July Empties

Firstly apologies if you reached this post before I'd finished drafting but somehow I hit published before I was ready - I blame late Sunday night blog writing. Anyway it's that time of the month when I talk about my empties and you'll note once again it's a lot of minis I'm trying to use up.

Thierry Mulger perfume is one of those that divides opinion, you're either a lover or a hater. That said I have no strong opinion and was quite happy to use the Alien Thierry Mugler Voile D'Eclat Radiant Body Lotion which I'd received in a gift set of perfume and body lotion minis. I can't say I was overwhelmed by a scent one way or another but it did it's job for a day.

I've reviewed these products in a previous empties post and second time round I'm still not impressed. L'Occitane Shampooing Conditioner Volumateur Volumizing & L'Occitane Volumatuer Volumizing Mask/Masque do not seem to work for my hair and make it look anything but 'volumized'! Definitely not a repurchase and I'm glad that they were samples and I didn't buy myself.

The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream was another from a gift set which I've talked about in previous posts. I love the smell of ginger as you will know from my Jo Malone Ginger Nut perfume purchase (which you can read about here) and this hand cream would sit along side my trusty remote control so that I could reach for it whilst sitting in front of my favourite programmes.

Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Shampoo is an old favourite I buy on and off throughout the year depending on what shampoo I'm using. I decided to go for the travel size on this occasion as there was a usual 2 for 3 offer in Boots on travel sizes and as my hair seems to benefit from changing up my shampoos I wouldn't be stuck trying to mix up and use larger bottles.

I have body lotions coming out of my ears as they always seem to be something that comes in gift sets etc but I've been pretty lax over the years at using them. That's all change now and I've enjoyed using L'Occitane Lait Corporate Body Lotion. I'm a big fan of L'Occitane (apart from their hair care!) and their shea butter lotions and potions are fantastic for my skin, especially as I have a dry patch from crossing my legs that I can't seem to shift but using this lotion has improved matters (I'd love to know if anyone else has a similar infliction!)

I reviewed Soap & Glory Scrub 'Em & Leave 'Em Body Buff in more detail here but in short I'm quite happy with it. That said I have recently purchased the much talked about Breakfast Scrub and for the smell alone that is topping my list but I'm really impressed with Soap & Glory scrubs and how well they work on the skin rather than dropping off in lumps when applied like a lot of products. Another product from Soap & Glory is their Hand Food which I also reviewed in the post above. Again not much to add, I love it, would repurchase and no complaints.

OPI Polish Remover was a random mini I had floating around. I'm going through a lot of polish remover at the moment and to be honest this was just a case of using something up so that it wouldn't be hanging around. Again no complaints, would I repurchase again yes but on my list to try is the Bourjois Magic Nail Polish remover so that'll be first.

I was lucky enough to have a stash of Jo Malone samples floating around but again the Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Creme was not something I reached for being lax in the body moisturising department and I fully regretting waiting so long to try this out. I love Jo Malone bath oils and it looks like body creme's will be going on my wishlist now. Lime Basil & Madarin isn't a usual scent I would go to but it was perfect for the summer months.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour; 08 Pirate was purchased many moons ago for a Pirate party... yes I commit to my fancy dress themes in full! Sadly having switched from acrylics to my natural nails I've had to admit that the formula of the Chanel colours is not great and chip quite badly although I'm finding that's the case with most brands at the moment so it's not a great deal to me. Would I repurchase I'm sure the answer is yes although I'm enjoying experimenting with a variety of colours these days and  it's safe to say my collection of reds from Chanel is extensive enough to keep me going.

L'Occitane En Provence Baume Des Yeux Eye Balm is a sample I've used which I can't really go into much detail on as I don't ever think there's enough product to give a full opinion of beyond initially thoughts to how it feels/sits on the skin.

Finally but certainly not least is my favourite product of the month, Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm which was a  freebie with a magazine. I used this daily followed by a BB cream and it was the perfect make up look for the Summer months - I am definitely adding this to my future shopping lists.

As always do share what products you've used up this month and let me know if you've tried anything I've mentioned and what your thoughts are.

London Blow Dry Bar Review // Hershesons

I’m sure I’m not alone in loving all braids that are gracing the fashion mags, pinterest boards and blog posts lately and I hope I’m not alone in that I am unable to master them on my own locks. I keep promising myself that I will sit in front of a You Tube tutorial and practice, practice, practice but so far all I’ve mastered is a bad version of the fishtail braid. Instead last weekend I decided to throw money at the problem and take myself to Hershesons and let their stylists do what I cannot achieve alone.

 

I have had my hair styled many ways over the years via various hair stylists with equally good and bad results. Often I find the problem is requesting a style that a stylist may not be adept at producing and it doesn’t always translate to your own hair. The beauty of Hershesons is that they have 12 styles for you to choose from. There are no surprises, you simply ask for what you want and they create what they can do.

