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.