Top products for shiny & smooth hair

Let me level with you here: I am a strong believer that changing your hair quality is pretty much impossible unless you are committed to the cause! Straight & shiny locks made an appearance at the Chloe S/S '14 show so I have wrapped up my top tips on how to protect your hair during the colder days to come, along with getting your 'do S/S '14 ready.

Moisturiser.  The Redken Smooth Down Butter Treat is one heck of a silky smooth formula and to top it off it smells heavenly! Post shampooing I slap it on my hair  from tip to root, wrap up it in a towel and leave for 20 mins. Given it's thick consistency I would recommend to only use this product once a week as even after blow drying my hair does feel a tad weighty. But in the days that follow the application, my hair always feels shiner, healthier and less frizzy!

Smooth, quench & hydrate. The Nicky Clarke Moisture Conditioner does just that! The formula is infused with wheat protein & moringa oil that work together to neutralise static and eliminate flyaways - both key components to create more manageable hair.

To Set. I switch it up between the Ojon Dry Recovery Hydrating Creme, Percy & Reed Finishing Polish and Percy & Reed No Oil, Oil. 3 products that are equally great at protecting my hair. First up is the Ojon Dry Recovery, this is a great light-weight product for hydrating your scalp especially if you tend to over-do it on the blow drying front during autumn. Percy & Reed are hands down my fave hair brand (my next venture is to get my hair done at their salon!) for a few simple reasons: their fun packaging, cute product descriptions and the fact that their products all the smell the same - don't ask why but I like consistency! Both of these products were part of a trend pack I picked up from ASOS (a great way to try out products before committing to the full size) and will be my go-to's this autumn/winter.

Autumn haircare is bit of extra graft but it's important to not load up your locks and weight your scalp down with a load of products. I would say stick to 3 or 4 that comfortably quench your scalp and don't over-hydrated!

* image courtesy of Vogue.com

Beauty Insider: Stephanie O'Reilly, ASOS Beauty Buyer

"Initially I wanted to be a fashion buyer, and directed all of my studies/work experience towards that. But Beauty and I turned out to be a match made in heaven. I've always been interested in cosmetics but it never occurred to me that I could turn it into a full-time job. Once I told people about the job I had landed at ASOS, everyone assured me that it was the “perfect” job for me. My career highlight would be my first day interning for the British Fashion Council at London Fashion Week. A photographer took my photo and my mum found it in Vogue 3 months later!

As a teen I was a bit over-handy with the eyeliner. I originally used a Dior pencil on the inside of my eyes and then swapped to the MAC Fluidline to do flicks on my eyelids - a style which I have now parted ways with. But a teen beauty staple that is still holding it's own in my make-up bag is the MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation and I do still love it. My daily make-up look is NARS Sheer Glow foundation followed by Nars Pressed Powder over the top (an absolute must for sealing). I wear mascara and I always do a bright lip. I have been attached at the hip to Stila After Glow in Festive Fuchsia all summer. I started wearing it in Ibiza and have put it on almost every day since! For going out in the evening I tend to re-apply foundation in a shade darker and use bronzing powder over the top. I keep the lip and eyes the same. I occasionally work-out. I will top up my lipstick before and put my hair up in a ponytail but then leave both after, and just go home to shower it all off!

In the mornings I run a bubble bath and eat my breakfast whilst I wait for it to fill up. People think I am completely bonkers for having a bath every single day but I think it is such a nice way to start your morning! I then dry my hair on the alternate days with my GHD Air hairdryer (a godsend!), tame it with GHD Salon Straighteners and  in-between washing I look to my TONI&GUY Dry Shampoo. I prep my face by cleansing with the Elemis Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facewash . I'm ashamed to say I don’t moisturise my face before I put my make-up on in the morning but I find it tends to dilute my foundation and leaves me quite shiny! I apply my make-up, decide on an outfit and hit the road.

I apply  fake-tan twice a week during summer, and then once a week for autumn but give up completely in winter. I swear by NIP+FAB 360 Body Glow, which I didn't originally realise was a fake tan!  If I can remember before I go to sleep I use This Works Perfect Skin Moisturiser and Rodial Dragon’s Blood Eye Gel, after taking off make-up with Johnson’s baby wipes.

