My favourite dress

I seem to have a tendancy to write marathon length posts so thought I would keep this short and sweet ;)
I have been invited to a wedding in two weeks time and am tempted by a few pretty dresses in French Connection ( we are only invited to the evening part)

This is my current favourite dress for weddings.
I think the gold colour is a great colour to go with blonde hair and I like this style so much. In fact I very nearly had a copy made when I was in Thailand last year. It is what I guess you would call a 'baby doll' style and is nice and floaty ( and doesn't get too tight if you over indulge on cake!!)

Here it is.... (excuse the mess behind and the cup of tea,how rock and roll ha ha)


xx

Long time no post...

I haven’t posted anything on my blog in ages.



I started a new job in March, then all sorts of things happened including my wonderful Grandpa passing away and time just seems to have run away with me. And here I am in May and thinking it really is time that I thought about updating my blog!!


A few months ago I mentioned that I wanted to try and get my hands on a decent eye cream. Well, the mission is still in progress and unfortunately I have still yet to find a ‘perfect’ contender.


I tried a product by a company called Ren and though it was okay and I loved the philosophy of the product – all very natural and organic ingredients – unfortunately I was allergic to it and it gave me sore eyes!


Space NK were really great and immediately gave me my money back but I still haven’t been able to find anything that I really love.


I have tried out samples of the following products and I think that the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm for Eyes is possibly my favourite although I do also like Advanced Eye Complex by Nude. It is expensive at £62 for a small tube but I have had two samples and do really like the product, also I am not allergic to it which is always good!


Dermalogica Multivitaim Power Firm


Nice soft consistency and smells gorgeous. More of a night time product really as it doesn’t seem to blend too well under make up but it smells lovely and suits my skin really well. I would be tempted to buy this to use at night, I just prefer to try and vary my skincare products a bit and seem to only ever use Dermalogica!!! I suppose it works for me though….


Nude Advanced Eye Complex


It claims to dramatically lift and tighten eyes and while it didn’t really do that for me, I do rate this product and find that it moisturises the delicate eye area really well without being too heavy. I have had two small samples of this and then got another when I purchased some new bits and pieces from Space NK last weekend so that will keep me going for a little while longer.


Ren Lipovector Peptide Eye Cream


This is a light eye cream that really felt like it was tightening the eye area and improving the look of the skin in the area. Sadly it gave me terrible itchy eyes as I have very sensitive skin but otherwise it was perfect and had I not been allergic it was definitely my favourite!


Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair


Well what can I say? It was okay, just didn’t blow me away. It didn’t irritate my eyes or anything like that, it just didn’t feel like it improved the skin around my eyes. Perhaps I would need to buy a full tube to get the proper effect as I just had a tiny tube that came free with my moisturiser.




I would really like to try Kiehls Creamy Avocado Eye Treatment before committing to the Nude Advanced Eye Complex because I have heard really good reports about it. Plus Kiehls is one of my favourite brands - Crème De Corps is a fantastic product when you have dry/dehydrated skin like me!


Otherwise I will have to stay true to Dermalogica, as their products suit my skin really well, and purchase Multivitamin Power Firm.


On another subject my skin in general has been pretty poor recently. I have had quite a few spots and also dry patches that look like spots. I think that it is due to stress but have booked myself in for a facial next weekend in the hope that I can try and get it back on track again. It will be my first Crystal Clear Facial so I will let you know how I get on.


Which eye treatments or creams do you use?
And have you ever had a Crystal Clear Facial?
I would love some recommendations especially if you have dry or sensitive skin like me.

Jody xx

Question Time

I noticed that quite a few girls have been tagged with various questions. Now, as I am new to this blogging malarky nobody has tagged me yet, but I thought it might give an idea of my current likes and dislikes if I added a few questions and answers, so here goes. I am also really interested to know what products you like and if you have any recommendations.
Enjoy.

SKINCARE
-How many times do you wash your face daily?

Twice, morning and night with Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser
-What skin type do you have?

My skin is annoying dry but it does mean I don’t every spots or suffer with shine – every cloud and all that.....

-What is your current facial wash?

Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser although I do also have the Liz Earle Cleanser than comes with the hot cloth as well.
-Do you exfoliate?

Yes but not all the time as I like to use fake tan and don’t want to scrub it all off!! When I do exfoliate I use Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – do you see a pattern here??!!

-What brand do you use?

See above – Dermalogica all the way!
-What moisturizer do you use?

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance although I would love to vary it and try something else – if only I could find something as nice and moisturising as this product. Recommendations welcome.
-Do you have freckles?

Yes but only when the sun shines, so I have none at the moment!!
-Do you use eye cream?

I am in the process of finding something suitable but have very sensitive eyes. I purchased a Ren eye cream at the weekend and my eyes have been weepy and sore ever since so need to find something else.
-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?

Never. You could say I am lucky but I can’t let a drop of water touch my skin without getting a terrible tightness on my face.

