Coiffed not Stirred

Don’t you love a good haircut? I get really excited even thinking about it the night before, like Christmas Eve – I couldn’t wait to be pampered. This time, I was checking out Daniel Galvin’s new salon in the Corinthia Hotel in London. Talk about plush.

Everything about the experience was pure class – loved the products, which were a mixture of Kerastase and Moroccanoil – and the surroundings, which made me feel like Pretty Woman. The hairdresser was super knowledgeable, albeit a little quiet. I do love it when a hairdresser is explaining what they are doing as they are doing it.

The only thing missing was the buzz and banter that you get in a busier ‘boutique’ salon, like when I went to Gielly Green or Aveda, but the whole experience here is totally different. It’s a working woman’s pitstop (being a stone’s throw away from Charing Cross) or a hotel guests treat. Wonderful attention to detail, but didn’t make my hair stand on end with excitement.

*Image from Corinthia website.

Winter Scent-sation

Now that the nights are getting colder, the afternoons are getting darker and I have well and truly unpacked all my winter clothes: I am also doing the same for my perfume and makeup.
There is something about blustery wind of this yellow and orange season that also makes me want to wear more 'grown up' makeup and scents.
I am in the mood for more spicy scents, so my flowery, sweet perfumes from summer can have a rest for now. One of my front-runners is Sisley's Eau de Sisley 2, which is a sparkling, clean scent with cardamom, bergamot and basil. Water lily and rose add a feminine edge, but I love the 'leafiness' of this scent at this time of year.
And Neal's Yard debut fragrance is surprisingly elegant. Pure Essence Eau de Parfum No.1 Frankincense smells like a deliciously warm waft of spa. It's a deeper fragrance than Sisley's and heavier in its ingredients: frankincense, patchouli and pink pepper.
Both add a touch of warmth on a cold winter's day.
Sisley Eau de Sisley 2, £97.00
Neal's Yard Pure Essence Eau de Parfum No.1 Frankincense, £35.00

Imagine all the Relaxation...

Funnily enough, I measure how good a spa trip was by how tired I am when I return home. I had the pleasure of discovering the new Imagine Spa Thames Valley at Hilton Terminal 5. And I returned home one sleepy bunny.

Although next to an airport may seem like a strange place to relax with a spa package, funnily enough, it is quite the haven. A fully equipped fitness centre, a generous-sized Jacuzzi, a fragrant steam room, sauna and experience showers will leave you feeling revitalised from head to toe.

I also had the mandatory manicure and pedicure (which I NEVER have when I am at home, so it felt like a real treat) and walked away almost a new woman. The spa also offer some truly indulgent packages for very reasonable prices such as a treatment and full use of spa facilities for the day for a couple from £55. Money well spent, I say.

It is worth the ride on the Piccadilly line (and even the commute on the Hoppa shuttle too).

Find out more… You can call 01753 766476 or email on thamesvalley@imaginespa.co.uk

It's Super

It's incredible how sometimes you can come across something that you never had before, but suddenly, it becomes something you can't live without. This is what the new beauty range from Dr Perricone, Super, has become for me.
He's the doctor who put 'super' in to superfoods. And now, he's putting 'super' in to a younger, cuter and more fun skincare collection than the more grown up Perricone MD range.
First up, I am in love with Sweet Clean. It's a yummy cleanser that smells like a fruit jam and is my new favourite morning wake-me-up. The dose of superfood Acai Berry is enough to get me and my skin ready for the day. In the evenings, I tend to need something more powerful to remove makeup, though.
Then, the Hyper Hydrator, which is made with Coconut water is pure indulgence. Not only does it quench my appetite for coconuts, which seems to be eternal, but it quenches my skin's thirst for moisture. A surprising little side effect is that it also mattifies the skin. It's interesting, as although I have dry skin, I love a matte effect on my skin. Products for dry skin usually have the promise of 'dewy' skin, which shouldn't always be a given.
And last but not least, the price tag is not as hefty as the Perricone MD main line, but still all the expertise of our favourite superfood doctor.
The final verdict: it's Super.
Super Hyper Hydrator £29.50
Super Sweet Clean £25.50

One Hell of a Skin Saver

I had professed my love of this product before already. But I will say it again: this product is a life saver. Say your skin is dull, it’s maybe even spotty – it’s basically upset that it’s winter and doesn’t like the wind and rain. In comes Sisley’s Gentle Buffing Cream, which much like a hero swinging from a chandelier will sort out all your skin woes in one easy swoop.