My style is extremely colourful. The brighter the better in my opinion. My beauty reflects this with a vibrant lip and always coloured nails. I wear an awful lot of pink so my hands and toes are usually a varied shade of fuchsia!"

Laser Hair Removal: 2nd Treatment

I'm not going to deny it, I was not looking forward to my 2nd treatment of Laser Hair Removal! As mentioned in my last post the main change has been the reduction of ingrown hair and overall smoother skin. I am happy to say that the pain level reduced dramatically during my 2nd treatment *phew* which was due to their being less hair on my legs. Also I was more prepared for what was to come and I was even able to go up a stage on the pressure meter!

Have I seen a reduction in hair growth? Well I'm shaving less and less which is a good sign but I am not quite there yet....

Reiss Parfums: Grey Flower

I was more than intrigued when British fashion house Reiss decided to take a dip into the perfume pool. Having previously worked with the brand on a styling project, I can say that the Reiss customer is someone who looks for pieces that are luxurious and modern but affordable - these are all factors that I was expecting from their debuting fragrance collection.

Launching this Autumn is Grey Flower for Women and Black Oudh for Men. On first whiff these are two very bespoke fragrances,  I am not opposed to wearing aftershave (heck they often stay on longer than perfume!) but after smelling Grey Flower I instantly knew it was the one for me! Musky and spicy in equal amounts; the Armoise and Pimento Berry balance out Sequiona Wood, Jasmine Noir (my fave!)and Cocoa Leaf to create a deep fragrance that is powerful and feminine.

The perfume is housed in a modern metallic bottle that is simple but classic - which reflects the artisan approach to design that Reiss are known for. Also you may have noticed that my bottle is engraved! This is an exclusive at Selfridges and makes the perfect touch if you are gifting this fragrance.


If are on the lookout for an Autumnal fragrance then definitely give this a try! It's currently exclusive to Selfridges but will be hitting Reiss stores nationwide from September 26th 2013.

Backstage Beauty: NYFW S/S '14

From the Mullevays bringing back the ultimate downtown LA look with printed hair extensions and sharp winged liner (think Nicole Richie circa 2001) to a punchy matte orangey/red lip at Parbal Gurung, New York served up some beauty wonders. I will be rounding up my fave beauty this show season along with the notes on the products used backstage!

Rodarte
Make up 

Radiant Cream Compact Foundation
Nars Brow Gel
Radiant Creamy Concealer
Larger Than Life Eyeliner & Larger Than Life Mascara
Floralies Satin Lip Pencil
Matte Multiples in Anguilla and Altai

Hair

Frize-Ease Flawless Finishing Creme

Frizz-Ease Curl Reviver Styling Mousse 

Finish with a side-part and don't forget about the zebra print extensions!

Philip Lim

Make up

Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer & Illuminator 

The Multiple in Luxor 

Duo Eyeshadow in Iceland

Hair

Twin Curl

Grip Super Hold Mousse

Elastic Hair Spray

The look: Tie the hair like you would a shoe lace.

Alexander Wang

Make up

Aqua Gel Moisturizer

NARS Concealer 

The Secret... the brows were brushed using a lip balm.

Hair

Redken Quick Tease

Redken Powder Refresh - for a matte finish.

The look: Think au natural hair, avoid beach waves and head down the '90s tousled hair route with lots of volume.

Prabal Gurung 
Make up

MAC Coffee Eye Pencil
MAC What a Blast Lip Pencil & MAC Orange Lipmix

The look: The bold lip is everything. Charlotte Tilbury ditched mascara and blush to create a look that was fresh and modern.

Hair

OSiS Hair Spray
OSiS Sparkler Shine Spray

With show season in full swing look out for more backstage beauty bits....

*images courtesy of Vogue.co.uk 

Beauty Hotspots: Berkeley Health Club & Spa

When visiting the one-of-a-kind fashion trunk at the Berkeley hotel (one for all you vintage mavens!) I was taken for a tour around their Health Club and Spa.

