Eyelash serums and other excitement

It's been a while hasn't it? I'd like to say it's because I have found all my desert island products and have nothing new to share but that would be a lie. I continue to shop more than I should and I fail to resist on most occasions. 

I thought I'd tell you about the latest discoveries.

First up is the miracle that is Revitalash.

My beautician told me that this worked and I trust her implicitly. Plus she said it as she fluttered her very long eyelashes at me. I got mine from Cult Beauty, if you wait a while, they have 15-20% off everything and at this price, that is worth it. You have to apply it daily. It doesn't hurt at all. And you have to be patient for about 5-6 weeks. However, suddenly, out of nowhere, your eyelashes are like Bambi's. I am entranced by this and find myself wondering why everyone isn't using it? I do understand there is a cost of living crisis so maybe not everyone but anyone who hankers after longer lashes and spends money on endless mascaras. STOP RIGHT NOW. Get this. I waited for my lashes to emerge and then booked a lash lift and eyelash tint with my beautician. I then had to stop looking in mirrors. It wasn't in vanity, it was in astonishment.

Cirque nail varnish.

A hangover from the pandemic is my renewed obsession with nail polish. I follow some fascinating Instagram accounts. People spend their lives swatching every single new nail colour and it's deeply soothing. I saw this and had to have it. A neon orange is like a siren call to me. It's only available from the US.  I ordered this and a couple of others (after all, one has to justify shipping costs) and it arrived and was everything I dreamed of. I've worn it pretty much non-stop. I then ordered the entire Vice Collection (they had 20% off) and they are all neon-tastic joys but this is the best. Bad news: it's sold out. I now have two of this one (Vice) and I am already feeling the pain when I've used it up but that day is long into the future although the bottles are not very big. It applies like a dream. Even the most cack handed could do a professional job. I adore it. I am sporting the blue on my toes: also gorgeous.

Victoria Beckham Beauty

I'm sorry, Victoria Beckham Beauty is excellent. I don't want it to be any more than you probably do. But it started with her Estee Lauder co lab and it continues. I've not gone near the skincare as it's too expensive to start liking and I still love Beauty Pie. But this Satin Kajal liner in Olive is beautiful. I resisted for months but caved as I knew I would. 

I also bought the Reflect Highlighter stick.

This is perfection. It glides on, stays put and makes you look better. What more could you want?

I use it with this bronzer: Solar Paint from Glossier.

Together, they are all you need when the weather is warm. I'm not one for bronzer but this one is so nice. The perfect texture and easy to blend.

Finally, for now, I decided that I needed a solid perfume to take on holiday with me so I can take carry on luggage and not compromise with my toiletries. 

Of course I went to Diptyque for such precise needs. I had a sample of Eau Capitale so I knew I liked it. It's a chypre which is always my favourite and it's a perfect summer scent. The packaging on this is so addictive. I find myself playing around with it, opening and closing it, holding it in my hand. It's like worry beads for the perfume-obsessed. 

If you are still checking in and reading, I thank you. Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

Christmas shopping

If you've not completed your shopping yet or you want a treat for yourself (entirely understandable) then here are my thoughts.

First up, my beloved Bobbi Brown. Someone please buy a city palette. They are beyond divine. I want all of them but if forced to choose, I'd pick London:

I also have loved the Bobbi Luxe lipstick this year. One of the few lippies I've found that don't dry my lips.

Nail polish - always a winner. OPI has a new Breakfast at Tiffany's collection. I admit to not being a fan of the film but it's iconic, no arguments from me there. I especially like this colour: Can't Read Without My Lipstick:

I also want YSL Rouge Pop Art. I've said it before but I like to repeat myself, YSL nail varnish is the easiest to apply for a perfect home manicure.

New perfume? Yes, always. I am taken with Jo Loves in Pomelo. Gorgeous bottle and as delightful as you would expect it to be.

I also want to try the Byredo Unnamed. Exactly what it sounds like, it has no name, you make your own up.

I don't think anyone would be disappointed in a Charlotte Tilbury palette. The Rebel makes my heart race with those gorgeous greens.

After all the parties and family get togethers, there is nothing better than a bubble bath and there are no finer oils than Aromatherapy Associates. All of them are wonderful but Relax does the job. Expensive but a little goes a long way.

You'll need a scented candle too. I adore Diptyque, you can't go wrong with this brand and it's always a treat to receive a candle. The Menthe Verte is refreshing and clears the head.

I shall be back with a specific skin care Christmas guide soon.

Spring, Spring, Spring!

Welcome to March. We made it! I am so excited that January and February are over. They are tough months and I am bored of being cold and wrapping up warm. I know March can be the cruellest month but psychologically I feel better.

Thoughts turn to new beauty treats to play with. We all deserve a treat for surviving the winter. Here are some delights that have caught my eye.

