July Favourites

Posted on Wednesday, 18 July 2012. Posted in Favourites, Beauty

I decided to break with the YouTube ‘favourites’ tradition and instead write a blog post showcasing some of my favourite new beauty products. In this month’s collection I have five items; a new Essie Nail PolishOjon Hair SerumM.A.C Care Blends Essential Oil, Jimmy Choo Eau de Toilette and the OPI Nail Envy Set.

July Favourites

The Ojon Damage Reverse Hair Serum was not something I purchased directly. It actually arrived as part of the March GLOSSYBOX and it took me a while to start using it, but now that I have I’m unlikely to stop. Having long, layered hair often results in laziness getting regular cuts. But frequent styling (straightening and curling) leaves the ends of my hair damaged and that’s what normally forces me to book an appointment at the local salon for a trim. The serum not only helps to defend your hair against the heat of heavy styling, it also takes care of the ends; adding strength and glossiness to each individual strand whilst taming frizz. A wonder product for my hair!

The M.A.C Care Blends Essential Oil was an experimental purchase prompted by my desire to achieve a dewy complexion that even Millie Mackintosh would be proud of. I mix approximately two drops of the oil with my foundation before applying, this keeps my skin looking fresh and glowing throughout the day. Not to mention the added benefit of the beautiful fragrance of grapefruit and chamomile.

M.A.C Care Blends Essential Oil

Despite that fact that summer has failed to materialise in the UK, I’m resolutely ploughing ahead swapping my winter clothes for summer items and replacing my wintertime fragrances with more summery scents. My preferred fragrance of the moment is Jimmy Choo’s new eau de toilette. A mix of rich tea rose and exotic Tiger Orchid, it reminds me daily that it is July, despite what the weather may suggest.

I’ve yet to wear my new polish from Essie as this is a very recent purchase, but I’m excited to replace my normal bright/bold colours with a more delicate shade. Called mint candy apple this is a light grey-green shade that I think will look equally good on both hands and feet.

Essie Nail Polish - Mint Candy Apple

Last, but not least on the list is my new OPI Nail Envy kit. A gift from my new sister-in-law as a thank you for being her bridesmaid, I almost squealed in delight when I saw it; the perfect antidote to my weak and feeble nails. After 20+ years of biting my nails it was probably a bit much to expect that they’d grow strong and happy when I eventually made the decision to stop. Nail Envy has proved to be a brilliant solution to keeping my nails from breaking off as soon as they start to look reasonable. It also works well as a base coat, preventing my nails from being stained and helping the polish last longer without chipping. This set comes with a clear shade of Nail Envy and a pink version, alongside a refreshing cuticle oil.

Valentine's Gift Guide - For Him

Posted on Thursday, 02 February 2012. Posted in Gift Guides, Lifestyle, Beauty, Fashion

Continuing on from my Valentine’s Gift Guide for Her, here are my selections for the ultimate Valentine’s Gifts for Him. Not what you’d necessarily call romantic, but hey, when did boys desire romance anyway?! It’s my belief that men in general would be far happier with a non-romantic yet practical gift, such as an iPad, whisky or Senna on DVD. Which, by the way, I’ve watched and very much enjoyed. So don’t worry about choosing it as a possible gift for fear of being made to watch it, you don’t have to be an F1 fan to appreciate it.

Mr Porter - Poker The Ultimate BookJ.Crew - Cognac Leather WalletJ.Crew - Cognac Leather Wallet
Mr Porter - Poker The Ultimate BookMr Porter - Uniform Wares WatchSelfridges - Monkey Shoulder
Amazon - Senna DVDMr Porter - Uniform Wares WatchSelfridges - Monkey Shoulder
John Lewis - Apple iPad 2Selfridges - Tom Ford Perfumemy-wardrobe.com - Burberry Brit Cashmere Scarf

Valentine's Gift Guide - For Her

Posted on Tuesday, 31 January 2012. Posted in Gift Guides, Lifestyle, Beauty, Fashion

Now as a married woman I know I’m not supposed to say this, but I simply cannot stand excessive soppiness on Valentine’s Day.

That doesn't mean I don’t want to celebrate being married to my lovely husband, but I don’t need to do that with choruses of overflowing love and devotion. It’s simply not me. So as I’m not very talented when it comes to slushy creative writing, I make it all about the gift. My most successful Valentine gift proved to be a new pair of football boots for my husband. Nothing romantic, but he was delighted nonetheless. But this year I’m totally and utterly stumped.

To that end and to help out others in the same predicament I’ve put together my selection of top gifts for both boys and girls. My first collection is for the girls, so if you struggle to say the right words, rest easy and let her new Anya Hindmarch bag do all the talking.

Liberty London - Diptyque Baies Scented CandleMy-Wardrobe.com - Anya Hindmarch Clutch
Liberty London - Charbonnel Et Walker TrufflesBoticca - Fools Heart EarringsSelfridges - Stella McCartney L.I.L.Y.
Astley Clarke - Heart RingiFlorist - Be My Valentine BouquetNET-A-PORTER.COM - Elle Macpherson Robe