Within seconds I was taken out of the hustle and bustle of London and transported into what felt like the English countryside. The experience was complimented by a scorching London day and what better way to cool off than heading over to the open-air pool and secret garden with a skyline view! - a swim whilst being able to see the Shard, what more can you ask for...

A spa day wouldn't be complete without a massage and the 85 minute Bamford Body massage (that includes shiatsu, meridian and swedish massage, yup you read that correct!) is right up my street. Along with the massage I also have my eye on the OSKIA facial which helps illuminate the complexion, the perfect post summer pick me up. I have already planned a trip with mummy the next time she is in London and of course I have to treat her to Prêt-à-portea afternoon tea....

Monday Must-have: & Other Stories Bouclé Greige Nail Polish

The key to finding a subtle polish shade is knowing the difference between what the colour looks like in the bottle and how it will look on your skin. And as someone with tanned skin this can be somewhat of an issue!

The latest shade to strike my fancy is Bouclé Greige from & Other Stories. On first instance the formula is quite thin but with a little help from the thick brush and a second coat, I managed to achieve the ultimate barely-there shade. I think it's safe to say that the & Other Stories obsession is becoming an issue but at £5 a pop can you really say no?!

August Beauty Favourites

Let's kick off August favourites with my new love, Aesop! I have heard numerous bloggers raving about the Aesop Parsley Seed Masque, but at £27 I was hesitant to buy a product from a brand that I hadn't ever used. First things first, the sales assistant at Liberty's couldn't have been more helpful and it did help that she threw in a few free testers! She recommended the masque for skin that is exposed to a harsh air-conned environment that needs deep cleansing/ a good-clear out a couple of times a week. A 15 min application leaves my skin feel squeaky clean, fresh and ready for bed (I normally do face masks in the evening) and major snaps for the scent and smooth application (none of this messy clay business!)

I have been gearing up for my fave season Autumn since the start of August and along with updating my new season wardrobe comes with breaking out the darker polish shades. Last year, greens and greys were my go-to's and I think my palette will pretty much stay the same! I picked up Power Clutch by Essie which is a great combo of the two and adds a pop of colour to my neutral colour dressing!

The days of pumping my hair with moose to only find that post blow dry it can feel a tad tacky are definitely over. The guys over at Percy & Reed have created a product that is the right equilibrium of something that is light and holds body, but still allows your hair to move naturally. A few pumps of the Bodying Cream on damp hair followed by the classic messy blow dry creates some serious volume.

Chirstopher Bailey can do no wrong. Along with being one of my fave British designers, the beauty collection from Burberry is on another level. My first purchase came in aid of being on the hunt for the ultimate nude lipstick and the shade Anitque Rose was the only one that stood out against the thousands of swatches that had been slapped on my hand. The formula is very moisturising and finishes off my barely-there make up look perfectly. But what makes this product so special is the packaging - the classic Burberry print and magnetic case, enough said.

And my non-beauty fave this month has to be the Polar FT4! This watch does lack glam but being a little bit of a fitness freak it is perfect for when I am doing a group class and don't have the cardio monitor that is on machines - not that I believe what they record is true anyway!

Homemade Eczema Moisturiser

My interest in skincare definitely stemmed from suffering from eczema. The need to try several different skin remedies, diets and treatments sure did pay off! I am grateful for the knowledge that I have obtained from this experience and even though my eczema has reduced dramatically I am still very wary of the products I use on my skin.

Over the years I have found oat based products to work really well with my skin. Oats are great for reducing inflammation and of course the dreaded itchiness. Also eczema prone skin is known for being out of balance, one minute it could be super dry, the next excessively oil and oats are great for hydrating and restoring that balance. The Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask from The Body Shop and The Dream Cream from Lush are both oat based products that are staple in my beauty routine - you will undoubtedly hear about these products a million times over! But the best way to combat a skin condition like eczema is to go au natural. My mum & I came up with this simple and easy to make oat based moisturiser - with her knack for cooking I will hold my hands up and give her full credit for this....

