Nail Joy

I have had a terrible time with my nails in the past. They peel, they chip, I pick at them and then paint to ignore all the flaws.

However - over the last few weeks since I have been taking these supplements from Sainsbury's that were dirt cheap - they have grown and they are strong! I don't know what the deal is as I have always taken multi vitamins but these are really helping. I can't think what else I have done. I have painted them pillar box red to celebrate.

Grow my beauties grow!
Photo taken a couple days after paint job - not the best but I was rushing to get
them painted before one chipped!

Free from Gluten and lactose.

Interview with Dawn

Photo taken by yours truly on Dawn's wedding day.
Holding Merce her baby girl.
Makeup courtesy of M.A.C artist from Sabadelle, Spain.

One of my oldest and dearest friends Miss Dawn was asked ages ago to complete an interview I had made up for her. She finally got around to it last week which was unexpected because she is extremely busy running a business, raising a daughter and just being her which is exhausting in itself. Dawn doesn't do things in half measures and for that I am always in awe of her. She somehow keeps it all together (even if there might be a few hiccups along the way).

Nonetheless I was curious if she has any time for beauty. It would seem not so much. You're still glam Dawny!

When you were pregnant what changes did you notice in your skin the most? How did you combat if at all?

I didn't really notice any skin changes or none that I can remember. I didn't even get stretch marks!

Since you live in Spain, do you use a particular sun care lotion and which one do you like the best?

I like Clinique. They have a product with UV protection with a tint that gives my skin a lovely glow.

Now that you're a very busy mom do you have time for a routine?

Well I try and find the energy to wash my make-up off at the end of the night, when I wear it that is. My makeup bag seems to have become my daughter's favourite play toy and every time I go to use anything it seems to be missing a vital piece. When we have a bath together I have time to shave my legs and put on a moisture mask.

What's changed the most over the last few months - is there anything about your looks you wish you could change?

Lack of time for beauty!

Are there any products that you can't live without?

Face moisteriser.

Your hair is famous (Dawn has the most amazing curly hair). What hair care products do you use and what do you find works the best for your hair type?

Nothing. I have learned to live with consistant frizz!

Vaseline Limited Edition - Crème Brûlée



 Lovers of Vaseline: get excited! Your favourite little round pot just got better! Get it while it's hot - they're going fast.

The limited edition Crème Brûlée Vaseline is available in Selfridges Oxford Street and Manchester Exchange Square 27th Oct - 2nd November and nationwide from 3rd November.

£2.99.

Pixi Flawless & Poreless Beauty Primer

Yes! Yes! Yes! Finally a primer that I can actually see results with! The MAC one I bought awhile ago with factor 50 smells a little too much like sun protector so will use that up in Spain over next couple weeks. It's like I have that fresh faced glow, pores are minimised. Trust me, I wasn't glowing this morning when I woke up. I actually had a guy at work look at me this morning and say "you look well Sarah." I wasn't wearing any make-up - it's the primer I tell you! Thank you Pixi!

Smooths fine lines, pores instantly disappear

Creates a seamless and silky canvas

Skin texture improves for a velvet no-shine finish

£20.50

ABOUT ME: Added willow bark extract for natural shine control, salicylic acid to unblock pores long-term and skin-smoothing silica for flawless makeup application on top

This lightweight formulation also provides around-the-clock moisture and continuous hydration

This is such a light weight primer – when I wear it I feel like my skin is naked

Yet the formulation is most effective at keeping lines to a minimum, pores become invisible and no need for powder to absorb excess shine

Also works great to apply this on top of makeup during the day to even-out skin and refresh my makeup
Some days this is all you need, no foundation needed on top!

Translucent

Fekkai Advanced Silky Straight Iron-less Serum

Ok - I am sorry I haven't been posting much if anyone really cares. I have been on holiday but also feeling lack lustre for blogging. However I was inspired this morning! I don't have loads of dosh at the moment but I thought this would be an investment. For £20 it was an excellent purchase and I highly recommend to those girls or guys that need some help with frizz. I applied over top of a leave in conditioner and blow dried straight just using a big round brush. No need for straighteners afterwards -silky smooth I tell you!

