Juliette Armand Skincare

I really enjoy discovering skincare brands that were previously unfamiliar to me so when I received an email about Greek brand Juliette Armand, my interest was certainly piqued. Juliette Armand is not a new brand, in fact it was established in 1992 and has enjoyed success in the rest of Europe and South America and remained virtually unknown in the UK market - but that's about to change. The brand was created by Michalis Papaefstratiou and Loulia Armagou, two chemists who wanted to enter the beauty industry and develop new formulas while applying personal values to their laboratory work. The entire skincare range is based on quality ingredients and effective formulas and includes lines specific to conditions such as acne and sensitivity and features products focused on a range of areas such as anti-aging and oil control.
I've had three products to try from the Juliette Armand Elements range including a cleanser, hyaluronic acid serum and moisturiser so I've really been able to get stuck in and gain some good understanding of the brand's products in general.

First up, the Hydra Cleansing Milk. I've used this as a 'first cleanse'  on a few occasions to remove makeup and general griminess and found it to be perfectly effective and also impressively gentle. Recommended for combination, dry, 'normal' and sensitive skin, the mild milk contains chamomile extract and green aloe to moisturise the skin while the trademarked cleansing complex ingredient removes dirt and makeup. What exactly constitutes this mysterious trademarked cleansing component? I actually cannot for the life of me find out what it is so I think it must be a closely guarded secret! Rest assured though that this brand does not include anything that the green beauty movement might refer to as nasties (parabens, mineral oil, propylene glycol). It's worth mentioning that the Hydra Cleansing Milk effectively removed eye makeup too.
I love me a Hyaluronic Acid Serum and this one from Juliette Armand rivals some of the more expensive versions I've tried in terms of texture and how it feels on the skin. We know by now that hyaluronic acid is incredibly hydrating and is a brilliant addition to skincare regimes, especially for those with dry and dehydrated skins. The acid can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water and is slow release so it's a brilliant option for all day or night hydration.
The serum is beautifully lightweight, non-greasy and fast absorbing, perfectly prepping the skin for moisturiser. 

The Juliette Armand Extra Moisturising 24h Cream is designed to provide intense hydration for normal, dry and dehydrated skins. The cream features hyaluronic acid, collagen exclusively of marine origin and an ingredient called Moist 24. Moist 24  is extracted from a plant that grows in Asia and Oceania called Imperata Cylindrical. This plant grows and thrives in extremely dry weather conditions due to its ability to retain water. I for one am glad that the collagen in this is marine collagen because I really do get a bit squeamish over 'pig collagen' products! Designed to plump out fine lines and restore the skin's moisture balance, the moisturising cream is a pleasure to use as it's quite rich and creamy yet absorbs well.

After using the Juliette Armand regime, my skin feels soft and plump, which is exactly the effect I'm after really. I like how simple the products seem at face value, even though a tremendous amount of research and formulation has gone into each one. When I first started writing about these products, the word that kept coming to mind is 'inoffensive' so I'm just going to go ahead and use that word I guess! The products I tried are virtually scent free and gentle, so I imagine they'd appeal to most people. The Juliette Armand brand has a pretty extensive range of different products including a cacao peeling cream, scrub mask and colour control cream to name just a few.
You can find out more about Juliette Armand and purchase products in the UK at Naturastudios.

3 Struggles of Having a Fringe (and how to deal)

So you've taken the plunge and allowed a hairdresser to get scissor-happy across your forehead. Your fringe sits perfectly and frames your features just right. Then a day or so later you WASH YOUR HAIR and think that maybe going for the chop wasn't such a fabulous idea after all...

I've had a fringe on and off since the age of 7. Full and thick, short and blunt, to the side, cut by my mum and lopsided, choppy and textured- you name the fringe, I've had it. With all this experience of fringe-bearing I know all about the very real struggles that come with a slab of hair hanging over your forehead. 

The Cowlick

I have a cowlick on the right hand side of my fringe and the struggle is real. Letting my hair air dry results in a lovely straight fringe three quarters of the way across my forehead then BAM a random chunk of fringe that curves off to the side in a sort of 90's boyband floppy-curtain-hair way. If I am just air-drying my hair (which 99% of the time is my hair drying method...) I just use kirby grips/ bobby pins to sort of train the cowlick bit to lay more flat. I have naturally straight hair so more often than not, just pinning the fringe across to one side with a couple of grips for a few hours or while I do my makeup makes it look a bit less wayward. After years of having various fringes I have come to appreciate that hair grips are almost essential when you have a fringe.