First, you massage on to dry skin, thereby starting the gentle exfoliating process. Then, you leave to dry on your face, like a mask, and afterwards, scrub off gently. Honestly, it’s like little fairies have been giving you a facial all the while. I really like to then slather on lots of serum and moisturiser, which sinks in immediately. I also love to then stroke my face and marvel at my baby-soft skin.

Sisley Gentle Buffing Cream, £50 from Harrods

Beat Hat Hair

As it starts to get more chilly, the one thing that I cannot stand is hat hair. And don’t get me wrong, I love a good hat. The best remedy that I have found to combat hat hair is a good old spritz of dry shampoo. My favourite is Batiste. And if you want to go for a real bouffant, I challenge you to try their new volumising formula. I will give you hair so full, thick and puffed up that it will give any 60s diva a run for her money.

Hat hair be gone. Get yourself to your nearest Superdrug! For less than £3 a bottle, you can get a different fragrance for every day of the week.

Give Me a Mane!

I have always had fine hair. Hairdressers always tell me it is as soft as a baby’s. But that is perhaps not so cute when you are in your late 20s. I love multi-tasking products that will turn my baby fuzz in to somewhat of a lions mane. Ok, make it a baby lion’s mane.

I find that Morrocanoil is the closest to a little miracle in a bottle. It transforms hair – whatever type it is, dry, brittle, damaged, lacklustre, in to rich and shiny tresses. It is worth the money and a little goes a very long way.

The other little magic wand I use to give my hair some volume is Philip Kingley’s Maximiser. It helps when you are blow-drying your hair and don’t want to make it flat as a pancake.

Yay I say to clever  beauty innovations that let us practically cheat our way to lovely hair we were almost born with.


Moroccanoil Original Oil Treatment, 25ml £12.85 from Lookfantastic
Philip Kingsley Mazimiser, £12.80

Cinnamon Scent-sation

A lovely scented home is a real treat. It makes such a difference to your mood and well being. I actually found some old notes from a lecture I went to about fragrance where I was told that fragrance can even increase alertness and therefore productivity in the work place. When it comes to fragrance for the home, especially candles, it is hard to find one that is not too overpowering and actually smells like the ingredients within. Floris candles and scents are ones we would have most likely grown up with or at least be familiar with. I had never tried a Floris candle before, so I was blown away by the Cinnamon and Tangerine variety that was totally sweet with exotic fruity tones.

Each candle is hand-poured and blended with pure fragrance oil. This ensures an all-enveloping aroma that actually smells like it says on the tin. Plus, it comes with a super dinky little lid and cork mat to complete the experience. With a minimum of burning time of 35 hours, that's a lot of delicious cinnamon to enjoy.

Floris Cinnamon and Tangerine Scented Candle, £40.00

The Facial Love of My Life

In your life, you have probably had a facial or two. And like dates, you know when you have had one that is REALLY special. That is how I felt when I had the Sisley Facial in Harrods a few weeks ago. And I feel that my skin is still reaping the rewards…

I was so relaxed under that big duvet that I could have fallen asleep whilst the lovely beautician massaged my face, arms and even feet! At a time when with all the travels, I really felt that I needed that boost, Sisley has always been my go-to for beauty rescue remedies.

I especially fell head over heels for the Gentle Buffing Cream. This product deserves a standing ovation. It is applied like an exfoliating cream, however, it is then left on the face until it is bone dry and you then rubbed off to reveal brighter, smoother looking skin. Genius. Then the Flower Gel Mask will lock in the moisture and rejuvinate the skin in only 5 minutes. I love that.

The bottom line is: it made me love Sisley even more than before, if that’s even possible.  

Take your pick, you can’t go wrong. From £100.