What you'll need:

Oats
Coconut Oil
Olive Oil

1. Blend 1/2 cup of oats with a few tablespoons of water until the formula is in a paste form

2. Heat up 1/4 cup of coconut oil and add the blended oats to the pan

3. Add a few tablespoons of olive oil and stir the mixture on a low setting for a few seconds

5. Let the mixture cool for a few mins and then pop into a jar and leave overnight to harden

Et voila! you have made a moisturiser with only 3 ingredients.

Bedside Beauty

Coming home after a long day, sometimes I would just rather lie in bed with Netflix than get my skincare on. It doesn't happen often but it does happen! My bedside table has became a nesting place for my lazy beauty routine...

First up are Simple Cleansing Wipes, a staple on my bedside since I was a teen. They give me a squeaky clean face with only 2 wipes! I have been through my fair share of cheaper options (I find £3.99 quite expensive for something that I need ALL the time!) but nothing deals with my troublesome skin like these.

As soon as I hop into bed I apply Bio Oil to my legs and arms (I normally apply baby oil all over after my morning shower so this is just a little top up!) in hope that it will sink in before I get under the covers! On any ecezma areas I whack on the Lush Dream Cream  - perfect for hot nights when my skin is more prone to being irritable. To finish up, I slather on the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask, this product really gets to work when I am asleep and when I wake up my face feels hydrated, smooth and glowy! I apply this mask once a week but on any other day I use the Dr Haushka Rose Day Cream, I love smelling good when going to bed so the strong rose scent is perfect. Lip balm is my everything, so I have to pop a tad on before heading off to sleep and I can rely on a classic like Vaseline to do the job. You might have noticed the product selection to be a tad moisturiser heavy but this combo does wonders for my dry skin.

I will hold my hands up and say that I am an online TV addict so when I able to pull away from Breaking Bad (I am only on Season 2 so no spoilers!) I have my nose in the Revenge Wears Prada!

YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation

Ok, ok I am only 21 so why would I need the YSL Youth Liberator Serum Foundation?* Truth be told this foundation is perfect for those who are need of a complexion boost - aka if your skin is looking a tad overtired and lack lustre! YSL have set out to create an anti-aging foundation enriched with Glycanactif for a complexion that is smoother and revialtised, and that's definitely what you get!

What stands out to me most about this product is the Colour Tune Up Complex which is a blend of pigments to help correct colour metrics and give you back that lovely fresh rosy glow! I recommend preparing your skin with the Forever Youth Liberator Lotion, activating it with the Forever Youth Liberator Serum and finishing off with the Youth Liberator Creme, phew! sounds like a lot of work, but it's all worth it!

As will all my foundations I prefer to apply the product with my fingers rather than a brush. The liquid formula is super moisturising and lightweight which is great for dehydrated dry skin (the formulation resembles a tinted moisturiser) and creates a medium to full coverage that is buildable. Staying power wise, this product is fab! From a 6am application to when I get home after a hectic day, my skin is looking pretty darn good - most importantly that unflattering summer shine isn't anywhere in sight!

Will it be entered into my daily make up routine? I think so! The shade is a tad light  as I have developed a little summer tan but it will be perfect for Autumn. It will be available in all House of Frasers stores from August 21st 2013.

*Press Sample

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray

In the latest issue of ELLE UK, a rather generous size of the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray is being gifted - it might just be a September issue thing but magazines at the mo are giving away some seriously good freebies! Bumble and Bumble are a brand that are always lurking around the beauty world but one I have never actually purchased anything from  - the thickening spray along with the surf spray have been 2 products on my radar though!

From having a Nicole Richie style bob in my teens to slowly growing it out, the biggest changer has to be the thickness of my hair. A few spritzes of  this product to towel-dried hair along with my Percy and Reed Bodifying Cream and I am ready to being my styling routine - aka throwing my head over and blow drying.

Ok, so I wasn't expecting super thick hair but a least a little bit of an oomph....but that didn't happen at all. I am hugely disappointed by this product and I am so glad that it was a free sample! I gave it a few more goes and even though it's a lightweight formula after blow drying I just felt it weighed my scalp down making my hair look more limp. I think it's to time to return to the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray - the real way to beef up your hair!