The Grease Factor


Greasy hair is just not nice is it? But a greasy fringe? Heinous! Fringes oil up quickly because they are pretty much in constant contact with one's forehead, and there's not a whole lot you can do to avoid the inevitable - you can delay it though with this nifty trick. Powder your forehead. That's right, once you've finished doing your make up, sweep some translucent and mattifying powder across your forehead to keep excess oil at bay and away from your fringe. Any sort of powder will do but from my experience, those designed for oily skin work best. If your fringe still gets greasy quickly and you're not into washing your hair everyday, keep in mind that there's no law against tying or pinning your hair back and just washing your fringe when you feel it needs it. Also, dry shampoo used sparingly will sort you out if you don't have the time or inclination to wash your bangs.

Growing Pains


There's no denying that growing out a fringe is generally pretty awkward and tedious. They seem to grow so quickly too don't they! Growing out a fringe is another scenario where hair grips are your best friend - sometimes there is no other option than to pin it back and hope for the best. In the past, I've braided a growing-out fringe with the rest of my hair to keep it out of my face (hairspray helps in this situation to stop the shorter bits of hair popping out) and also rolled/ twisted the fringe back before pinning. Once the fringe is getting a bit of length to it, start 'training' it over to one side by brushing it to an angle (like a long side fringe) and adding a bit of product to keep it in place. If the growing out phase is just too annoying, head back to your hairdresser for a fringe trim and tidy up - most will do it for free or for around £5 - £10.

While fringes can be annoying to maintain and often add more time to your morning routine, the extra effort is totally worth it. I love that I just look a bit more polished when I'm sporting a fringe even when I'm wearing ludicrously odd socks and have baby drool down my front.

Farmacy Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer

I'm an absolute sucker for sweet sounding beauty products (and by that I mean literally sweet) so it was pretty much inevitable that I was going to want to try the Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer from green beauty brand Farmacy.

Farmacy is particularly interesting because they are a true farm-to-face beauty brand, meaning they use ingredients in their products that are cultivated from their very own farm. The brand's signature ingredient, Echinacea GreenEnvy Honey is created by bees buzzing around on the farm and is incidentally the star component in the Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer. 

Gel-cream in texture, the moisturizer combines a Triple Hyaluronic Acid Complex, royal jelly, propolis and the GreenEnvy, which is high in Cichoric Acid - a natural antioxidant - and is blended with honey for a hydrating effect. The moisturizer also features a concoction of non-GMO fermented soy, meadowfoam and camellia seed oils, mistletoe (!), and Japanese blood grass (!!).

The real icing on the cake is the inclusion of tiny Cupuacu butter beads which melt on application to provide long lasting moisture. Cupuacu butter is high in fatty acids and therefore helps to soften and moisturise the skin.

As well as imparting an instant glowing, dewy look, Honey Drop boosts moisture levels and over time is designed to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin. At the moment I am alternating between this and three other moisturisers, so I can't accurately comment on the effects of long term use but can confirm that this feels really, really lovely on the skin. Even though Honey Drop has the word 'lightweight' in the title, I still expected it to be heavy for some reason - I suppose because it looks quite thick and creamy- but it really isn't. It manages to feel almost weightless on (even when I've gone a bit overboard and applied what can only be described as a 'dollop') and manages to give a bit of glow without any of the grease. In terms of scent, this cream really doesn't smell of an awful lot, just a slightly clean and subtle honey-esque fragrance so don't expect (or fear) an overpowering sweet fragrance. To top it all off, the extremely pretty, semi-rustic looking heavy glass jar is complete with a magnetic metal spatula that sticks to the lid. Ingenious. 

You can find Farmacy Honey Drop Lightweight Moisturizer in the UK at Cult Beauty for £38 for 50ml.

Social Season with The Bentall Centre Kingston

Summer may be officially over but we are off on our first proper holiday with the baby today.
We've gone away in September/October for the past two years and so far have found the weather to be ideal around that time of year- pleasantly warm rather than blisteringly hot- so it should be the ideal temperature for a little one. It was great timing, then, that I was recently invited down to The Bentall Centre to see if I could find a few bits to take away on holiday with me. If you've got a social event coming up and have a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear (you know how it is), The Bentall Centre is a great place to start really. Boasting an impressive range of clothing stores such as H&M, Superdry and Hollister as well as the plethora of brands on offer in Bentalls within The Bentall Centre, you're sure to find something perfect for any occasion. We are holidaying in Crete so I was on the hunt for flowy fabrics and beautiful bikinis to clothe my post-partum body. H&M is pretty reliable for on-trend, affordable pieces as well as classic basics, so I spent a while scouring the racks for something to make me feel like a Grecian Goddess. Or something like that.
I've always wanted a classic cotton Kaftan that can be dressed up with a bit of jewellery or left plain as a simple beach or poolside cover up and this one from H&M fits the bill perfectly. I also needed something to actually wear underneath the kaftan so chose this blue patterned bikini- it's a bit Missoni-esque I think and very different to what I might normally go for.