A Birthday Wish

Don’t you hate it when you forget a best friend’s birthday? That’s how I felt when I heard that it was Korres’ 15^th birthday in September. A belated birthday card to one of my absolute favourite brands. To celebrate, I want to share my top three products from Korres (although, I use everything in my Korres collection until I have to recycle the packaging):

-          Absinthe Shaving Cream: My boyfriend’s favourite but I also love love love this. It is so conditioning, smells delicious and feels so much more delicate on the skin than chemical-laden shaving foams.

-          Cherry Lipgloss: The scent is so sweet, I defy anyone not to develop a lip-licking habit. This shade, Light Pink, is perfect for the 60s babydoll pout.

-          Coconut Milk Body Milk: I love all the Korres body milks and body butters, but this Coconut one is not overpowering but the lovely coconut smell still lingers.

Happy Birthday my lovely Korres and let’s for a moment forget Greek financial woes.

http://www.korres.com/CountrySelect.aspx

Vintage Russian Beauty

Whilst in Russia, one of my favourite activities is to raid my grandmother’s old photographs, magazines and records. I found this incredible book from 1971 for women in Russia packed full of tips on how to wear makeup and hair in modern fashion. LOVE IT.

Now that we are having a 70s revival in fashion and makeup, it is all the more relevant.

For hair, there are pages of tips for styles to suit different face shapes. The basic rules are:

-          Square faces should wear fringes – either soft, blunt or side-swept

-          Triangular faces should try soft styles that will balance their face shape. Side-swept fringes work well too

-          Longer faces should try short styles as this will also balance the shape and soft curls work well too

-          And anyone with a heavier jaw should try a bob – with layers around the neck and jawline

For makeup – the classic 70s look of pale green or baby blue eyeshadow, eyeliner and peachy lipstick. Just add fringing, suede and floppy hat. You are a dancing queen!

Back Safe and Sound

Having just come back from Russia, after yet another trip abroad, I feel in dire need of some relaxation. Moscow is a hectic melting pot of people, history and dust, so after two weeks in the metropolis, although feeling inspired, I am also feeling overwhelmed. Aromatherapy Associates is my fairy-godmother of beauty products and really soothes any ailment I have ever had. In this case, too many thoughts and of course, dreams. De-Stress Mind Bath oil will be in help me to focus. Wild camomile, petitgrain and frankincense will help me drift away to the days I spent in the countryside outside of Moscow with my grandparents.

And guess what? The pollution is no picnic for the skin either. So Aromatherapy Associates to the rescue again with their wonderful Revitalising Face Oil which contains that magic borage oil, which instantly hydrates even the driest of skins. Somehow, Moscow managed to dry out my skin, even in wet and damp conditions.

Oh well. Back to work. Back from Russia with love.

Revitalising Face Oil £37.00

De-Stress Mind Bath Oil £37.00

Skinny Travels

So, in the last few weeks, I have been travelling around the UK and abroad to one family emergency in Russia. But one of the most significant things that’s happened is I have decided to turn vegan. Having read Skinny Bitch and laughing out loud more than once and scowling more than once, it resonated with me what I have been putting in to my body. And the most significant change I have felt is the disappearance of my eczema since I have cut out dairy. Roll on Nak’d bars, nuts and rice milk. More on this to come…

My Travelling Companions

I am off on some travels again. I am often asked what I take with me (if only i could take the contents of my entire bathroom). I always try to collect deluxe samples and travel sizes of my favourite products to save room in my suitcase. Some of my top picks at the moment:-
- Sisley always do gorgeous samples. I reccommend anything from here, of course.
- The Organic Pharmacy - I have the Double Rose Rejuvinating Cream and the Antioxidant Face Firming Serum. Both beautiful smells and textures. And the deluxe samples very generous.
- Anne Semonin - a new brand I am discovering. The sachets are generous (at least two applications) and Extreme Comfort Cream very nourishing.
- Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion - great size, delicious smell.
- Sally Hansen Maximum Growth nail strengthener. I have had this for years and it doesnt run out!! I got in in New York and try to keep with me at all times.
- Dermalogica - they do some great travel sets with the basic essentials. All worth it. (You can see the cleanser has really been around the block withe me).
- Aromatherapy Associates Moisturising Lip Balm - to keep my dry lips in check, this blend of cocao butter and vanilla is almost good enough to eat.
I hope this gives you some travel-beauty tips too! Bon voyage...

