New Neutrogena Multi-Defence Range

I am really conscious that my skincare protects my skin from all the damaging effects of the environment, not just sun damage, so was very excited to test out the new Multi-Defence range from Neutrogena which seems to be MADE for my skin :-D.  This brand new range is the first daily moisturising range from Neutrogena and uses an innovative fusion of effective ingredients including Moringa seed, Yerba Maté (Brazilian green tea), and antioxidants vitamins C and E which help to enhance the skin’s natural defences. It includes three daily moisturisers which go beyond hydration to help address the needs of different skin types, a Gentle Purifying Scrub, Gentle Purifying Wipes and the Multi-Defence Night Moisturiser.

Here’s a little background on the range and a few key facts that we should all be considering when choosing skincare products: The environment can affect the skin in many ways. UV exposure has always been classed as the primary cause of skin damage; however recent research shows that UV is not the only culprit. Our skin is in fact exposed to a number of different environmental aggressors on a daily basis. The five key environmental aggressors that damage our skin are: sun, pollution, cold, heat and wind. Research shows that up to 80% of skin ageing and damage can be caused by these aggressors and that when these aggressors are combined the damage to skin is increased.

So far I have been using the products for a few weeks and really like the moisturisers. Although they have quite a thick texture, they feel like they are really protecting my skin and contain SPF 25! If you are looking for a new mid-range, protecting skincare regime then I definitely recommend trying this out as it does everything and you can get products for all types of skin. Prices range from £3.79 from Boots.

Trip to the Clothes Show Live

 I had a great day at the Clothes Show Live on Saturday and as usual, returned with a very full trolley full of goodies! I definitely found this year much less stressful, as I would guess the bad weather kept a lot of people away so it was not as hectic. 

I didn't get all my Christmas presents but managed to pick up quite a few items of jewellery from several gorgeous jewellery stands. I bought some gorgeous customised necklaces for my mum and sister from London designer Leonie Saliba who normally sells her products at Portobello and Spitalfield Markets. 

 For £12 she beautifully customised necklaces for my mum and sister, letting them choose the charms they liked. I would post photos of their individual necklaces but they are all wrapped up ready for Christmas!

This year the Clothes Show also boasted it's very own Stitch and Bitch knitting session! My work colleagues are all into knitting and this is something we often host at lunchtimes!

If you get a chance, make sure you visit tomorrow as it's the last day! The best bargains of the day were the Jelly Pong Pong goodie bags - two for £12! The items inside included this gorgeous Shadow Taffy worth £15!

Let me know if you visited the Clothes Show and what bargains you got!

Snow attire in Southampton!

I am sure everyone is getting bored of the snow updates, but let’s face it in this weather there’s not a lot else to talk about/do! As you can see from my beautiful photography, Southampton has been hit by a lot of snow making my walk to work pretty icy the past few days! So I went out and purchased some lovely snow boots from Sports Direct after work for £15 to make my walk home a bit easier! They are not as comfy as my trusty UGGs, but have a much better grip which is good so hopefully I won’t fall over. 

What have you been wearing to combat the cold weather and snow?

It's Clothes Show Live time again!

I'm really looking forward to going to the Clothes Show Live again on Saturday for the seventh year running! If you haven’t been before, then you must go it’s amazing and has everything you can need under one roof, especially getting bargains for Christmas presents. Plus this year they are introducing an all new craft area, Sknitch, and The Dance Show! It is very busy and always hectic so if you can, go on a weekday but if you work Monday-Friday like me then Sunday is definitely a better day (sadly I can’t get there on a Sunday).

I’ve put together a few tips from my years of visiting the Clothes Show if this is your first time!

1) Wear comfy clothes and shoes as you will be walking A LOT! Particularly if you park in the car park and have to walk to the entrance! The show is also massive so you will be walking around all day!

2) Bring a suitable bag to carry your purchases in. The best thing I ever did was buy a granny trolley and pull it around! It saves my neck from crippling with all the bags, especially when it’s busy and you are trying to buy things!! Saves a lot of stress and pain!

