Possibly The Best Concealer Ever

I have been plagued my entire life with under eye bags and dark circles, no amount of sleep, drinking water, eye masks or creams sadly seem to help - they are without doubt my most irritating and pesky bugbear!  I have spent years endlessly searching for eye creams, potions, lotions and concealers to keep them under control.  There really is an Aladdin's cave of products out there that claim to 'banish bags' and 'diminish dark circles' and unless you have been living under a rock you will know that YSL's Touche Eclat is iconic and brilliant for brightening the under eye area, but I find doesn't seem to help massively with the old eye bags - if anything the highlighting effect can enhance them!  Another goodie for the troublesome dark circles is Bobbi Brown's Corrector and probably the best budget concealer to date has to be the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer.  Even though these are all great at helping to conceal dark circles I am a girl who definitely needs a little extra helping hand in the under eye department when it comes to the bags. I discovered these absolute beauties and my prayers were finally answered when it came to tackling all my under eye woes, I had to include both of these concealers as I simply couldn't pick between them. Firstly,  By Terry Touch - Expert I swear has some serious magical powers when it comes to getting rid of bags and the darkest of circles, after one swipe of this magic pen my bags had pretty much vanished and my under eye area looked refreshed and extremely radiant.  It also nourishes the skin, plumping and rejuvenating, to help combat fine lines and sleepy complexions.  By Terry Touche Veloutee also packs a serious punch when it comes to brightening and concealing the eye area, it has a beautiful velvet texture and is a complete dream to blend.  The pen's brush is larger than the Touch - Expert and I would say the formula is ever so slightly lighter so I tend to sweep it onto the top of my cheeks for a 'Kardashian-esque' highlighting effect.  Hands down these two are the best concealers around and worth every penny! 

Emi xx

Skin Boosting Face Masks

There is no greater joy in life than pampering yourself with a luxe face mask.  These are some of my absolute favourites that completely banish winter dull, dry skin and leave you with nothing but a glowing radiance.  As a complete product junkie I have tried pretty much every mask out there from drugstore to high end and these really are the goodies that I come back to again and again. 

First of all the daddy of all the masks on the market at the moment - Glamglow.  I can not rave enough about this mask!! I bought it initially on a whim before my wedding as I was sold on the 'instant results' and it's claims to leave you with radiant skin three days after application.  Well ladies it does this and so much more! It does feel like you are applying actual mud to your face as it is made up of sea clay, active tea leaf and volcanic rock but the smell sure does make up for the bizarre texture, it is gorgeous!! It is suitable for all skin types, is paraben free and completely natural  - music to my ears, but what makes this mask so outstanding are the results. Immediately I had the smoothest, flawless complexion all my blackheads had diminished and I looked like I had spent the week at a detox health spa - I kid you not! It does feel slightly tingly when you have it on as it is an exfoliant treatment, but I quite like the feeling of a mask 'working' away on my face.  It is quite pricey so I only use it on special occasions or if my skin really needs a pick-me-up but it is certainly worth every penny for how it can completely transform your skin.

Another instant results mask is the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. I am a huge fan of REN products and this mask has to be their very best, it is an absolute godsend for congested, damaged and dull skin.  After discovering the skin goddess Caroline Hirons I learnt about the importance of using acids on the skin to balance and improve the thickness of the dermis, and what a difference it has made to my skin! This mask contains Glycolic acid and it is beautifully gentle but extremely effective at exfoliating away dirt, grime and it actively dissolves the bonds that hold dead skin build-up to reveal a healthy glow.  A definite must have!

A mask I couldn't miss out was the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask. Bloggers have raved on and on about this mask for years, and for very good reason.  It is an overnight treatment so perfect for slathering on and really letting the product work its magic with no need to rinse off.  It feels heavenly on the skin, gorgeously rich and luxurious but not too thick or clogging. It feels more like a rich night cream rather than a mask and doesn't transfer to your bedding which is always a worry when using any overnight treatments.  The smell is divine, refreshingly citrus and what is so wonderful is you wake up the next day and your skin feels beautifully plumped and noticeably hydrated.  I have dry to combination skin but I would say this would be suitable for all skin types as the formula isn't at all greasy or too heavy. 

