August Wish List

This is my wish list for the moment- fashion that I'm loving and beauty products that I'm craving. There's no way I can buy everything on here, but a few of them won't break the bank!

1. Fruit Print Blouse, Joy the Store 2. Wish Bracelet in Teal, Ayofemi Jewelry on Etsy 3. 1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans in Mulberry, Gap 4. Beige Canvas Tote, Leathinity on Etsy


I'm loving sleeveless collared shirts lately- there's something very retro and Betty Draper about them, and while I'm not a fan of her, her style in the first three seasons of Mad Men is undeniably amazing. They're great for summer, and I love the sort of nerdy vibe they give off. I like this one from Joy a lot; the print is great! It's a shame it's polyester, which is the only thing holding me back at the moment (I am a HUGE fabric snob- being in India we took gorgeous cheap cotton for granted) but I might crack and go for it. I also love these skinny zippered legging jeans from Gap- I actually did pick these up in the sale last week and they are AMAZING. I went for a size up actually, for comfort, and it oddly seemed to work. Everything else was ok in my usual size 10, so I suspect these are actually for tiny people. Anyway they're comfortable, the colour is great, and the mulberry is oddly very wearable. I've been pairing it with sleeveless shirts like this one, including a white collared one with a bird print, and I really love the combination.

These little wish bracelets are very cute, and while I think the whole 'make a wish and then wait for it to fall off' thing is more than a little gimmicky, I love the colours. I'm not really a fan of my jewellery falling apart though, so I might sleep on it.

This leather tote is just brilliant. I don't know what to say. The colours are just gorgeous, it'll work well for summer and A/W,  and that yellow panel is just scrumptious. Want.

1. Essie Nail Colour in Glamour Purse 2. Horto Botanico Tomato Soap 3. Black Olive and Argan Oil Scrub, The Body Shop 4. Korres Wild Rose Lip Butter 5. The Balm Cabana Boy 6. Almond Nail and Cuticle Balm, The Body Shop


I've never wanted brown nail polish before. I have brown skin and it usually looks bad- and I really really dislike the trend for mannequin nails as well. Nude is fine, but why would you want an exact match? It's a bit eerie and, well, mannequin. And mannequins are creepy enough anyway. However, this Essie shade in Glamour Purse, is suddenly calling to me. It's a gorgeous shade, and shopping around on the web it looks like a glossy much darker brown than it does in the bottle.

Horto Botanico do these gorgeous soaps that I've always really loved, and there's something about buying tomato and artichoke and lettuce soap that seems just weird enough for me to love it. They smell wonderful and are not very expensive for a luxury soap. Cambridge tip- the store in the Botanical Gardens actually sells these. Cambridge students have free entry!

I am a long-time scrub lover for keeping skin smooth and radiant, and I love shopping around for new ones. They are quite basic in formula really- some more moisturising and some more scrubby, but in general it's hard to get it wrong and I've rarely tried an unsatisfying one. It's probably the bath product I'm most adventurous with. This Body Shop Moroccan Spa scrub looks wonderful and will bring back happy memories of a Moroccan holiday a few years ago.

I have heard sooo much good about these Korres lip butters that I've been craving them for years. It's time for me to take the plunge, I think! Wild rose looks the best for my skin tone, and it's one of my favourite flowers so that'll be it for me. Same for the Balm blushes. Heard great things about the pigmentation and texture and I think it might be time for me to buy a new blush as it has actually been a very very long time and I don't mean that in fashion years (which are like dog years). The cheekily named Cabana Boy looks wonderful and I am dying to try it. Shame I can only find them online as I'm reluctant to spend without actually sampling first. Anybody know any outlets that sell them?


Lastly, my cuticles are in a shameful state. I had a stressful start to the month and bit my nails terribly and now I need to sort them out as I have some new nail polishes (reviews forthcoming!) that I'd like to debut to my office mates. I've not heard much about the Body Shop cuticle oil doohickey, but I like their products in general and am going to give it a go.

      Wanderlust card set from Satchel and Sage on Etsy


Ok ok, I know I said last thing, but these Wanderlust cards are adorable and not very expensive, and hey, it's summer holiday time! Although not for me. But that's why the cards, right?

What are you wishing for at the moment?

Dorothy Perkins Offer

New Dorothy Perkins offer- 15% off all full price items and £1 delivery. Enter DPSHOP15 at the checkout to claim the discount. For a limited time only, but I can't find a date on the offer!

Abigail Edwards Wallpaper

Home Shopping Spy, the wonderful design and interiors blog of Ideal Homes magazine, just introduced me to Abigail Edwards and her beautiful new range of wallpapers.

This has to be one of the most beautiful wallpapers I've ever seen, if not flat out the most. The Seascape in Winter (it also comes in summer, an aqua) is just incredible. It's £59 for each 10.05m x 52cm roll, and I'm not allowed to do any kind of wallpapering on my current student lease, but I am completely in love with this. 

I'm also keen on the Briar Owl Wallpaper in Gold, which is pricier at £75 but equally stunning. I keep comparing the two and I still can't decide which one I love more. An accent wall covered in either of the two would be simultaneously whimsical, sophisticated, otherworldly and a real thing of beauty. 

Maybe I should settle for a Seascape tea towel in the meantime...

All images from Abigail Edwards' Online Shop. 

Product Review: Lush Sugar Scrub

Although I'm a confirmed Lush fan, I'm not so far gone as to not be able to admit it when a product isn't great. I'm a big fan of scrubs and like to try loads. If you don't exfoliate, believe me, start and you'll be doing your skin a huge favour. It makes me feel very energetic, probably because it briefly improves circulation, it's good for your skin tone, and it's fantastic for things like spotty backs and ingrown hairs. I can't say this enough- I've never had a real problem with spots other than on my face, but if I stop exfoliating a few will roll in. I've tried to convince a few of my friends as well, including some men with serious bacne, and those that have picked it up have reported a difference. Not sure why men are so reluctant to start scrubbing, particularly as they seem to have more problems with body spots.