The Caring Side

 
After my bicycle accident a few months ago now, I feel much more conscious about the 'healing powers' of certain products. Although a lot of products claim to heal the skin, I find that few can live up to it. And having spoken with a specialist from Darphin a little while ago, discovered that actually very few products can really penetrate below the top layer of the skin.
Their serums, for example, go quite deep. But their oils, they go even deeper. And that's why they are such a powerful primer for serum and moisturiser on top.
I have been using the Tangerine oil for first signs of ageing for nearly a month now and can reveal a more bouncy and youthful skin. Plus, they smell so incredible that they will energise you when you apply too.
This aromatic care is indeed very caring for your skin.
Darphin Tangerine Aromatic Care, £40.00

Look a Million Dollars

I am going to the theatre again tonight. Well, a musical to be precise called Million Dollar Quartet. As the subject is pretty colourful (jazz and rock and roll) I decided to jazz up my appearance too. The perfect opportunity to embrace the red trend and catch a little scarlet fever. Two rules to this trend: red nails and red lips.

Leighton Denny is a favourite of mine, so Caught Red Handed is the best devil red with a subtle pearl. Then, By Terry’s Terrybly Lipstick is almost too beautiful to use, but too wonderful not to. Funky ruby is a bright pillarbox red, showstopper style. It will volumise and firm your lips as you wear it and is scented with founder’s Terry de Gunzberg’s favourite scent: rose. It also comes in the most adorable theatre-appropriate string bag that I only wish it was big enough to house my glasses too.

Everyone needs a little scarlet fever as we approach autumn.

Leighton Denny Nail Polish, £11.00 each

By Terry Terrybly Lipstick in Funky Ruby, £30.50

Just The Ticket

I am off to the theatre tonight. To keep things simple, I have gone for a natural, dewy look, nothing too overdone. I have found myself reaching for the same products all summer for makeup actually: something gold for the eyelids and something shiny on my nails. Tonight, bareMinerals Prime Time Brightening Eye Primer is my sister saviour. You can use this on its own or with shadow on top. Either way, you’ll end up with crease-free luminous lids. Then it’s a glossy sheer pink pearly nail. I love the Natural Collection polishes. They are so affordable and surprisingly long-lasting.

Finally, it’s some big fat earrings, my grandmother’s clutch, lots and lots of mascara and my theatre ticket.

Little Miss Gorgeous (Collection)

I love a good collaboration. And to be honest, makeup ones are always the best. When you can actually sense the personality of the partnership.
Now, when I first came to england, I learnt English via Enid Blyton and Mr Men books. When I found out Mr Men were diong a collaboration with Nails Inc, naturally, I got a little excited.
To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Mr Men, they are releasing some limited edition shades named after our favourite characters. Nails Inc are the perfect brand to capture the fun of Mr Men, don't you agree?
My favourite, Little Miss Naughty is a baby grape colour. But Little Miss Sunshine is a lovely, nude, peachy colour, whilst Little Miss Splendid is an irridescent turquoise. So cute, I might have to paint one nail in each colour.
Out in August 2011, priced £12 each.

Birthday Beach

So for my birthday this year, I actually caught a glimpse of sunshine. Ok, I will be honest, actually it was a mini-heatwave of a weekend. I went to Hastings for a bbq on the beach and packed Avene Sunscreen for the body and Ole Henriksen SPF 50 for the face. I am secretly hoping that all those Imedeen Tan Optimiser tablets are going to help me come back golden brown though…

A French Classic

The stress of all these city breaks I keep subjecting myself to is now again wreaking havoc on my skin. But having been in Paris recently, I rekindled my love affair with Darphin.

There is something so beautifully chic about this golden oldie.

The Aromatic Purifying Balm is fantastic at restoring a frazzled complexion overnight. It smells devine and I am a total sucker for anything that is a)rich b) smells amazing and c) works. This one ticks all three boxes.
The anti-fatigue eye gel is a real saviour for flights/trains/automobiles. Any any mornings-after-the-night-before.

Darphin has such a rich history (invented the first serum 53 years ago!) that you can't help but trust their expertise.