 

The first step was booking my appointment which I did online. The process is simple; you select your salon, choose your stylist and pick your date and time. An email follows and that’s that. I was slightly concerned that I would arrive on Saturday morning to be told “appointment, what appointment” but had nothing to worry about.

 

I picked Hershesons’ branch at St Pauls for my first visit deciding that One New Change would be a far quieter shopping spot than Topshop or Selfridges on Oxford Street. What did surprise me on entering the salon at 10am was that it was buzzing with activity, all stations manned and all manner of blow drying, backcombing was taking place.

 

Large images of the hairstyles available are displayed on the walls so you can decide what you would like (if you haven’t done so already!) and like me you may sit in wonder trying to decide whether the pale blue & pink bow hairpieces are something you could rock in the office the following Monday.

 

I was most impressed when the stylist approached me offering his hand to shake, introducing himself. In all my years of visiting salons I have never once had a stylist shake my hand. Taking a seat next to me he asked when I'd last washed my hair and I received a thumbs up that I had second day hair as that was easiest to work with (I didn't mention it was because I wanted an extra 10 mins in bed that morning) and I smiled smugly when he told me that whilst I was the third client he had done the style Carlam on that morning, mine was the right type of hair for it (the others being too thick and too fine respectively).  

 

I took my seat and he went to work, lots of dry shampoo, some plaiting and backcombing and in a matter of minutes (approx 25 as suggested) I was done. I couldn't believe how quickly he achieved the style and how easy he made it look.

 

The cost for this style was £25 which to me was a bargain and it was great to have my hair off my face whilst sitting in the sun on Saturday afternoon, styled rather than the usual scrunched up messy bun.

 

Even better I actually didn't remve the style until Monday evening! As I mentioned yesterday I woke up Sunday with a cold so the style was even more of a blessing that I didn't have to worry about my hair whilst I felt sorry for myself on the sofa. Obviously if you were to go out in public like this you might have had to do some tidying up but for a lazy day it was just what I needed.

 

All in all it was a big thumbs up for Hershesons and going forward if I ever have an event where my hair needs a special touch I will be making an appointment. I actually have a wedding in London in a couple of weeks so I'm planning to book an appointment, travel up in my evening wear and have my hair done before jumping into a cab to the venue - for £25 it's not worth my fighting with a hairdryer and rollers! I'd love to know if you've had any good (or bad?) experiences of hair up dos, or even better your braiding tips!

OOTD // Topshop Tattoo Flower Tea Dress

Dress: Topshop / Shoes: Primark / Bag: Mulberry Bayswater

 

I had big plans for my blog this week until I woke up Sunday morning feeling dreadful with the return of a cold which has lingered until now. Instead my day of blog writing was spent feeling very sorry for myself on the sofa armed with tissues and Beechams tablets. Thankfully today I’m feeling much better so it’s back to business starting with my overdue outfit post following Saturday’s family BBQ (read more here).

 

Firstly sorry for the creasing on my dress, fashion blogger I am not and these photos were taken on the way home after indulging in far too many burgers. Aside from the creasing this dress was a big hit and it was comfortable enough to accommodate an afternoon of eating. More importantly I can’t believe I survived the party without dropping a smidgen of ketchup down me!.

 

The shoes alas were not so comfortable. Whilst I had a mad dash to the party (running late as usual) it was only about 5 mins walk away and then I spent most of the day sitting in a chair eating and drinking so I didn’t expect to suffer too much from Primark’s strappy sandals – I was wrong. I tottered home and on removing the sandals each big toe had a small blister from the front strap rubbing which, baby I may be but was quite sore and now displays a pleasant scab. Not really what one wants when parading their tootsies in flipflops and sandals during Summer. But they do say no pain no gain and I do love them so but they will be restricted to occasions where no walking is required henceforth!

 

I’m sure an elegant clutch would have complimented my outfit better but when one has their big camera and gift to carry the Mulberry Bayswater is the answer. That said I think when you have a bag in such a beautiful colour it’s right for any occasion surely?

 

And my hair, well you’ll have to stay tuned to hear about my trip Hersheson’s blow dry bar!

Serendipty // Topshop Tea Dress and Primark Sandles

Primark and I have a funny relationship. I often see friends or bloggers proudly displaying their Primark purchases but on entering the store I rarely find anything I like the look of and generally run out as quickly as possible away from the hoards of people fighting over the latest bargains.

That said as you know I'd been lusting over a floral crown I'd seen so a couple of Saturdays ago I took the decision to be at my local store as the door opened giving me the opportunity to have an almost peaceful look around.