Anyway, I was excited to try a new scrub, and I really liked the smell of this (I know, I say that a lot), but I was warned in the shop not to use it under running water. Most scrubs will dissipate if you use them directly under a water stream, just like most shower gels, so this didn't bother me, but the problem was more that the entire solid scrub crumbled. You need to break pieces off this, and then store it very carefully and make sure you don't leave it in a bathroom where it is exposed to too much humidity. Is this starting to sound like a bit of a chore? It was :( I didn't manage to preserve mine sadly. It got quite hard which made breaking pieces off nigh on impossible, and then it started to crumble. You have to 'pre-break' pieces as well, as if you get the whole thing wet it'll dissolve.

It's quite a scrubby scrub, which I really like, but might be unpopular with other people as it is very scratchy indeed. The smell is fennel, ginger and sugar and I found it unusual and oddly very nice. It costs £2.75 for 100gm, and considering how little use I got out of it, I'll stick to Rub Rub Rub.

Product Review: Votivo Candle in Deep Clover

I was given this Votivo candle in Deep Clover in the travel version as a present. I'd never bought a Votivo candle before (or heard of the brand) and I have a dangerous relationship with beautiful scented candles. I harbour an unhealthy love for them, but can't buy them very often because they are so overpriced (*cough cough Diptyque*).

The travel candle cost £12 for 81gm and apparently burns for 20-25 hours, which isn't bad (although I think they're a tenner at Harvey Nick's). The full-size candles cost £28 for 193gm and apparently burn for 50-60 hours.

I like the packaging a lot- it's simple and no fuss, but the colour schemes are great. I love the simple two-tone label and think the Deep Clover label is particularly pretty.

Reading the description, this isn't a scent I'd have picked for myself. I gravitate towards floral scents most of the time, and was very surprised by how much I loved this. It genuinely smells enormously like clover to me. It's described as having 'dewy green, aldehydic notes', with 'fescue grass, red clover, stemy greens middle notes' and a 'fir needle, patchouli and cedarwood base'.

The green aldehydic notes are very strong, and the green really lingers. I love the woody base as well, as it seems extraordinarily natural here. This is a very evocative little fragrance- for me it was really as if I'd suddenly been transported to a field of clover. Near a wood.

I've been burning this quite a lot so don't know how much longer it'll last (and I haven't been timing it). The smell lingers a fair amount which I really like because I love the fragrance.

All in all, I'm a convert to Votivo candles and will definitely be buying some more when I've used up the four I currently have on the go. I'd love to try Champaca, Honeysuckle, Pondicherry Sandalwood, Tuberosa, Rush of Rose, Seablue Sky, Rain- I could go on and on but I should draw the line somewhere. I told you I had an unhealthy love for them! I'm also intrigued by the combinations in Mosaic and Lavender Chamomile Pear.

I'd like to try a few more of these, but I was so impressed by Deep Clover and how unusual and somehow magical it is, that I'd probably order them without sniffing. I'm happy as a pig in clover*.

*I apologise. But I'd do it again ; )

Product Review: Lush You've Been Mangoed Bath Melt

I love Lush bath products, but they often strike me as quite indulgent considering you get maybe two uses out of each bubble bar. They're a treat for me, but I do love them. I was lucky with the You've Been Mangoed Bath Melt as it was given to someone I know in a gift box, and as they have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to literally everything, they passed it on to me as a certified Lush lover.

Now I'm not just a Lush lover...I'm also Indian. And our love of mangoes is well documented. I can vouch that it certainly is a national obsession, and of the many many things I miss living in another country, gorgeous fresh mangoes is very very high on the list. Trust me, there is absolutely nothing like eating a mango in India (ok South Asia).

Ok, moving on. MANGOES. No I'm done, really. So this is apparently made from avocado, mango and cocoa butters, and also scented with lemongrass, lime and lemon essential oils. It smells gorgeous, but actually quite natural somehow, especially compared to the Body Shop mango body butter, which I find quite cloying and overly sweet.

I can't remember what bubble bath I was using at the time, but I remember I found it very drying so I needed extra moisturiser afterwards. However, there was no chance of that when I used this melt. It made the water feel like silk. It was incredibly soft and fragrant, and very very moisturising. I used the whole thing (partly because it had been sitting around for a while) but you can probably slice off pieces and use smaller amounts. I really liked the feel of this, and if you love a nice soak but find them very drying something like this is perfect for you!

Ultimately I love bubbles too much to use this on its own. I combined it with bubbles when I used it and the whole thing was a very very indulgent soak - I stayed in there for hours with a book to make the most of it! I haven't bought another one since just because it's more economical for me to switch to bath products that moisturise and create mountains of bubbles so I can have both rather than buying two separate products. If you're not bothered about bubbles you won't have that problem*.

I might buy one again for the smell though. Probably the next time I feel homesick! It costs £3.10 for 30gm which isn't terrible considering how strong it seems to be. I do wish they'd use the fragrance on something else as well.

*I mean this in the loosest sense of the word.

Product Review: Lush Porridge Soap

I know there are many people who hate the smell of Lush shops, and I'll admit I found them hugely overpowering when I was first outside one, but they've really grown on me and I'm a loyal fan now. I bought this Porridge soap when it was new based on the smell and the promise of oaty scrubbing as I showered. 

Alright, this is one of the worst soaps I've ever tried. The scent really does remind me of hot sweet oaty porridge, and I look wistfully at it when I see it in Lush shops, but the texture was just terrible. Within a week or two, the outer soap had been used up so it was very knobbly all over. It seemed to be almost just a layer of oats. It stopped lathering and the scrubbing didn't feel very nice either as it was quite scratchy- and I love some quite scrubby scrubs. 

I bought this in 2009, so if I hear they've changed the formula but not the fragrance I'd love to try it again. But honestly, it wasn't very good as it was. 

The story does have a funny ending though...I came home one day to find out I'd left the bathroom door open and the dogs had eaten it*. I guess it's yummy oatiness was its downfall?! 

*I wish I was making this up! Perhaps they just took it and buried it in the garden? They didn't seem to suffer any ill effects though, so don't worry- no dogs were harmed in the making of this post ; )

Product Review: Dr Nick Lowe Oil Control Day Cream

About two years ago I went through a really terrible skin phase. I had problematic skin throughout my teenage years, and as I entered my twenties it started to get worse. I honestly tried an enormous range of products in desperation. I finally decided to do two things- start using quality products, i.e. investing in my skin, and to stop using harsh drying acne products as they made my skin feel terribly dry and didn't seem to affect my spottiness for the better.