The Bentall Centre isn't just about shopping- they have a brilliant selection of places to eat too. We refueled at Restaurant on 3 which is in Bentalls within The Bentall Centre. We shared a quiche to start and for mains I had vege lasagna which hit the spot and Rich enjoyed rotisserie chicken with all the trimmings. Not only does Restaurant on 3 serve a range of varied and tasty food, it also has a lovely relaxed atmosphere which is especially welcome when you have an unpredictable 4 month old on your hands.
After lunch I went and got lost in one of my favourite places within The Bentall Centre- the beauty hall in Bentalls. This place is home to all the usual suspects including MAC, Estée Lauder, Clarins, YSL and more and also features Tom Ford, La Mer and La Prairie- an absolute dream for any skincare and makeup lover. It's very, very difficult to leave empty handed so obviously I didn't- a browse of the Charlotte Tilbury counter resulted in me leaving with a lip pencil in Iconic Nude for a toned down lip look that I know won't budge after a dolmade or two.

To find something perfect for yourself this social season, head down to The Bentall Centre at Wood Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1TP.

I was invited to The Bentall Centre and gifted a gift card. Words and opinions my own.

3 Reasons to Love Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum

Body lotions are generally not something I give that much thought to (I'm more of a facial skincare person you know) but there is one particular body-beautifier that I firmly consider as a desert island staple. Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum does it for me every time and is one of those products I have and will continue to purchase myself/ request from Santa for three very good reasons:

It makes my skin feel great

The gel-creme texture of the concentrated serum sinks into my skin almost instantly and has a welcome cooling effect that's perfect after a hot shower or bath. I hate the feeling of heavy lotions on my body during summer so Renew Plus is an ideal option for warm weather - it really does absorb so quickly that there's no waiting around in the nude, willing it to dry so I can put clothes on! That's not to say I don't use it equally as much when it's cold though. Once applied, the result is smooth, silky feeling skin that almost rivals my 4 month old in terms of softness. Almost. 

It smells gorgeous

Ok, I know that scent is a very subjective thing and I'm sure that there are some people who don't love the delicious fragrance of Renew Plus. Personally, I adore the powdery, timeless scent of the Serum and feel like it adds a glamorous touch to the act of moisturizing my limbs. If you don't like fragrance in your body products, this probably won't be your cup of tea, but personally I really like the scent and feel like it is just as wearable for an eighteen year old as it is for someone in their seventies.  The lotion also makes my pajamas (read: one of Rich's old shirts) smell lovely too as the scent tends to transfer slightly.

It improves the texture of my skin

Many people rave about Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum as a solution to rid themselves of Keratosis Pilaris and I've got to say the rumours are true. After a couple of weeks of using Renew Plus, my upper arms are significantly smoother with just a few chicken-skin-esque spots remaining- and that's not even using it every day. The serum effectively combats KP because it contains a pre-retinol and Wintergreen extract which both work to gently remove dead skin cells. In other words, it sort of 'unplugs' the keratin build-up from the hair follicles that cause the little raised bumps.

Because the Body Serum is quite concentrated, I don't use a lot at a time and only really reserve it for my arms. It's not exactly cheap but it is certainly cheerful so I'll continue to use it both for its beautiful scent and skin smoothing effect- it really is a little luxury for the body.

Biologique Recherche Facial at Aesthetics Lab

Finding the balance between relaxing and effective beauty treatments is a true skill and Primrose Hill clinic Aesthetics Lab have certainly mastered it. I was recently invited along to try one of Aesthetics Lab's coveted facial treatments, so armed with high expectations and overwhelming excitement at the prospect of lying down for an hour sans baby, I popped down to find out what all the fuss is about.

Nestled among the cafes and boutiques of Primrose Hill's Regents Park Road, Aesthetics Lab offers a range of beauty treatments and procedures for the face and body. From facials and peels to semi-permanent makeup, nose reshaping, lip enhancements and vaginal rejuvenation, Aesthetics Lab is the one-stop beauty destination for the who's who of North West London and beyond. My visit on this occasion was all about the face - an area I have admittedly neglected a bit since having my baby- so I was more than a little happy to have a professional assess my skin and give it some much needed attention. 

The front of house area is chic, clean and modern.

The Treatment

On arrival, I was given a warm welcome and offered refreshments while I filled out my pre-consultation form before my Aesthetician for the day, Joanna, came to collect me and showed me the way to one of the treatment rooms. After a thorough consultation in which we discussed what I wanted to gain from the treatment, I was left alone for a few minutes to get comfy. After analyzing my skin, Joanna commented that she could tell I sleep on my right side as I had deeper lines on that side of my face (I know right!) and recommended we try the Biologique Recherche facial. Now, I'd never tried any Biologique Recherche products before but had wanted to for years, so I was really happy my maiden voyage with the luxe French skincare brand was going to be via a pair of skilled and professional hands. The facial began with the gentle removal of my makeup using Lait VIP O2 and introduction massage (which nearly resulted in me falling asleep five minutes in) followed by application of the coveted lotion P50V to exfoliate. 

