March Beauty Favourites

I always feel March is a really difficult month when it comes to skin care and beauty products. It's that time that's in between Winter & Summer when the weather is changing and we need to often update beauty products and routine in order to keep up...READ MORE

Xmas Gift Guide for Boys

Thought I would compile a list of purse friendly gifts for a boyfriend or friend whist I was mainly just getting inspiration for gifts to buy others. Surprisingly for me I haven't left it until Xmas Eve to do, which believe me, is a first! 

1. Lovely Winter Bobble Hat - Urban Outfitters £18

Every boy needs to stay warm this winter and you can help them do this is style with this cute, festive bobble hat. Personally, I think Urban Outfitters has the best selection of winter warmers on the high street this year. 

2. Tartan Scarf - Asos £12

On trend, useful and a bit of a bargain!

3. Unique Illustrative Print - greatlittleplace.com £40

A charming illustration by artist Chris Davis of all the greatest little spots in London. Comes unframed, I just added this for effect.

4. Live Lounge CD - iTunes £10.99

In my opinion, one of the better albums released this Xmas. A real eclectic mix of songs and artists, there's got to be something for everybody. Plus you can upload the songs to your own computer before giving it away! Sneaky ;-) 

5. Plectrum Maker - notonthehighstreet.com £22

A great, quirky little gift for budding musicians or long legged guitar picking men. Plectrums can be made out of any old credit cards and store cards. 

6. Men's Travel Buddies - Origins £25
A great introduction for boys to the world of skin care! Contains 4 minis including Blade Runner Energizing Shave Cream, Save the Males Moisturiser, Skin Diver Active Charcoal Body Wash & Fire Fighter Face Soothe (all 50ml). This is a seasonal offer and a total steal.

7. Classic Casio Watch - Watch Warehouse £31 (RRP £40)
I don't think you can ever go wrong with giving a boy a watch for Xmas, and totally not a cop-out with this uber cool Classic Casio Watch. Hurry up, get one quick as I've learned that WatchWarehouse.co.uk have some mega offers on at the moment including a Christmas Discount Corner, 10% off when you sign up to their newsletter and a 20% Off Everything Flash Sale!

Hope you enjoyed,

Izzy x

Review: ORIGINS Clear Improvement Mask

I haven't bought a good mask in years! With winter upon us and as my dry, wind blustered skin calls out for some TLC I decided to splash out on a trio of masks from Origins. Each mask on it's own costs £22 for 100ml. However, at the moment, you can buy 3 different masks (all 75ml size), packaged prettily and branded as the Origins Mask Marvel Set. For just £25 which makes this set over double the amount of product for just £3 extra! The set contains Drink Up Overnight Mask, Drink Up 10 Minute Mask & Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. Not only is this a bargain no-brainer, this set would also make a lovely Christmas gift for a beauty loving friend. 

So far I have only tried the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask but I plan to write a review of the others when I get a chance to try them. The 3 key ingredients in this mask are Active Charcoal, White China Clay & Lecithin which Origins claim to "draw out pore-cloggers", "absorb environmental toxins" & "dissolve impurities". All 3 naturally occurring substances are well known for their beneficial cosmetic properties. Clinical studies of Lecithin have shown it to benefit acne. White Clay has been used for centuries and is particularly good for sensitive skin because it is so mild. 

I have used this mask twice now and can already say I have seen some improvement to the congestion of my skin. My skin feels smooth and pores superficially clear. Obviously problematic areas and stubborn spots still remain but I would hope after consistent use these might be reduced quite substantially. As I find with all Origins products they last a long time, so once a week use should not be a problem.

Directions say to first open pores with a warm, moist towel, however, I just had a long soak in a hot bath which is hopefully good enough. I have found I need a couple of layers of product in order to cover the whole face as it spreads quite thinly. It has the texture of something like acrylic paint rather than a thick clay which surprised me but isn't unpleasant.  It has a fresh, clean, light and distinctly "Origins" smell with a slight clay-like after note. Very pleasant.

It takes about 5-10 minutes to dry and I wash it off as soon as it has dried with help from a muslin cloth. It dries with quite a soft & smooth texture, not like the usual flakey and cracking texture of a charcoal or clay mask. I have quite dry skin, especially in winter months, so I feel tightness immediately after I have washed it off and have to run straight to my room to moisturise. I notice my skin looks quite red after using the mask which I think is to do with the properties of the White China Clay that stimulate circulation. The redness goes down pretty quickly and the biggest difference I notice in my skin is even tone and a smoother complexion. 

Despite the pretty hefty price tag I would really recommend this product and in fact all Origins products are really worth the bucks for their natural & pure ingredients. 

Hope you enjoyed this review. Let me know your thoughts about this product if you have tried it in the comments below.