If I needed another perfume (which I resolutely don't, nope, no way), then these are To Die For.

Oh so pretty. I saw these in Peter Jones last week and had a good sniff of them all and they are divine. Look at those bottles. Tell me you don't want one on your dressing table. They are part of Estee Lauder and they are gorgeous. I am lusting hard. Read more here.

Hello Lancome.

I think I've learned my lesson with make up palettes and then one comes along that throws all logic out of the window. I don't use all the colours, therefore they are not good value but look. Look at it. It's just so pretty, frivolous and girlie. It's made for Spring. It's made for bouncing through Paris in a tutu. And at £42, is it really that expensive?

Another obsession that is growing by the minute is candles. Making my home smell like a spa is important because I live near a sewage works. That's my excuse for buying Diptique candles like there is about to be a worldwide ban. I admit I did pick up a couple in the post Christmas sales which required ninja-like skills. They are £40 each and yes, that is expensive but there is just nothing as good as Diptique. And believe me in candle world, £40 is often the entry price point. I think I've fully explained myself. Let's look at the joy

Do I need to explain Eucalyptus? It's one of my favourite smells and perfect for Spring.

I love Rose and I love Geranium. So this is a no brainer.

Moss. Named after me! "all the fresh scents of the forest floor after rain" they say. Also, pretty colour.

This is one I picked up in the sale (half price!) and it's minty. It's lovely and fresh.

And I got this one in the Selfridges sale (half price!). It isn't on the Diptique site. The description of it is ridiculous but it does smell heavenly.

And finally my friend bought me this for Christmas. There is a reason she is my friend.

Jo Malone has new perfume out. My Jo Malone obsession isn't as strong as it once was but Sali Hughes reviewed this yesterday in The Guardian and now I want to investigate more. Birch and Black Pepper sounds intriguing.

I just happen to be going to Terminal 5 next week so I shall do us all a favour and check them out. Happy March!

Christmas beauty gifts

Yes it is December already. Yes, it's too early to put up your tree. No, it's not too early to start shopping for gifts. I'd be happy with any of these on Christmas morning.

Aromatherapy Associates are truly beautiful bath oils. I've only ever had one bottle of their oil and I still dream about it. Unfortunately CoverBoy took a shine to it as well so it didn't last long. This Lavender and Peppermint one sounds divine.

Clarins facial oils are a staple for me, especially in the winter. Pop this on before you go to sleep and wake up with plumped up, soft skin.

Their Tonic bath and shower concentrate is also a firm favourite. It smells like the essence of Clarins and I always take it travelling to pep me up.

2015 is going to be the year of Aesop for me. I am dying to try this serum.

I love all things Origins. Gloomaway is perfect for dark January mornings.

Jo Malone is always a treat and I can never resist a scented candle. Pine and Eucalyptus is the scent of Christmas. This one is ridiculously priced but I covet. Hard. You can buy a smaller one for £40.

My Christmas candle this year is from Diptyque and it is heavenly, filling my living room with the scent of pine needles.

My love of Chanel Exclusifs is bottomless. I adore Bois des Iles but I am currently having a moment with No18. They are a luxury but you will never tire of seeing this on your dressing table. So chic!

Charlotte Tilbury is the launch of the year. I've not tried any of it but I hear rave reviews. I have issues with the look of this range, it's too blingy for my tastes however I can never resist an eyeshadow palette and The Sophisticate looks like the perfect office colours.

I also think this make-up bag is cute.

I bought this YSL nail varnish in France not realising it has a grained effect. It's a gorgeous colour and the grainy thing is weird, I must admit it's not quite my thing but I think those more into nail art would love it. Perfect gift for a teenager.

Molecule 01 is the perfume that is unique to everyone. I adore it and always get compliments when I wear it (I've just finished my bottle - hint hint).

Finally, I am currently rediscovering the absolute joy of the heated roller. Pop a few in for 5 minutes and you have instant glamour. I've been using heated rollers for over 30 years and upgraded my ancient ones a few years ago. Look at these ones though! Who could resist?! And they are a bargain.

Happy shopping!

Christmas haul

Another Christmas has come and gone and Santa was very kind this year. I received the holy grail of all shower gel - Elemis Frangipani shower cream.

I've been eyeing this up for ages. I can report that it's lovely, smells like heaven and is very moisturising.

I also got a mini Diptyque Roses candle.

I adore this candle and it's such a treat to have it.

I got a lovely organiser for my make-up.

I am thrilled with this, it's the perfect size and my old Muji storage was all manky and disgusting. It was time to upgrade. I spent a very happy half hour rearranging my make-up and chucking out old stuff.

Thank you Santa!

In other news, the Essie disco nail varnish on top of Essie Midnight Cami is as delightful as I anticipated but not for all 10 fingers. It turns out even I can't go that blingy! I did it on one finger and it was just right. Plus I think it may start a trend, you read it here first.