclusion: Darphin Aromatic Purifying Balm = miracle worker, but you already knew that from this post      

What do you use to combat blemishes?

How To: Deal With Puffy Eyes

When it comes to eyes, I'm a firm believer it's all about treating from the inside out. Those extra couple hours of sleep portray a tremendous difference in the appearance of my eyes, in redness, puffiness and brightness. When I find myself trolling home in the early hours of the morning or tearing myself from my bed equally early, my eyes start to suffer and there are a couple of products I pull out...

As soon as my eyes start to open I'll reach over to my bedside table where cotton pads get doused in Liz Earle Soothing Eye Bright Lotion, which I've raved about here, and patted onto my eyes making waking up a little more bearable. 

There are two masks that I keep on rotation if I have an extra 10 minutes, firstly Origins No Puffery Cooling Eye Mask, which I apply a thick layer of around my eyes and wash off. This stuff is seriously refreshing and the wonderfully cooling effect is fantastic wake up call for my eyes! I tend to keep this stashed away in my fridge for extra power. 

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Eye Mask which I wrote about here are my pre-party saviours, that contain cucumber which includes Vitamin K, great for shrinking capillaries which helps reduce dark circles. Now I didn't see anything miraculous in that department but there was definitely some hydrating, less redness and soothing going on. 

If theres minimal time for pampering I'll reach for Coupe Eclat which I picked up from Beauty Mart. I'll break the little capsule and dab the liquid into my skin for some added brightening. My favourite out of the bunch has got to be Clinique Even Better Eyes, purely for the cooling massage tip. I'll apply this like an eye cream squeezing the tube as I run it along my orbital bone. Doing this feels instantly cooling and soothing, especially after a long day of staring at a screen! The actual cream is slightly light reflective which helps aid under my eyes in looking brighter, it has the smoothest almost velvet like texture that concealer applies like a breeze over the top. 

What do you reach for when your eyes a looking a little puffy?

Air Bourne Beauty

It's often after flying I land to dry, dull skin so after last weeks long haul fights I managed to put together a routine, that helped me land with even better skin than I boarded with, using the plane time to my advantage. The best part was hardly anyone noticed I was wondering around in a face mask...

Firstly I removed makeup with this mini Micellar Water from Taaj, which is so low maintenance it hardly requires a mirror let alone a sink! I then spritzed some of refreshing Caudalie Beauty Elixir over my skin and applied a thick layer of Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask, which I kept on throughout the flight. Fantastic news that it's clear so appears as though you're just applying moisturiser! 

To keep that fake tan in tact and avoid crocodile skin I applied Balance Me Rose Otto Body Cream, which feels butter soft on the skin and doesnt leave that unpleasant sticky feeling. For hands I would apply some of the Origins Make A difference Hand Cream, dab my temples with Origins Peace Of Mind before I slept and coated my lips in Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm For Lips.

Before landing I removed Origins Drink Up Mask and reapplied foundation and I was a very happy bunny landing to fresh plump skin with no dry patches or irritation. 

Anything I should add to my routine next time?

Currently Loving: Origins Make A Difference & Peace Of Mind

I'm loving seeing brands getting involved in Breast Cancer Awareness, helping raise awareness, donate to charity and seeing everything pink! My latest favourite has got to be this duo from Origins, Make A Difference & Peace Of Mind Set, which has secured its place in the depth of my handbag as an on-the-go essential. 

The limited edition set, available throughout October, includes a mini bottle of Make A Difference rejuvenating hand cream and Peace Of Mind a stress relieving treatment. Both of which are absolute lovely, the hand cream is nourishing yet not sticky and I've fallen in love with the Peace Of Mind treatment. I'll massage a dot on my temples and on my neck when travelling or before sleeping and the calming minty scent will linger for the majority of twenty minutes. They are both handily attached on a carabiner - perfect for attaching to the inside of my handbag for easy access! 

This retails for £10, £2 of which goes to Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the UK. Will you be picking it up?

Beauty On Location: Breast Cancer Awareness Party

For a pink lover like myself it's extremely exciting seeing an array of pink products appear onto the beauty counters, especially when they are in aid of a cause like Breast Cancer Awareness. At a Breast Cancer Awareness party last week I decided instead of dressing in an entirely pink outfit I would wear products that helped support Breast Cancer Awareness.

The Clinique Chubby Stick, which I'm a huge fan of already (post here) is currently in limited edition shade, Plumped Up Pink, of which £2 of every sale will be going to Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  On my pinkie was the shade by Nails Inc called, Pinkie Pink which £1 of every bottle sold will be donated to Breast Cancer Campaign. By painting your Pinkie Pink you are supporting the cause and helping raise awareness!

Skin

- I kept my skin looking fresh and glowing with YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat with a sweeping of my latest powder love, Jurlique Rose Silk Finishing Powder and as always, By Terry Touche Veloutee covering my under eye circles.

- On my cheeks I swept some of Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Lush Nectarine and used the darker shade from the Sleek Contour Kit to contour.

Eyes

- I swept some of Natural Collection Eyeshadow in Milk Chocolate all over the lid with Mac Carbon Eyeshadow along the lash line followed by Pixi Lash Line Ink. I then applied lashings of Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara.

Lips & Nails

- As mentioned above, lips were coated in Clinique Chubby Stick in Plumped Up Pink and my pinkie was painted in Nails Inc Pinky Pink to show my support!

Have any Breast Cancer Awareness products caught your eye this month? You can visit the Breast Cancer Awareness page & learn a little more here

Currently Loving: Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara

Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara £17 here

The latest mascara to grace my lashes is Origins GinZing Brightening Mascara described to lengthen and lift. Coming from Origins natural skincare brand I was interested to see how this would preform - it's formulated without any parabens or synthetic fragrances but includes vitamins that help condition the lash and promote hydration. I'm happy to report it actually feels nourishing on my lashes as opposed to crunchy but haven't been using it long enough to see the difference in the condition but if it does anything spectacular I'll be sure to let you ladies know... 

