Flower Power - Fresh Rose Face Mask

Rose is my favourite everything at the moment.  This beautiful and delicate flower is so powerful and versatile - it looks and tastes amazing, and seems to be in pretty much in every beauty product I own. Even the ancient Romans and Greeks were addicted to it; they used it not only to perfume their baths, but as a natural, therapeutic remedy for skin disorders and other ailments. Rose essential oil is still relevant and cool in the anti-age beauty industry today. It contains a natural astringent to tighten pores and restore suppleness, it's antibacterial, and its anti inflammatory properties can also treat burns and other abrasive skin conditions such as acne. 

For the last couple of weeks I have been using the Rose Face Mask by Fresh which is an amazing twice a week skin pick me up. It's infused with real rose petals (2.5 per pot), rose water, cucumber extract, aloe vera gel, micro sea algae, and green tea, to moisturise, tone and brighten the complexion.  It's perfect for mid week boost when you're tired, working late, or burning the candle at both ends. The anti inflammatory properties from the cucumber, aloe vera and rose calms the skin down by cooling it. Therefore, it's good before a night out or special occasion because it really does make your skin look radiant and smooth, the perfect prep before applying makeup. 

As soon as I tried the Rose Face Mask on, I noticed the difference in my skin. It looked like it had changed colour, and was glowing, felt and looked smooth. The product itself is a brown gel with brown petals which is light and melts straight into the skin. It doesn't smell super floral, more medicinal, so if you're expecting a floral, or organic type smell you will be disappointed. It smells like chemicals, mixed with rose, and a hint of aloe vera. I am not too keen on the fragrance, but I don't hate it, and I'm not overly concerned because it does what it says on the tin. Also, you only need to have it on for 5-10 minutes and you're done. Skin is instantly brighter and more radiant. My only negative feedback is that it's not organic, and its expensive. However, as I like to champion natural and organic products, I still think there needs to be a certain amount of science to combat anti-ageing. The packaging is super cute, and a little goes a long way.

Available from Fresh

£47

Eyeko Eyeliner Bar

When I heard about the new Eyeko Eyeliner Bar launching in Selfridges last week I couldn't believe that no one else had thought of it until now. It's kind of genius. Want a cat eye like Alexa, but can't quite manage to get your flicks on fleek...? Then this is the place for you.  All you do is choose from the menu above and one of the eyeliner experts from the Eyeko team will transorm your eyes from basic to badass in minutes.

Last week I headed down to the Eyeko Eyeliner and Lash Bar in Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge (their flagship) to get mine done. Too be honest, I was nervous and curious (in a cynical way) about how it would turn out, only because, until recently, I have been wearing a 60's flick my entire makeup life, and can probably do my eyeliner with my eyes closed. So unlike me, who always gets asked to asked to do other people's eyeliner, I have never let anyone else touch my eyes...they never seem to get it right.

I arrived eyeliner, and mascara-less to Harvey Nicols, and was welcomed to the counter by the amazing Isabel, who heads up the Eyeko team in London. If you're not aware of Eyeko, they are a UK based makeup brand which focus on they eyes only. The counter reflects their rock n roll aesthetic - it's super cool, dark, glossy, and futuristic. The hologram (above) and the screens demonstrate what each product does and the looks that can be created. The possibilities are endless, but the 8 eyeliner menu is inspired by the some of the most 'eyekonic' eyeliner looks from Alexa Chung (the Eyeko Ambassador) Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss and Bridget Bardot, created to make your lives easier. I wanted the Alexa, but as you can see below, ended up with the Bardot.

Isabel working her magic

Front view

Each look is created using a different eyeliner. For my Alexa/Bardot, Isabel used the Alexa Eye Do which has a precision tip to create the perfect line. It was done in seconds. I was so scared I would hate it. I even stopped Isabel midway to take a picture for my Instagram page and was shocked at how thick it was...but I had to suck it up, and let her do her thing. 

When she was finished, I couldn't believe how amazing it looked. 

So lesson learned - I realised how easy it is to get into a makeup rut. Even when you're used to knowing each line and shape of your face, and the way you always look. Having someone else do your makeup helps you break free and experiment.

Side view 

Before I had my eyeliner done, I was offered a Bespoke Mascara which would be made up on the day. It's something that Eyeko do which is tailored to your personal eyelash needs. There are over 100 possibilitie, therefore the mascara's don't have names. It's great if you're like me and think your lashes are a lost cause, and you're totally clueless about how to make them look better. You even get it in a cute box with a mirror and guitar pick which can also make an amazing gift as the box is personalised with your initials. 