By the time I started my PhD I was approaching skincare like a researcher- I think most of us do this anyway, but I started being very analytical and taking careful mental notes about what helped and what didn't, and what my chief skincare concerns were and how to tackle them. The main thing I realised from paying attention was that using these harsh drying products seemed to be making my skin worse. I did a bit of reading and learnt that that wasn't uncommon, and for a lot of people stripping their skin of natural oils meant that their sebaceous glands started producing more sebum to compensate and protect the skin, which just meant more oiliness and more spots. I had had a consultation at a Clinique counter, and had bought the Clarifying Lotion in 3 (for Oily Skin) and it was so strong it made my eyes water. It was no help and I ultimately gave up on it because the stinging tight dryness was unbearable and I STILL had regular breakouts. I tried Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser, but it barely moisturised.

I WANTED to love Clinique and Neutrogena and everyone seemed to tout them as the companies that made the best products for spotty skin, but ultimately they didn't get me anywhere. Anyway, I decided that I needed a gentler cleanser, and a moisturiser that wasn't a lightweight lotion packed full of salicylic acid. And that was how I found Dr Nick Lowe's range in Boots.

I bought this without trying as they didn't have any testers, which I thought was daft as the brand is quite pricey for one that's not top range. I did get it in a Boots Skincare 3 for 2, and once I realised it was a good match for my skin I bought it in threes when the offer was on. It costs £15.31 for a 50ml pot and if you buy it under the 3 for 2 offer it comes to about £10.20 a jar.

It's got quite a lot of packaging, and half of its height appears to be lid which is a bit unnecessary. However, I really liked the product itself. I'm not saying it was a miracle worker, because it in no way stopped all breakouts, but it was soothing and moisturising. It has some salicylic acid in it, which helped clarify my skin, but in general it felt wonderful on my skin. It's the richest moisturiser I've ever seen aimed at oily skin, and it really worked for me. It helped control the oil, it didn't sit on the skin, it made my skin brighter, and I do feel like it helped with breakouts. I reiterate that it didn't stop them all- I've not found a single topical product that can do that- but it made my skin less constantly aggravated. While the other products were hugely drying and seemed to make my skin worse, I definitely had less breakouts with this than with others.

I've only tried one or two other Nick Lowe products, but they seem remarkably unsung for some that are really quite nice. I would recommend this for people who struggle with oily skin and acne, and suggest that they start using products that are more gentle on their skin instead of trying to beat it into submission like I did for years! Love your skin :)

Monogram Mania

I was given this adorable, I mean very chic little wash bag for my birthday recently, and while it incorporates one of my favourite themes (grays with neon pops) it also got me thinking about monograms. I think we've reached a stage where everyone is fed up of buying mass produced items that are available everywhere; everything's the same, and the Topshop in Cambridge is selling the same clothes (presumably?!) as the Topshop in Edinburgh. Shopping isn't this standardized in India, where we still have a lot of local retailers and a huge emphasis on handmade artisan crafts. I've started to really love monograms lately, and I think that might be because I'm fed up of everything being so samey. I'd like to be able to put my own stamp on something, my name or my initials, or customise it somehow. I don't mean it's impossible to be creative and to put your own twist on things, and I certainly try to do that with my home and clothes, but there's undeniably something classic and sophisticated about a sleek monogram. They feel very timely and of the moment as people are starting to want things to be handcrafted and personal again, and obviously vintage mania is still going strong. It's also far more democratic and cheaper now than it's been for a long time, as vendors on Etsy are happy to make everything from personalised stationery to vases. You don't have to go to Smythson of Bond Street for your letterhead any more!

All in all, it's time for monograms to come back- they can be chic, funny, classy, colourful, or silly, but whatever they are you can make them your own.

1. Burlap Feed Sack Custom Monogram Bird Pillow, Next Door to Heaven on Etsy 2. Linen Hand Embroidered Vintage Handkerchief, Delightful Dressmaker on Etsy 3. Alphabet Initial Coin Purse, Paperchase 4. Gold Vermeil Charm Initial Necklace, Anne Kiel on Etsy 5. Alphabet Votive Candle, Olive Bonas 6. Embossed Notebook, Bookbinders Design 7. Personalised Vases, Maid of Clay on Etsy 8. Nautical Crab Personalised Notepad, Happy Hound on Etsy 9. Ella Adjustable Bangles, Sarah Chloe 10. Alphabet Wash Bag, Oliver Bonas 11. How to Make Monogram Mugs, Dollar Store Crafts


It's safe to say that I'll be ordering some personalised stationery of Etsy very soon as it seems to cost as much as regular nice stationery from a big high street shop, but with the added bonus of being monogrammed! I really like these nautical crab notepads, but am also a fan of most of the monogrammed stationery in Happy Hound's Etsy store. I love Bookbinders Design, and although they don't have a store in the UK that I know of, they will ship here. I'm thinking one of their beautiful
cloth-covered notebooks, perhaps in duo emerald, with my initials on the front in a startling hot pink.  I'll be keeping an eye out for their next online sale!

The jewellery is just amazing as well- I heart these Ella bangles and would love one with my initials on but it's a bit expensive so might put it on my Christmas/Diwali list and cross my fingers. I'll be getting the little 14k gold vermeil initial charm though, and wearing it both by itself and in a cluster of other gold and semiprecious stone pendants. That's just how I roll ; )  I can't decide to go for my own initials, or maybe two pendants with my sisters' initials. These would also make beautiful christening or birthday presents for young girls, simply because they are so classic and timeless. The monogrammed vases, on the other hand, are billed as wedding presents where you get the happy couple's initials cut into them, and I think that's a wonderful idea- you know they're not going to get five of those and they'll definitely remember it!

I found quite a lot of monogrammed mugs, so it must be a thing right now, but one of the nicest designs really was this do it yourself. Some of them are a bit tacky and over the top, but the clean graphics and modern typeface look of these really appealed to me.

