Clarins Double Serum

I read somewhere that the Clarins Double Serum is currently one of the best selling serums out there – (£55-69). Well given that kind of hype, I was intrigued. Not just because it sounds amazing, but because my skin has been unusually dry and sensitive this winter and I have run out of ideas of how to fix it!

I got the 100ml £55 option which on the one hand sounds expensive but on the other hand should last a while as I am only using a single pump for each application. The product is two different serums that you mix in your hand, one water based and one oil based. A single pump dispenses a perfect little blob of these two liquids. It looks like liquid gold (not kidding!). I thien mix them together and apply in patting motion to clean skin both morning and evening before moisturising.

This stuff smells heavenly. If you have a look at the list of ingredients it is an amazing mix of loads of different natural ingredients like Cangzhu extract (specifically developed for Clarins) rosehip oil, green tea, quinoa etc. etc.!

I am going to totally agree with the hype. After just TWO days my eczema disappeared (after 2 months of trying all sorts!), my skin was calm and balanced and happy! I am using this twice a day for now but may switch to just the morning once I think my skin is totally back to normal.

Perfect Skirt for Spring/Summer?

I spotted this skirt on Asos and was smitten! I love the colours, the quilted texture, the fact that its the perfect above the knee length and it is a flattering a-line shape! It was also reduced to £22.50. Swiftly in my basket and in my wardrobe in a mere two days! What more could you want from a spring/summer skirt?!

Worn with my Whistles Kir Royale Ankle Boots, t-shirt from H&M (top) and sweatshirt from Primark (bottom).

Drop-Waist Silk Dress – SALE

I wondered into White Company (as you do) and they were having a sale on. Normally a sale in White Company doesn’t mean the clothes are cheap! BUT my friend spotted this amazing grey silk, drop waist dress reduced by 60% from £120 to £48. Now that’s not cheap but for a silk dress its pretty close!

Zara – Major Haul

I have had a MAJOR Zara haul, I mean MAJOR! This was not done in one hit but more like 3 or 4 separate shops over a couple of months. Nonetheless I did buy A LOT, but I feel like I got a nice mix of things to take me through the Spring-Summer months!

To start with I picked up this simple black top (£17.99). I love the mix of textures of t-shirt material on the back and silky front. It comes in blush and grey too which is tempting! I am wearing this top throughout the pictures below.

Next I got a couple of skinny trousers. Zara trousers are so well cut for me (I get a size 12). They sit well on my lower waist, are very skinny and stop just above the ankle.

So first I got these Coated Skinny Trousers in Taupe Grey (£35.99).

And the Skinny Trousers in Navy Blue (£35.99).

I then also picked up this top with sheer panels for £19.99

I also picked up this amazing necklace for £19.99. I love the spring colours and the contrast between the grey and coral.

Next I got two skirts both short and both patterned. For me these work with simple tops and are very easy to wear.

First is this grogeous Blue Jacquard Mini Skirt with Zip (£25.99).

Next I got this very lovely spring-coloured Floral Jacquard Skirt (£29.99).

Lastly I couldn’t resist this daffodil yellow Suede Shopper (£39.99). I love the cross-body straps and the large size of this bag. This will definitely be a regular favourite from here on!

For shoes I am wearing my Whistles Kir Royale Ankle boots in dark grey an old pair of  New Look flats and my New Look Chelsea Boots.

L’Oreal L’Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick

L’Oreal L’Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick by Color Riche is L’Oreal’s new “lip colour for high shine and intense colour”. According to L’Oreal it has “luxurious micro-oils infused with rich pigments” which gives you the:
1) Colour intensity of a lipstick.
2) Magnifying shine of a gloss.
3) Softness of a balm.

I love any lip product that is more balm than gloss so this appealed instantly. There are nine shades and to be honest only two attracted me – 201 Rose Symphony (top two pictures below) and and 500 Molto Mauve (£8.99 each).

Molto Mauve below two pictures.

The texture of these is lovely and balmy. The colour is quite strong (for Rose Symphony) and very glossy. I do really like these and wished there were more colours that I liked and suited my skin tone.

Victoria Beckham on the High Street?!

You remember the picture – the one where Victoria Beckham steps out wearing a grey quilted dress that is LOOSE and flowing and just quite gorgeous?! Well I do and I have looked at that picture of her “oversized skirt dress” so many times and wondered if I could part with loads of money for it. Victoria Beckham claimed this was her favourite piece of her Victoria Victoria Beckham Spring Summer 2014 collection. I know a lot of people hated that dress but for me it was perfection!