3) Bring lots of cash with you. There are always huge queues for cashpoints and they charge you for withdrawing cash. Unlike the Excel Arena where the London Show is hosted, which has lots of cashpoints and don’t charge, NEC isn’t as modern and convenient sadly! 

4) Allow enough time for queuing. Stands like Juicy Couture always have a massive queue and you can waste an hour just stood in the queue – how frustrating! There are also sometimes large queues for the toilets as well.

5) When you start shopping in the morning, head for the opposite end of the show which will be less busy! If you can get there as early as possible, then again there will be less people.

6) Take food and water with you, as the food is expensive in the show and outside the show only offers places like Subway. Plus you waste precious shopping time walking around for food! 

Tickets purchased between the 3-5 December for Clothes Show Live and The Dance Show include entrance to both shows and include a dedicated seat in the Fashion Theatre. Tickets are on sale now. Call 0844 581 1256 or visit www.clothesshowlive.com for more information on Clothes Show Live. 

Let me know if you are going and if you have any more tips I have missed out! I might be running a competition tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled! 

No7 Limited Edition MirrorBall Highlighter Compact

 I am big fan of No7’s limited edition highlighters and religiously use my Natural Radiance Highlighter which is the best. Fact. However No7 have bought out a new highlighter for Christmas – the Mirror Ball Highlighter Compact (£13.50) which is a lot more sparkly for the festive season and gives cheeks and shoulders a gorgeous shimmer! 

The packaging is also a lot nice than the Natural Radiance Highlighter & the size is perfect for slipping into your bag when you go out. It's also not too expensive at £13 and as No7 do loads of great deals at Christmas I am sure you can get it cheaper! Enjoy!

♥ Clinique’s new Limited Edition Strawberry Fudge range! ♥

I was very lucky to receive some of the goodies from Clinique’s new Limited Edition Strawberry Fudge range and thought I’d show off my favourite from the range the Strawberry Fudge Holiday Compact (£25). I love the design of the compact and have fallen in love with the gorgeous pinky/brown eyeshadows and pink blush in New Clover. As expected with Clinique eyeshadows, they are shimmery, silky smooth and last all day. Definitely a must-have from me from the new collection. Thanks Clinique!

You can check out the whole Holiday collection here. What will you be purchasing from the range?

♥

bare Escentuals bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil review

My sister is an avid bareMinerals fan and loves the Illuminating Mineral Veil so much I thought I would share her review.

Here is a little more background info about the product:

  "Designed to wear over bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, the Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil is your final step to achieving bare skin beauty. The light-refracting pearls float over the skin giving a radiant, airbrushed look.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Illuminating Mineral Veil works on all skin types and can be used on its own or over your bareMinerals foundation to prolong wear. Completely translucent, it feels light on your skin and doesn't give a caked look. Absorbing oil and minimising your pores and fine lines, it gives a flawless finish."

According to my sister, this product is brilliant! It does exactly what it says on the label; it gives your skin an illuminating glow perfect for nights out or just to give yourself that extra boost if you’re feeling a bit grey. The actual powder is very glittery in the pot but it is the light refracting pigments which catch the light and give you a radiant glow. You only have to use a small amount (you can always build it up)and use it over the top of your bareMinerals foundation. Make sure you really work it into the brush and buff well onto the face otherwise you will end up looking quite glittery!! Please don’t be scared to use this product because I promise you the results are worth it, the ultimate finish.

So what do you think - is this product worth the hype? It retails at £19 from QVC. 

My favourite liquid eyeliners

I’ve been looking for a new liquid eyeliner recently (it's a make-up must have for me) and after several recommendations from fellow beauty bloggers I have found my top two. Illamasqua Art Of Darkness Precision Ink (£16.50) and a cheaper option Liquid Eyeliner in Rook from Topshop (£6.50). Illamasqua’s Precision Ink lets you create an amazingly accurate application, with relative ease as well unlike other liquid liners which can be tricky! It’s also extremely long-lasting and waterproof it's perfect for use anywhere on the face and body to bring out your bold side! Not sure if I would use it all over my body, but it does a good job for my eyes! I did find that it does smudge if you don’t let it completely dry but apart from that it’s fantastic.

