Rodial Stemcell Superfood Facial Oil

If a real superfood did what this stuff has done to my face, I really think I would have cracked the code of eternal youth. Seriously, I haven't used anything like this before. I do yoga, regularly juice, use coconut oil, eat chia seeds, take my vits like spirulina, and eat my greens, but nothing has made me look instantly healthy and glowy this fast. The Stemcell Super Food Facial Oil from Rodial is like a facelift in a bottle. It's a dry oil that is worn under a moisturiser which contains antioxidants, Vitamins A, B5, C, and E to balance moisture, radiate skin, and hydrate it. It uses the latest stem cell technology, Phytocell Alp Rose which protects the skin from daily aggressors and therefore reducing the skin from the apperance of wrinkles.

The PhytoCellTec alp rose serum improves visual vitality of the skin, the rosehip seed oil promotes skin elacitiy, maurla oil  is rich in omega oils so softens skin, vitamin C illuminates skin, and bassu oil works as an anti oxident while smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.

Apply around three drops onto cleansed skin and pat onto face and neck, concentrating on areas of expression lines. You have to be quick because it absorbed into the skin super fast and leaves a beautiful sheen. If you can help it, try not to use too much and bathe in it, because it smells incredible. The rose scent is so amazing, it soothes not only your skin, but your emotions. It's like putting a real life Instagram filter on your face - after applying your left with perfectly radiant skin which glows from within. It's fascinating. I still don't get it, and what surprises me most of all is that it keeps makeup in place all days, and enhances your foundation so that skin I was talking about earlier, still shines through. 

I'm obsessed with this product. It beats any primer I have ever used, and on some days, I have even ditched my illuminater which I use before my foundation because this stuff luminates skin without makeup. 

I discovered Rodial a few weeks ago when I went to their Skin Bar in Harvey Nichols. Since using heir products, I have noticed a huge difference to my complexion. My skin is looking younger, brighter, smoother, and so good I have started to wear less makeup. This Stemcell Super Food Facial Oil is definitely my favourite. It's expensive, but really worth it.

£60 

Available from Rodial and Harvey Nichols  

Dare to Bare - bare Minerals Complexion Rescue

For my off duty beauty days - when I'm at the gym, or when I know I'm not going to bump into anyone I know, I wear minimal makeup. Tinted moisturiser, mascara, eyebrows, and a sweep of bronzer to make me look alive - it's the barely there look that makes me look natural, yet acceptable to the outside world. So if I do bump into a friend, or colleague, my skin still looks lovely, radiant and flawless, even without, ahem...any makeup! You get it...?

Perfect skin is always hard to achieve for foundation users, especially if you're used to skin looking flawless all the time. For my off duty beauty, I usually use half the amount of foundation and mix with moisturiser, and illuminator which always works, but it doesn't last very long and kind of makes me look tired. A BB cream, and tinted moisturiser will do the same but the coverage is never good enough. Now, that I have discovered the Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream from bare Minerals, it has solved all of my problems. 

The complexion rescue does what it says on the tin, it's a gel/cream with benefits - it has colour, and it's an SPF (chemical free SPF30) making it perfect for the summer, when you really don't need much makeup. The creamy mousse type texture can be applied to the face like a moisturiser, so you don't need to watch where it is applied because it blends to your skin so easily. It comes in 10 shades to suit all skin colours, and evens out skin tones by adapting to your natural colour. The gel itself hydrates skin leaving a natural, dewy, and radiant finish, with with just the right amount of coverage to still see the skin.

This is the first time I have use bare Minerals, and I am so impressed. It's common knowlege that makeup bases, and foundation is their thing. They really are one of the leaders in creating perfect skin, and the natural no makeup, makeup look. Most of their products are really reasonably priced, decent sizes to last a long time, and it seems like there's a lot of hard work and intelligence going into their products - everything from the colour to its ingredients.The Complexion Rescue contains marine botanicals to help hydrate and replenish skin instantly, and the mineral electrolytes help to restore skins apperance by energising it. It also has antioxidents to help the skin defend itself from against environmental stresses, and pollution. If that wasn't enough, it's also Silicone and Paraben free. 

I was off duty all weekend and seriously my skin has been looking amazing.