It claims it will fight humidity on my behalf and I think I believe them! It has to for £20 right?

Silky straight ironless serum by Fekkai Advanced. Featuring a lightweight formula, the serum contains concentrated smoothing agents to control frizz, while fighting humidity for sleek shiny hair.

Makeup Party

We celebrated Annie's birthday a few weeks ago and had a girls get together in Stoke Newington at an amazing house partner in crime Emma was taking care of. I thought, as some of my favourite ladies would be there, I couldn't go empty handed. Of course I brought wine and crisps (obvs!), but I had  products (lipsticks, nail varnish, tanning lotion, scrubs, foundations, blushers) that I had double of or didn't work for me after trials and tribulations.

It's so funny when you plonk free makeup in front of girls they kind of go a little mental. There was an initial few seconds of silence as they observed and as soon as I gave the go ahead it was like vultures had descended. Everyone left with a new product and they seemed happier people. I felt I had really done something useful - either by saving them money or making them happier just by trying a new lipstick or blusher which we all approved worked for their skin tone.

I think I might throw a makeup party! Everyone bring what they don't use as long as it's relatively new and clean. It's basically an opportunity to sit around, gossip, drink, eat and do each others nails. Would you come?

Freckles




I have read in numerous magazines/blogs that freckles are the way forward for Fall 2011. I have hated mine since I was a kid. I would give anything to wash them off! But sure enough each year, as soon as a little sunshine hits my face, they multiply and make their appearance. My face doesn't really tan - it just freckles.

However when you look at these lovely ladies you can see the appeal.

If you'd like fake freckles here is the best way forward:

To enhance your own freckles, or cheat a few in, brow pencils work amazingly well. Remember to be very subtle. Apply tiny dots randomly and then pad with your fingers—you’re looking for a light sprinkling across the bridge of the nose. If you keep the tones natural with all the elements of this look together, it will work for every skin tone.

Product: Use a Mac Lip Pencil in Cork or Stone to dot on that "at the beach" look.

How To Care For Your Tattoo

This is my one and only tattoo. Never again. Sometimes it creeps me out crawling up my leg like that.

I remembered the other day that Linsey was coming back to London in a few days to have her first session with Mr. X a well known artist here in the UK. Before you get your tattoo make sure you're up to speed on aftercare: 


Tattoos are given by applying needles to the skin, puncturing it with ink that seeps deep into the dermis, past the first level of skin. This allows the ink to stay on the skin, and is a permanent process. When you first get a tattoo, the skin is extremely sensitive and needs special care, until the "scars" heals. Before receiving a tattoo, make sure you arrive at the tattoo shop free of alcohol, as this can thin the blood and prevent the tattoo from staying on your skin.

Once the tattoo is completed, there are specific steps that need to be taken to ensure it heals properly and there are no faded or incomplete marks or lines.

 
The artist will probably apply a medical bandage directly to it using professional medical tape. DO NOT remove the bandage immediately. It is applied to help stop any bleeding that occurs immediately after getting the tattoo. Leave the bandage on for at least a few hours. When you remove the bandage, be sure to do so with care, and then wash the tattoo very gently with a mild soap to remove any excess blood. Pat the tattoo very gently (make sure you do not rub it) to dry.
 

The skin where the tattoo has been applied will be extremely dry, so you will want to apply a cream to it a minimum of two to three times per day, maybe more depending on the dryness. Within a day or two, you will notice that the tattoo will begin to scab over. Be sure not to itch, scratch, or pick at the tattoo because this can cause damage. Let the scabs fall off naturally. Additionally, you'll want to avoid staying out in the sun for any period of time or swimming in a pool, as both sunlight and chlorine can cause serious damage to an unhealed tattoo.
 

Within about a week or so, your tattoo should be completely healed and ready to show off. However, over the years tattoos can fade without proper care. The biggest reason for tattoo fading is sunlight. It is highly advised that you pay special attention to any areas where you get a tattoo if you plan on being in the sun for any length of time. Always apply a sunscreen, preferably with an SPF of 30 or higher to anywhere you have gotten a tattoo. With proper treatment and care, you'll have a tattoo you can enjoy for years and years to come.