L'Eauxygenante was then misted over my face to hydrate and oxygenate the skin. Following this, my Aesthetician applied a mixture of Soin Lissant lotion and powder using the unique Biologique Recherche application technique. Made up of sculpting movements, combined with quick pulsing strokes, the sensation was unlike anything I'd experienced before in a facial. The technique is like an amazing sort of facial massage and there's nothing dainty about it. It's not delicate but I didn't find it uncomfortable in the slightest, it does definitely feel like it's actually doing something though!

Biomagic and Biosensible masks were then applied ( I love the feeling of a mask being brushed expertly onto my face) and I was treated to the most beautifully relaxing neck and shoulder massage while my skin absorbed the goodness. Once the masks were removed, Serum Extraits Tissulaires provided the perfect finishing touch before I was put under an LED light for an extra boost.

One of the beautiful treatment rooms at Aesthetics Lab

Time flies when you're completely blissed out and before I knew it, it was all over and it was time for me to check out the results in the mirror. I came to Aesthetics Lab as a sleep-deprived, rather shabby looking new mother with dark bags under my eyes and left with a brighter, tighter, lifted complexion. My cheekbones were suddenly visible and I could totally see why A-list Londoners visit Aesthetics Lab for a pre-red carpet treatment. Aesthetics Lab certainly proved that facials can be effective and still be wonderfully relaxing. I'll certainly be back!

For more information and to read about their range of treatments, visit the Aesthetics Lab site or drop in to see the team at 128 Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8XL. You can read about the facial treatments they offer here.

Bio-Extracts Eye Contour Collection

I love the concept of bespoke skincare so the Eye Contour Collection from vegan brand Bio-Extracts really appeals to me. The idea of this little set is to personalize the eye contour cream to suit your needs by using the 'boosts' and mixing them with the cream.

The boosts are Brightening Boost and Lift and Firm Boost and are packaged in cool syringe-style tubes that deliver a shot of serum to be mixed in with the cream.
Contained in a sturdy tub with a clever and hygienic dispensing mechanism in the lid, the Eye Contour Age Defying Cream has been designed to bring instant hydration to the eye area and is said to even be effective on very dry or mature skins. It also happens to smell spectacular. I realize how odd that may sound- after all, eye care products aren't usually renowned for their fragrance, but this just smells so great (kind of fresh and fruity) that I couldn't not mention it. The cream features the brand's signature Multi-Lamellar System® which Bio-Extracts explain as: 'Liquid crystals (100% vegetal origin) which match the lamellar structure of the skin itself. They act as a ‘second skin’ and help to restore the barrier of damaged skin. Ultra-mild and highly pure, they build an excellent tolerance for even the most sensitive skins. Strong water binders, sugar esters bring natural moisturisation to the skin.'
As well as smelling amazing, the cream is non-greasy and absorbs beautifully. It also has a slight yet very welcome cooling effect. A lovely product in its own right, the cream acts as the base to which you add the booster serums- as mentioned the cream and serums are mixed on the lid before application.

Back to the Boosters - thin and watery in consistency, the serums can be mixed with the cream one at a time or blended together. The Brightening Boost is recommended for use in the morning as it's designed to create a wide-awake, refreshed look. The serum contains Elderberry Flower which aids in pigmentation reduction and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflamatory properties.
Designed for use at night, the Lift & Firm Boost has been formulated to increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin. The serum features Snake Flower extract (a succulent similar to Aloe) which has been shown to boost collagen.
For more information about the Eye Contour Collection and the other Bio-Extracts products, visit the Bio-Extracts site. 

Dermatude Meta Therapy Skincare

Meta Therapy is a 'facelift alternative' that combines skin rejuvenation, anti-aging, hydration and recovery in one unique treatment. Standing for Medical and Esthetical Tissue Activation, Meta Therapy is 100% natural and offers visible results without the use of fillers, botox and other invasive techniques. The brand behind the Meta Therapy concept is Dermatude and they've also developed a range of skincare products to both complement the Meta Therapy treatment and use as stand alone products. I have the Dermatude Stem Cell Reactivator Serum and Active Hydra Booster Cream and have dipped into both on and off for a good few months now. For some reason I had assumed that as they are complementary to the professional Meta Therapy treatment that they would feel a bit 'clinical' to use, but they are actually quite luxurious!

Dermatude Stem Cell Reactivator Serum

The concentrated formula contains PhtyoCellTech Malus Domestica - which is a 'liposomal preparation' of Swiss apple stem cells - and Q10. The apple stem cell preparation stimulates the production of new skin cells and provides a firming effect while antioxidant Q10 works to reduce signs of aging. The Reactivator Serum feels like water on the skin and contains tiny micro-capsules that burst on application.