Straight Up Snippets: The Berkeley Hotel - Prêt-à-Portea Afternoon Tea

Even though this is a beauty blog, I couldn't help but post about the awesome time I had at The Berkeley Hotel. Last Friday, my friend Carrie & I were invited to have afternoon tea but with a fashion twist - my two favourite things: fashion and sweet treats! Each dessert was based on a S/S '13 trend and this season they were inspired by designers such as Balenciaga, Prada and Jason Wu - I headed straight for the Balenciaga chocolate cake! I am not a big tea drinker (or any hot drinks for that matter) but I did order the Chocolate Mint Truffle tea however after a few sips as I was straight back on the champagne! The divine ambiance was complimented by the outstanding service and I guess the company wasn't too bad either ;)

After stuffing our faces we had a quick wander around Knightsbridge and somehow ended up in ZARA - of course I just HAD to buy some pieces from their new collection....

Gym Kit: Workout Haircare Tips

When you have finally got your healthy eating and gym routine in check, along comes the issue of how to deal with the barnet! I have wrapped a few tips on how to manage pre-workout and post-workout (hot-mess) hair...

Pre-Workout:

Nailing a hair style that will stay in place during a strenuous workout is a lot harder than it sounds! From top-knots to classic high pony tails, the best out-of-the-face look has to be braids. For long locks I would definitely advise popping your hair into a tight french or fishtail braid. I am team fuss free high pony-tail but that's just because I'm lazy. In the back of my head I know  my hair should look like...

Post-Workout:

As someone who works out in the evenings, I have my morning shower along with a shower post- workout and it is very tempting to wash my hair twice a day! Washing your hair everyday is bad enough but I always prefer to wash my hair after working out - I would rather not sleep in sweaty hair...

First things first, conditioner is key!  As I have increased the amount I have to wash my hair I have found my scalp to become drier. Using the 2 in 1 Smooth and Sleek Shampoo from Pantene followed by the conditioner has helped counter any dryness. Along with this, I use the Redken Butter Treat Masque as a weekly deep conditioning treatment - it also smells delicious! I have found shampooing from tip to root has helped my scalp lock in natural oils again helping to reduce any pesky dryness! I am prone to dry skin pretty much everywhere, so I need to make sure that my scalp is protected.

After washing my hair I try to use as little styling product as possible, they can often weigh down my scalp and attract oils and when working out this can lead to greasy hair. If I do find my hair is feeling a tad limp or greasy then I will use the Boots Build Up Removal Expert Shampoo  - this or any clarifying shampoo will help remove any build up and impurities.

Key-Product:

For those who are die-hard dry shampoo fans then you pretty much have an easy ride! The water-free method will help absorb up any excess oils and remove any build-up. Unfortunately, I am not big on this method. After using dry shampoo I just don't feel like my hair is clean and the ickiniess generated during my workout is still there!  (I do however keep a bottle of batiste in my beauty bag as it does help with volume for an up-do!)

Check out my pre-workout skincare essentials here!

Monday Must-Have: & Other Stories Fig Fiction Body Scrub

The smell of the beach, nothing beats it. Whilst I am more drawn to city breaks the smell of a beach holiday instantly relaxes me! & Other Stories beauty products are so unique with their minimalist packaging and cute names but with so much on offer it's hard to have a good scour around. With it being pay-day I was in the splurging mood and decided to grab the Fig Fiction Body Scrub.

The smell instantly drew me in and one whiff took me straight back to laying in the beach in Dubai! The formula is super thick and grainy (almost like soft sand!) which leaves your skin feeling like its had a good ol' scrub down but still moisturised. Writing this post-shower I can say that even after drying off & moisturising the smell is still lingering and it will definitely help aid my Monday blues.

P.S. I had to include the bracelet I also picked up, they have such unique pieces!

Laser Hair Removal: 1st Treatment

First things first, Laser Hair Removal is not a fun experience... I have two tattoos and found the pain of this treatment to be very... uncomfortable to say the least! I had been previously been told to shave my legs 24 hours prior to my first treatment. Of course I was 20 mins late to the appointment and lets say the receptionist was less than pleased....