Final note: Think carefully - this is for life. It's extremely painful and expensive to remove!

Ubertan Update

Please, please heed the warnings.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/14344727

L'Oreal

L'Oreal really are quite naughty and have managed to cause controversy once again. They have falsely advertised for years. Nothing made me laugh more than those adverts with Penelope Cruz who had eyelashes that extended for miles and miles ("lashes that reach for the stars" in fact) - so obvs fake!

In the news today they're being condemned for "touching up" their models which is misleading. Yes - I agree it's total BS but really not surprised. This is a company that really doesn't have morals (animal testers). They are hugely successful and it's all about the all mighty dollar rather than ethics. But people keep buying into their products. Are we that easy to fool?

Things related to L'Oreal if you feel like boycotting

- Sad to say The Body Shop (however they don't falsely advertise and they still stand by no animal testing). They were bought by L'Oreal on 17 March 2006 for £652m. I guess it was a deal that Dame Anita Roddick couldn't refuse.

- Nestle foods

- Sanofi-Aventis, the world's number 3 and Europe's number 1 pharmaceutical company.

Ubertan Nasal Spray

 

 

Revolutionary

New Tanning System

Ubertan is a revolutionary new nasal self tanning spray product that stimulates an increase in natural melanin production. Melanin is the body's sunscreen, a brown pigment which causes skin to darken providing a healthy and natural full body tan.
Ubertan can be used as a sunless tanning treatment or as an addition to your regular tanning sessions to boost and deepen your existing tan!
Results are even greater with some UV exposure. Increased melanin causes skin to darken instead of burning (red) when exposed to UV rays.

What is Ubertan?

Ubertan is a formula containing a natural blend of Melanin producing Amino and Fatty Acids which is administered daily until the desired colour is reached (typically 7 - 10 days) using the easy to administer nasal spray applicator. Maintaining your new colour is achieved by using the product only once or twice per week ongoing.


OK - buyer beware! I can't believe the lengths people will go to for a tan. This nice lady has done a lot more research. Probably not a great idea.

Interview with Stacy



Hipster

This is an interview I have wanted to do for awhile now. You can find her here. Stacy is a beautiful woman who I've always admired for being extremely confident and sassy and she constantly pounds it into my head that I am too (bless). She loves women and I think if given half the chance she'd try and style the world. She has a knack for spotting amazing vintage clothes. If you need advice or help on styling she's your girl. We met in Vancouver and lived next door to each other for a couple of years. She lives there with her stylish hubby Brad and her two cats Flo and Tilly.

1) You've always been into home remedies - what's your best home made beauty solution?

Tea Tree Oil for pimples. Grape Seed Oil for body oil. Water - drink  AT LEAST two litres a day. A diet of orange veggies and fruit like yams, peaches, mangoes and carrots for a collagen boost. Grapefruit and avocado for a detox. The grapefruit kills the yeast and the oils from the avocado push it out of your body.

2) What scent do you use if any?

Right now I'm using amber resin. Sometimes I wear straight up cedar essential oil or a mix of patchouli, ylang ylang and rose.


3) As a natural Nordic blonde what are some hair tips for those like you?

A good shampoo and conditioner. Nordic blonde's tend to suffer from very fine hair as well. If I don't use a good shampoo or conditioner my hair is tangled beyond belief. I use the Kerastase Volumactive line. I can definitely sympathize with Sienna Miller's bad hair.


4) We share a love of  facial hair on a man - explain why?

Oh yes. I like beards. Not all beards, but certain beards. I don't like a hairy neck, an over groomed beard or an overly thick beard. Beards add definition to a round face and accent beautiful eyes. When a man has a beard I can concentrate on his eyes, after all  the eyes are the caverns to the soul. 


I do not like goatees, soul patches or those billy goat chin tufts. Brad and I have written a new song to ACDC's Back in Black - it's a little diddy called Back In Beard and is about a guy that shaves off his beard for a girl and then she dumps him.


5) What is a complete turn off?