My Bespoke Mascara

So, Isabel diagnosed me - long eyelashes but they are super fine and straight so they need help with curling and volume. She found me a formula from a tray of about 20 mascara's and combined it with a brush tailored to my needs, and applied it using a lash boost which I will review later this month. My eyelashes looked insane. I have never seen them look better. I'm not a fake lash fan, and I swear these looked like extensions, but still natural. It was a miracle! I was told that the formula is an ultra black colour, with locked in definition so it lasts all day. The gel and cellulose powder lets you build the lashes up and creates body and lift. The brush that was chosen for me helps to curve and manoeuver around the smaller lashes. It was so fast and easy to do. I'm super excited to try it myself at home.

Finally, Isabel sorted my eyebrows out as they had rubbed off slightly and were not symmetrical.

I would highly reccomend Eyeko eyelash/eyebrow/eyeliner bars to everyone. It's a fairly new brand, and even though they have put a lot of effort into their marketing and celebrity endorsement, I genuinely think that they do some of the best eyeliner pens on the market. Also, if you're like me and think you know your sh*t when it comes to your eyeliner, try having someone else do it for you, it's liberating and might change your opinion about your face. You'll see yourself with brand new eyes.

Bespoke Mascara £30

Eyeliner Bar £15 includes Black Magic Liquid Eyeliner 

Alexa Chung Eye Do Eyelier £15

Dr Jackson's 03 Face Oil - Vitamin Rich Revitalising Concentrate

I used to be a chemical girl... I mean for my skin...but since adopting a (mostly) clean living lifestyle, I have started to feel that my skincare routine needs to represent, and reflect this.

You are what you eat. Ok, we know that. But if you eat clean and then put harmful chemicals onto your skin, it kind of negates the whole ethos of being healthy, which is not only damaging to you, but also to the environment. I realised this when I was nutribulleting all day, detoxing, and then putting the most chemically, and heavy scented night cream on which made my eyes water. All I could think about was the factory it was made in. Probably China, and also containing ingredients that aren't real, or ethical. Since then, I have moved towards a more natural approach... not completely, as I still love my Chanel, and Dior ... But it's a step in the right direction. 

I'm fascinated by nature, and the healing properties of natural ingredients. They not only smell and feel amazing, they feel like they feed your skin with goodness as soon as they are applied. As natural beauty is a thing, it is still quite difficult to find the right product as there is so much choice out there. I have a few favourite brands I always use, but I have recently discovered the amazing and inspirational company called Dr Jackson's who make 100% natural products.

With 21 years of experience treating skin conditions for patients with Cancer, Dr Jackson decided to create an anti ageing skincare line for the mass market using the best from nature, and techniques which mimic the ways that natural ingredients use to treat skin disorders. The products are all ethical - natural, not tested on animals, very low and practically no carbon footprint, and supports indigenous and local communities by creating sustainable jobs and eduction programmes. 

That's amazing right? Finally, mix all of the above with a few years of living in East London and you have a super cool brand that is so luxurious, it puts the hip back in hippie! 

The 03 Face Oil comes in a really cool small brown chemistry bottle, with a minimal label. You only need a few drops for complete coverage of the face. It's super powerful, comforting, and feels quite heavy on the skin making it perfect for the winter and nighttime. I wouldn't wear it under makeup. As it's been so cold lately my skin has taken a battering with the wind, and freezing temperatures. Also my recurring flu like symptoms have dulled my skin, and I'm always in pain. Since using the Dr Jackson Face Oil, I have noticed a difference in radiance, and softness. It's like glamorous medicine. I can't really tell if it's anti ageing yet, as it's only been a month, and I don't have any scars, but my complexion has definitely improved. I have seriously felt so drained and tired lately but I never look it and everyone has been asking me what I use on my skin. Below are the ingredients and the amazing healing properties of this magical youth elixir. Did I mention it smells incredible too? It's insane how amazing it smells, I have been tempted to wear it as a perfume. It's pure alchemy, you have to try it.

£30 (25ml)

Available from Liberty 

* Please note, not only hippies use ethical, natural products ;) 

The Face oil contains -

A blend of oleic acid and linoleic acid

Baobab oil to improve skin tone and elasticity while minimising scarring

Marula oil to deeply moisturising 

Calendula which is an anti inflamatory and reduces redness

Arnica, typically used for bruising, has potent healing properties that repair damaged tissue. 


- Ingredients - 

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Adansonia Digitata (Baobab) Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Flower Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Citral+, Geraniol+, Citronellol+, Limonene+, Linalool+ (+ naturally occurs in essential oils)

NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint SPF30

Always in a hurry? Me too. If your approach to applying makeup is pretty low maintainance, yet you like to deliver a high impact result, I have found the prefect product for you - NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint. 