Of course I dont have £855 to spare so you can imagine my absolute delight when Marks and Spencer (YES) brought out a copy of this dress for £39.50! I couldn’t have clicked on the purchase button faster! I knew I would keep this dress (even if I looked like like a grey pumpkin in it) because to me this dress is high street fashion at its very best.

Not only did the dress meet my expectations it exceeded them. The material is lovely and quilted, the colour a lovely dove grey with a hint of metallic, the drop waist perfectly placed and at the just above the knee it is a great transitional piece from spring into summer. Also I got it with 20% so it was only £31.20!

I am more than thrilled with my VB copy and will be getting a lot of wear out of it in the coming months, hopefully not looking like a grey pumpkin!

Seventeen Lip Crayons

I love lip crayons, who doesn’t? They are easy to use and carry and come in a massive range of brands, colours and textures. The ones I have been using recently are from Seventeen from Boots (£4.99 each). The two colours I went for are Heartbreaker (left) and Knockout (right).

The texture is really smooth and glossy and the colour pay off is excellent. I find it lasts really well and doesn’t dry my lips. Overall I am very impressed.

Knockout on left and Heartbreaker on right.

Knockout below.

Heartbreaker below.

Spring Camisole

I spotted this lovely double layer floral camisole in New Look for £14.99 and couldn’t resist it’ spring charm! Such an easy piece to wear with jeans and cardi even in the cooler months.

Burberry Lip Mist in Oxblood

I saw Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup do a post on this lipstick and I had to have it! I love sheer lipsticks where you can build up the colour to suit your mood. The fact that it is Burberry is even more luxurious!

As you can see the packaging itself is luscious! The colour looks quite different in photos, it is more of a light wine red than the pink it looks below.

The first picture is where I have applied it very lightly to give just a very sheer wash.

This next picture is with a few more layers. It is still very sheer but more punchy and vampy! I really love this lipstick and its texture, and love that you can have just one lipstick that you can use during the day and then build it up for a night out!

My Bedtime Routine

This almost sounds like I am small child that needs a routine to get to sleep and to be honest that is kind of true! I have a daughter and she has had pretty much the same bedtime routine since was born – she is now seven and it still works a treat!!! Anyway back to this post – I believe that a good bedtime routine is the secret to a good night sleep and good skin. So this is my fail proof way of ensuring I get my full eight hours and some “beauty sleep” too!

The first thing I do before I head upstairs to start my routine is make myself a cup of herbal tea. I don’t really drink herbal teas during the day but I literally cannot go to bed without one! My favourites are Chamomile, Dandelion, Citrus & Orange Blossom and Fennel. I always add a tiny bit of honey to my teas!

So then I go upstairs with my lovely hot cup of tea and go into my bedroom and light a candle on my bedside table (at the moment it is Home Sweet Home by Yankee Candles).

Then I run myself a bath. I have baths every night, yes every night. It is a total luxury and I love it! In my bath I always always add a bath oil. My favourites are the Aromatherapy Associates bath oils (Deep Sleep is THE best) and Kneipp herbal baths are amazing too. I especially love the Valerian and Hops Kneipp one as it turns my bath blue!

I sometimes light a candle or two (I am currently finishing off my Snow in Love Yankee Candle) and maybe some music if I am in the mood. I also either have a huge stash of fashion magazines that I pile up near the bath or a good book.

Before I get in my bath I double cleanse my face with a wash cloth and whatever cleanser I am into (see picture below).

Then I get in my lovely warm fragrant bath and relax! Once or twice a week I will also use a face mask. My current favourite for dry skin is the Sanctuary Spa Time Reversal Face Mask and if my skin is feeling a bit oily or congested it is the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. There are a few others that make the top ten masks including my Cloth Face Masks.

After a good soak, I get out of my lovely bath and put on my night time face treatment. This is either a face oil or the Alpha-H Liquid Gold. If it is a face oil it could any one of the many many oils I am hoarding including the Sanctuary Spa Therapists Secret Facial Oil, Clarins Blue Orchid Oil, Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial, the list does go on bit!

Next I add bit of oil into my hair as I find I wake up with soft lovely smelling hair! I love the L’Oreal Extraordinary Oil, Caudalie Divine Oil and the Dove Pure Care Nourishing Oil.

Then I get into my pyjamas and into my bedroom which now smells lovely from my lit candle! I have to read before bed but first I put on some hand cream or oil (I am currently loving the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Hand and Nail Treatment). Then I drink my cup of tea, read my book and normally no more than ten minutes later I am out for the night!