Izzy x

Mini beauty haul: Origins, Clinique, Philip Kingsley

Ah! So yesterday I had a spare hour and went on a little impromptu "browse" round John Lewis. Of course I just couldn't help myself and ended up coming away with a few little treats. I'm excited about all these products as I have never tried any of them before and keen to give them a whirl! This is what I bought...

Philip Kingsley Weatherproof Hairspray & Daily Damage Defense - £6.50 each

I've heard good things about Philip Kingsley products and have never tried any before. I was put off by the £20+ price tag on the shapoos and conditioners so thought I would give these small 60ml hair protectants a try. Having rained relentlessly receently I'm quite intrigued to see how the weatherproof hairspray works, I will come back to you with an update!  

Origins Super Spot Remover - £13

After being bitterly disappointed that Le Roche Posey didn't work for me at ridding my skin of spots (see my blog post on it here) I thought I would try this blemish treatment gel from probably my favourite skin care brand, Origins. It's a tiny little pot at just 10ml but obviously you just apply a small amount to the areas that need to be treated. I don't have any major spots at the moment but I tried it last night on a few post spot red marks and it has already seemed to have calmed them down a bit. What's great is that when you buy something from the Origins counter they normally give you some free samples, two of which I gave to my sister and kept Plantscription Anti Aging Cream to try for myself. 

Clinique Even Better Makeup in 03 Ivory - £23

I've been dying to try something from Clinique for ages and I was just having a look round the stand when of course a very knowledgeable sales assistant comes up to me and I just can't resist coming away with something. I'm sure I will get through this tiny 30ml pot in no time but it felt so nice on my skin in the shop and a good colour for me - I might keep this one for special occasions and not as an everyday make up!

Please let me know any of your thoughts on these products if you have tried or are thinking about trying them! Have a lovely day!

Isobel x

Skin Care for Cyclists

       

This is a post about how to look after your skin if you are a cyclist. So, before you carry on reading, this isn't a post about anti chaffing creams or saddle sore. I just have some practical advice on how to take care of your skin when braving the elements on your bike.

I commute to work in London everyday on my bike (I ride a Dawes Ultra if anyone's wondering). That's not to say I'm a lycra wearing speed monster. It is the quickest and easiest way for me to get to work, I have been cycling for years and quite frankly, I enjoy it. My journey is about half an hour long, and let me tell you, it's not for the faint hearted. Blistering cold winds, biting rain, mud, pollution and even on occasion being sprayed with window screen wash mean that my poor skin takes a beating every morning and evening, 5 days a week. So here are some rules that I live by:

ALWAYS use Lip Balm
If you do nothing else, just follow this one rule. The skin on your lips is so thin and fragile. Before I cycle I use something like Kiehl's Mango Lip Balm (10) which actually claims to help protect your lips from wind and cold weather. And to soothe dry lips after a cycle I would normally use a medicated relief cream such as this one from Blistex (6).
Exfoliate Less
I personally feel for my dry skin, exfoliating once a week is too much. I find I want to be as gentle and as kind to my skin as possible. If you want a deep clean though I would recommend using a facial brush along with your normal cleanser like the Botanics Facial Brush (2) and for when I do exfoliate once or twice a month I like to use Origins Modern Friction (9) which is very gentle.
Wear an SPF
Instead of wearing sun block I normally try to buy foundations or BB creams that have SPF in them (it's a real time saver!) I always put makeup on before I get on my bike because I don't really work up that much of a sweat and I can never be bothered to carry my makeup to work with me. Also I feel like it provides a barrier between my skin and the weather, so that can't be a bad thing! At the moment I use Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation (5) and Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB cream (8). Lots of face creams now have SPF in them too so there is really no excuse...
Use Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Even though I am only 23 I am aware that my skin will line and age prematurely from being exposed to changing adverse weather conditions. It's always best to prevent rather than cure. Having said that, if you're young like me you don't need to spend a fortune on anti-wrinkle creams (yet) so something like Garnier Ultra Lift Cream (3) will do. Make sure to shop around as it is only £6.25 at Tesco compared to £9.79 at Boots!
Use a Cleansing Oil
This one is more about personal preference and again is about being kind and gentle to your skin. I feel by using a cleansing oil instead of a foaming face wash I am still keeping moisture in my skin whilst also being able to clean it. It took some getting used to but I really noticed a difference in my skin when I switched from a foaming face wash to Origins Clean Energy (7).
Repair and Restore
There is only so much you can do to protect and prevent damage to your skin. Apart from using a good moisturiser I like to bring my skin back to life with an occasional face mask like Lush Oatifix (1). I also really want to try Heal Gel Intensive (4) which is supposed to do wonders for "troublesome" skin. Personally I think face masks are far too expensive so you could try making your own at home!

I hope you enjoyed this post, please let me know if you are a cyclist and have any of your own tips and tricks!