I think in general I love monograms when they're classic or very modern, but I always prefer a bold type and a serif font. I'm just in love with my little grey and neon bag. These things also make lovely gifts though- I plan on giving personalised stationery to my friends, and perhaps monogrammed handkerchiefs to those who really love all things vintage.

If you'd like something more colourful, these lucite monogram trays are very cute with their fash-clash motifs and I think great for keeping things organised.

And to keep it fun, I might buy four of those little alphabet votive candles and use them to spell out a rude word on a windowsill. Who says monograms are dull and old-fashioned??

Product Review: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

So this review is for a bit of a cult product- it seems to win loads of beauty awards and I saw it on loads of beauty editor lists and features until I was finally swayed by Sali Hughes and decided to try it myself. I had a lovely SA who did a very thorough testing on my face. The basic principle is very easy: you rub the cream, which smells herbal in a very gentle way and feels very rich, all over your face, in circular movements. You can rub it over your eyes as well as it also removes make up- I didn't find it at all irritating. Apply it as though you're applying your face cream; try to really get it in. This is the cleansing

Once that's done, you take the muslin cloth (or any cloth, as Sali describes, although I am using the LE muslins) and wet it in quite hot water- as hot as is comfortable for you. Take the hot cloth and use it to wipe off the cleanser. Rub it all over your face with gentle scrubbing motions, and think of it as a light exfoliation (which is basically what it is). This is the polishing step.

The idea is that the rich cream is soothing, smoothing and moisturising, and the scrubbing with the cloth exfoliates. Using the hot water opens up pores so the scrubbing is extra helpful.

I was sold as soon as I tried it. The difference is stunningly noticeable; this is not a subtle change. My skin felt smoother and softer after one use. The smell is wonderful. The ritual is nice as well.

Extra info- I have combination skin that veers wildly between being dry and oily and is usually both. I used to break out a lot but don't any more, and my skin is not very sensitive so it's rarely irritated by products. I do have some problems with discolouration from earlier breakouts. Discolouration, texture and radiance are my chief skin concerns.

This cleanser doesn't help with discolouration (which I didn't expect it to!), but it works on both dry and oily parts of my face. It was lovely during the winter and is also really nice during the summer, but for me it really comes into its own when it's very cold and dry and skin is wind-chapped or flaking and irritated by indoor heating. It was like giving my skin a cuddle. My skin feels really clean afterwards, smooth and radiant and not at all tight and dry which is what I've experienced with most cleansers.

I would recommend this to almost anyone without blinking; it's incredible on dry skin, it's great on oily skin as well. Fellow oily/combination skinned people- use something that loves your skin, and leave the drying products behind! They strip your skin of natural oils and it ends up producing more to compensate. The cleanser is £13.25 for 100ml but it lasts fairly long. I do most of my face with one pump, and use two if I'm feeling indulgent (or dry). Some people double cleanse with it, but I haven't tried that yet as my skin feels so nice after one thorough cleansing that it feels almost excessive and unnecessary.

Full disclosure- Since discovering this, I've introduced it to two friends (male* and female) who raved about it, and bought it for my mum and sister who are dangerously addicted to it now. They both completely love it (and when one runs out, they are prone to stealing the other's) although their skin concerns are quite difference- my mother's are aging and texture, and my sister's are dryness and dullness. It does seem to work for most people.

So this is the best cleanser I've ever tried, and I can honestly say the hype is fully deserved.

*Hilariously, they actually do the same cleanser (I don't think there were any differences in formula) for men, but with different packaging. My guy friend honestly said he preferred the men's packaging, so I guess their marketing dept knows what it's doing.

Nautical Style for the Home

I've been loving nautical style for the home since the Guardian ran this feature in March. That chair is just beautiful, if a wee bit out of my price range as usual, but that anchor cushion and Fresh Oysters bucket are adorable. I would love to have that in the bathroom with spare soaps etc in it.

This Ikea image cinched it for me- that is the PERFECT shade of blue for nautical-themed tableware. I really love this- aside from the shellfish, it's not overtly nautical, but the blue and white combination couldn't be mistaken for anything else. I love the little rope tie around the cutlery; very fun and cute, and it's little touches like that that make a dinner table setting memorable.

1. Sea Shanty Tea Towel, To Dry For 2. Beside the Seaside Tin, Biscuiteers 3. Life Belt Picture Frame, Breeze  4. Leaping Salmon Porcelain Serving Platter, Richard Bramble 5. White Metal Fish on Jute, Breeze  6. Mounted Nautical Print, Not on the High Street 7. Yacht Club Doorstep, Breeze 8. You Rock My Boat Cushion, Not on the High Street 9. Nautical Bucket Bag, Not on the High Street

Once I'd done the recent nautical post, I knew it was time to incorporate some seaside style into the home. I think these very cute products are nice, and less expensive way, of doing that. I love the tea towel and the bucket bag- practical elements are always twice as nice as something that's purely decorative! That said, I'm a sucker for old prints like these ships, and I love the huge range they have. Cycle through them and pick out the one you like the most! I also love the cheekiness of the You Rock My Boat cushion. Nautical can be a bit serious sometimes, and I'd want to keep that playful element. That's why I included the Biscuiteers Seaside tin. I'm not sure those biscuits would be decorating your house for long but you could always use the tin. They're not cheap, but use the discount code BISC11 for 10% off ;)

Now I just need to hunt down some glossy blue plates- or at the very least one bowl or jug.

First image from the Guardian. Second image from the Ikea Inspiration Blog. 

Product Review: Lush Flying Fox Shower Gel

Another shower gel review! I know it's working out to be loads, but until I can get my camera sorted I thought it was best to work my way through these as I think most people would like proper photos and swatches for beauty products.

This Lush Flying Fox shower gel was in a gift box I got given a few years ago. I'd never tried it before, and was intrigued by the suggestion that it was "especially good at The Time of the Month, because we’ve added the top essential oils for calming PMT" as the website says. I don't want to gross anyone out, but I tend to have very disruptive periods with wild mood swings, so I'm always looking for different things that might help. I don't usually buy into wild random remedies (homeopathy? No thank you) but I also think it's good to not dose myself up on chemicals at every available opportunity. Nice smelling things can be very calming and relaxing, and I certainly find scents hugely evocative. I was hoping this would mainly cheer me up and so help me deal with mood swings, but believe me, I was plenty suspicious.