It's unscented, so suitable for people who are irritated by fragranced skincare products. The serum can be used anytime but I mainly put on a pump or two at night under my night cream. It has an instantly quenching effect which is very, very welcome at the moment because my skin has been unbelievably dry since I had my baby three months ago. You can find out more about the Stem Cell Reactivator Serum here.

Dermatude Active Hydra Booster Cream

This rich cream is another total skin thirst quencher. Delectably thick, the cream is packed with Sodium Hyaluronate which is similar to Hyaluronic Acid but has a smaller molecule and is therefore absorbed into the skin more easily. Ideal for dehydrated skin (like mine *cough*), the rich cream contains Shea Butter and Sunflower Oil and is also fragrance free.

 

I reach for this cream when my skin is feeling really tight and dried out and it's just like giving it a big glass of water. You can find out more about the Active Hydra Booster Cream on the Dermatude site.

For more information about Dermatude as a brand as well as their innovative Meta Therapy treatments, visit the website here.

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

With a name like that, there was simply no way I wasn't going to buy Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. It's incredibly clever marketing on the one hand but on the other, it's also a really lovely product. Sol de Janeiro is a US brand all about Brazilian beauty philosophies with a strong emphasis on caring for and maintaining the appearance of the bum bum (pronounced boom boom in Brazil) and this pot of cream has reached cult status thanks to its cheeky name, creamy formula and delectable scent. 

Designed to be applied to your bum bum and anywhere else that you want to firm up and add a little shimmer to, the Bum Bum Cream is rich in Guarana, which is high in caffeine and said to stimulate circulation to keep bottoms smooth and tight! Personally, my butt is going to need a lot more help than what any cosmetic can possibly offer but it's a really nice product all the same.

The cream features a blend of Cupuacu butter, Coconut Oil, Brazil Nut and Acai to nourish and soften and is spiked with a tiny amount of Mica for a subtle shimmer - the perfect finishing touch to an already beautiful formula I think.

The cream is thick and absorbs beautifully but the real kicker for me is the scent. Sweet mercy, this stuff smells delicious. Officially, the scent of the Bum Bum Cream is pistachio and salted caramel but I reckon it also has a bit of a sexy, almost boozy fragrance note in there somewhere. Maybe a bit like an alcoholic milkshake? I find that the scent does linger but dries down to something much more subtle than how it starts, so even if you're not a great fan of smells-like-you-could-eat-it fragrances, you'll probably still enjoy using the cream.

While I haven't used the Bum Bum Cream often enough (or paid enough attention) to comment on how well it firms the skin, it's still an absolute winner in my book and a definite recommendation for the summer and beyond.

I have the travel sized 75ml version of the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream (£18), which is brilliant if you're off on holidays or you'd like to try it without hurting your wallet but it's also available in a large 240ml tub (£44).

I bought the Bum Bum Cream from Cult Beauty but you can also find it at Selfridges.

New Aurelia Body Cleanser + Serum

Aurelia Probiotic Skincare is one of those natural skincare brands that I have loved watching grow over the years. It really has gone from strength to strength and earned itself quite the reputation for its collection of effective natural skincare formulas. With that in mind, it's so great to see the award-winning brand adding to their range of bodycare products that will undoubtedly be just as covetable as the original lotions and potions that started it all.

To me, warm weather calls for refreshing bath and body products and the new Aurelia body products are a beautiful example of this. Zingy, uplifting, citrusy formulas are the perfect accompaniment to warm summer days and offer the ideal antidote to sweat and humidity. Housed in a convenient pump-action bottle, the Aurelia Restorative Cream Body Cleanser (£32) strikes a perfect balance between zesty refreshment and nourishing hydration thanks to a combination of geranium, clementine, rosemary and mandarin steam distilled essential oils.

The sulphate free formula offers a surprisingly generous lather from the aloe vera and Sodium cocoyl isethionate base (Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil). 
Packed full of botanical ingredients including baobab and hibiscus, the bio-organic Cleanser is equally as refreshing when used first thing in the morning as it is soothing and comforting when I lather up with it before bed. I also find the scent to be quite unisex- not overly floral or typically feminine- so it's a perfect cleanser to leave in your shower for all to enjoy (if you can resist keeping it all for yourself, obviously). A really lovely point about this cleanser is that it leaves me feeling fresh, uplifted and above all, clean, but doesn't make my skin feel tight or 'stripped' in the slightest. Win.

