Bring on the Bling

People always talk about taking your makeup from day to night. About taking your outfit from day to night. About taking your hair from day to night. Aren't we missing something? I am going to be taking something else from day to night. My nails. THE cherry on top of the fashion cake. Nails are enjoying a huge renaisance at the moment. Jewels, wild colours, even crazier shapes and patterns, it's all a go with a nail. What's more it looks even sexier and more modern if the rest of your outfit is super minimal. 

Sophie Robson's pop-up shop at Selfridges is causing quite a stir. And why not? I have been sporting my putty-greige nails all week.

It's Friday tomorrow and I'm taking it up a notch. O.P.I's new Burlesque Collection  features the heavnely Bring On The Bling, which is a colourful explosion of glitter in a clear polish. One coat and I'm ready to go.

O.P.I Nail Colours from £9.95

Pump Up the Volume

My hair has always been quite fine. The 'three feathers' Russian joke, as I have already described, was my nemesis in school. Therefore, I tend to look towards products that can give me volume without making my hair heavy or greasy and limp.

Step up Shan Rahimkhan. A cult stylist in Berlin, his new range, True Volume, has only launched in the UK this year. These products do what they promise: they truly pump up the volume. For fine hair, this is the equivalent of finding buried treasure. The Leave-in Treatment with Aloe Vera Juice softly plumps the hair, giving it texture and visible lift. The Supreme Volumizing Hairspray with Bamboo Extract is the hardest-working hairspray I've ever tried. It's invisible and holds any style like a magnet. 

I recommend the collection to anyone who has been searching for True Volume. The search is over. 

Supreme Volumizing Hairspray, £19.60

Double Phase Leave-in Treatment, £26.15

 

Organic and Fresh!

This week, I am embarking on a session of Bikram Yoga. In case you didn't already know, this is the one where you practice really tough yoga position in what is essentially steam room conditions. There is one main rule in Bikram yoga: you have to sweat.

Now, this then requires a hard-working deodorant. I have become a fan of Erbaviva's Organic Jasmine and Grapefruit Deodorant. Not only does the combination sound deliciously different from anything else I've used in the past, its tangy citrus smell is super empowering. I love the understated scent of blossom from the jasmine too, which lingers softly. Plus, it's an award-winner and I'm not surprised.

So, Birkam Yoga here I come. Powered by Erbaviva and lots and lots of water.

Erbaviva Organic Jasmine and Grapefruit Deodorant, $18.00 (aluminum and chemical-free!)

A Rose by Any Other Name

If there is one thing I love more than coconuts, it’s roses. Not only does the smell remind me of my grandmother, her potpourri on every surface imaginable, but also, it’s one of my favourite scents too.

The rose is the queen of all flowers. Its use in cosmetics charting all the way to ancient Egyptians and its properties highly valued for their harmonising and anti-inflammatory qualities.

Rose-y products are my long-standing darlings. I am fussy about the scent though, not being a fan of the synthetic versions of the natural rose. My everyday bathroom-cupboard heroes include a Rosewater that I have been buying in Russia for years as well as Jo Malone’s Red Roses Cologne. One of my favourite handbag staples is Crabtree and Evelyn’s Rosewater Hand Therapy, which has a delicate smell and beautiful texture.

Ila, which is a new organic skincare range that is hand-blended in the Cotswolts also feature some marvellous rose products. Their Cleansing Milk with Damascena Rose and Argan Oil is a winner. The thick milk is great for dry skin, so ideal for the approaching winter. 

For the body, I’ve recently discovered love+art. A fabulous organic range, its Morrocan Rose body wash has the freshest rose scent ever. A real pleasure. 

ila Cleansing Milk, £36.50
Crabtree and Evelyn Rosewater Hand Therapy, £11
Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne, £68

love+art Moroccan Rose Body Wash, £10.75

'I love to see you at my table, Nick. You remind me of a- of a rose, an absolute rose.' - Daisy Buchanan, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Are You Made of Stone...

I am now feeling very autumnal indeed. Although we saw a glimpse of an Indian Summer, this evening is rainy and windy. The two main ingredients that together herald the official start of autumn. 

However, I am also excited to wear more stoney, pebble-brown shades on nails and lips and pack away the pastels until next year. Even on the eyes, a soft golden-brown seems more appropriate. Barielle's new Style in Argyle collection is made up of the most beautiful minky, brown and tawny shades for nails. So chic with black. I love their winter-inspired names too, such as Tight Knit and Wool You Marry Me. I am also quite taken with Rococo Nail Apparel's Brown Button Creme, which is a lovely cross between brown and burgundy-red.

Finally, nothing says Autumn quite like a statement lip. But instead of full-on block colour, I am opting for a softer stain on the lips, which looks much more modern and gives the appearance of a 'freshly bitten lip' that's so alluring. bareMinerals Parfait and Sweet Apricot are super-soft, creamy and are made from 100% natural ingredients.

What's not to get excited about?

