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.