The Firm & Replenish Body Serum (£48) is the perfect follow up product to use after the Restorative Cleanser. Featuring a similarly zesty citrus vibe, the serum is designed to be smoothed all over the body for an intensely nourishing, lifting effect. Featuring the same pump bottle design as the cleanser, the milky serum contains mandarin, angelica, bergamot and cedar wood blended with a coconut oil derivative and sweet almond oil for fast absorption that leaves skin silky. Since I had my baby in April, my skin has been so incredibly DRY so I'm really enjoying the hydrating and soothing effect of the serum without the heaviness of a thick body butter, which is a feeling I really can't tolerate as soon as the temperature gets above about 20 degrees! For now I've been using the Firm & Replenish Body Serum on my arms and legs but once my c-section scar has healed properly I imagine I will be slathering this liberally on my tummy and abdomen in an effort to firm things up a bit. It's worth mentioning that this is apparently a fantastic product for mums-to-be to keep growing bellies moisturised and supple.

If you're keen to try the new Restorative Cream Body Cleanser and the Firm & Replenish Body Serum (or anything from the bodycare collection really) I have a little treat for you - just enter the code BODY15 at the checkout for 15% off anything from the Bodycare range. Valid until 30th June 2017.

Dafna's Personal Skincare Nutrition Night Treatment

I love an eco-luxe skincare product and this rich, buttery night treatment really is no exception.
Dafna's Nutrition Night Treatment is one of those products that pretty much ticks every box for me; Natural? Check. Effective? Check. Luxury? Check. Great scent? Check!

Housed in a decadently heavy black glass jar, Nutrition comprises of 21 natural active ingredients including essential oils and botanical extracts and has a subtle yet utterly heavenly scent that perfectly complements the overall vibe of the cream- that is, natural and distinctly luxurious.

Active ingredients include ginseng, propolis, green tea, reishi, and rosewood and vanilla SOIL registered essential oils blended in a rich base of silky shea butter, glycerin, rosa damascena flower water, rosehip seed oil, macadamia seed oil, olive oil, argan oil and jojoba seed oil. The result is a gorgeously thick, almost caramel hued cream that instantly moisturises and sinks into the skin quickly. At first glance, I assumed that Nutrition would leave an oily feeling on my skin- it is super rich after all- but it really doesn't. In fact, to use a cliched phrase I type far too much on this blog, my skin really does drink this up. In other words, it absorbs like a dream. Because the texture is so thick, only a pea-sized amount is needed for my whole face and neck. Nutrition is part of Dafna's DR2 wellness range, which is a collection of products developed to counteract the environmental stressors that come with city living - perfect if you live in London really! The cream is designed to protect the skin from free radicals and strengthen its natural defences, build collagen and elastin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin. Nutrition also has aroma-therapeutic benefits and brings a sense of calm and wellbeing when applied. I was surprised by the scent when I first tried it, actually, because it is really quite subtle so not likely to alienate skin care lovers who aren't all that keen on heavily scented products for the face. 
Overall, Nutrition is a truly stunning creation, so it's little wonder that it's quickly gaining cult status.
Dafna's Nutrition Night Treatment recently won a Beauty Shortlist award in the Best Night Cream category and is available at Dafna Skincare and Content Beauty and Wellbeing where it retails for £75.

Three Tubing Mascaras You Need to Try

Weirdly, I don't actually have a favourite mascara. I guess I just get bored easily and brands are constantly releasing new and improved formulas and high tech wands and brushes that promise to lengthen, curl or volumise lashes and I inevitably get sucked in and want to try what's new. While I can't say I have a favourite particular mascara, years of trying out various high street and high end offerings has led to the discovery of a favourite formula; tubing. Tubing mascaras are not a very new concept but the 'tube' formula is being adopted by more and more brands due to its staying power and ease of removal.

Tubing mascaras use polymer formulas that encase individual lashes rather than painting them, so they are generally a good option if you don't want to deal with smudges (and who does, really) and want a mascara that requires minimal effort to remove. Tubing mascaras generally remove easily with just a little warm water to loosen the bonds, so little to no rubbing is required- great for sensitive eyes and arguably better for the condition of the lashes themselves.
My first experience with the formula involved a miniature sized tube of Clinique Lash Power which I think may have been a magazine freebie or part of a gift with purchase. I remember being a little bit mesmerized by how odd it felt when taking the mascara off- like each eyelash had been wearing it's own little rubbery suit of sorts- and how there was no evidence of the dreaded panda eye in sight.
Since that first wear of Clinique Lash Power, tubing formulas have been one of my favourite types of mascara to use so I'm always keen to try tubing offerings from various brands. These are my current tubing mascaras I have on rotation right now:

DHC Perfect Pro Double Protection Mascara

I find the simplicity of this DHC mascara quite refreshing. The sleek, silver packaging and minimalist design perfectly complement the small brush which seems to easily grab every lash. Apparently this is Emma Watson's favourite mascara and I totally get why-  it's really, really easy to use and utilizes Japanese tubing technology to add volume and length to every lash. This mascara lasts ages on means I've even put in and taken out contact lenses with it on. The small brush and non-smudge formula make it perfect for doing bottom lashes too. £15.90 at Escentual.