First thoughts- when I opened and sniffed this, I loved the smell, but I also thought WOW that's a lot. It is very very very strong. This is probably the strongest smelling shower gel I've ever encountered anywhere. It mainly smells of jasmine and honey, and so it's both floral and sweet. I honestly loved this shower gel, but I can't imagine it would appeal to everyone so I would definitely recommend giving this a sniff before buying.

It works fine as a shower gel- the Lush formula lathers quite a lot, and while I never found it drying it's not particularly moisturising either.

As for the PMT claims- it doesn't help with cramps (although I would have been AMAZED if it had) but oddly enough the smells did make me feel better. That might just be because I loved the fragrance, so it possibly was just the effect of spraying a favourite perfume combined with a lovely hot shower, or maybe I am just really easily swayed by suggestion.

I will say that while I like some alternative therapies and I don't like excessive chemicals, I don't believe in making wild claims about what products can do. Saying mint tea soothes tummies is fine, and perfectly true from my experience; saying homeopathic medicine can be taken instead of anti-malaria drugs when travelling in malaria zones is BS and dangerous (I'm looking at you, Neal's Yard Remedies*).

So there you go- I try to approach such claims with suspicion, and although I love natural products I am definitely careful about which products I actually believe to be helpful. Did this genuinely make me feel better when I was tired, achy, run down, miserable and generally low? Yep, it was a nice booster and the smell cheered me up. Will it have the same effect on everyone? I have no idea, and I doubt that. But if you like strong floral scents and are not afraid of how powerful this one is, I recommend it. I also found it quite sexy, so it's nice for date night ;) That might be it then- most PMT-helpful stuff is soothing lavender, whereas this one just goes straight for sexy jasmine and honey. It's a different approach, and one I like!

Apparently you can use this as a shampoo, but I never tried that so can't say whether it's good or not. I also read somewhere that the name came from an argument the two (married) founders had once, when one had PMT and shouted 'I don't give a flying f***' at the other; apparently that inspired the product, and for some reason this story really made me laugh.

* For the record I love their bath and body products and have even treated myself to a massage at the Neal's Yard store in Cambridge, but I definitely disagree with that sort of misleading advertising. Being such a NYR fan I was actually really disappointed when I heard, but I do want to be honest on this blog and in my life. Rant over :)

Origins Offer

The Origins website is running an offer right now for a free sample of A Perfect World Antioxidant Cleanser (15ml) plus a Liquid Lip Color Duo  Make A Difference™ or a Rejuvenating hand treatment (15ml) or Blemish-busting Zero Oil™Deep Pore Cleanser (30ml). That's two free samples with any two purchases.

They also offer free delivery on offers over £30, and you can get a free trial sample of other products.

This isn't a bad offer if you want to try any of those products, but they have had more generous ones, and if you're not keen on these products in particular I would wait as they cycle through them often enough.

The Body Shop Offer

The Body Shop is running an offer right now, applicable in both stores and online. I use their body butters and scrubs regularly, but as I can't afford them at £12 a pop I hit them hard and fast in the sales. I just topped up my supplies at 40% off which is pretty sweet, and got a free sample of their Rainforest shampoo.

They also have free delivery on orders over £25- alternatively, you can use this in stores and skip all delivery charges.

Expires August 1st.

Product Review: Simple Kind to Eyes Corrector Pen

One of my favourite looks is a cat's eye flick of black eyeliner. I get quite a lot of practice, but there are days when I just can't get it right in one go. I saw this Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-up Corrector Pen, and being a big fan of Simple cleansing and make up remover products I decided to give it a go.

I liked this the first time I used it- it removes eyeliner with very slight residue. It's hard to get all of it off, so it did leave a shadowy dark mark behind that was quite easy to remove. It recommends cleaning it after every usage, so I removed the eyeliner from it.

However when I tried to use it a few days later it was a bit more dry and the more I used it the harder it was to get all the eyeliner off it, which meant that afterwards it would leave black marks when I tried to use it. Maybe you've got to be better at cleaning it :(

My major problem with this was actually that the blasted lid DOES NOT stay on. At all. I kept this in my make up bag, and it occasionally my make up bag rests in my handbag, but without fail every time I needed this the lid was off. Within a few weeks it was too dry to use. I found this really frustrating and not very practical. Simple products tend to be quite inexpensive, but this was £4.99 from Boots so I would have wanted it to last longer than a month.

I'll be sticking to cotton buds dipped into eye make up remover from now on, until I can find a more reliable pen!

Product Review: Origins No Puffery Cooling Eye Mask

I struggle with dark circles quite a lot, and staring at a laptop or reading all day takes its toll on my eyes. I have quite bad eyesight, and if I overdo it my eyes ache and itch, and definitely get a bit puffy.

I've tried various products to conceal or remedy this, and I learnt early on that there are no miracle cures- only products that will help a little. I bought the No Puffery online without trying it, which I almost never do, and was really excited to try it because I'm a big fan of Origins products anyway and have never had a bad reaction to them. I found this very very cooling and soothing. I didn't put this in the fridge, but I might try doing that next time to make it even more soothing. It starts acting instantly, and the relief was incredible. I didn't notice a huge difference in the appearance of my dark circles, but it had a good effect on the puffiness. My eyes looked less swollen and felt great. It actually made me feel quite wide awake.

I don't know that it demolished my dark circles, but if you work at a computer all day and your eyes get achy and tired and swollen, this is a great little product. I found it gorgeous for mornings when I really hand't had enough sleep. It costs £21 for 30ml, which I found very expensive, but I saved up all my Origins purchases waiting for a good offer, and ended up getting two huge and two medium-sized samples, plus free delivery, so it worked out quite well.

I ended up giving this to my mum as she was hunting for a good product and she also found it very soothing and had slightly better luck with dark circles (hers are not as prominent as mine).

You can buy Origins products from their website as well as counters in John Lewis etc. I prefer waiting for their fantastic offers which are almost as good as Clinique Bonus Time, and then getting free delivery. Boots also occasionally carries offers on Origins products with free stuff, which is also quite nice.