The aesthetician applied a gel to my legs (the same gel used in ultrasounds) along with sectioning each area of leg with a pen - to ensure that nothing was missed. Once I was prepped she began to apply the heated laser and I was told that the pain would vary depending on the area of the leg. The pressure of the laser could be reduced if the pain became too much -  I definitely found my knees and round my ankles to be the most painful. I am hoping that as the amount of hair reduces so will the pain!

As soon as we were finished, I was covered in an assortment of lotions including sun cream - sun cream is essential as the lasered areas are prone to darkening (I am guilty of not applying this daily, when you don't live in a hot country it really isn't something you think of!)

The treatment took around 30 mins and involved a lot less hassle than having to get your legs waxed. After leaving the clinic it was still super hot outside and with the heated laser freshly off my skin I could feel my legs burning up! I was a little panicked, but by the next morning everything was completely fine. There has been no drastic changes to report on yet but I have noticed that a quite a lot of my ingrown hairs have disappeared. Which is really encouraging as I know that the treatment is working!

July Beauty Favourites

Being a newbie on the beauty scene I am excited to be doing my first ever July favourites post!

The Skincare - It's safe to say that my focus is currently on kitting out my legs so I had to give the Perfect Legs Skin Miracle a try. I was surprised when this product pumped out a caramel coloured lotion but when blended in, it immediately gave a great subtle glow. Along with this, the product features Vitamin C and E which helps to even out skin tone. When first applied it's quite tacky so I would advise to leave it to dry for 20 mins as the colour does transfer. I have been slapping on the Nivea Pure & Senstive Sun Lotion partially because the heat is out of control in London but also because it being a requirement in the aftercare of Laser Hair Removal treatment. This month the Caludalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum has been the answer to all my summer skin woes. It's a lightweight and nourishing serum that leaves my face feeling hydrated and glowy. I don't think this product works as well in winter as it doesn't give the moisture that my dry skin needs but for summer it's definitely a winner!

The Make-Up - Accompanying the June 2013 edition of Elle UK was a sample of "They're Real!" Beyond Mascara from Benefit. I prefer my lashes to look volumised yet separated (the thick clumpy look is not for me!) and this mascara ticks all the boxes - as soon as it finished I dashed straight onto ASOS to pick up the full size! Pinks & oranges have been my go-to shades this summer and I haven't stopped using the YSL Babydoll nail polish. I try to be as neat as possible when applying polish - but it doesn't always work out that way and I end up be super frustrated! However, with YSL polishes I always find the easy applicator and pigmented formula ensures a one-coat application that is fuss free.

The Scents -  From Diptique candles to Jo Malone soaps, I will put my hands up and say that I am a scent addict. I can safely say that I inherited this from my mum and for my 21st birthday she gifted me the Valentina by Valentino perfume along with a few bits from Jo Malone. The Lime Basil and Mandarin bath oil from Jo Malone has been a staple in my evening bath routine and I love that the scent lingers on my skin until morning.

Red Magazine: Free REN Beauty Samples!

Whilst browsing the ever-growing magazine section in Selfridges I spotted Red magazine were giving away REN beauty samples. Beauty counters these days rarely give out samples and even if they do it's a minuscule bit of moisturiser that will barely cover your face! I'm normally quite apprehensive when trying samples due to my sensitive skin but REN is one my favourite beauty brands so I  know they won't disappoint! 

Bicester Village Beauty Haul

Travelling outside of London is somewhat of big deal for me (I am a creature of habit) but when it comes to shopping I am pretty much game for whatever and wherever! With ASOS summer hours in full swing - my colleague Carrie & I ventured to Oxford to hit designer outlet Bicester Village. With brands such as Celine, Valentino and Sandro, with up to 70% off it was safe to say that I was more than excited!

On top of this they had an amazing beauty store, in which I of course went a little bit crazy and picked up a few bits...

I headed straight over to the Origins counter and I picked up two bottles of the Checks and Balances face wash - it's something I use daily and they are much larger than the bottles I normally pick up from Selfridges. Carrie introduced me to an amazing perfumier called Penhaligon's. As usual I was drawn in by the beautiful packaging and the fact that the Bluebell perfume was reduced to £10 from £85!

