British Bling

What could be more suiting for this Jubilee weekend than celebratory patriotic nails. Essie have the perfect combo and whats more you can get them at a discount price through the 'Best of British' sale at Cocosa. 

Aruba Blue, a luscious Safire blue -  Blanc, a creamy white -  First Dance, a dramatic rich red

£7 @: www.cocosa.com/Beauty/

Iconic Radiance Booster - Celebrating 10 Years

I am a massive fan of the Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel and use it once a week to exfoliate and smooth my skin. In this current heat wave it works amazingly well to unclog pores and instantly refresh the skin.

Finding normal grainy exfoliators too abrasive, I switched to the Papaya Enzyme Peel a few years ago and love the way it leaves my skin super smooth, moisturzed and glowing. Using a natural fruit enzyme extracted from Papaya and Pineapple sourced in Africa, the enzymes work instantly gently dissolving superficial dead skin cells at the same time as giving the skin a much needed moisture boost with its blend of natural milk proteins.  On application, simply smooth over cleansed skin and leave for 10-12 minutes then remove with a damp cloth, there's no rubbing required making so it is excellent  for sensitive skins. This peel is also fab for a quick  radiance boost before a night out.


Celebrating its 10th year anniversary British brand Elemis have created this pretty summery limited edition of the Papaya Enzyme Peel launching in-stores on the 1st of June. Designed by Laura Oaks a british designer widely recognised for her unique 'digital decoupage' featuring layers of vintage and hand drawn imagery, while also using her own photography. 

Working alongside the charity SOCO for every product sold Elemis will provide a 5-in-1 a vaccination to immunise a child in Africa against 5 leading diseases with and hope to donate 50,000 vaccines.

£28 available from the 1st of June @: www.timespa.co.uk

Beau - Nails on the go

After many colour investigations I  finally decided to go for gel nails on the wedding day, again it was hard finding the right colour, wanting a soft natural pink tone, I tried quite a few brands only to find  most colours far too yellow, white or pink. 

Someone recommended Beau by CND Shellac,  which was instantly a hit, a perfectly balanced soft  natural pink, with a promise of 14 day wear, mirror finish, zero dry time and no nail damage.  I have to say it lived up to most claims. I love the fact it dried then and there under the UV lights, no mess, fuss or worrying of smudging.  

The finish was supper smooth, glossy with a shiny fresh look, that would usually die within a day or two with normal polishes, but in this case lasted over 2 weeks. Towards the end of the second week and due to fast growing nails it was definitely time for removal, however being on the honeymoon in Cambodia with no acetone remover in sight, I was rather naughty and peeled them off, a big no no as this strips the surface of the nails leaving them slightly brittle and dry, however after a good dose of the nourishing Jessica Phenomen Oil, my nails are back to normal. I would definitely try Shellac again it is ideal for a fantastic finish when on this go.

The colour was a lovely soft subtle pink with tiny glistening particles that reflected the light beautifully. 

Beau week one: 

Beau towards the end of week two:

Applied @ Glo Beauty in Fulham glospraytanningandbeauty.com £30

Beauty & nature at the Chelsea Flower Show 2012

Check out the beautiful the L’Occitane Immortelle Garden, awarded a prestigious Gold medal at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this week.

This garden is designed by Peter Dowle, who has brought together key plant species inspired by the breathtaking Corsican landscape, so naturally put together it looks like it's been at home in Chelsea for years. Immortelle grows wildly along the Mediterranean coast and is the main inspiration for this organic design, which also features further plant species that grow naturally in Corsica such as myrtle, lavender, daises and verbena, all key ingredients in L’Occitane’s beauty products. 

L’Occitane’s award winning Immortelle skincare range is sourced from organic fields in Corsica and has been said to possess key anti-aging properties. The remarkable plant has an exceptional longevity and its shape and colour never fade, even when it has been picked. In 2004, L’Occitane launched their very first large-scale organic Immortelle plantations in Corsica and thanks to the partnerships established with local Immortelle growers and distillers, 44 hectares have now been successfully cultivated.

Bridal Hair - up or down

Freshly back from the honeymoon and I can't help counting down the days for the official wedding photos to arrive...  Once landed a little black book of ideas will be revealed.

My amazing hair stylist/make up artist Ellie Tobin popped by for 3 hair trials before the big day.  I couldn't decide between hair up, a stunning vintage 1930's sweeping chignon, or down, a soft loose more ethereal style, which personally felt was more me and suited the low back dress. 

Here is a peak, decision to be revealed...  

                          UP

                

DOWN

Thank you Ellie for being so creative and patient, I absolutely loved my hair, which held in one place day and night and the make up was just perfect! 

xx

http://www.elliemakeup.com

Off on the honeymoon!

Untitled, a photo by Mr and Mrs Harper on Flickr.