It's an instant beauty fix for all  you Insta Beauty Babes.  

Insta beauty babes are the kind of girls like me who have 5 minutes each morning to do their makeup. I'm serious. My makeup is always perfect, and no one believes me when I tell them that it takes roughly around ten minutes max to apply. I could probably do my entire face with my eyes closed - Primer - foundation - powder - eyebrows - mascara - lipstick - done! I actually do the rest on the tube. Sorry, I am sometimes that girl, but only a quick lipstick and eyeliner touch up as it saves me a couple of minutes each morning, and I have a super long commute so I have nothing better to do.  

Foundation is the most important and time consuming part of my routine, and I am obsessed with NARS Sheer Glow, and All Day Luminous Weightless Flawless Foundation. To minimise time, I have even ditched my foundation brush, and now apply it with my fingers.

When I heard about the new NARS Vetvet Matte Skin Tint which provides maximum results with minimum effort I was super excited...I can get out of the house even faster! It's a tinted moisturiser with benefits as it contains an SPF, Vitamins C, E, and also Rose Fruit Extract which minimises the appearance of pores over time. It was also created using an innovative Velvet Illusion Complex technology and Transparent blurring powders to not only soften, but instantly enhance the look of skin, making it look flawless, yet natural. The unique spherical shape of the transparent blurring powders compress like a cushion, delivering a velvety feel that doesn't look flat, masked or chalky. 

The liquid itself is quite rich and creamy. It glides onto skin really easily, leaving a velvety, yet soft, and natural finish. It's amazing. The coverage is medium, and you will notice that even though the makeup lasts all day, you might want to touch it up in the afternoon. It's actually a small price to pay considering how easy it is to use. All you do is apply it like a moisturiser, and you're ready. Simple and Perfect. Instant gratifation for the Insta Beauty Babe.

Due to its lack of coverage compared to the NARS foundations, I'm saving my skin tint for the summer where I need less makeup and more help to keep my skin matte. I can't wait. I'm taking it to the beach too as it contains an SPF.

Available in 12 shades from Space NK and NARS

£30

Dr Organic - Hemp Oil Shampoo & Conditioner 2 in 1

 Hemp is cool again, and yes people, it's not just for smoking! 

Okay, bad joke... Hemp comes from the Cannabis plant, but it's not the same as marijuana, its crazy cousin, which it is often confused with. It's a natural product used to make all sorts of products from clothing, furniture, health food, and skincare. It has a long history of use in Eastern culture as a multipurpose natural remedy so it seems a no brainer to add it to beauty products. Over the years, the stigma attached to plant has started to disappear as the remarkable health benefits linked to the plant have become a bit of a phenomena.  

Hemp is rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) and Omega 3, 6 and 9, essential for healthy looking hair and skin, and is described as ‘nature’s most perfectly balanced oil'. Due to its high content in Omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids, it has a composition similar to skin lipids which makes it an excellent natural emollient and moisturiser. Hemp Oil has been shown to produce beneficial anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as helping to support dry skin, hair and nails.

I have been using the Hemp Oil Shampoo & Conditioner - 2 in 1 from Dr Organics, for a couple of weeks now and it has made my hair not only super soft, but surprisingly super volumised. I thought the combined shampoo and conditioner together would weigh my hair down, but it has had opposite effect - my hair is soft yet bouncy and strong. It's a great shampoo but I wouldn't use it without a condtioner. I have dry, damaged hair so It would not tame and moisturise alone, so unless you have naturally oily hair, you would need a conditioner. The shampoo itself is so divine, I love using it. I was a little weary of what it was going to smell and feel like due to the bottle colour, but when I first used it I was so shocked by how incredible it smells. It smells like a really expensive body wash you would use in a spa.  This is because it contains other bioactive and organic extracts such as Bilberry Extract and a blend of Amino Acids to further soften the hair.

If you like this, try the other Hemp hair and skin products from Dr Organics. 

Available from Holland & Barrett and Dr Organic

£6.99

Show Fizzness - NUDE Skincare Detox Gentle Brightening Fizzy Powder Wash

 

The winter and being sick AGAIN is really taking its toll on my skin lately. When I'm not feeling great, my energy is low, and the light within me seems to fade. I know I sound like a drama queen, but the last few months my golden glow seems to have faded.

Last week I discovered a super fun product that not only made my dull skin sparkle, it actually made me feel happy and excited about the next time I was going to use it.