Product Review: Lush Godiva Solid Shampoo

Another eco-friendly post! When I heard about the Lush solid shampoos, years ago, I really wanted to try one but was sort of suspicious. Not sure why...it just seemed a little weird to me. I finally bought one of these for a long trip, as I thought it would be a lot easier than carrying liquid shampoo around. My first try using it, I rubbed it all over my head for ages without it lathering and was enormously annoyed as I thought I'd been massively ripped off. As soon as I put it down and actually started working the product in with some water, it lathered gloriously. It works pretty much exactly as a liquid shampoo would, so rest assured the formula is great.

I bought the Godiva because I honestly thought some of the others smelled unbearable. This one smells of jasmine and is extra moisturising. I found the smell fantastic, and it's really lovely in hair. The name Godiva and the tagline 'For when hair is all you want to wear' made me smile; there is something quite sensual and sexy about having your hair smell of jasmine.

It is fairly moisturising and Lush describes it as giving a 'more conditioning wash' but I wouldn't use this without a conditioner. It costs £6.25 for a 55gm bar, which seems pricey, but it honestly lasted >3 months. It broke in half after while, but not a problem if you're storing it in a tin (see below).

All in all, this is a lovely formula and the fragrance is very lovely, floral and gorgeous. I like solid products as they're more environmentally friendly, and this is definitely good for travelling although you'll probably have to invest in one of their shampoo bar tins to transport it properly. If you're travelling through the US, or taking budget airlines and would like to avoid paying hold luggage charges, this is perfect. Solid shampoo, proper soap, and face wipes instead of liquid make up remover would be my top tips for being able to take your toiletries into the cabin.

Product Review: The Body Shop Earth Lovers Shower Gel

I'm going to get all environmentally friendly on you for a minute or two, but I fell in love with these Body Shop Earth Lovers shower gels when I heard that they were Sulphate-, Paraben-, Colourant- and Soap-free. They are 100% biodegradable, and they come in 100% recycled plastic bottles.

Be still my beating (bleeding?) heart.

I think the chief concern a lot of people have when they hear about this stuff is how does that affect its performance, and how does that affect the price. Both are totally fair, of course, and I'll talk about both here.

These come in seven types- Lemon and Thyme, Watermelon and Eucalyptus, Cucumber and Mint, Apricot and Basil, Pear and Lemongrass, Fig and Rosemary and Unfragranced. I love they way they smell so much I bought five of the fragrances in the sale. Which brings me to the price...at a fiver each they are not cheap for shower gels, but I got mine for about £2 each which I think it not just reasonable, but cheap for a product of this quality with such solid environmental credentials.

I didn't think there was anything in them that made them worse shower gels than others with soap, parabens etc. They are quite liquidy, lather nicely, and leave a lovely lingering fragrance. They don't build clouds of soap bubbles which I actually prefer, and they also are very gentle. I found them quite non-drying. I don't really have very sensitive skin (aside from on my face) so I can't say if they would affect someone who does, but I did honestly find them very gentle.

I bought the first five listed above, and actually liked the Fig and Rosemary but had to draw the line somewhere. I didn't particularly want the Unfragranced because I like my shower and bath products to have some smell to them. Preferably nice :P It might be good for those whose skin is very sensitive and reactive though. The smells are really lovely- they're quite unusual combinations and they generally smell very much like what the label says. The Watermelon and Eucalyptus and the Apricot and Basil are quite sweet and fruity but not overpoweringly so (like the other Body Shop fruit shower gels almost inevitably are). The Lemon and Thyme has a nice citrus herbal scent to it. My favourites are the Cucumber and Mint- which smells AMAZING, very fresh and minty and invigorating and perfect for summer- and the Pear and Lemongrass, which doesn't smell as fruity as the first two but has a delicate pear and citrus scent.

I can't think of any other shower gels I've tried that are a dupe for these scents. I've started to find many of the mainstream products a bit cloying in their fruity sweetness lately and these Earth Lover scents smell quite sophisticated in comparison. I love the fruit-herb combination and these cheer me up when I use them in the shower, but mean I don't reek of strawberry jam for the rest of the day.

If you're looking to make your daily routine more environmentally friendly, I think something like this is a good idea. If you're looking for a gentle shower gel, this is a good idea. And if you're looking for high street shower gels with unusual lovely scents, this is a good idea!

And 100% biodegradable? I wish more companies would try to build a whole range around that type of formula.

Product Review: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

I'm a big fan of the products and ethos of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, and I have been looking for a good under eye concealer for YEARS. Like many darker skinned people (and PhD students...) dark circles are inevitable on me, and having tried many many different products I thought it was time to give the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit a go. I didn't actually buy this, but signed up for a free make up session at the Bobbi Brown counter in John Lewis. I really love this system of theirs, and they do quite extensive make up consultations for free which I support because I hate buying products untested. 

Anyway, I sat there while the nice counter lady smoothed and patted this in for a while. It's an extensive four-step process; she started with an under eye hydrator, then applied the corrector to 'brighten and disguise discolouration'. This is followed by the concealer to 'lift and brighten' and then she set it with a little powder. It looked a bit heavy when she was done, but did a fairly good job of concealing dark circles. I decided to wait and see how it wore for the rest of the day before buying anything. 

Unfortunately it wore really really badly on me. After about an hour, the concealer had shifted and sunk very very obviously into lines under my eyes. Maybe it didn't set very well, but it was horribly unflattering and very obvious that I had a huge amount of make up on under my eyes. The worst part was I met up with my boyfriend afterwards and asked him how I looked - not fishing for a compliment, just testing the product ;) - and he said I looked quite tired and asked if I was ok which is about as bad a review one can get for an under eye concealer!  

I feel bad writing this product off as it's quite cult and gets rave reviews, but it just did not work for me at all. It was quite cool at the time, about 15 degrees, and my skin fairly dry. I might try it again and ask the counter SA to use a light hand, but I can't justify spending £24 on it. I think my quest for a good under eye concealer will have to continue, because this definitely wasn't it. Having heard such wonderful things I was really very disappointed. 

Product Review: Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum

I bought this Body Shop Grapeseed Glossing Serum because I was growing my hair quite long and it was getting a bit split-endy and so dry and frizzy at the ends. I tested a bunch of different products to try to find something to deal with the problem, and jumped at this one when I saw it in the Body Shop. I lingered for a while, testing it extensively and then bought it on the spot.