I haven’t really tried out Topshop’s new make-up range but love the liquid liner which isn’t as fancy as the Illamasqua one, but for £6.50 it’s a bargain. It also lasts all day without smudging and has proven to be long-lasting so thumbs up from me!

What are your favourite liquid eyeliners? 

Vaseline Lip Therapy with Cocoa Butter

Although the weather hasn't got that cold yet, I am already taking precautions with Vaseline's Lip Therapy with Cocoa Butter (£1.89). I don't like normal Vaseline as I find it too greasy and don't like the strange taste, but have fallen in love with the cocoa butter balm! It is packed full of antioxidant-rich cocoa butter, and has a light, chocolate scent that will have you licking your lips all day long. Definitely worth checking out if you are a cocoa butter fan - and it is a bargain too under £2!


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♥ LANVIN FOR H&M ♥

I love this description from Vogue today on the new Lanvin for H&M Collection which launches here in the UK on 23rd November.

"From oversized floral prints on minidresses to one-shouldered purple or hot pink puffed sleeve numbers, grosgrain beribboned waists and defined shoulders on sexy black styles, the much-anticipated Lanvin for H&M collection is a feast for Alber Elbaz aficionados."

I am loving the gorgeous dresses and beige skirt, which is actually well priced at £34.99. I also love this t-shirt below at £29.99. 

Who else is excited for the collection and what will you be buying?

♥

My fave new lippy!

Despite owning hundreds of lipsticks, this is the one I have been reaching for over the past few weeks - L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Boosting Serum Lipstick in Freshly Rosy (S106). 

It has a boosting serum at the heart of the lipstick, containing Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid, to hydrate and plump with moisture. This may explain the strange  smell and taste, which reminds me of old school lipsticks my gran used to lend me when I was a child! 


I love the colour though and the softness on my lips, so a winner for me despite the taste! Has anyone else tried these new lippies?


♥

Revlon Grow Luscious mascara

I was sent a sample of the new Revlon Grow Luscious mascara a few weeks ago and have been using it for the past few weeks after my sister raved about it having purchased on holiday in the US. I must admit I have never previously tried a Revlon mascara as I am usually a Maybelline fan, so this was a first for me. This is the first Revlon mascara that helps lashes grow stronger, while claiming to add length and volume. As you can see from the photo below, it certainly has added volume & length to my lashes.

The brush size is huge and resembles Benefit's Bad Lash or Dior's Dior show mascara for size and quality but only costs £9.99 (currently £2 off in Superdrug at the moment. I think I need to try it for a bit longer to prove whether my lashes have actually grown but if they do - then great! It certainly  feels nice on my eyelashes and doesn't irritate like other mascaras.

What do you think? Has anyone else tried this mascara & seen results so far?

♥ Haringtons in Winchester review ♥

On Saturday I was lucky enough to visit Haringtons again for some pampering, this time in Winchester! The salon is conveniently located in Winchester city centre and has a vibrant atmosphere thanks to being in the middle of all the hustle and bustle (I love people watching!) I was treated to a cut, half a head highlights and a blow dry and you can see the fantastic results below!

What I really loved about my consultation was my stylist being really helpful and working out what colours would make my blonde hair a bit more natural. As it's sadly approaching autumn I wanted a more natural look which I think has been achieved! What do you think? I love it!

If you are live in the Winchester area then I recommend this salon if you have cash to spend. It's not the cheapest, but probably the best in the area. You get what you pay for with hair treatments I think and I would certainly go back!

I also had a fab new product by Kerastase used on me called Elixir Ultime. It's a versatile beautifying oil appropriate for all hair types and contains a combination of camellia, argan, maize and pracaxi oils. It leaves your hair feeling ultra nourished, protected and enhanced and very soft! Only downside is it costs a whopping £32.75!! Would you spend that much on a hair product?

♥

♥ Win tickets to Britain’s Next Top Model Event in London! ♥

Hi guys I have another competition for you! Thanks to Boutique Sport, I have a pair of tickets to giveaway to the Britain’s Next Top Model Live exhibition at the Excel Centre in London next week 22nd-24th October!