Liner Super Star

Having reported on how much I loved the Sisley Khol Star pencils at the airport Duty Free a couple of weeks ago, you can imagine my excitement when the said pencils landed in the Beauty Mole studios this week.

For anyone who is a fan of a lined eye, I would solidly recommend these pencils. They are worth the splashout. They are soft and blendible and contain a hint of sparkle (just enough for day time) to jazz up the eye. Plus, they come with a little Swarovski cyrstal on the tip and their very own little velvet pouch. Imagine that touch up on a night out.

I am now sparkly eyed and bushy tailed. Picture here are my favourites Black Diamond and Sparkling Bronze.

Sisley Phyto Khol Star Eye Pencil, £29.50

Best Facials in London

I was recently asked about my favourite salons in London for a facial, so I thought I would share:

Gielly Green in Marylebone – this is such a beautiful little salon, they do everything! Big fat recommend.
http://shop.giellygreen.com/

White Room in Knightsbridge – a little on the pricey side, but if you want a real treat, the therapist there does celebrity facials.
http://www.whiteroom.com/

Glow Urban Spa in Knightsbridge – this is also a lovely salon, cheaper than White Room, and they do Dermalogica facials here. Reasonable prices as well.
http://glowurbanspa.co.uk/

Aveda in Holborn – the Aveda institute is great. Good prices. Aveda products are amazing and central.
http://www.aveda.co.uk/findalocation/covent_garden.tmpl
  
Time to pamper yourselves ladies.

Fresh. Fresh, Exciting...

Like a true little kitsch enthusiast that I am, I absolutely love soap. Proper soap. But it seems really hard to find a good one! They either go gooey and mushy in the soap dish, don’t smell nice or break in to a million pieces after a few washes. Or all three.
However, how can you go wrong with Crabtree and Evelyn? I end up always going back to them. The smell, the consistency and texture of their soap is second to none. Although, Ren come a close second. My current C&E favourite is the Citron, Honey and Coriander Body Bar. It looks as fresh as it smells. It actually puts a smile on my face. And a snip at £5.
Crabtree and Evelyn, Citron, Honey and Coriander Body Bar, £5

Well Slick

Hands up if you have already heard of Moroccanoil? If you haven't, what planet have you been living on.

I do have a confession though, up until now, I have never tried Moroccanoil products before. But they are the ones that started that Argan Oil in haircare revolution.
And they are little miracle workers. The Original Moroccanpoil Oil Treatment is the bad boy that you need to fix a multitude of hair sins.
But the one that I really loved is the Moroccanoil Hydrating Mask Treatment. It has thick, lovely consistensy and left my hair feeling light as air.
With a little of the styling cream, your hair will obey your every styling wish - the three perfect partners in crime.
However, as my hair is fine, next time I will go for the light version of the cul Oil, but if you have thick tresses, massage away.
Find it in the best salons across the country.

Golden Treasure

In the last couple of weeks, I have noticed my skin becoming a bit drier. I usually do a few hydrating masks, switch to a slightly richer cream and layer on the serum, but it hasn't helped.

It was time to bring out the big boys. I needed an oil. Oil is a fantastic hydrator for skin and actually can even help to balance out an already oily complexion. Dr Hauschka's Normalising Day Oil is great for that.

In this case though, I needed something super nourishing and rich. I turned to Nuxe.

This is a brand that I have often smelt and sampled in a store, but never really tried. Huile Prodigieuse is one of Nuxe's bestsellers. It can be used on body, face and hair (multi-tasking you say?!) and the beauty of it is that it sinks in to your skin immediately. And it smells heavenly. It reminds me of Russian springtime.

The potent mix of 6 Precious Plant Oils (Borage, St Johnswort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut, Macadamia) within the formula is what makes it so special. Plus, at 100ml, you can take it on a flight for up-to-the-minute hydration. Plus, most unusually but most welcome, the oil has a spray nozzle, so you'll never waste any.

A big non-greasy thumbs up from me.