It was a great change from the usual Oxford Street hustle & bustle and the amazing weather made such a difference. I would 100% recommend dropping by as it was definitely an experience - even though it did clear out my wallet...

Laser Hair Removal

I'm not going to deny it, I was nervous about blogging about my laser hair removal experience but if the Karadashian sisters can do it then so can I!

Having Asian skin which is dry & sensitive makes me very prone to ingrown hair and waxing just wasn't giving me the results I was hoping for. I had heard that after each waxing session you were supposed to have less and less hair, but I felt that wasn't happening for me - especially on my legs.

I started to research laser hair removal and immediately realised it came with a hefty price tag. But for me it was more like an investment - the term that anyone in fashion will use when making a big purchase! With summer fast approaching I knew it was too late to get my legs in shape for what was to be a hot summer in London but I decided to book myself into a nearby clinic to see what could be done.

*Forewarning the following is the complete dummies guide to laser hair removal* The treatment would be over 6 months (one session every month) and I was advised to not wax my legs throughout the treatment and only to shave (shaving is definitely not my preferred choice of hair removal). In my consolation I was told the laser light created a heat reaction that would destroy the melanin in the skin and in turn eliminating hair regrowth! With the treatments being spaced over 6 months (one session every month) the process is lengthy and will not be pain free (I found this out in my test patch, ouch didn't even cover it!). But for anyone who is looking for a permanent hair removal treatment that is super low maintenance then I would definitely advise looking into laser hair removal.

I will be blogging about each Laser Hair Removal Session with my first one being on Thursday (eeek!) and if you have any questions in regards to the treatment - drop me a comment below.

Midweek Beauty Routine

Wednesday is the new Sunday - well beauty wise anyway! Over the last few weeks I have replaced my usual Sunday beauty routine to a Wednesday, I feel like a mid-week beauty top-up is just what I need. With the heat turnt up in London, this post is very much catered towards combating warm-weather woes...

Face - After a sweaty tube journey home the first thing I do is grab my simple make- up wipes to get what's left of my make-up off my face. I look to my Honey and Oat 3-in-1 face mask from The Body Shop to cleanse, polish and moisturise my face. I finish off with my Claudalie Vinosource S.0.S thirst quenching serum that restores any moisture lost when sitting in an air-conned office all day!

Skincare - For those of us who are prone to a bit of eczema/ dry-skin the Summer can be somewhat of a stressful time. I can't power through the day without lathering on Lush Dream Cream and with an oatmilk base it instantly cools down hot & itchy skin. But if things get really bad (sounds super dramatic!) then slap on some Itch Relief Cream that will work up to 8 hours.

Hair -  Boots Build Up Removal Expert aka one of the most coveted own-brand Boots products! I can understand why as it does a good job of getting rid of any product build up - I don't use that many hair products but after using this once a week my hair always feels light, fluffy and squeaky clean. I picked up this Vatika Coconut Oil hair treatment whilst in ASDA (finding beauty gems whilst doing the daily food shop is where it's at!) that claims to thicken and volumise your hair - for £3.49 I had to give it a go to see if it actually worked and I will be putting a full review of this up soon....

Nails - Some colours are just made for Summer and "Orange, it's obvious" from Essie just fits the bill.

Wish-list: Cult Beauty

I find myself browsing the beauty emporium that is Cult Beauty most weeknights whilst watching re-runs of Ugly Betty! With brands such as Tammy Fender and Rodin, the site does stock higher end products that are often quite difficult to find. I have wrapped up my current beauty must-haves and with a little dip into my birthday money these products may find there way into my beauty bag very soon...

Epi Peel by Tammy Fender

This will be the perfect deep cleansing mask to give my skin a good ol' clean after a sweaty Summers day!

Rodin Oil Lusso

Cult Beauty describe this as a "wheat-grass shot for the skin" - hopefully it will help the create the dewy skin look that I have always coveted...

