Category Archives: Beauty

The Beauty Edit: Estelle & Thild

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I was thrilled to discover this week that Swedish organic skincare brand Estelle & Thild is now available in the UK. I have to admit that when I first came across the products in a shop in Stockholm last month I was initially drawn to the pretty packaging. After reading up about the brand’s organic credentials, however, I am convinced that it is exactly what my dry and over-sensitive skin needs.

Founder Pernilla Rönnberg came up with the idea for Estelle & Thild (named after her two daughters) when she struggled to find organic products to use on her own children. The range, which was developed in consultation with dermatologists and toxicologists, has taken Scandinavia by storm thanks to its unique, gentle and effective formulas that can be used on the most sensitive of skins. All the products carry the Ecosert seal of approval and are based on vitamin-rich oils and plant extracts that are good for skin vitality. They are suitable for both young and old skin and can also be used during pregnancy. The latest addition to the product line up is the Violet Body Sculpting Series which consists of a body scrub, slimming oil and firming lotion.

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Estelle & Thild is available from Harrods’ Urban Retreat  and Selfridges.

You can read an interview with Pernilla on The Formula Blog and find out which products she uses for her own skincare routine.

The Beauty Edit: Lighten up for summer

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Space NK is like a candy store for grown ups, full of expensive but oh-so-tempting treats. I don’t think I’ve ever gone into one of their shops and come out empty-handed, even if I wasn’t intending to buy anything. I don’t wear that much makeup and I would rather spend a bit more on a few choice products than clutter up my makeup bag with items I don’t need. That’s not to say that I don’t rate budget beauty brands – I love online beauty retailer E.l.f for instance, where you can pick up a new lipstick or eye shadow for a couple of pounds.

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My number one desert island product that I don’t leave the house without is lipstick or gloss. In fact I would probably forgo mascara if it meant leaving my lips bare. In winter I like strong plums and reds but in summer it’s nice to keep things a bit lighter, especially when you’ve got a tan (fake or real). I’ve been searching for ages for the perfect lipgloss – not too pale and with a blue undertone rather than gold or brown. This week I found it, while out on a shopping trip with a couple of girlfriends. The Laque de Rose in Rose Romance from By Terry looks almost neon bright in the bottle but is the perfect skin-flattering shade of pink on the lips with just the right amount of shimmer.

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I also bought a new cream blusher from Laura Mercier in Rosebud, a suit-all pink that again is perfect for summer, and a heat protecting styling spray by Percy & Reed. The latter is essential for a Ghd addict like myself and will hopefully stop my hair from becoming straw-like due to the constant straightening and curling I put it through.

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Finally, I popped into Boots to grab a bottle of Essie nailpolish in Ballet Slippers, my go-to polish for a glam yet understated manicure.

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Preparing for summer

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What a difference a day makes! Yesterday it felt like we were in mid Autumn and I dressed accordingly, in jeans, boots, jumper and scarf. Today we finally got some sunshine – I wouldn’t exactly call it a scorcher but at least it was warm enough for short sleeves. I might even have got my legs out if I hadn’t been so thoroughly unprepared. The unseasonally cold weather means that I’ve been neglecting to apply my St Tropez fake tan on a regular basis – what’s the point if all you’re wearing is jeans, leggings or black tights?

So tonight as an action-packed but mostly rainy half term draws to a close, I took some time out to have a lovely long bath with a glass of red wine and my book as company. As I am naturally quite pale I usually start my fake tanning process by applying the St Tropez Everyday body moisturiser to gradually build up some colour before switching to the mousse as we get further into summer. As we all know, exfoliating is a must before fake tanning – the few times I have skipped this step I have lived to regret it – and my favourite by far is Flake Away by Soap & Glory (I adore their kitsch packaging and the products are fab too). Finally I gave my nails a couple of coats of the very summery Chanel polish in Riviera. Unfortunately this colour is no longer available to buy as it was a limited edition polish launched in the summer of 2010 (when my daughter was born).

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I couldn’t resist finishing the post with some of the pictures I took of the lovely blooms in my mother-in-law’s garden a couple of weeks ago, when we also saw a rare glimpse of sunshine. Now we’ve had another taste of it, I just want more so fingers crossed for a sunny weekend!

