Preparing for summer

Posted in Beauty by A Spoonful of Style

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).

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!

27May2013

Beauty line-up

Posted in Beauty, Products I love by A Spoonful of Style

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.

16May2013

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

Posted in Beauty, Products I love by A Spoonful of Style

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…

12May2013

New Nails!

Posted in Beauty by A Spoonful of Style

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!