In Men - arrogance - which is really insecurity. Waxed chests and long finger nails. I don't care if you play guitar - it's gross!


In women it would be pseudo stupidity, synthetic perfume, flip flops and ill fitting clothes.


6) What turns you on?

Men - an old fashioned guy who can cook - seafood and vegetarian whole foods. I don't cook at all, I'm the bartender. If you're cooking in your boots and showing a little chest hair all the better.


Women - authenticity, confidence and a command of power tools.


People - manners and respect for the environment.


7) Do you have a favourite product what is it and why?

I use Touche Eclat #2 because I have very very pale almost translucent skin. The joke 'around town' is you can almost see my heart - quite poetic actually. I use it under my eyes. I use Bobbi Brown Liquid Skin foundation on my red nose. It has SPF 15. I don't use foundation anywhere else. I also use Bobbi Brown lipstick whichever shade the British guy at the counter says looks good.


8) Your husband Brad is a handsome devil - what are a couple of his favourite products for men?

He is a handsome devil isn't he.


Brad's answers are: Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream used as shaving cream. A beard trimmer with attachments (ex: nose hair trimmer) and Kerastase Bain Volumactive.

Dreadlock Disaster

I couldn't believe this disaster on the way home last night. I didn't want to get too close for fear they'd attack me. Don't get me wrong - I really love well taken care of dreadlocks and am amazed by them. The sad thing is this guy will have taken years and years to grow these rat tails. Just an unkempt matted mess. An example of what not to do I thought.

Rat tails

Too long!

Now if he'd looked after them they might have looked like this which is rather dishy.

CHANEL Rose Gloss 445

Well it's almost been a week since mein guter Freund moved to Berlin but I have been having fun trying out her products that have been left in my care.

This CHANEL Rose Gloss is the prettiest pale pink around. I love it (don't worry Lins will use sparingly). Great for everyday but I think would be nice for a summer wedding. It's just really perfect for my mood today.

Nagellack ist fantastisch (let's see if she understands that and don't google!)

Looking At Labels

BBC 3 has a good and informative series on called Kill It, Cut It, Use It. I was transfixed the other night watching about the animal by-products that are used in our everyday cosmetic, clothing and house hold items. It's nuts. I really would watch it if you're able to - I know that due to licencing laws iplayer isn't available to everyone.

The beauty industry is hugely guilty of using all kinds of animal by-products and it's not always clear on the packaging about what's in our soaps and lipsticks. Here are a couple things from the programme - try and look for them and then make the choice to buy or not to buy.

Chitosan. Used in hair products, anti aging creams and serums, toothpastes etc.

I am not a chemist so I am not going to go into all the details but basically to make a long story short it's shrimp shells. It's used in a lot of products like hairspray. When it's mixed with a few other chemicals it creates a flexible but firm like texture which we like to spray out of a can onto our hair or spread over our face to firm up. Even Kiehl's will use this in some products (ex: Kiehl's Marine Firming Serum).

Lanolin. It and its many derivatives are used extensively in products designed for the protection, treatment and beautification of human skin.

So basically it's wool grease. The sheep and lambs are not hurt in the making of lanolin.You'll find it in a lot of baby products, eye care, makeup, makeup removers, shaving creams and other lotions. There are a couple problems with lanolin - it can cause an allergic reaction and after a little research it I found there have been a small number of cases in which the sheep ate the grass that has been polluted by pesticides or other chemicals and whatever it eats it excretes. Therefore it's in the skin which creates the grease which you then put on your face to absorb into your body now. Gross.

You could say that shrimp shells and wool grease are going to waste anyhow but if you're a vegan or you feel strongly about creatures in general this isn't always clearly labelled on the packaging like the way it is with food. There are a few good companies that give choice.

Weleda

Dr. Bronners

American Apparel - Nail Polish

Cruelty free, DBP, toluene and formaldehyde-free.

American Apparel have their own nail polish collection. The colour selection is good and for £7 a pop it's reasonable. After using a base and top coat it lasted a good couple days no chipping. Available to purchase online and in store.
Sorry I haven't been posting much lately. I have been too hot and tired to write or try anything. However my darling friend Linsey moved to Berlin and left me a massive bag of products to use up so will try and get back into the swing of things!