Berry Polished

With the onset of summer now, I am really getting more and more into painting my nails. And I have really come to love the Leighton Denny polishes. When I went to Barcelona, they stayed put despite me going in the sea, the pool, showering three times a day and being out in the sunshine.
My new crush is Berry Nice. A sweet shade of strawberry/raspberry pink. It could almost count towards my five a day.
Leighton Denny Nail Colours, £11 each

Duty Free Style-ee

Whenever I am at the airport, of course, like any girl probably, I savour my time in Duty Free. I always look forward to flying from Heathrow, though, because they have Cocoon - which is a beauty mecca of some of my favourite brands.

Today, I made a beeline to Sisley, as I always think of them for summer makeup. I fell in love withe their Phyto-Khol Star sparkly eye crayons in Purple, Blue and Green that I know would create the most amazing sultry eye post-beach bar-hopping.
I also loved their Rouge à Lèvres Lipsticks in L15 (shimmery pink, 80s frost) and L9 (creamy creamy candy pink).
With the crayons and lipsticks, and perfect skin after a holiday, this is summer in the bag. And I wouldn't even have to get any liquids past security.

Wedding Princess

I totally forgot to mention that I went to the most beautiful wedding recently.
Two friends. One gorgeous venue. One beautiful bride. It made me dream about my own wedding one day. My boyfriend made them a card himself (above is one of his early sketches) and apart from the obvious (dress, makeup, shoes...) scent is underrated at weddings. What better way to remember your big day than with a perfume that will forever bring back sweet memories.
Vera Wang's Preppy Princess is a perfect example of a delicate, summery scent that is ideal for weddings. Aaaahhh

Vera Wang's Preppy Princess from The Perfume Shop, from £33.50

Spanish Dreamin'

So my holiday has been and gone. And I have been burnt and tanned at the same time – but not in the same locations – ouch! My hair has turned the colour of very pale gold and it’s amazing how many colours go with ‘sunkissed’.

The thing I loved most about Spain were the colours. I loved all the colours of the food, the clothes, the shop signs and interiors. The little coffee cup above was an homage to Pedro Almodovar films, which happen to be some of my favourites. It’s a functional bit of inspiration.

My second favourite thing were the botanical gardens in Madrid. I actually spent so long in here they almost gave me a shovel and said to start working. The sheer variety of plants on display were simply magic and I could have continued smelling, touching, photographing them all day.

For now: back to reality.

Ice Cream Colour Scheme

There is something about being in a hot country that makes you feel extra fruity. You want lighter meals and you want to wear more colour. That’s how I feel in Barcelona. I feel inspired by the foreign pick’n’mix. I am wearing Leighton Denny’s Inside Scoop (a vanillary-mint-green) on my hands and then Lolly Pop (a delicious watermelon pink) on my feet. From the latest Gelato Collection no less.

Then, I am of course looking after my skin. Hot weather, humidity, beach plays havoc with my dry piel (that’s skin in Spanish). Darphin’s Hydraskin Serum is light yet brilliantly moisturising. Plus, it fits perfectly with my ice-cream colour scheme. I don’t really fancy anything thick and heavy in the heat. My suitcase is quite enough.

Fruits, ice creams and cold coconuts on the menu for the rest of the trip

Darphin’s Hydraskin Serum, £41 
Leighton Denny Nail Colours, £11 each

The Essentials

I am going on holiday tomorrow. Barcelona and Madrid. I have been to Barcelona before, so I am not interested in tourist sight-seeing. I want to hit the beach. I am preparing for this in a number of ways: I have bought a new bikini. I will be taking Avene’s sunscreen with me, which is the best in my opinion. Nicest smell, sinks in to skin easily and the colour of the bottle makes me happy. And finally, to get my skin sun-ready, I will be pill-popping Imedeen’s Tan Optimizer. This will not only help me to get an even tan but will actually help to protect my skin. Could I ask for anything more?

Bon voyage!

Avene Sun Protection Spray SPF20
Imedeen’s Tan Optimizer two month's supply, £40.80

Hair Raisor

I have gone all out on the treatments front recently. The cherry on the cake was last week, being invited to Gielly Green for a haircut. This is the salon, whose products I have been salivating over for months. The products that I put in my bathroom 'just to test' and that had run out before I had time to add them to my blog. That's how much I loved them.
I was lucky enough to get my hair cut by Shai Greenberg, who I can only describe as a hairdressing demi-god. He performed a few manoeuvres that I had never even experienced before. Cutting your hair with your head upside down anyone?
The result was that my friend nearly walked past me in the street - she didn't recognise me. In a good way. And that is probably the best testimonial that I can give.
I say treat yourself - I've heard it many times, but hair and skin is really worth investing in. (Plus, they have THE most amazing flower bouquets ever).