Whilst overjoyed at having my flowers in hand - which you can see me proudly wearing in this post - there wasn't really much else that took my fancy until I came to the shoes. I'd spotted these sandals in various colours during other visits and always resisted purchasing, thinking I didn't have any reason to wear them but on this occasion feeling like I needed something more in my shopping basket to jump on the Primarni bandwagon I decided to give them a try. Once they were on my feet I was sold. I still didn't really have an occasion for them but come on, they were £12 and we all know I love red and this wasn't just any red but a gorgeous orangey summer red.

Happily swinging my Primark bag of treats I decided to have a quick nose in Topshop to see what was around. I always try to have forthcoming events in the back of my mind when shopping so if something appropriate presents itself I have an excuse to get out the debit card. Knowing I had a family BBQ coming up (today in fact) when I saw this dress I wanted to give it a try.

I'm not a fan of my legs in flats and wasn't too sure on the dress until I remember my recent Primark sandal purchase - serendipty right there people! I popped the sandals on and sale number 2 was made. During a major drugstore haul this week (it's payday week!!) I picked up a couple of nail colours which will work perfectly with this dress; which one to chose? And even more exciting is I'm off to one of London's braid bars to have my hair plaited this morning.

I will let you know what colour I decided upon later in the week with an outfit post and give you my thoughts about the braid bar experience but if you're an impatient sort I'm likely to be tweeting about my adventures and you can find me here

House of Rush // Elemis Facial & Essie Manicure

(please ignore the dreadful ridges in my nails from my acrylics and let them be a warning to you at the damage they do to your nails!)

Last week I was invited along to the House of Rush flagship store in London's Piccadilly to enjoy an Elemis facial and Essie Manicure and rightly described as a sanctuary of urban indulgence the experience was fabulous from beginning to end.  

I had visited the Piccadilly branch a few months ago when they hosted an event for Beauty Bloggers and PRs but was far too busy networking chatting away and sipping champagne with fellow bloggers Alice and Carissa to sample any treatments on offer so I was glad to be welcomed back. 

On arrival I swept up the stairs to the salon and was led into the beauty suite where the therapist talked me through what I would like from my facial. Following the advice I received from Caroline Hirons at my consultation with her (which you can read about here) I advised I needed a facial concentrating on extraction. 

My treatment began with warm mitts massaged on my feet which instantly put me into a relaxed state and the worries of work disappeared. I was quite apprehensive about having a facial as my last experience wasn't an enjoyable one so I was interested to see how the Elemis one would compare. My last experience felt like someone was simply pawing at my face and I left feeling like my skin was clogged with products and I wanted to give it a good wash - this time it was completely different. 

The therapist applied multiple products yet I didn't feel oily or greasy and they were expertly massaged into my skin. The treatment even went so far to massage my shoulders and head whilst the masks were applied - which was of course Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel.

It's safe to say that I'm a convert to facials if they're all carried out as expertly as the Rush therapists and using Elemis products. My skin looked amazing and leaving the store make up free wasn't an issue for me as I felt like I was glowing - and that's glowing in a good way not an oily greasy way!

The fun wasn't over as I still had my Essie manicure to follow. I took my seat in the store which was great as I was able to nose at the skilled hairdressers at work. I was most impressed that each hairdressers station has a tote bag hanging from the table so that customers can put their handbags inside safely rather than carrying them back and forth to the wash basins or having them in the way of the stylist whilst they're working their magic, a nice touch I thought, but back to the manicure.

Slightly overwhelmed by the colour choices from Essie available, particularly as this was my first time using an Essie polish I finally decided on the appropriately named First Timer. Well that's not strictly true, I picked Shake Your Money Maker first but it came our quite light and watery so that's where First Timer came in. Testing the colour on your nail for you first was another touch I loved by House of Rush. I have often gone for manicures and had all my nails painted and sat watching them as they were drying absolutely hating the colour but to rushed for time to ask for it all to be changed.

After finishing my glass of ice water (complete with slice of lemon!) and nails touch dry there were no more excuses and it was time to leave the relaxing House of Rush for the busy and very hot streets of London.

The whole experience was fabulous and I will 100% return to House of Rush for more beauty treatments and next on my list is a visit with one of their hair stylists. I'm considering some slight changes to my the old hair do and I have the faith that they can definitely offer me something special.

And for fellow Apprentice fans if you were interested in the services Dr Leah impressed Lord Sugar with, well House of Rush are already there offering Rush Aesthetics Anti-Wrinkle Injections or Fillers and right now the £30 consultation fee is being offered complimentary so now's your chance to investigate - find out more here.

I'd love to hear about your experience of facials and beauty treatments - especially if you've tried the more permanent options! And let me know if you've had your hair styled by House of Rush and who your recommended stylist is.

**I was gifted the facial and manicure for the purposes of this post