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Beauty line-up

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Why, oh why, do all beauty products run out at the same time and with a week to go until payday? Luckily I had some points saved up on my Boots advantage card so I was able to stock up and replenish my bathroom cabinet shelves without too much damage to the bank balance. There is always the temptation to buy cheaper substitutes to see you through until the end of the month but, while there are some great budget beauty buys out there, I’ve learned the hard way that it doesn’t pay to scrimp on the products you really love.

While my favourite hair and skin essentials do chop and change over time, these are some of my current go-to products that make me feel (and hopefully look) fabulous:

1.Kérastase Resistance Ciment Anti-usure conditioner. A nourishing treatment conditioner that’s perfect for dry, highlighted hair like mine.

2. Kérastase Specifique Bain Exfoliant Hydratant shampoo. I have a very dry scalp and my hairdresser recommended this shampoo which has really helped.

3. Super Facialist Neroli Firming Daily Brightening Cleanser by Una Brennan . This cleanser is great value and lives up to its name, making skin look brighter and refreshes.

4. Dr Jart+ Platinum BB Beauty Balm. I was very late to jump on the BB bandwagon but after trying this cream I am definitely a convert. With great coverage and texture, it is easy to apply, lasts all day and has a 30 SPF.

5. Paul Mitchell Forever Blonde Dramatic Repair. Again, this leave-in spray was recommended by my hairdresser and has quickly become a regular fixture in my haircare line-up.

6, 7 and 9. I swear by the day and night Hyaluron Filler creams by Eucerin, the products make a real difference to my skin and don’t break the bank. As an extra bonus, this time a small bottle of serum was included with the night cream.

8. No 7 Lift & Luminate Eye Cream. I only recently started using an eye cream so I can’t say that this one is a firm favourite yet but my initial impression is good. It has a light texture and sinks into the skin quickly.

I’m all a buzz about Marc Jacobs upcoming perfume launch

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In an industry like fashion – which could be deemed by some to be rather, ahem, superficial – it”s important to keep a sense of humour to prevent your head from disappearing up the proverbial. One designer who manages this better than most in my opinion is Marc Jacobs. Everything he touches is fashion nirvana while still retaining a sense of fun and the unexpected, from the graffiti bags he designed for Louis Vuitton to the adverts for his eponymous collection starring the one and only Victoria Beckham.

When I was working full time I would splash out on a piece of MJ every now then, although to be truthful most of my purchases were from his slightly less expensive diffusion line Marc by Marc Jacobs. My most recent buy was a Classic Q Baby Groovee bag in black – a great bag which is big enough to hold all your essentials without feeling like you’re lugging everything but the kitchen sink on your shoulder.

I’m really excited about the launch this summer of the designer’s fourth perfume. Called Honey, it will be in store in July and seriously is worth buying for the bottle alone, which has to be the cutest design ever. Marc Jacob’s Daisy fragrance is my fool proof daytime perfume while Lola, with its slightly heavier scent, is perfect for nights out. For some reason I haven’t tried Dot, which was the most recent launch and has the most similar bottle design to the forthcoming Honey.

Also on my radar is the news that Marc Jacob’s make up line, created together with cosmetics retailer Sephora, will hit the shelves this autumn. Watch this space…

New Nails!

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Few things make me feel as ‘put together’ as a set of freshly manicured nails. I always think that someone could be wearing the most glamorous outfit ever but if their talons are looking tatty it kind of ruins the overall effect. Unfortunately I’m rubbish at doing my own nails so I have to turn to the professionals to give me a decent paint job. Regular manicures only last a few days on me (especially as I always forget to wear gloves when doing the washing up!) and while I’ve tried gel manicures, they feel too thick and a bit like I’m wearing a set of false nails.

A few weeks ago I went for a Shellac manicure and for me this is definitely the way to go. It feels like a normal manicure once it’s on but lasts at least two weeks (probably longer if your nails are in better condition than mine and you remember to wear those rubber gloves!) I had my second Shellac manicure today and chose a dark blue colour with a little bit of sparkle in it. So now, even if I’m on the school run wearing an old tracksuit and with my hair in a messy bun I know that at least my nails are looking glamorous!