Summer Treats

I couldnt be happier that the sun is finally shining (regularly). Or not in today's case. I often joke that I must be a reptile because I need the warm weather to survive. For true summer skin, I think you need radiance. When time is of the essence, I just think Sisley's Radiant Glow Express mask is the best hands down. The colour from the red clay is so luminous I almost don't want to wash it off. Luckily, it leaves the skin not only soft, but keeps its promise of the glow.

Plus, how can I start summer without a new fragrance obsession. Versace Vanitas is my latest bit of glam. Flowery enough, it doesn't smell of grandmother's cardigans. It has a hit of cedar wood and tonka bean for sensual edge.

Versace Vanitas, £80 for 100ml
Sisley Radiant Glow Express mask, £64.50

Loud and Proud

As the sun is coming out to play more often now, I am starting to take care of more than just my fingernails. That's right. The socks are coming off. But, at this time of year, pre-holiday, the feet are pale and some colours will just make them look even more pasty. Steer clear of anything yellow, unless you already have a tan and opt for more orangey, pink and red hues. I even think anything too dark red looks too goth on white pins.

OPI are a no-brainer when it comes to nail colours. With more in-between shades that you can shake a top coat at, you are bound to find one perfect for your skin tone. Plus. following my confession for a secret flower addiction these shades (and their names too!) are after my own heart.

Part of the Nice Stems collection, Play the Peonies is a beautiful, sheer, soft pink. It has a touch of pearl, so can be build up for a retro Barbarella nude. But Come to Poppy is a killer. Bright, right side of coral with a big fat dash of pink. Suits ANY skintone and not too iridescent. I'm wearing them loud and proud.
OPI Nail Polish £10.50 each

Flower Addiction

I think I have become obsessed with flowers. I need a conservatory. A simple jog turns in to a flower expedition, as I have to smell each rose bush. And in supermarkets, I am like a flower fiend too. i am running out of pots and vases.

This is the season for roses and many other early summer blooms. And now that the weather is getting warmer, my previous moisturiser is starting to feel too heavy. So step in Sisley's Ecological Compound, an extremely versatile product - its light texture means you can use it as a moisturiser on its own, or as a serum, plus it helps to protect skin against environmental pollution.

But my favourite part is it's full of botanical goodness (Rosemary, Ginseng and hops) and smells like a bouquet of field flowers. So it goes some way to ease my flower addiction.

Sisley's Ecological Compound, £125 from Harrods or other excellent Department Stores.

Help From Big Daddies

The stress of all the travel is really wreaking havoc with my skin and hair.
After another trip, I have two pick-me-ups to look forward to in the comfort of my own home.
Cle des Champs Baume is the complete package that can be used on literally every part of your body. It replenishes the moisture lost on the planes, trains and automobiles. (Plus, it will last you for.e.v.e.r.)
Plus, Gielly Green's hairmask, which smells like vanilla and lemongrass leaves hair soft as silk and not limp and greasy.
Two big daddies that work in harmony to get me back to tip top shape. 

Gielly Green's Nourish Hairmask £29.50

Cle des Champs Baume, £78.00

Light at the End of the Tunnel

I have been travelling here, there and everywhere recently. I have noticed that I don't sleep well in hotels and with events to go to, I need to be able to trust good products to give me the glow of eight hours sleep. I read lots about cheat-sleep products and have found most of them to be empty hype, but then I came across Oskia's Get Up and Glow. I became a fan of Oskia when I discovered the Renaissance Mask during winter months, which is fantastic.
Get Up and Glow has the most delicious, iridescent colour to brighten any complexion. I find it works really well as a foundation primer. But I have also found, using this product, I need less foundation. With Hyaluronic Acid it really replenishes the skin of lost moisture. Finally, Butterbur reduces redness and irritation, which is most welcome on my still-healing face following my bike accident.
It has become my favourite travelling companion.