Heatwave

Irene Sheri Red Summer

London and heatwave are two words you don't usually hear together but yes it was extremely hot over the weekend. I still haven't slept a wink and now that it's cooled down today I am hoping things will go back to normal. Here are a few tips for keeping cool and staying fabulous.

Go Natural. I don't mean your birthday suit (but you can if you want!)
I am talking about fabrics, natural fabrics. On hot days cotton, lightweight at best is your friend. Synthetics will do nothing more than stick to your body and retain heat. It's a scientific fact that dark colors absorb heat and light colors reflect. Keep it light from the colors to the fabrics and your body will be very grateful.

Give Clean Face
Powder and foundation should be off limits. Nothing looks worse than a melting face. The dewiness that your skin will produce is actually sexier than a matte blob. Keep the makeup limited to mascara, lip color and maybe just maybe a hint of bronzer.

Hydrate
Keep the liquor, coffee, tea and soda to a minimum. Water is your friend. It will help you stay cool, keep your sweating down and you will flush out toxins setting the path for amazing skin. Carry a bottle of water with you and you'll be much calmer than you've expected.

Mists:

Manufacturers make lots of claims about the ingredients in their facial mists but it's fine to just use tap water in a spray bottle and keep in the fridge overnight. If you have some extra dosh I can recommend this one.



£14.00 - L'Occitane Olive Tree Organic Toning Face Mist
Lightweight, fast absorbing, non-greasy toner. Contains a blend of organic olive tree leaf extract, olive water & olive oil. Offers long lasting hydration, protection & radiance. Instantly leaves skin fresh, supple & lightly vegetal scented with hints of citrus. Suitable for all skin types. Apply to clean, dry face / neck or anytime of day.



Moustache Mania

Dude

My Dad is the inspiration for this post.  He's had a moustache for as long as I have known him and he might have even started growing one from birth because I have never ever seen a photo of him without one! I have no idea what he'd look like without and I don't want to know. It would be like taking away his mojo or something. Weird and scary and all the sudden the world wouldn't be a safe place anymore. His moustache comforts me. Anyhow my Mum is trying to convince him to shave it off and I am telling him to take a stand and tell her to step off!

If you're thinking about growing one gentlemen, ask yourself - can you really carry it off? You have to become one with it and own it! It's no laughing matter. Get a fake one and trial it - if your girlfriend/wife is repelled by the idea it's probably best not to go for this look.

How to Trim a Moustache

Guide on Grooming your Moustache

There are many ways to groom a moustache. Decide how you want yours to look before following these instructions.

• Step 1. Wet your moustache slightly.
• Step 2. Use a fine-tooth moustache comb to brush the hair down.
• Step 3. Clip the hair on your moustache's outer edges with a pair of thin scissors. Remember to clip conservatively.
• Step 4. Snip across the bottom of the moustache.
• Step 5. Trim the body of the moustache to achieve the desired evenness and bushiness, and to clip errant hairs.
• Step 6. Touch up the top of the moustache with a razor until you have the desired line. If you have an unusual moustache, such as a pencil-thin or handle-bar moustache, use more or less use of the razor as appropriate. Take care not to shave off the top of the moustache accidentally.
• Step 7. Comb again with the moustache comb.

Tips

Work carefully. Clipping even a small amount of hair can change the appearance of a moustache greatly.

A beard trimmer is an excellent tool for reducing the bushiness.

For fancier styles, use moustache wax to shape or groom.

Website for grooming products. 

Creme de Corps

Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter £35

Zoe's little treat for herself - oh we had fun in Selfridges. Thank you Edward for all the lovely free samples - see you soon!

I have one question for you - do you want to smell so good people want to get closer? Look no further.Whipped body butter that smells like heaven. Seriously. Buy it now. Use sparingly.

St. Tropez Everyday Perfect Legs

Oh I love a good sale. I would never buy something like this but because it was discounted I thought I would give it a whirl. Besides, it's better for my skin than sitting in the sun.

