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I am continuing to stage a boycott against the dullness and greyness of winter. I used to be sceptical of articles that promised to 'brighten your complexion' in one easy stroke, BUT, that was before I tried some of the products. Of course, some brightening products are basically shimmer. And unless I plan on looking like a spaceman who has just dipped her face in glitter, what I am looking for is 'that glow'. Not just shimmer.
One of my absolute favourite brands, Omorovicza (who may as well be credited in the tag line for this blog, I love it that much) has a most wonderful Complexion Brightener. You can add it after your moisturiser (or use instead of) and before your foundation. Although it looks alarmingly white when you first pump it, it blends beautifully. The apricot seed oil will also help to protect and hydrate skin.
It will leave you with 'that glow'.
The first step though, is exfoliation. Omorovicza comes up trump again with Gentle Buffing Cleanser. The soft Diathomaceous earth exfoliating granules will slough away dead skin to reveal a brighter layer underneath.
Finally, I have become quite addicted to Nettle Tea. It has a list of health-boosting properties. Plus, use it as a rinse for your hair to make it stronger and super-shiny. Trust me. You'll be glowing all over.
Omorovicza Complexion Brightener SPF20, £82
Omorovicza Gentle Buffing Cleanser, £43
Neal's Yard Nettle Tea, Cheap as chips
I have been wanting to embrace the New Year with a sweet new signature scent. It's funny how a perfume can lift your mood, give you confidence and make you feel completely positive. I have found one that does all three.
Two words: Jimmy Choo. The empire is in no danger of winding down. Quite the contrary in fact. And far far from jumping on the fragrance bandwagon with a mediocre creation. this debut offering has legs. It starts off fresh and innocent with top notes of pear nectar and sweet Italian Orange. (It already sounds like a beautiful dessert from Patisserie Valierie). Then, the Tiger Orchid, and Indonesian Patchouli kick in. I strongly recommend to try it. And I defy anyone (albeit with a sweet tooth) to walk away not wanting it.
Jimmy Choo Fragrance, available from The Perfume Shop from 29 January, from £39.00
Tomorrow I am going to a spa. A really rare treat. And a really welcome one too. And, speaking of treats, I have extended my detox month to include some of my favourite 'treats'.
First, Bumble and Bumble Mending Masque is one of the best I have tried in a long time. My hair is so soft, it's starting to dangerously resemble dandelion spores. This could be a good thing and I can start to channel that 70s boho-flyaway-hair look.
Then for complexion, if you get one brightener to fit all, Oskia's Renaissance Mask is a hero product. It's super-thick (reassuringly so rather than sticky and gloopy) and has a mix of potent ingredients you don't want to mess with. Papaya Enzymes will exfoliate and boost cell renewal plus a vibrant mix of beauty-boosting goodies to revive tired skin.
BUT, best until last, my grandmother packed me off in Moscow with homemade strawberry jam. You don't get any more 'treat' than that and I feel rejuvenated with every spoonful. Is there such a thing as 'Homemade Jam Diet'?
Oskia Renaissance Mask, £48.50
Bumble and Bumble Mending Masque, £27.50
This January, I am sporting a 'wow-brow'. That means minimal makeup. A clean complexion. And accentuated brows. It's a look I have been wanting to try ever since Alexander Wang's models were spotted on the catwalks with flicked, heavy brows. Mine is of course a low-maintenance version.
New CID's brow pencil is one of the best I've tried. Great colour, great blendability and THE best eyebrow comb. Even out your complexion with a creamy concealer. It's great for the laid-back, back-to-basics, low-yet-high-maintenance look. Trust me.
NEW CID i - groom, Eyebrow Grooming Pencil and Brush, £15.50
So they say that in January, resolutions are made and by February they are usually broken. I have decided I am not going to make any drastic promises to myself. It's the little things that count. My three resolutions are as follows:
- MOISTURISE: John Masters Organics range is one to watch this year. The Rose and Apricot Antioxidant Day Creme provides a nifty boost of antioxidants for the skin. The omega-6 will protect skin against harmful bacteria. Just the ticket for any city dweller.
- PROTECT: Although I am a total convert to Imedeen supplements, I am not regimented enough for any more supplements. However, for a flash of antioxidants, Perricone MD's Super Berry Powder with Acai is a super-strong concoction. My tip is to drink with fruit juice rather than water. A portion of fruit and better taste. Win win.
- TREAT: I must admit: I am a total face mask addict. It's a fact. However, I don't remember trying something so radically different as Malin+Goetz's Detox Face Mask. It feels like a super-creamy shaving foam (unusual, I know) but your thirsty skin will thank you for it. It will clean pores, moisturise and heal skin all in one. It is literally a detox for your skin. Investment time.
I think three new commandments should be manageable. And if they are, thou shalt be beautiful.
John Masters Organics, Rose and Apricot Antioxidant Day Creme, £25.00
Perricone MD Super Berry Powder with Acai, £41.00
Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask, £29.00