L'Oreal Double Extension Mascara

I rather enjoy the two-step ritual of applying this mascara. First priming the lashes with the white conditioning base coat that contains little fibres and then sealing the deal with the inky black mascara. This mascara gives great 'length' due in part to the fibers in the base coat so it's a worthwhile option if your lashes are on the shorter side. The longevity is decent too but I did find it a little more difficult to remove than the other two tubers. £11.29 at Boots.

Eyeko Black Magic Mascara

Eyeko are pretty well know for their excellent tubing mascaras and Black Magic is no exception. Featuring a sizable curved brush, this mascara curls and lifts the lashes in one go and the formula dries pretty quickly once on the lashes. I really like the packaging of Eyeko mascaras in general- the squeeze tube means you get the most bang for your buck as you can almost get to every last drop before giving up and getting another tube. £17.50 at Marks and Spencer.

Like virtually all tubing mascaras, these three remove easily with just warm water. I found DHC Perfect Pro Double Protect Mascara removes the quickest though and (just like Emma Watson) I would say is my favourite out of the bunch for every day use.

OUAI Hair Oil

OUAI is one of those brands that burst onto the beauty scene and had everyone paying attention from day one. There's just something so delicious about luxury and high end haircare and I'm a total sucker for beautifully scented and effective hair products so OUAI is right up my street. Created by celeb hairstylist Jen Atkin (the woman responsible for a lot of the Kardashian's much-coveted 'dos), OUAI products are designed to nourish and care for the hair and showcase its natural beauty. The collection includes sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners, styling sprays, treatment masques, that dry shampoo foam that I am far too curious to resist trying and a hair oil, which I have to show you today.

For the past few years, hair oils, creams and leave-in-lotions have been my thing. There was a time when I used them almost obsessively to keep my lengths and ends healthy and hydrated and I do believe that a touch of oiling makes a considerable difference to my medium/thick hair and stops it frizzing out. 

The hair oil is, incidentally, made up of quite a few different oils including African Galanga, Ama and Asian Borage, all of which I'd never actually heard of before and all of which are said to protect and nourish the hair. Some more familiar oils found in the rather extensive ingredients list include Argan, Jojoba, Sweet Almond, Rice Bran and Soybean. The OUAI hair oil features the brand's signature scent- a beautiful floral fragrance that lingers brilliantly.

OUAI Hair Oil Ingredients:

 Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Dimethiconol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Coconut Alkanes, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Parfum (Fragrance), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polysilicone-15, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Beta-Carotene, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Methyl 2-Octynoate, Citronellol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol

The OUAI Hair Oil is a do-it-all multitasking product and there's no real rule book on how to use it but personally I have been dispensing one or two pumps into my palms, rubbing my hands together and lightly smoothing over dry hair. This keeps fluffy, frizzy, wispy bits of hair in check and makes my head smell generally beautiful (which is probably secretly the real reason why I like the product so much).

Other suggested uses include working a few pumps through towel dried hair and leaving to dry naturally- I'm feeling inspired to try that next- and using the oil as an overnight mask and rinsing in the morning. Yep, I'll try that too. 

You can find OUAI Hair Oil for £24 as well as other OUAI products at Panache Cosmetics. * Receive a 7ml sample of OUAI Repair Shampoo and Conditioner with any purchase from the OUAI collection. One gift per customer, subject to availability while stocks last. 

Transformulas Hydration Gold - a Moisturiser with Sparkle

There's been quite an influx of moisturizers and primers with more than a hint of shimmer in recent years and it's a trend I can't see going anywhere fast. There's something extra special about skincare that combines long term benefits with instant gratification and Hydration Gold from Transformulas is a prime example of this.

Transformulas Hydration Gold...Not the easiest product to photograph!

Designed to hydrate and nourish the skin, the moisturiser contains Hyaluronic Acid and genuine 23 carat gold powder(!) to create an instant, luminous look.
It has been claimed that as well as looking lovely, gold can also stimulate collagen production and blood circulation. While I'm not sure how convinced I am by the skincare benefits of gold, the instant effects speak for themselves and the Hydration Gold creates a very pretty, rather subtle glow. The subtlety is quite unexpected considering how densely 'gold' the formula looks when dispensed from the pump action packaging. I found that it sort of evened out my complexion and made the overall tone look a bit more 'uniform' which was especially nice as I've had quite a change in pigmentation recently - a result of pregnancy hormones I'm sure!

The only thing I don't really like about the product is the actual box it comes in - I don't think the use of a model on the front does it any favours and something more minimalist would appeal to me more personally as a consumer.

Ingredients: Aqua, Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Zea Mays Oil, Bhcetearth-12, Glycerin, Tocopheryl, Acetate, Methylparaben, Proplparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Phenoxyehtonol, Perfum, Mica Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Gold Powder, Anise Alchohol, Coumarin, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, D-Limonene.