Boutique Sport – an exciting new women’s sport brand and the new ultra glam way to work out - officially launches at the Britain’s Next Top Model Live exhibition at the Excel Centre in London.

Boutique Sport events combine all my favourite things, sport and fitness with pampering, fashion, music, champagne, and fun days out with friends, to capture the interest of its target market of 18-34 year old women and keep them motivated and engaged throughout the year. Following an extremely successful first event in July of this year - Boutique Run, a 5 & 10k run in Battersea Park followed by free pampering, makeovers, champagne and music - the launch of the Boutique Sport brand campaign will unveil an exciting and varied calendar of events for the year to come, including dance, cycling and running events.

The launch event also kicks off the search to find the ‘Face of Boutique Sport' which will start on the Open Catwalk during the three days of the BNTM Live exhibition. The panel of judges will be looking for more than just a face though. They will be on the lookout for vibrant young women to act as ‘Glambassadors’ for the Boutique brand, with great personalities and healthy, balanced attitudes about lifestyle, health and fitness. Winners will receive a professional photoshoot, the chance to appear in campaign imagery, as well as guest blog spots and opportunities to compere at Boutique Sport events. I will be definitely be entering as this sounds right up my street!

Good luck girls! Just comment on this post to enter and I will select a winner next Tuesday 19th October!

♥

Winner of the Illamasqua Art of Darkness competition!

I have picked a winner of the Illamasqua Art of Darkness competition!

Entry number 6 is daisychain - well done! I'll be in touch on Twitter so if you can DM me your address I will send out the lipstick asap!

♥

Day out at London Fashion Weekend

 On Saturday I went to London Fashion Weekend at Somerset House with my friends Naomi and Kelly for a girly day out shopping. There were so many fab designers exhibiting including Ducie, Sass & Bide, Mawi, DKNY Jeans, Beatrix Ong, Pauric Sweeney, Juicy Couture, Angel Jackson, Twenty8Twelve, Olivia Rubin, House of Harlow 1960, French Sole and Donna Ida. 

I got a gorgeous leather Juicy Couture handbag, and a necklace from Sam Ubhi which both had big savings (the bag was £80 and the necklace £15). We also had manicures from the lovely girls at Bourjois. 

Here are a few photos from our day! If you didn't get to go this year, then you must go next time. It's not as big as the Clothes Show, but it's something a little bit different and offers some great discounts on designer clothing.

♥

Juicy Couture leather handbag

Kelly enjoying the Jacques cider!

 Contents of the fab goody bag for £8, plus a bargain Elle magazine for £1

Results of the gorgeous Bourjois manicure (£15)by a talented beautician who works for WAH Nails

I ♥ my new snood from All Saints!

I ♥ my new Honeycomb snood from All Saints! Since I decided to follow All Saints on Twitter and Facebook I have fallen in love with all their AW collection! I couldn't resist this gorgeous snood which was pretty costly at £55 but keeps you so warm! It is also made ofLambswool and Cashmere so doesn't irritate your skin like a lot of scarves. 

Who else loves the new All Saints AW collection?

♥

Illamasqua's Art of Darkness competition!

While I was away on holiday a few weeks ago, I missed out on the Illamasqua Art of Darkness Blogger Event which looked fantastic after seeing all the photos! Alex @ Illamasqua sent me some products to review, one of which is this lovely deep blue Disciple Lipstick. It's not really my colour (the bravest I am is a slightly deeper pink lipstick!!) so I am going to give it away to one lucky person! Just leave a comment saying 'enter me' and I will pick a winner at random next Thursday 30th September!

Here is a bit more info on the gorgeous new Art of Darkness range! 

Good luck! 

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Deep in an enchanted forest, the scene is set for a sumptuous feast. The chosen have arrived. Where this night will end no one knows. Not even death is inevitable. 

Lured by the promise of immortality, a host of fantastical beings try their hand at creating the ever-elusive Elixir of Life. The resulting potions dazzle the eye and ensnare the senses, a beautiful array of jewel-like substances. They may not deny mortality, but they do make the theatre of life a more colourful stage on which to play.

It’s a melting pot of individuals, where ideas are exchanged, and new ones created. A surreal gathering from which the guests might never awake. Which is why this night can never end, and the game must be played for eternity.