Barielle Nail Colours, £8

Rococo Nail Apparel, £11.50

bareMinerals 100% Natural Lipcolours, £13

Full Plumage

I am embarking on something new. I have a confession: I’ve actually always been partial to supplements – I get excited by their promises. So now, I am embarking on a new challenge. To take a full course of supplements and measure their results.

Imedeen have just launched their new Hair & Nails capsules, which promise fuller hair and stronger nails, nourishing from the inside. I am excited at the prospect, because I used to get teased by friends at school about my fine, blonde hair that when I was younger almost looked transparent. Plus, an old Russian nickname for people going bald, ‘Three feathers on your head’, was one of my dad’s favourite taunts when I was growing up. So the only way is up….

Hair & Nails capsules £23.49 for two-month supply.

Not So Crude Oil...

Having gone for a beautiful walk in Hampstead Heath recently, it suddenly struck me; autumn is very fast approaching. The colours are changing. The leaves are falling. And very soon we will be wrapping up warm. (Although, I am doing this already because I am always cold and put my Russian blood to shame).

As I have a tendency to get drier skin, having suffered from eczema when I was little, I really have to moisturise my skin very well in the winter months. I have started slipping a Facial Oil in to my skincare routine more frequently now. My favourite at the moment is Aromatherapy Associates’ Renew Facial Oil. And I have sung its praises before. But I will again. It reveals a beautifully plumper skin and really does create a mini-barrier against environmental damage. Irresistible.

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Facial Oil, £35

Jeepers Peepers

I have been in a search for a good eye cream for a long time. My obsession developed ever since I heard about a colleague at work who applies eye cream several times a day. And his skin is a-m-a-zing.

I tried eye gels. I tried heavy creams. I tried mixing a little Vitamin E oil for extra hydration, but I found my eyes rebelling against me. My obsession grew when I went on my summer holiday where I applied a mint-infused cooling eye gel on the beach, but it didn’t really cut the mustard where real hydration was concerned. My eyes were more tired than I was.

I really wanted to keep it natural. The skin around your eyes is the most delicate skin on your body after all. I was very hopeful when I found Shiffa. This is a beautiful range of organic skincare from Dubai inspired by Ancient Arabia. The word ‘Shiffa’ actually means ‘healing’ in Arabic. I have a huge passion for natural products that can actually deliver on their promises. Shiffa’s Rejuvenating Eye Remedy did just that. Containing carrot oil to tone and revitalise, green tea to protect and aloe for moisture, it was rich, powerful and beautifully packaged. Everything I would want from any beauty product. I’m hooked.

 
Shiffa Rejuvenating Eye Remedy , £56.00 

Where The Wild Things Are...

I have been trifling my way across England over the past few weeks and my skin is now in need of some serious nourishment. Some TLC if you will.  I am embarking on a pre-winter nurture-fest. I am going to pet and coddle my skin inn to submission before going to Russia for Christmas and I need all the nourishment I can get. Much like a faun, the mythical forest god, I have taken a plant and woodland theme on for my skincare routine.

I am partial to Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose & Sandalwood Facial Oil for extra moisture. It smells absolutely divine, plus the Evening Primrose and Peach Kernel Oils plump the skin. For an all-over-body alternative that is perfect for knees and elbows I use Dr Organic Vitamin E Oil mixed with my regular moisturiser.

I have fallen in love with Antonia Burrell’s Forest Dew Skin Tonic. I love the word ‘dew’ in the title. As if collected by forest fairies and beautiful dragonflies at dawn. And this doesn’t disappoint. Smelling somewhere between fresh cucumber juice and luscious pine needles, its consistency is almost serum-like and it feels wonderfully hydrating.

Finally, Occo’s Deep Forest Body Treatment Mask is taking care of my body. This whole range, hailing from Croatia, is one of my exciting new discoveries…

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose & Sandalwood Facial Oil, £35

Antonia Burrell Forest Dew Skin Tonic, £34.80
Occo Deep Forest Body Treatment Mask, £30

Loco for Coco

Although summer is now nearly officially over (I was actually at an ‘End of Summer’ party last night), I am still reminiscing. I have fallen head over heels for anything coco. Loco for coco. The smell is summer in a bottle. Nothing conjures up memories of a beach or balmy summer nights more than the smell of coconuts.

My coco-loco-routine is as follows (if, like me, you want to smell of coconuts head to toe):
1. I am washing my hair with Crème de Coco from Bumble and Bumble, which leaves a faint whiff of coconuts upon my tresses. The Murumuru butter, mallow and milk thistle gently cleanse for the softest baby-hair in result.
2. I slather on Jergens Naturals Cocoa Butter body moisturiser, which has a sweet scent of coconuts and almonds that is not sickly, but rather a long-lasting exotic scent.
3. Finally, I dab Body Shop’s Coconut Perfume Oil on my pulse points for good measure.
In conclusion, I am dreaming of the Caribbean, even when I’m in a concrete jungle doing my weekly shopping.

