Today's nail colour

Forever Young by Essie. A lovely, classic red which I was in the mood for. Yasmin le Bon wears it too apparently. So that's ok then.

Bath & Body Works

Whenever I visit the US, I try and got to a Bath & Body Works. It's not a cool shop. I know this because there are only two on Manhattan island and when I mentioned I was going to a NY colleague, she wrinkled her nose delicately.

No matter! I go for one thing and it's this shower gel. I first came across it about 10 years ago and I just love the smell. It smells like clean laundry. I know that sounds weird but it's the 'cleanest' scent you can imagine.

They always have sales and 3 for 2 deals on. So I also bought some Cucumber Melon shower gel which CoverBoy likes. And I got one called Rainkissed Leaves which is a ridiculous name but it smells pleasant.

The rest of the shop is a disaster. Loads of that awful anti-bac gel that people are so obsessed with. It dries your hands out and is nasty stuff. And plug in air fresheners which I loathe and despise.

But for Sea Island Cotton shower gel (also nice as a bubble bath), it's the business.

Nail colour of the week

I am completely in love with this colour. It's a perfect grey but not one that makes you look dead. Essie's Chinchilly. You need it. Trust me.

Origins

I was given a sample of Starting Over a while ago and liked it so when in NY this week, I did what any sane person does, I hit the Origins shop. Origins is somehow so much better state-side. It's cheaper (although still not cheap) and they have standalone shops which is always more fun.

Anyway, I bought some of this and I must say I am loving it. It's not greasy yet very moisturising. And it's especially nice as a night cream. It smells gorgeous too. They do an oil-free version as well.

And I got the GinZing eye cream. What can I say? I was hit at a weak moment. I don't particularly believe in eye creams but after the flight, jet lag and 7am office starts every day, I looked wrecked by the time I made it to the shop.  It's pretty good and you get loads for your money so I suspect it will last me for at least 10 years!

Sisley Radiance Mask

I've waited a long time for this little beauty. But a birthday came and so did this, all wrapped up beautifully. Seriously beautifully actually - my friends ordered it on Harrods.com and wow - the packaging! Completely over the top and there is nothing wrong with that. I love bling.

Anyway, what with getting married and escaping to Italy, I hadn't had time to try this but last week I finally cracked it open.

First thing I like about it - it promises to work in 5 minutes. I do like a speedy beauty product.
Second thing - you don't have to chisel it off your face after 5 minutes. It washes off very easily.
Third thing - it works. This is what the Sisley site says it does:

1. The skin is cleansed and purified
2. The skin is smoothed and matified
3. Pores are tightened
4. The complexion is more radiant

Let's take each in turn.
1) Yes, it does cleanse your skin in that deep cleanse way one expects from a mask.
2) Yes it makes the skin smooth (although to be fair, my skin is smooth already so it's hard to measure but it felt a little smoother afterwards!)
3) This is a big YES. Pores were tightened. I have blackheads on my nose and they were noticeably smaller after this.
4) Yes, my skin was more radiant I would say. Although not blinding.

The big sell for me was the pore tightening. It really delivers on this promise. I can see this lasting me quite a while as you don't use much with each application. So per use, it probably isn't that expensive but I do know it's very expensive to buy and I am very grateful to my generous friends for getting it for me.

If I could only have one mask (horrors - thank goodness I don't have that dilemma) then I would probably pick the Bliss one. However, if money is no object, I would say have both!

Shiny happy people

Shiny, smooth non-frizzy hair. It's the dream. Right? Well, I have recently purchased this little beauty and although it doesn't make your dream a daily reality, I am really impressed by it.

Alterna Hemp Shine and Texturising Catalyst. You really couldn't make up these names, could you? Anyway, you put a little bit on combed, wet hair and it does very much help smooth your hair without making it lank and greasy. I'd buy it again.

The really exciting news is that in two weeks I am getting a Brazilian blow-dry. Nothing to do with your nether regions, fear not. I shall be reporting back fully of course.

Today's nail colour

I was feeling sophisticated so went for Playa Del Platinum. It's part of the Resort Collection gift I have previously mentioned. It's from the school of Beige neutrals that Chanel started with Particuliere. I wasn't sure about it in the bottle but it's actually really nice - it looks like putty. And it makes a nice change. I feel very Fifth Avenue Princess.

Speaking of which, I'm off to New York next week where Essie nail varnish is only $8 a bottle! I shall be stocking up.

I swapped the MAC lipstick

I hiked off to MAC today. I know, it's such a trial being me. While waiting for it to open, I browsed Peter Jones and found some jeans that make me look a stone lighter. And I mean that seriously. They are proper amazing. Not Your Daughter's Jeans. Check them out.

So my wallet a little lightened, I skipped to MAC. And there was no queue to get in, unlike yesterday.  I swapped my broken lipstick for a Cremesheen Glass lip gloss. I needed more lip gloss in my life. I just did. OK? Good. I got it in Right Image.  It's very nice and just the right glossy without catching in your hair on a windy day.

We are the world...

I was just perusing my blog stats. And wondering why nobody had commented for weeks. I can't answer that, I still have lots of visitors. Have you all gone shy on me? Am I boring you?

Anyway, you are able to see where the visits come from in a map form. It's quite interesting. I got excited to see I had a visitor from Georgia but further investigation showed they stayed for one second. Way to deflate my ego.

Anyway, am I boring you? You used to all have lots to say! It's nice to know I am talking to someone.