Let's get one thing straight - it does what it says on the tin, exactly what I desire in all my products. It lengthens and lifts, which being someone that doesnt curl their lashes, is right up my street. It provides very natural, unclumpy fluttery lashes but one aspect that it lacks is providing volume.

One thing to note is the ginourmous wand! It's absolutely whoppingly huge, which at first glace I gathered would end up smudging all over my eyes as well as poking myself in the eye but I'm pleased to report it surprisingly induced neither and instead coats each lash brilliantly.

For the evening I tend to favour a more dramatic look as my mascara is often paired with a smokey eye, causing lashes to get lost with all the eyeshadow so Origins GinZing will remain a day time mascara for me which is excellent as it doesn't smudge one bit!

Have you tried any Origins Makeup?

Loves Of The Month: September

Contrast to relaxation August, September was hectic, with London Fashion Week, a new job and other bits and pieces left little time for trailing new things as I just relied on my loves, namely Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara and L'Oreal Super Liner. I did however dabble in plenty of skincare...

Clinique Chubby Stick in Mighty Mimosa

These sticks are totally foolproof and easy to use, they are the perfect combination between a balm and a gloss and one coat provides a glossy sheen to the lips. My favourite shade is this baby peach, Mighty Mimosa. 

Pixi Lash Line Ink

Super black, extremely easy tapered felt nib and last all day without budging! Now to decide which one I prefer most, L'Oreal or Pixi...

Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask 

An overnight mask that saved my dehydrated skin over the last month, leaving me waking up to a brighter more even skin tone. Applied before bed, exactly like a moisturiser, massage in it's thick formula and peachy scent and wash off in the morning. 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone

Applied as a base before foundation provides the most natural but visible glow, that doesn't look like I've dipped my face in a bowl of glitter. It adds a juicy boost, as if I've been on holiday the past week or been on a detox!

Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula Cocoa Body Scrub

When a body scrub smells this good, you'll want to get buffing everyday! It leaves skin soft and gleaming after it sloughs away every trace of dead skin. Love!

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Another overnight skin treat! A nourishing elixir that I apply after toning, pressed into the skin that doesn't feel too oily or greasy, it hydrates dry patches overnight, balances everything out and I found my foundation lasting longer on my skin after use.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

Not only does this smell amazing, it also removes makeup with such ease without irritating the eyes. Applied as a balm all over my face and massaged in then removed with a warm cloth, leaves skin feeling smooth without an oily film. 

What have you been loving this month?

Beauty On Location: Formal Lunch

Formal lunches can be a two to three hour affair, iPhones are left unattended, emails get disguarded and running to the bathroom for a touch up isn't an option. In terms of makeup, of course lunch means little lip action going on, there's nothing worse than a ring of pink lipstick on your glass. I kept my makeup pretty simple, my routine when-in-doubt face with nothing too fancy going on. Same goes for my hair, no poofy volume or ringlet curls, just good old simple blow-dry.

Skin

- I wanted my skin to look as natural as possible so started of with Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer as a base to ensure shine stayed at bay. I then followed with Dior DiorSkin Airflash Foundation for a luminous finish that provides coverage.
- Under my eyes I used a combination of L'Oreal Lumi Magique with Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
- To define my cheeks I used the Une Healthy Glow Mineral Powder and a touch of Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Lush Nectarine

Eyes

- The shade Pale Barley by Burberry is the perfect all over the lid shade that doesn't crease, is really pigmented and lasts throughout the day. I added a little colour to my socket with Mac Cork and smudged some of the darker shade Mac Carbon along my lash line.

- Pixi Lash Line Ink added some extra definition as I lined my eyes and finished off with Origins Ginesing Brightening Mascara

Lips

- I left my lips pretty nude throughout the lunch but before I arrived swept a coat of Benefit Ultra Plush Gloss in Dandelion as it doesnt last long on the lips and isn't sticky at all

What's your routine face?

Overnight Skin Treats

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate £36 here, Origins Drink Up Intensive £20 here

As much as I'd love everything in my stash to achieve amazing results this rarely happens, especially with skincare. It's rare my picky self ventures out of the usual skincare routine but thanks to some seriously dehydrated skin giving me a push in the right direction I've discovered two absolute gems... 

First up is Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, an elixir which claims to replenish the skin with moisture. Feeling totally weightless on the skin but really nourishing at the same time. After using the Kiehl's for the first time and stumbling out of bed the next morning to go give my skin some good scrutiny in the mirror, I smiled. I actually smiled AT my skin, which is something completely new for the girl that is usually frowning and poking. My skin tone looked much more even and calm, my blemish looked less red and inflamed - it was pretty spectacular. About four drops of this after toning does the job, pressed into my skin with my finger tips and left overnight. 

After that success with Kiehl's, as I applied Origins Drink Up Intensive and inhaled the peachy scent I thought there was just no way it could beat the effects the Kiehl's had... The cream with a gel like consistency feels like a heavier moisturiser that my skin literally 'drunk up' overnight leaving me waking up to practically glowing skin. Despite this being designed for dry skin types I felt it worked amazingly on my combination skin, t-zone was less greasy and dry patches were significantly reduced. All in all balancing everything out making my makeup last longer on my skin as a result. Another big winner!

Both of these are something I use once a week, a night before an event or the night after a little boogie when I didn't get too much sleep. Some pretty hefty claims on my part but something you'll only see if you try for yourself! I can't rave enough about these! 

What are your overnight skin treats?