This product smells gorgeous; I don't know what grapeseed oil smells like, but this is a lovely citrusy scent that lingers. A friend of mine even told me my hair smelled fantastic and asked what I was using, which is always a good sign. I found it definitely makes my hair glossier, and it helps a lot with dryness at the tips and flyaways. It's more of a styling product than a treatment though, and it'll disguise the split ends but can't do much about them (not that anything can actually put split hair back together...).

I have to say, I love it. I really like how it makes my hair look, it's very easy to apply and makes my hair more manageable, and although you pay £7 for 75ml you only use a tiny amount each time. I use 1-3 pumps depending on how dry and dull my hair looks.

I usually spray a little onto my fingers and then gently work it in, making sure to spread it around. I also experimented with spraying it directly onto the hair which I DO NOT recommend as it ends up clumping in one section that way, which means you have one really greasy section of hair and the rest stay frizzy. Beautiful. I would also recommend not over-using it as it basically like putting oil in your hair - which I do quite often, but I try not to leave the house that way! I use it maybe 1-2 times between washes, but if you don't tend to wash your hair regularly I wouldn't recommend loading up on this product every morning as it will slowly build up to greasiness after 3 days, which I think is fair enough as almost all styling products accumulate like that.

Do I recommend buying this? Well, if you have dry, dull, frizzy hair and would like something to smooth it down and make it shiny between washes, then this is a really wonderful little product. It fits in your handbag, it's certainly more eco-friendly than using loads and loads of hairspray, and it smells really nice. I would say give it a go :)

Product Review: Original Source Mint and Tea Tree Hand Wash

So I've long been a fan of the Original Source Mint and Tea Tree Shower Gel which is a bit of a cult classic among both men and women. I hadn't realised that they'd started making a hand wash as well until I saw it in the bathroom of my favourite cafe in Cambridge. It is absolutely amazing- I can't rave about it enough! It's absolutely boiling in Cambridge, and this was just a gloriously cooling hit of mint; my hands smelled wonderful and the smell is very powerful. If you like the shower gel, this is a way to get that minty invigorated feeling without hopping in the shower. Big big fan. I don't usually rave about   hand washes, and I tend to prefer solid soap as it's more environmentally friendly, but this woke me up with a POW and will be going on my shopping list. 

Especially as it only retails for about £1.15 at Boots :)

Product Review: The Body Shop Eye Definer in French Navy

Time for the first product review! I'm sorry for the terrible picture quality in this one - my camera is currently on the fritz. Hopefully I can sort this out soon!

I'm reviewing the Body Shop eye definer, which is just their regular eyeliner, in the colour French Navy. I wouldn't usually have thought to try an eyeliner in this colour, but it's surprisingly flattering. I've got light brown/olive skin, and I think this is a colour that would actually suit most skin tones.

This is the image from the Body Shop website and it seems fairly true to the pencil, although it pulls slightly differently on me. It's more of a true navy on my hand and eyes, instead of the sort of grey/silver toned blue in the image.

I like this colour a lot more than I thought I would, but I'm not sure about the formula. The quality is quite hard and waxy and I haven't kept it refrigerated. It doesn't smudge a lot, and the lasting power isn't incredible- I tend to rub my eyes a lot and this needs touch ups. It was very easy to remove from my skin after I was done swatching it as well.

The other thing is that it moves a fair amount; after a few hours it sinks into the lines under my eyes, making them look like crevasses and gorges. Not very flattering. This is both when it's 28 degrees, like today, or 10 or lower in the winter. Refrigerating it might help I suppose.

All in all- a thumbs up for the colour, which is flattering, goes with everything, and is actually a really nice alternative to black if you don't like brown. This isn't an electric blue; it's dark and classic. I usually struggle to find an alternative for black as brown eyeliner looks terrible on me (makes my eyes look red-ringed) and grey (makes me look quite ill), but this dark blue is definitely very pretty and sophisticated looking.

I'm not a fan of the formula, but I am usually very very fussy about pencil eyeliners and find most of them migrate a fair amount during the day. This is better than others I've tried, so I'll hold on to it until I find a dark blue with better staying power.

This retails for £8 and also comes in black, brown, white and gold. I got mine for free, and when it runs out I'll be experimenting with something else because that strikes me as a lot for an eyeliner.

Neons and Nudes

Another fabulous trend that inspired me in the form of a beauty campaign is Neons and Nudes. Bobbi Brown did an absolutely gorgeous limited edition range and the combination of very bright colours with nude, toned down shades is just wonderful. I'm feeling the neons lately, like the Desk Brights post from last week, and I think it's time to incorporate some into my wardrobe.

1. Accessorize Shiny Clean Skull Studs 2. Asos Snake Bar Purse 3. Essie Nail Polish in Bachelorette Bash 4. Zara Sandal with Combined Straps 5. New Look Orange Slub Vest Maxi Dress 6. Accessorize Crystal Teardrop Short Earrings 7. Asos Weave Metal Bar Clutch 8. Chanel Le Vernis in Particuliere 9. Dune Jaypore (not sure why they've so obviously misspelled Jaipur but it looks ridiculous) Sandals

I've tried to create outfits here that show how you could go head-to-toe neons and brights, or accessorize one very bright piece with nude and tan shades. This bright orange dress is perfect for summer and can be cinched in at the waist so it's comfortable and flattering. Orange always looks beautiful to me with gold accents, so I tried to incorporate as many of those as possible. I thought playing with pink and orange would be great- it's an absolutely gorgeous combination, and a lot easier to pull off than you'd think! Bright sandals and nail polish, and a lighter clutch make this one bright look for a brave lady. The gold accents tie it all together- wear it with confidence!

On the other side are the nude accents. The envelope clutch and Indian-style braided sandals are beautiful, and once more the gold accents are the key to pulling all the elements of the look together. This Chanel shade is lovely and very sophisticated, and this styling is a gentler way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe.