Oskia Get Up and Glow, £64.50

PS: Stamp collection from 1960s courtesy of my dad.

Greek Treats

Even after my holiday to Greece last year, I became obsessed with Greek yoghurt. I know it is not the most healthy thing in the world, but it my breakfast staple now and I cannot live without. So imagine my excitement when I found out that my favourite Greek Brand Korres have a Yoghurt Moisturising Mask?! It is perfect post-sun but also in winter I imagine. It actually smells of yoghurt mixed with honey, and is infused with Olive Oil for super soft skin afterwards.
It's yummy enough to eat.
Korres Yoghurt Moisturising Mask, £19.00

Pale Pastels

Although I keep reading about bright colours and fashion has gone acid crazy, I am still drawn to neutral pastels for summer. These Mavala nail polishes are super cute and super natural. The ooze calm and serenity and that’s what you need in a crazy metropolis. Plus, it helps that they are so dinky you can take one or three on holiday for pre and post-beach touch ups. 

Pictured, Rose Dust, Moon Grey and Khaki Vintage. The perfect pastel trio. 

Mavala Nail Polishes are £3.95 each

Detox Loophole

Since coming back from Istanbul and realising that I ate more meat in one week than I had in the whole previous month, I decided to go on a detox.  

But, that doesn't mean I still can't indulge a little. Malin + Goetz Rum Tonic fragrance is the perfect detox loophole. It's a heady mix of bergamot and leather all balanced nicely with a generous dash of rum. Cocktail anyone?
Malin + Goetz, Rum Tonic Eau de Toilette, £37.00

Flowery Memories

I am well and truly back home now. And it’s funny how after a couple of days it is almost as if you have never been away. This means that I need my creature comforts more than ever before to ease me back in to the pain of reality.

As I have expressed my love of roses before, I am also eternally in love with the rose’s cousin: the peony. They remind me of my grandparents who used to grow them in their garden. The smell is a gentle childish memory. But making a lovely peony fragrance is not easy. Like lilies of the valley, peonies do not yield an essential oil. L’Occitane has managed to get extract from the root of the peony for their new Pivoine Flora Eau de Parfum and it is the closest you’ll get to the real thing. It’s simply wonderful.

Furthermore, L’Occitane has also create a limited edition makeup range with lipsticks, bronzers and more, all infused with peony. If you are a fan of the smell of lipsticks, this one is the daddy of them all, meddled with a light peony scent. Pucker up girls!

Surrounding myself in flowers can at least help me to remember the fields of flowers in Greece and the two million tulip bulbs I was lucky enough to see bloom in Istanbul.

L’Occitane Pivoine Flora Eau de Parfum, £39
L’Occitane Pivoine Flora Lipstick, £12
L'Occitane Pivoine Flora Face Powder, £20

Ancient Beauty

Not only am I taking in the beauty of the surroundings in Greece, but I am also learning the ancient traditions and habits of Ancient Greeks and Romans. In the local museum, I found these beautiful perfume bottles as well as other 'beautiful' artifacts relating to grooming. Perhaps we could learn a few tricks?

Spring Getaway

So I have made it to Greece. And it couldn't feel further away from England. This is the view I woke up to this morning. I am by the seaside, surrounded by copious amounts of wild flowers and snow-tipped mountains. Needless to say, the colours, smells and all round way of life here is completely wonderful. 

I hope to come back with white-blonde hair and a gentle sunkissed glow, courtesy of the sun, although I am being very cautious of the sun with my healing cheek and all. 

Next week, Istanbul awaits, so I am soaking up all this lolling country life while I can.

One Buff Body

Although I really do try to look after my body, I think I neglect my limbs too much. Which really comes back to bite me in the, lets not say it, now that it is the weather to bear more and more parts of our bodies.

One thing I am quite good at, and something I rather enjoy, is body brushing. And I almost squealed at the sight of this Omorovicza Body Brush together with a potion to banish those thigh dimples. I am happy to report back that this Body Brush is the BEST. It's like a spring clean for the body - leaving skin not only soft, but positively buffing marvellous.

Omorovicza Dimple Vanisher, £52
Omorovicza Body Brush, £13