So take your place at the table and let the banquet begin.

This is Art of Darkness.

Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy - an essay!

I am sure you all know how long I have spent trying to find the perfect hair care products for my fluffy, wavy hair. Despite this, as soon as my hair gets subjected to wet/humid/windy conditions it all goes out of the window and my hair is a mess again! People tell me I have lovely hair anyway, which I am lucky to have as my hair is healthy and can be managed, however it’s down to my dedication/vanity that it looked half decent! Anyway, a few weeks ago after tweeting asking about keratin treatments, the lovely people at Haringtons got in touch and asked if I would like to try one out. YES PLEASE was the answer, after receiving positive tweets back from followers about how good it actually is.

Here is a little bit more info about the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy by COPPOLA, which is the treatment I had. I understand there are various treatments on the market but this is the best on the market according to Haringtons expert Heather. The revolutionary smoothing system infuses Keratin deep into the hair cuticle, eliminating up to ninety-five percent of frizz and curl, leaving the hair smooth, shiny and luxurious. Results typically last 3 to 5 months depending on hair type. It rejuvenates and revitalises the hair, giving it a softer, silkier feel that everyone raves about. Unlike other salon services, the more you treat your hair, the healthier it becomes. With each treatment, the build-up of Keratin makes the hair smoother and silkier, straighter and shinier, easier and faster to blow-dry and close to being “maintenance-free". Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy encases the hair follicle with a keratinous bond to promote healing (which my hair needed after years of straightening!) block the effects of humidity (the bane of my life in summer and on holiday!!) and prevent environmental toxins from entering the hair.

The most important aspect for me when researching keratin treatments was seeing real-life photos, not photos of adverts or models which I struggled to find. Especially photos from the UK, where people have the treatment done in the UK. So here we go - a complete step-by-step guide to my treatment in photos!

1. This is a photo of my hair before the treatment. It's a mess as I couldn't be bothered to straighten it too much as I knew I was going to the hairdressers the next day! Once I got to the salon, they washed my hair to cleanse the hair of all products and then applied the keratin treatment to my hair. I then had to wait for 40 minutes for the treatment to settle in my hair, before my lovely stylist Heather painstakingly blowdryed every section of my hair! She then had to straighten every section five times with special Keratin Complex straighteners that heat up hotter than normal straighteners. This stings your eyes a lot and made my eyes water, as the fumes are quite strong apparently! Here is the final result 3 and a half hours later - poor Heather!

2. As you can see my hair was now very straight! It also felt a little bit processed from all the heat, but still felt very smooth and straight. The worse part of the treatment was to come - I was told I had to wait 72 hours until I could wash my hair!! So no sweating, no tying your hair up, no putting your hair behind your ears! If you are a sporty person like me you will find this very difficult or if you have greasy hair but it is worth it as the longer you leave it the better the results will be. I'm lucky my hair is fairly dry so it didn't look too bad but by Tuesday afternoon it was starting to itch and I was desperate for a hair wash and boy didn't everyone around me and at work know it! After going back to Haringtons yesterday for a wash using the recommended Keratin Colour Care shampoo and conditioner (which are included in the price) and a quick blow dry, my hair now looks like this!

3. Here is the final result! No straighteners, no blowdrying, no serum, no leave in conditioner, no shine spray! This is going to save me so much time when washing my hair and also styling it! Plus a fortune on hair products. 

I had my treatment at the gorgeous Haringtons salon, Southampton (02380 237414) which was fantastic. The stylist Heather was really lovely and very reassuring and informative. I recommend going to a reputable salon like Haringtons as you are spending a lot of money (my treatment costs around £150-£250 depending on hair type) so you want it to be done properly. 

Obviously I have just had the treatment done, so I can't comment on how long it will last or if there are any side effects, but I will give you all an update in a few months to see how I found it! So far I am loving it and am amazed how soft and sleek my hair is and no longer dread the whole hair washing process! Thanks to Haringtons for giving me the chance to try this out. Two of my friends are already planning to have treatments done with Heather!


Who else has tried the Keratin treatment and what do you think?


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