Last but not least is the Nude Miracle Mask which contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) and is formulated with rice beads so double the exfoliation! I massage this into my skin for about a minute and then leave it to work its magic for a further 5 or so before removing with warm water.  Used once a week this mask not only softens the skin but also deeply cleanses without causing any irritation or redness. Warning,  a little goes a long way with this mask so gently does it on the massage front.  As with any products that contain AHA you will need to wear an SPF and be careful with your sun exposure, but again, it does wonders for the complexion and leaves you with noticeably brighter, flawless, youthful and toned looking skin.  

Emi xx

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

I have never been a huge fan of all these BB and CC creams and with every brand releasing them to death the mind does boggle as to which one is actually worth it! I have been on the look out for a brilliant 'no fuss' tinted moisturiser that I can use once baby is here - as I will have zero time for anything and I'm sure in desperate need of a skin boost! After I saw Lisa Eldridge rave on about this one I thought it has to be worth a try and well, this is definitely worth it!

This wonderful cream comes in four shades to choose from and contains three colour correcting pigments; apricot for anti-fatigue, green for anti-redness and white for anti-dark spots.  All of this does seems a little bit too good to be true but somehow it does absolute wonders for my tired pregnancy skin.  It gives you fantastic coverage without being heavy or 'mask like' and leaves your complexion flawless and super radiant - a subtle glow that I've only ever noticed after a facial.

The texture is beautifully lightweight and really blendable, Bourjois have this nailed down to an art form with most of their products - Bourjois Healthy Mix and Happy Light are incredible foundations.  On the skin it feels almost undetectable and gives superb hydration all day without being greasy in the slightest, so perfect for all skin types and it also contains SPF 15.  All this for under £10 - what's not to like?! 

Buy it here

Emi xx

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Oribe undoubtably know what they are doing when it comes to hair care.  They seem to get it spot on with absolutely all of their incredible products, but this one really is the creme de la creme when it comes to delivering extreme volume.  It is backcomb in a bottle with just the right amount of volume, hold and delivering dryness that makes even the most limp hair stand to attention, without feeling like you have any product in your hair at all.  It gives hair that second or third day grit in newly washed hair,  just a few sprays and you magically have salon-worthy hair and it smells seriously, seriously heavenly, so doubles up as a hair perfume too.  So unquestionably worth (the only negative to this wondrous product) the eye-watering price tag - a staggering £38! *cries a little*
But if you are a girl who loves big, sexy hair this really is your dream hair product and in my opinion, completely and justifiably worth breaking the bank for.  Warning it is hugely addictive, I hate to think just how many bottles I have spritzed my way through!

After desperately searching for a bank account friendlier dupe, there is a cheaper alternative in the Charles Worthington Texturising Spray and it gives just as good va va voom to the hair and incredibly good hold and texture, but where it does fall short of Oribe is that it gives you that horrible dry shampoo feeling to the hair - far from ideal, but at £6.99 your purse will definitely be a lot happier!

Emi xx

                                                                            Buy it here

My 3 Favourite Stretch Mark Products

Sadly another pregnancy gripe is stretch marks, they are seriously common in pregnant women, hardly surprising with all the rapid growth taking place.  If you are anything like me you will do anything and try anything to avoid them!  It has been proven that babies in the womb sense and feel everything, your voice carries energy as well as your thoughts.  During my evening routine, I always take time to stop and connect with my growing baby, talking to baby and sending them loving feelings.  For me it is such a lovely thing to do and anything to make you feel more pampered in pregnancy is definitely a good thing!  From the moment I found out I was pregnant I applied Bio-Oil religiously but the smell really isn't that pleasant and I felt like an oil slick afterwards as it took forever to sink into the skin, so I looked around for alternatives.
To be honest, I think the pregnancy beauty market is seriously in need of more choice, but here are my three must have products which I have tested and so far, zero stretch marks - yay!