This ultra-rich, radical tanning duo combines a gradual self tan and a flawless finish of instant bronze specially for legs. Infused with soothing aloe and a marine extract, you will have a gorgeous natural-looking tan that lasts. Our innovative Aromaguard fragrance technology eliminates the tell-tale self tan aroma by a minimum of 70% and instead gives a beautiful subtle, yet refreshing fragrance.


 

Pros:

It absorbs quite quickly and I didn't notice any of it coming off on my white bed linen. I left it on for 24 hours and it gave a nice bronzed glow. I will continue every other day to keep it up over the summer.

2 pumps - white pump for the gradual tan and black pump for instant tinted moisturiser if you can't wait.

It has not turned my legs that hideous orange.

Cons:

The smell is not too cloying like most but it still does have "that" scent. To avoid apply in the evening after a good exfoliation and wash off in the morning.

I cannot stress how important it is to exfoliate before applying. You don't want uneven marks. Make sure to massage in well to avoid missing an area (include toes and ankles). Wash your hands immediately!

Debbie Harry

Um - does anyone wanna lend me £5.5m for this? She's being auctioned at Sotheby's later this month. She is always going to be the epitome of cool.

Lips and cheekbones to die for. Cool make-up and hair. I saw her on Jools Holland a couple weeks ago and she's ageing really well. She has been blessed with good genes but I love that she doesn't give in to botox and still looks hot in that sexy middle aged way.

I love you Debbie!

Bliss Lemon + Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash & Bath

This citrus scented liquid soap will make it a treat to turn on the tap.

When life gives you lemons wash yourself with them! Guaranteed to cheer you up in the morning! You'll be zingy and fresh to start the day. Ok - that's an over exaggeration but it does smell AMAZIN! Got in a sale!

*It says only for adults and not babies. That's probably because your baby would go mental and want to drink it.

Boots Smooth Skin PLUS



£349.99 - not cheap but possibly worth it

I wanted to get some information for a friend on this. Wayyyy too expensive for me to try out for her but there was this:

I Heart Cosmetics

Anyone out there tried it at all for a review?

My Calm Place

Where I feel most at home:) A beauty concession.

Color.

So much stuff it's sick - in a good way but I had to make a decision - Desert Storm is a great nude frost for summer. I had a couple mates in mind that should buy (Linsey and Maggie).

Desert Storm Topshop

Felt Pen Eyeliner

Last night before a gig mate Zoe and I popped into Topshop to take a pair of faulty shoes back. We couldn't help but check out the makeup department. As you know I am a huge fan of their products which are cheap and good (photos next post). They had a promotion on buy 3 items get a free festival survival pack. Zoe bought a nail polish, I bought two more and the nice lady gave me the promo pack which contained Topshop facial wipes (which are always useful) and hair grips which I gave to Miss Zoe but what I was really excited about was the free felt pen eyeliner.

I have been on the lookout for a pen style eyeliner. They are easier to use than an ink and brush and I have coveted this one for ages (why do I always pick the most expensive?).

EYELINER STYLO

NARS

Anyhow - I thought I had saved myself a bunch of dough getting this one for free but it looks like I am going to have to treat myself to the Nars (oh gosh darn it). The Topshop version in Jet just isn't cutting the mustard. It's dry! It actually hurt to apply it. Maybe they gave us the old ones I dunno but I am not impressed. Took ages to get a somewhat even line and can you see it's not slick. You should be able to swish across in one go!

It took ages to build it up and, well, just don't buy it. Sorry Toppers - I am a huge fan but this isn't great.

Tammy

My friend Tammy is beautiful. I mean she's one of those women that men and women turn to stare at when you're walking down the street and you think to yourself "what am I chopped liver?". I wanted to ask her what she sees when she looks at herself. She's a singer/songwriter and very talented. She's playing at Pizza Express Jazz Cafe tomorrow night if you're free. Come and meet me! Bonus!

So Tammy what do you see?

I see someone who is strong, vulnerable, confident, attractive, intelligent. I like my lips, complexion and hair. Other people think I look younger than I am. I get a lot of comments about my skin being nice.