The Detox Gentle Brightening Fizzy Powder Wash is the new exfoliating face wash from natural skincare brand NUDE which transforms lacklusture skin luminous. It's like a nitribullet for the skin, meaning you get all your superfoods with minimum effort, yet delivering maximum results. 

The fizzy face wash which is a powder, contains a custom blend of enzymes, and vitamin C, which are blended delicately to lift away dull skin and impurities, and also Acerola extract, sourced from Brazil to smooth skin and help to defend from free radicals. Each grain of powder is finally enveloped in omega rich acai berry, inca gold, and virgin coconut oils for an intensely nourishing experience.

This effervescent brightening and refining face wash is really amazing. All you do is put a small amount on your hand, add a few drops of water until it starts to fizz, and then smooth into a creamy paste and rub on to face. You're meant to do it for a minute but I don't have time for that, so I do it for 30 seconds and rinse. Skin feels instantly smoother and tighter. The first time I used it I broke out. Don't be alarmed by this, it's just your skin detoxing. After a few uses, you will really start noticing how soft your skin is and miss that feeling the days you don't use it. I use mine three times a week as instructed, but I'm sure it can be used every other day. It's really one of the best new products I've used in a while.

£38
Available from Space NK

Contains:

Multiple sources of Vitamin C

Ace role Extract

Acari Berry (Omega 3, 6, 9)

Inca Gold Oil (Omega 3)

Coconut Oil

Bilberry and Lingonberry extracts (Antioxidents)

California Dreaming - Chanel L.A Sunrise Collection - Spring 2016

Hello.

It's me.  Im in California dreaming, about the way we used to be...

Yes summer, I'm talking about you. January is tough right? It's even worse when it suddenly became cold last week, just on time for Blue Monday. Even New York is covered in thick snow. The only way to get through it is by manifesting positive thoughts and visualisation...

California dreaming, on such a winters day...

Or, you can try the new Limited Edition L.A Sunrise collection from Chanel which will not bring you the sun, but it will at least make you glow like you're from the sunshine state.

Chanel Sunrise Collection.  Spring 2016

Anyone who knows me will know that I'm obsessed with the sunrise, and sunset. It's a miracle that happens once a day, every day, yet never gets boring. I was super excited to see that the makeup is inspired by this very magical moment, in one of the worlds most exciting cities. The collection consists of eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushers, and mascaras to reflect and capture the flamboyant and overflowing energy of California, especially at sunrise. I'm talking about the glowy, romantic, ombré colours, that glisten the ocean and nature, fused with the vibrancy of LA's famous architecture. 

I think my visualisation is working... I can already see Chateau Marmont on the horizon... Cocktail in hand of course!

Here's are a few of my favourites

Sunset Trip Nail Polish - £18.00

Not exactly blue, or purple. Les Vernis Nail Gloss Sunrise Trip shows off a glossy shine that shimmers in the sunlight. Like an Amerhis with an enigmatic aura. The bottom image is what it looks like with one coat, and the top, two coats. It's quite inky and dark with two coats, so if you want to go for the unusual blue/purple tone, I would only apply one.

Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner - £19.00

These colours captivate the energy of the West Coast. The Feverent Blue rides the crest of the waves with the surfers. We all like a surfer don't we? I seriously can't wait to try these out on the beach, and did I mention they were waterproof? Also available in Pacific Green and Purple Choc. 

Illusion D'Ombre Eyeshadow - Absolute Light - £25.00

These amazing eyeshadows are transformed under the sun. This Ocean Light is explosive. Intense and the pigment is so strong it doesn't fade. The one above is Griffin Green, and it's insanely glittery, and even looks better as it fades. Apply with the brush or fingers. I prefer fingers. Also available in Moonlight Pink, and Ocean Light. 

Rouge Coco Shine Lipshine - £25.00

These lipsticks glisten with the LA sun. They are hydrating and weightless on the lips yet pigmented strong enough to last for hours. This lipstick is called Shipshape, but make sure you try out Energy and Mighty. Like all Chanel lipsticks, they do not disappoint, the look and smell amazing, and last al day.

Sun kissed Ribbon Exclusive Creation Blusher - £44.00

When the sun peaks it's head over the Californian Ocean, ribbons of colour are traces in the sky in a multitude of shades. The Sunkiss Ribbon reproduces this in a multitude of shades - fuschua pink, soft coral, and copper beige which all blend magically to mimic the sky and illuminate the skin. It creates a warm tone on the skin, giving the completion a subtle tan and natural glow. 

I hope this made you feel excited, happy and glowy, inside and out?

Available January 29th from Chanel concessions, Nationwide.