Cussons Mum & Me Stretch Mark Cream is wonderfully light but also feels extremely moisturising, it sinks into the skin marvellously and the scent is floral and delicate which I found very comforting in the first 3 months when my nausea was so extreme any strong smell would have horrible consequences!  There is also a body lotion in a big pump bottle cream which is lovely for applying to the rest of your body as your hips, bum, boobs and thighs can also be a target.  The only niggle is the price and how long the product actually lasts.  It is around the £10 mark and if you are applying it everyday or twice a day I found it only gave me around a weeks use, but overall a brilliant product.    Buy it here

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil is a higher end product and is developed specifically to soothe, strengthen, nourish and protect the skin during pregnancy and beyond.  It is brimming with omegas 3, 6 and 9 (which are naturally depleted during pregnancy), and the best thing of all is that there  are zero nasties in any of their products, so completely safe for you and bubba. Unlike Bio-Oil and other oils it is absorbed into the skin very easily and smells seriously divine!  This product is a definite must-have for all mothers-to-be.   Buy it here

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Tummy Butter is by far my absolute favourite at the moment, I have fallen head over heels in love with it and I can not rave about it enough!  First of all the smell, it is seriously nice, much lighter than other Palmer's Cocoa Butter products as it has added lavender.  There isn't any sticky residue that you can get with some other body butters and your skin still feels completely moisturised 24 hours later.  I have no idea how it does it but it literally melts into the skin and leaves you with the most glowing and radiant skin I have ever experienced from any body cream, ever.  It is the cheats way of getting the 'pregnancy glow'.  I loved this product so much I went back and bought the rest of the shelf!  At £3.99 a tub it also doesn't break the bank, I will definitely continue to use this product as it does things to my skin that other creams just don't - absolute genius.   Buy it here

I'd love to know if you have any other recommendations on pregnancy related skin care!

Emi xx

Estee Lauder Skinscents

I have discovered summer in a bottle! I really could not decide on just one so I had to buy them both! I can not praise these products enough, they are positively heavenly. They are unfortunately limited edition for the summer so I will have to stock up. The beauty of them is, they are alcohol free so you can wear them in the sun, ideal if you are a sun worshiper like me! The bottles are so summery and utterly gorgeous, I am not sure if you can see in the picture but Bronze Goddess is flecked with gold - divine!

Bronze Goddess Capri is the newest scent, it has base notes of creamy vanilla, amberwood, patchouli and musk. Its top and middle notes are peony (my favourite flower), muguet, jasmine sambac, cassis, mandarin and lemon leaves so it is not only warm and alluring but very floral and fresh.

Bronze Goddess is described as 'The fragrance that worships every inch of you. A sensuous, sun-drenched blend of Bergamot and Mandarin, cooled with Tahitian Gardenia Petals and Coconut, warmed with Amber, Sandalwood and Vetiver. All heat. All desire. All woman. ' 

I would say this one is definitely more musky, so ideal to wear when the sun goes down, and has a wonderful hint of coconut which just perfect for transporting you to exotic climes; even if it is grey and dreary! Emi xx 

Buy it here

Diptyque Heaven

So anyone who knows me, is well aware I adore my fragrances and candles! I have just discovered these two absolute beauties. The fragrance Eau Duelle is just simply divine. I am a sucker for vanilla based scents, although most are hideously sickly and dare I say it 'cheap' smelling. Eau Duelle feels tremendously grown up and sophisticated; and it lasts despite only being an eau de toilette. 

Amber smells so exceptionally luxe and is a real favourite of mine; finding that Diptyque do a candle form of one of my most adored aromas was like finding a rare nugget of gold. I used to be completely devoted to Jo Malone's candle in  Amber and sweet orange; I was beyond devastated when they discontinued it! So finding this was, well just fabulous! Emi xx

Buy it here

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

I have never been a huge fan of tinted moisturizers, purely because of the lack of coverage and they never really seemed to actually moisturize - which always seemed a bit pointless. This was until I bought this Nars one, oh my goodness I have now been converted!! This product has fabulous coverage and yet feels beautifully light on the skin and gives a heavenly dewy glow, a complete must for the summer. It has a high SPF 30 which is also ideal. I can not rave about this sensational product enough! I am wearing shade St. Moritz, which is perfect as I have a golden tan from my recent holiday. Emi xx 

 Buy it here

Floret

I have been on the hunt for a new spring scent and I have found possibly the most  magnificent perfume - Floret by Antonia's Flowers. I can only describe this divine fragrance as flowers in a bottle!! It smells like you have been covered in sweet peas, which is heavenly. The product is described as, inspired by the rambling sweet peas in her grandmothers gardens and convinced of the power of "living flower" Antonia created Floret to recapture the memories of her childhood. It is a bit on the pricey side but completely worth every penny as it lasts all day and even into the evening. It is the most beautiful fragrance I have ever found and absolutely perfect for sunny spring days and hazy summer evenings. Emi xx

Buy it here