Sea Scrub by Fig & Arrow

A sea scrub for summer is a perfect fit and a great prep pre-shave. 

Safari Chic Bronzer Brush

The animal print trend will be a HUGE this A/W '13/14 and of course my make up brushes need to get in on the action too! 

NouNou Nourishing Repair Mask

I'm a sucker for products with minimalist packaging and a celebrity clientele (yes, I am that person) making this product an essential in my life..even if I don't actually need it!

Must-have: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

Nars is my go-to brand for everything make up related -  I stocked up on 3 tinted moisturisers during an ASOS beauty flash sale and I am often making sneaky purchases from their design collabo's (I have been eyeing up the Pierre Hardy nail polishes for a while....). They stock a wide range of shades and the formulations work spot-on with my skin tone and type. My latest purchase is the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and I have to say it is now made it to the coveted morning make-up routine spot!

A little goes a long way with this highly pigmented concealer and a tab or two with the wand style brush will cover up any blemishes or under-eye circles. For anyone with sensitive skin, this product is water based so it will not irritate/cause any breakouts along with this it gives off a great luminous finish - ticking all the boxes!

Now the ultimate question -"Is it crease proof?" I really wanted to test this product for a few weeks before answering this question. I apply the concealer on top of my Nars Tinted Moisturiser at 7am, my skin then has to endure the grimy London pollution and the harsh air-con at work (not good for dry skin!). When I return home at 6pm I can definitely say that the smooth formula works well to create a crease proof look! However,  I don't think that the creamy formulation will work as well with oily skin.On warmer days when my skin is a tad more oily - it does tend to slide off by the end of the day but a little top-up during lunch should sort that out. 

The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer does lean toward the pricey side at £21 but with the amount of coverage you get from the with one sweep of this product,  it really is good value - hands down another Nars winner for me!

Gym Kit: Skincare Essentials

Being back at home means my gym routine is non-existent and my love for sugary treats is at it's peak – also with it being my birthday week cupcakes for breakfast is becoming the norm.

With my trip coming to an end, my mind is firmly set on how I am going to shift myself back into gym mode.  When working out “how I look” isn't a priority (my normal gear is an ASOS menswear t-shirt, a pair of leggings finished off with my old-school P.E. trainers - hardly fashion forward) but my skin has to be fresh, clean and 100% make-up free! For some the thought of going make-up free is not even on the menu but for me, I can’t stand the thought of my tinted moisturiser running down my face and clogging my pores!

My skincare routine for the gym is super quick and only requires two products: Simple Make-up Wipes and Korres Milk Proteins Foaming Cream. This combo works great for my eczema prone skin and removes face and eye-make-up without dehydrating my skin which is exactly what I need for the gym – I promise you there is no overpowering smell or tightness of the skin after using these products! Finish off with a moisturiser of your choice; I would go for the Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream. 

Post workout I get out my more serious skincare products - if you work-out in the morning make sure that your skin is prepped well for your day make-up and if you prefer to work-out in the evening make sure that you apply a good night-cream after cleansing.

Now I think it’s time to polish off this last bit of cake and prepare my workout routine for next week!

Say hello to chip free nail polish!

All I ask for is nail polish that doesn't chip! - how many times have you heard that one? Well

Alessandro International have answered our polish prayers.
The Usual - For the past few years Essie products have been slowly taking over my nail polish collection but I find that their formulas vary too much - sometimes I get this great easy to apply product but often I end up with a super thin formula that leaves me with a very streaky finish.

New Discovery - 2 words: Alessandro International. A product that gives you super glossy nails and that has a non-chip formula is something this brand has perfected. From their cute bottles to easy to apply & dry polishes, I can definitely say that Alessandro have nailed it on every level!

The Test- Last Sunday, instead of opting for an Essie product to feature in my evening beauty routine, I went for an Alessandro polish. The smooth formula and thick brush allowed an easy application (I only had to do one
 coat that dried super quickly) and a week later, I can say that they still look freshly done and are completely chip free.

It all sounds too good to be true but Alessandro International  are ticking all the boxes when it comes to fulfilling my polish needs! They are due to launch in the UK later this month so keep an eye out..