But there are things I would I change. My dark circles under my eyes which I get from my Dad and a smaller forehead. When I perform I constantly worry about lipstick or food on or in my teeth, getting hot and sweat marks showing, shiny forehead and a sneezing or coughing attack.

I feel pretty happy about how I look. I haven't had any work done nor do I plan on it in the near future. I think our facial lines show the life we have lived. The highs, the lows...

I think being attractive certainly helps open some doors but it doesn't always help you to get ahead. It can also attract all sorts of insincere people into your life as well. I think confidence and self assurance makes you beautiful.

Mirror, Mirror

What is it with mirrors!? Honestly, I get so annoyed with changing room mirrors or those mirrors at the beauty counters. Why does my face always look blotchy, pale, tired, skin saggy but when I get home I don't think I look that bad. Is there magic in those mirrors so that I buy all the products I can to make myself look and feel better? Anyone else have this problem or maybe I really am blotchy, pale and tired and that's that.

Meh.

Scrubbing Up

There is nothing more satisfying than a good shower scrub. Especially when you're feeling dirty and sweaty from the tube/subway or hot stinking bus ride home. Tried and tested and still my favourite for smell and price are Body Shop's Body Scrubs. Try and ignore the urge to eat some of it. Smells excellent - taste not so great.



Mango Body Scrub - £5.00
For Very Dry Skin. 
This reformulated oil-based soft textured body scrub contains loads of exfoliating salt grains and organic sugar. The addition of mango seed and soy oil leaves the skin beautifully soft and supple. Containing Community Trade organic soya oil and organic sugar.

Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub £5.00.

A gentle exfoliating scrub that removes dead skin cells whilst invigorating and helping to boost circulation. Leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and better prepared to absorb moisture.

I like to apply to arm/butt and thigh areas. Start scrubbing with a circular motion to get at those bumps and pores - we want to work on this now that summer is here! Rinse well - you don't want any left over to get caught in your moisturising routine afterwards. Voila! Enjoy the results and be diligent!

Determined

I am determined to use up every single lip gloss I have. There are too many in my flat, desk, purse, travel case, suitcase and back pocket to mention. I am setting myself a goal to not buy another single gloss/salve until these are used up. If you have this problem ensure you just keep one on you all the time. Make a conscious effort to apply at every given chance and eventually you'll run out. Any suggestions for a good one to try when this does happen? This one is so pretty and so tempting...

LIGHTS ON BROADWAY

KIEHL'S

Our “simply mahvelous" formula is made with natural extracts of Mango and Grape Seed, Rose Hips, and Apricot Kernal. This non-sticky gloss hydrates lips and restores their suppleness as antioxidants help preserve a healthy appearance.

Wedding Make-up

Fromage

Well I certainly am in the right place for wedding fever! It's all gone a bit Pete Tong here in London town. I don't profess to love the Royal Family - I think that they have too much money for nothing but I find myself somewhat touched by this couple. They really do seem like they are in love and I think Kate is really genuine and pretty to look at. Not horsey which is a good start for their children. Mixing up the genes never hurt. 

I love a good bride I do. I especially love it when they keep things natural and simple. You should be glowing from the inside out on your wedding day or you're probably marrying the wrong man.

Just a couple of rules to follow:

a) If you're not happy with the makeup the artist has just applied TELL THEM. Do not just sit there and inwardly fester. This is one of the biggest days of your life and there will be photos. You cannot photo shop your face out of them.

b) A lot of people will be kissing you including your man. Don't make him wear your lipstick too. Get a product like Lipcote which you put over the colour of choice to ensure it stays on your lips only. I wouldn't use a gloss either - most guys I know hate kissing a girl with loads of sticky gloss. Exfoliate your lips beforehand with a product like this to get rid of dry skin.

c) You'll be smiling a lot (I hope) so whiten the teeth a couple weeks before using Blanx Extrawhite Intensive  Whitening Treatment - I have used and really saw results.

d) Do not turn yourself into an orange. I know everybody likes to have some colour blah blah but gosh how pretty pale skin can be - work your makeup for a retro feel.