1. Accessorize Neon Twisted Hoops 2. Accessorize Suede Tassel Zip Top Clutch 3. Essie Nail Polish in Mesmerized 4. Topshop Toastie Yello Mesh Trainers 5. Topshop Embroidered Organza Dress 6. Wolf and Badger Tiny Star Earrings 7. Mango Chain Quilted Shoulder Bag 8. Essie Nail Polish in Fiji 9. Dune Joy Four Bow Flat Sandal

I went with something a little wilder for the second dress- this piece is very cool, with its classic ladylike shape and embroidery, but all in neon chartreuse. Instead of going with fash-clash brights, I went with sort of matching accessories with the shoes and make up, and sudden pops of blue and turquoise. I think the electric blue with this dress is just to die for- if this styling is too much I would say try a simpler approach and add a flick of electric blue eyeliner to finish it off.

The nude pieces are much more ladylike, and I love how the quilted bag and the bow flats look together. It's all very darling, but with the sass from that dress taking it to another level.

How would you interpret the look? Simple or over the top? Add some colour gently or just dive in at the deep end?

As for myself, I fell in love with these fuchsia stovepipe khakis from the Gap, and will be styling them very similar to how they're shown here. I like how they look with brogues and this Breton top on the model, so I might replicate that; but I'll also be wearing them with plain espadrilles, flip flops, and a slouchy white pocket tee. I think they'd look just fab with a tan leather satchel as well. I guess I prefer my neons with white, grey and navy rather than nude ;) Next post idea!

If you're not keen on wearing huge splashes of colour, the answer is always accessories and nails. I looooove this Proenza Schouler satchel, but it's a wee bit* out of my price range. I'll be looking for something like this Cambridge Satchel Company batchel instead, although that's not cheap either. Go for a gorgeous pop of colour! You won't regret it! **

*three times what I can afford
** unless you spend three times what you can afford

First Image from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics

Nautical Style

While I'm loving beachiness in terms of make up and bath products, my own fashion style is slightly more seaside. I've always been a sucker for nautical stripes and the combination of navy and white, and there's something irresistible about it- it's simultaneously whimsical and preppy. Clean lines and generally red, white and blue, and yet there's something gloriously old-fashioned about anchors and sailboats. There's a history to it is what I'm saying, and as I sadly don't live anywhere near the seaside, this is the closest I'll get to it for the moment.

The nautical trend in beauty has been pretty hot this year, kicked off by MAC's Hello, Sailor limited edition range. Just beautiful, but sadly I think it's almost entirely sold out now (although try your nearest MAC counter and you might get lucky). This picture summarises everything I love about the look- the glamour, the sex appeal, the cleanness of the colours, and just how evocative it is. I'm not sure I look anywhere near as gorgeous (or well made up) as the model, but I think I make it work ;)

Now, how to get the look? Easy, actually. It's about as straightforward as a trend can be- red lips and nails to give it that gorgeous 40s vibe, and navy and white with red accents. MAC and Nars have an amazing range of red lipsticks, and red nails are everywhere this summer. Try some whimsical jewellery, like this necklace from Eclectic Eccentricity, which has a wide range of nautical-themed jewellery when you get browsing. I love this nautical tote bag, which cleverly incorporates a rope handle.

1. Nars Semi Matte Lipstick in Red Lizard 2. Joy the Store Striped Beach Bag 3. Paul's Boutique Stripe Lizzie Purse 4. Trollied Dolly Nautical Prom Dress 5. Essie Nail Polish in Lacquered Up 6. Topshop Pleated Sheer Dress 7. Vans Nautical Stripe Espadrilles 8. Eclectic Eccentricity A Drop in the Ocean Seahorse Necklace 9. Illustrated People Anchor Raglan Sweater 10. Paul's Boutique Anchor Sasha Satchel

This Trollied Dolly dress has to be one of the cutest (and best tailored) interpretations I've seen on the high street, and would be just gorgeous with some plain espadrilles or even flipflops if you're dressing down! When the weather starts to cool down again (so...next week?) I'd wear a jumper like this adorable Illustrated People one with very dark wash skinny jeans and these striped Vans...or more likely wellies.

I generally go with nautical in a very classical way, but love when people interpret it more creatively. I'm trying to build up to wearing hats- like this fantastic straw boater. So cute!

How do you dress nautically?

Hello, Sailor Image from MAC Cosmetics

Beachy Bath and Body

Mmm...looking at these pictures I could inhale a Piña Colada right now. Or maybe a Bahama Mama? Might be time for a little after work cocktail ;)

In the meantime, here are some more beachy delights for you. My number one skin tip would always be to use a good body scrub, especially in the summer when you're probably flashing a lot more of it! They feel great, they wake you up and stimulate circulation, and ultimately are wonderful for your skin (particularly if you're prone to spots on your back). Here are two for your body, by The Body Shop and Hei Poa, and one lovely ocean salt facial scrub by Lush. Most good scrubs won't leave you feeling dried out, but if you are always use a nice moisturiser. Try this frangipani-scented Tahitian Hei Poa Monoi Oil!

If you fancy starting your day with some beachy shower gel, how about Philosophy Cabana Girl? Or if you're recreating your own little lagoon at home, Lush Floating Island Bath Melts or The Body Shop Polynesian Spa range are lovely.

Lastly, if you've actually been out in the sun, these are some wonderful After Sun care products from Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat and Korres.

There's something about all these coconutty, salty, frangipani fragrances that really put me in a holiday state of mind, and they really lift my spirits when I smell them. Every time I catch a whiff of coconut I'm off and away on an island dream :) Go on, get in the spirit of things now that we actually have some sunshine here! Think Hawaii, Tahiti, Polynesia; beaches, coconuts, fruity rum cocktails, sunscreen, frangipani, and aloe vera, and the smell of sun-warmed skin and sand. I can almost hear the waves now.

1. Philosophy Cabana Girl Shower gel 2. Hei Poa Tiare Black Sand Body Scrub 3. Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel 4. Hawaiian Tropic After Sun Coconut Body Butter 5. Lush Ocean Salt Facial Scrub 6. Lush Floating Island Luxury Bath Melt 7. Hei Poa Frangipani Monoi Beauty Oil 8. The Body Shop Polynesian Spa Lotus and Frangipani Flower Bath Milk 9. The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub 10. Korres Yoghurt After Sun Cooling Gel


Cocktail images from http://dailyscocktails.com/recipes