£26

Available from Bare Minerals, Selfridges and House of Fraser

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque

Unless you were hiding under a (volcanic) rock last year, you would have noticed that Charcoal was one of the hottest health trends of 2015. When ingested, activated charcoal absorbs impurities, leaving a toxin free body.

Charcoal has now moved into skincare with the new Charcoal Rescue Masque from Dermalogica which uses the same method of detoxification, where is draws out excess oil, toxins, refines pores, calms redness, and improves skin texture. 

I tried the Resue Masque after a few nights of partying and eating out, so I really felt like I needed it. The texture is smooth, and once dry, you will notice small white beads appear which you have to use to exfoliate the skin when you wash it off. The mask itself is a dark charcoal colour which drys quickly (7-10 minutes) and immediately tightens the skin. Once applied, the mask smells like citrus, however, when it starts drying, it starts to smells like Sulpher. Too be honest is not pleasant at all, so don't use if it you want some gentle pampering. This stuff is heavy duty, so only use it when you really need it because it works. I would remove it in the shower, and also use a face wash after to ensure the smell doesn't linger. It's probably the strongest face mask I have used in a while so the next couple of times I used it, I applied a thinner layer. I would even reccomend using it if you have sensitive skin as Dermalogica have added ingredients suitable for all skin types, unlike a lot of other Charcoal products from other brands - I would probably go easy on the exfoliating though. For those who have oily, or problematic skin, it's definitely a winner for you, and you have combination skin, I would reccomend using in on problem areas only such as the T Zone. I thought my whole face needed recusing so I dried out my cheeks which was irritating. It did however, make my face look super clean, smooth, and bright. If you are concerned about which areas of your face need help, I would definitely reccomend going to a Dermalogica counter and have your skin mapping done by one of their experts. It will highlight your problem areas and reccomend the best products.

The Charcoal comes from activated Binchotan, a Japanese Ubame Oak which has traditionally been used to purify water, deodorise air, and whiten teeth. It contains an internal network of micro pores to absorb 1000 times its weight in positively charged compounds. Apply this to skincare, and your face, and you are left with clean, detoxed, and fresh faced.

It also contains Sulpher for its anti inflammatory properties, Volcanic Ash, hot spring, and Marine Salt, to exfoliate. Phytic, Lactic, and Mandelic acid for cellular turnover, Niacinamide to reduce redness, and Chilean Wild Mint to clarify skin and refine pores.

I used the mask again today because I have been sick this week and my skin has dried up and looks tired and dull. When I washed it off I exfoliated on my problem areas - my lips, chin, forehead and above my cheekbones. Once washed off, my skin felt like new again, it was softer, and looked really fresh and radiant.

Available from Liberty and Demalogica

£38

Getting Lashed

Eyeko Black Magic Lash Boost

OMG! think I might have discovered the most life changing makeup product of all time. The Eyeko Black Magic Lash Boost which by sheer magic, has finally given me eyelashes! Hooray! 

I discovered this amazing product when I had my Bespoke Mascara made at the Eyeko Lash Bar in Harvey Nicholls a few weeks ago. Lash Boost is made from 100% natural plant-based fibres with Pro-Vitamin B, and coloured with Blackberry extract. Packaged in a cute glass bottle, and an easy to use applicator, the tiny hairlike, black glittery fibres, stick to your eyelashes to create natural, yet dramatically longer and thicker eyelashes - kind of the same look that lash extensions do. It is so easy to use and feels so weightless, you forget that they're there. Here's how you use them - 

Apply one coat of mascara - look down - coat the upper lashes with the lash boost (outer lashes) - seal with another coat of mascara - repeat.

A few points to be aware of are, to always make sure your eyelashes are wet, or the lash boost will not stick. Also, keep a dry, clean brush handy to sweep away any excess product. It does go everywhere. Do not go crazy with the boost like I did yesterday and apply too much - your eyelashes will end up looking ridiculous and clumpy. Too be honest, it's hard not apply too much, but you have to resist, because the fibres do tend to stick together and clog the mascara brush. Less is definitely more. 

Once the eyelash boost is on, you will forget you have it on as it doesn't flake, it's weightless, and comes off super easy with eyemakeup remover. 

My lash game is so strong right now, I no longer need top liner. It's the best discovery I have probably ever made. I told myself I would only use it on special occasions, but I have been wearing it every day. I look so awake, it's insane! 

£25

Available from Selfridges and Harvey Nichols 

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)