I've used this alone, as a primer and mixed in with my foundation and it's worked well for me each time- no 'rolling' or separation, just an extra bit of glow that's always welcome if you ask me! I have not used the moisturiser consistently enough to give an accurate account of the effects of long term use but as an instant glow-giver, it gets a big, gold tick from me.

You can find Transformulas Hydration Gold for around £42 from a few different online retailers including Transformulas and Feel Unique.

Mother's Day at the Bentall Centre Kingston

I was recently very kindly invited to the Bentall Centre in Kingston Upon Thames to spend some quality time with my mum. Mum lives a few hours away so we don't get as much time together as I'd like (especially since I'm mega pregnant and often just want a big mum-hug to remind me everything is going to be ok!) so it was a nice treat to spend last Sunday with her having a wander (or in my case, a waddle) around the Bentall Centre. We had a lovely mother/ daughter day which included a makeup application at YSL in the Bentalls Beauty Hall followed by lunch at Restaurant on 3, both of which are located within Bentalls in the Bentall Centre.
The Bentalls Beauty Hall, really does rival (if not top) the beauty sections in other department stores and whenever I visit Kingston I always end up browsing the beauty counters and chatting to the staff and if I don't leave with a little treat for myself, I'm almost guaranteed to at least end up with lipstick swatches up my arms and a serious case of reverse-buyers remorse, if that's even a thing. Bentalls Beauty Hall is an absolute haven for skincare and makeup lovers and home to top prestigious brands including Charlotte Tilbury, Kiehl's, MAC, La Mer and La Prairie, to name just a handful.
Mum and I were treated to a makeup application at YSL, which was a genuinely lovely experience. Not only did it feel amazing in itself to sit down and rest my feet for half an hour, but the real cherry on top was having my face transformed so I looked more 'glam' and less 'knackered mother-to-be'. The highlight of my YSL experience though was watching my mum being made-over and seeing how pleased she was with the end result - she even treated herself to the lip gloss that was used on her (which i will probably borrow indefinitely when I see her next).

After our makeup application we headed up to the third floor of Bentalls to grab lunch at the aptly named Restaurant on 3. Restaurant on 3 offers buffet style, salad bar, deli, carvery and cooked to order options and is a perfect setting to take a load off over lunch or afternoon tea. There was a huge selection to choose from but mum and I both went for the classically English choice of Fish and Chips-which was such a generous serving neither of could finish it-and some mango and coconut presse, which has since become my latest obsession.

The Bentall Centre has been the shopping destination in Kingston for the last 25 years and features over 80 stores and more than 1000 brands.
There are some big things lined up for the Bentall Centre in 2017 as even more great brands join the already huge retail mix and an increased leisure offering is set to bring even more appeal to the centre. If you've not shopped in Kingston before, it's definitely worth a visit to the Bentall Centre and I can confirm that it's a great place for a girly day out with your mum this Mother's Day. If you fancy a pamper you could visit the Beauty Hall in Bentalls and book yourselves in for a treatment or makeup application and visit one of the plethora of cafes and restaurants to rest your weary feet when you're all shopped-out.
If you're still on the hunt for something special for your mum/ grandma/ aunty/ special woman in your life this Mother's Day, The Bentall Centre have a great selection and have rounded up a few ideas that you can find in store now:

For something your mum can treasure, head to SWAG for their Mother’s Day exclusive range including special edition ‘Mum’ themed jewels. There is a gift with purchase when you spend £125 on Mother’s Day items in the form of a beautiful Pandora jewellery box.

Pandora Luminous Knot Gift Set £99

Pandora Love For Mother Charm £35

Paperchase are catering for Nans as well as Mums this year with ‘Mum’ and ‘Nan’ themed gifts. From eye masks to phone cases, journals to canvas totes, there’s something to suit everyone.

Paperchase Super Nan Eye Mask £12

Oliver Bonas never fails to deliver on style and you’ll be spoilt for choice amongst the gems of the current collection. Highlights include, beautiful glazed pottery in soft-hued tones, statement gold and pastel jewellery and OB classics candles.

Oliver Bonas Lilian Vase £18

 

Oliver Bonas Florbella Vase £28

A treat from T2 is the perfect gift for any tea lover. The Mother’s Day loose-leaf tea gift-set comes with T2’ best-selling Jade Mountain loose-leaf tea, which offers notes of cocoa, brittle pieces, green tea and a hint of sweet hazelnut praline. The pack comes fully-equipped with everything you need to brew the perfect cuppa –a colourful print tea cup and saucer and cute ball-chain diffusers!

 

T2 Escape To The Mountains Set £35

Visit: www.bentallcentre.co.uk
for even more Mother’s Day inspiration 

If you fancy a visit to The Bentall Centre this Mother's Day and beyond, you can find it at Wood Street, Kingston Upon Thames, KT1 1TP.

My mum and I were invited to The Bentall Centre as guests. Words and opinions are my own.