Bumble and Bumble Creme de Coco Shampoo, £17 from Liberty
Jergens Naturals Cocoa Butter Body Moituriser £4.99 from all good chemists and supermarkets
The Body Shop Coconut Perfume Oil £6.50

Puffed Up (Not Anymore)

My favourite film line of all time comes from the original 1966 Alfie film with Michael Caine. He walks in to a pub and his chum tells him, "You looked puffed up." Poor Michael Caine, or Alfie rather, starts pinching himself at the sides with disbelief that he might have put on weight. "Yeah, you look puffed up, sort of poncified," the friend continued. I laughed until I cried. And still remember Michael Caine's shocked face.

Recently though, my eyes have been feeling 'puffed up and poncifed'. In the mornings more specifically. However, my favourite eye-depuffer-extraordiannre, aka REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Maintenance Gel has been working wonders. It packs my bags and sends them off to Timbuktu. And I'm not putting in a claim for lost luggage.
REN Active 7 Radiant Eye Maintenance Gel £18.00

Pink Magic

Have you ever had a product that you are so attached to, you don’t even know what will happen when it runs out or god forbid discontinued? That’s how I feel about my Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask with Pink Clay. It is so lovely and gentle, unlike some clay masks that can be very harsh on your skin, especially if you have dry skin.

This Clarins mask has a wonderful scent and feels like your skin is being kissed a thousand times as it works to reveal a brighter and more radiant complexion in just 15 minutes. A must-have if ever there was one.

Clarins Pure and Radiant Mask, £19.00

Bright-Eyed = Bushy-Tailed

Following a recent beauty event at Selfridges, my friend said one of the most poignant and apt statements for any beauty lover. “I wish I had two faces, so I can be trying double the product all the time.”

I definitely wish that too. Especially now. I have discovered the equivalent of a sexy older brother to the aforementioned Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser. Enter M Lab’s anti-Ageing Brightening Cleanser. From the beautiful jet-black bottle to its heady scent, this is like Clarke Gable swooping in to steal the crown from Woody Allen, and boy does M Lab mean business. The enzymatic exfoliants and cleansing micro-beads give a perfectly thorough cleanse and left my skin feeling soft and supple. Ideal for an evening cleanse as it doesn’t leave a smidgen of eye makeup behind.

Aesop however, gentle and kind is great for a morning cleanse when you don’t want to overload your skin with any heavy product.

M Lab Anti-Ageing Brightening Cleanser, £50
Aesop Fabulous Face Cleanser, £27

Hair Do Me Good

Have you ever had one of those haircuts that is actually more than just a haircut, it’s a whole life-coaching session and dare I say it, life-changing? That is how I felt having been lucky enough to secure an appointment with the beautifully-named Cher at the Aveda Centre in London.
All wild-hair and straight-talking, Cher put me straight in no time. “Yes,” she says wisely, like she can instantly see through all my problems, “I see what you are trying to do here.” She is running her fingers through my poor, limp hair and says, “You’re trying to grow your hair, aren’t you? But your hair is having none of it. You are trying to make it do what it doesn’t want to do.” I was shocked! This is sure breaching the hairdresser-client etiquette guidelines? But it was definitely food for thought. It made me think that maybe I should accept that I might never get past the shoulder length hair I have had for a good few years now. And it also made me think what (or who) else I was making do things that are clearly never going to happen. Wise words indeed.
Either way, Cher’s intuition proved spot on and I had the best haircut I have ever had in my life. My hair also somehow smelt amazing for days, which never normally happens. A pricey indulgence, but oh so worth it. And if this is how good it looks now, I will be happy with shoulder-length hair forever.
All about Aveda

Fabulous Skincare...

If only all beauty boutiques were like Aesop. The gorgeous little shops are like mini apothecaries, lined with brown bottles all waiting for you to take them home. How can anyone resist?
Last weekend, I visited one. And I didn't resist.
It's the little touches that impress. The Victorian sink where you can try any of the cleansers and scrubs. The beautiful displays of all the products. And the helpful service where the consultants are never too greedy to give away their samples! One Fabulous Face Cleanser later, I was skipping home with a beautiful little linen bag filled with sumptuous samples and the said cleanser. The cleanser in question is of he gel variety, smells devine thanks to Bergamot rind, Chamomile Bud and Rosemary Leaf which make up its core ingredients. It is specially formulated for sensitive skin and it has made mine feel super soft and hydrated. Though, it's so gentle, bless it, I need something tougher to remove makeup. Needless to say, I can hardly wait until my next visit... Fabulous Face Cleanser, £27 for 200ml

Sports Mask

Having read recently that doing exercise, albeit in mammoth proportions, (compared to my weekly (ok, monthly) attempts) can dry out the skin, I thought I could conduct an experiment. This morning, I decided to embark on a jog. But before I did, I steamed my face, added my favourite Origins Drink Up 10-minute moisture mask - but instead if rinsing after ten minutes, I wiped off some of the excess and went running with and residuals. I am calling it my 'sports mask'.
Following my jog and shower, I emerged with baby soft skin. Et voila. I will definitely be trying this experiment again (that includes the exercising part too).
Origins 10 Minute Drink Up Mask £17.00