Isobel x

Current Skin Care Routine

I have kept my skincare routine pretty simple this winter. As a proper skincare junkie I'm always tempted to add in extra lotions & potions, but I have found that my skin definitely responds best to a less is more philosophy.

My skin type is mostly normal, but like a lot of people it is prone to dryness & sensitivity during winter.  That wonderful combination of central heating, harsh weather & lack of sunlight does not make for beautiful skin. I have been combatting the elements this year with a few new beauty finds & have experienced far less dryness than I did last winter when I feel I was adding every lotion under the sun to my face in a bid to hydrate it.
If you have a similar skin type to me I highly recommend any of these products, they have seen me through the winter months with very clear, even & hydrated skin.

I use exactly the same products morning/night. The only extra step I'll add in is a mask in the evening if my skin is feeling particularly dry/tight.

Products from left to right -

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, an ABSOLUTE must for dehydrated skin! I only use this about once a week at the moment as my skin is quite balanced, but when I do I wake up the next morning with luminous, smooth, plumped skin. A genuine miracle worker & great when you're tired as it simply sinks into the skin like a thick moisturiser - no need to wash off!
Sanoflore Organic Rose Water, I was recommended this floral water by the owner of a pharmacy in Paris, a soothing toner full of super natural ingredients it really brightens my complexion & reduces redness. Sanoflore is a brand I had never heard of previously but one that I have since fallen in love with. This is the only item I have left from my Parisian purchases, but I also highly recommend the Nourishing Honey Cream if you have dry/sensitive skin.
Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser, a gentle airy foam cleanser that leaves my skin feeling soft & refreshed.
Kiehl's Creamy Avocado Eye Treatment, my favourite eye cream, it is extremely hydrating & gentle on the delicate eye area. I wouldn't recommend it as a step in your morning routine if you wear a lot of eye makeup as the thick rich formula makes applying eyeliner/ eyeshadow a nightmare. However if you wear more of a natural/no makeup daytime look its perfect, & it makes the perfect evening treat melting into the skin for a pampered post-facial glow.
Aesop Camelia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream, my first Aesop purchase & I'm definitely hooked! It has an immediate soothing effect on the skin & a beautiful light scent. A nourishing non-greasy cream that's quite light in texture for a moisturiser thats so hydrating.

Currently at the top of my skincare wishlist; Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, WEI Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask & Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment.
Looks like a little Space NK purchase might be on the cards soon!

If you have tried any of these, or have any tips on keeping your skin winter-proof please let me know in the comments below!

Harriet x

Two Loves #1

Every now & then we plan to bring you a joint post with each of our two loves for the week.  These will be beauty/fashion/lifestyle items that we have been particularly loving & want to share with you.

Harriet Loves

MAC 'Bare Study Paint Pot'

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This product can be used as both an eyeshadow base or on its own as a cream eyeshadow. It's a beautiful pale pink nude with shimmer that really opens the eye and makes you look much more awake! It's been a staple in my makeup bag for years but I really feel that it comes into its own at this time of year to create a pretty wintery makeup look. I tend to go for the lazy girl option and simply use it at as a cream eyeshadow - it looks great with a bit of black eyeliner smudged into the lashline, mascara and groomed brows (eye makeup done in less than 2 minutes!) 

Elizabeth Arden '8 Hour Cream'

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During the winter I tend to get a few patches of super sensitive skin and this completely soothes any dryness and irritation, more so than any product I've ever tried. It's also fantastic after a winter cold when you get dry lips and dryness around your nose. Pop it on before you go to sleep and any signs of dryness are completely gone by morning. Every beauty kit needs a tube of this miracle cream! Hx

Isobel Loves

Origins 'Well Off' Eye makeup remover

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I have needed this makeup remover LOTS this week, what with it being party season! This is my absolute favourite makeup remover of all time and I tend to repurchase it even before the last one has run out, as I can't bare to be without it! I just cannot understand how a makeup remover can really get rid of all my eye makeup (and I wear a lot of liquid eye liner and mascara) and yet be so gentle on my skin at the same time. I use just a little on a cotton pad. I push down and saturate each eye with the product and there is never any need to rub vigorously. This product leaves the skin around my eyes so soft and refreshed. I cannot rave enough about it. Ix

Liz Earle 'Nourishing Botanical Body Cream'

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This cream is something that I overlooked at first. But after I tried it I was hooked! It is absolutely perfect for the Winter months when my skin particularly gets very dry on my body (especially on my legs). It's no surprise really what with the horrible weather and central heating. It is really light and soothing to apply. It doesn't sit on top of your skin like a lot of other creams. I find with other creams I sometimes feel a bit greasy afterwards and need to wait a while before I can put my clothes on, which I nearly never have time for! Also a little of this product goes a long way. It contains echinacea, vitamin e, rose-scented geranium and sweet orange pure essential oils. It has a lovely smell that's not too sweet. Fabulous winter treat for your skin! 

Harriet & Isobel x