MAKE-UP

-What foundation do you use?

NARS Sheer Glow at the moment. Previously I used NARS Balanced.
-How about concealer?

Don’t really use a concealer. I am allergic to Touch Eclait so tend to steer clear of similar products in case they give me red eye.

-Do you know your undertone color?

No I don’t although I like yellowy/golden toned foundation if that helps.

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?

Love them!! Would love to get them professionally applied on a regular basis but the cost puts me off.
-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?

Yes although I do generally keep them for a bit longer than that.

-What brand of mascara do you use?

Max Factor, Lancome or Dior.Most recently I have been using Max Factor Lash Extension Mascara. It is okay but I wouldn’t rave about it.

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?

Smashbox brushes – they are great and I would highly recommened.
-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?

Yes I am using Benefit Lemon Aid at the moment. Not strictly speaking a base but I like it.

-For the face?

I use the NARS primer more for its moisturising qualities than anything else. It gives my skin a lovely glow!

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

This is a tough one but I would have to say Mac All That Glitters or Mac Cranberry.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?

I use pencils and gel liners from Mac, Smashbox, Bobbi Brown and Barry M.

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?

I like Mac pigments and do own a couple but the colour is a bit strong for everyday use.

-Do you use mineral makeup?

I have a couple of Mac mineralise bronzers.

-What is your favorite lipstick?

At the moment it is MAC Creme d'Nude.

-How about lipgloss?

Bobbi Brown Buff.
-
What is your favorite blush to use?

I have only recently started to use blush as I always thought I was too rosy. My favourites are Mac Sincere and Mac Margin.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?

Not really, have bought the odd Smashbox item but I generally search for Shabby Chic Homeware and don’t have time for anything else ha ha.
-
Do you like drugstore makeup?

Yes I do. My favourite product is probably Barry M.


-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)

I sometimes go to the store at Bicester Village. I got a lovely Prescriptives palette last time I was there.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?

No not really. I am not claiming to be the best in the world by any means but I did A level art and have a very steady hand so have always been okay at applying make up to myself and friends, Mums, Grans, Sisters etc!

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?

It has to be the dreaded foundation line on the jaw line!

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?

I love neutrals although have recently become more daring and use a Stephanie Pratt style blue eyeliner sometimes.

-Which celebrity always has great make up?

I always think J Lo gets it right. Her skin is just amazing which must help. I also like Cheryl Coles make up and the way that she has used it to really transform her face and make herself look beautiful.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?

As a fair haired girl it would have to be mascara!

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

Yes, I never wear it when I walk the dog – she loves me just the way I am!

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

Hhhmmm this is debatable. My friends always compliment my skin and think I don’t need foundation (as if!!). I look okay but a bit tired with no eye make up as I have fair eyelashes and blue/green eyes.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

I would have to say NARS as I would purchase anything from there – foundation, blusher, eyeshadow etc. I do love Mac but I think their foundation is geared more towards normal/oily skin so would not purchase that.

-What do you think of Makeup?

From a very young age when I used to scan through my mum’s Avon catalogue of different eye shadow styles, I have always loved make up. I am quite an arty person and love the challenge of creating different looks. I also love trying out new products and more recently, writing about them! That has become my new passion!

My First FOTD!

I thought I would upload a FOTD photo to show you one of my favourite looks. I purchased Mac Cranberry last week and wanted to try it out with a Revlon e/s palette. You will have to excuse the photography, I am new to this make up demonstration game and some of the pics were a bit naff. Thank goodness for digital cameras is all I can say! I deleted most of them but hopefully these photos show the general idea:
Skincare:

• Dermalogica Ultra Calming Cleanser. Applied by hand and washed off with water.

• Dermalogica Gentle Soothing Booster

• Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance

Make up:

• Nars Make Up Primer with SPF

• Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Stromboli

• No7 Instant Radiance Under Eye Concealer

• Revlon Colour Stay Eye Quad in Blushed Wines using the top two colours one of which is just like Mac Jest. Lightest colour in the inner corner and the other colour across the entire eyelid

• Mac Cranberry e/s in the crease

• Bobbi Brown Gel eyeliner on the upper lash line in Chocolate Shimmer

• Lancome kohl pencil in black on the lower lash line and water line

• Lancome Cils Booster to prime the lashes – I love this stuff!

• Max Factor Lash Extension Effect in black to coat eyelashes

• Mac Sincere blusher

• Mac Mineralise Skinfinish in Gold Deposit

• Bobbi Brown Lip Liner in Heather Beige

• Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Buff

I think that this is a nice day time look and even my boyfriend commented that he ‘likes my eyes like this’ which has got to be a good sign as men never notice that kind of thing!!
What I recommend:
If you are looking for something that makes your eyelashes look longer and don’t fancy false lashes, I would definitely recommend that you give Lancome Cils Booster a try. I love the stuff! Nars Sheer Glow's popularity speaks for itself and seems a number one choice for many skin types.
What's not so good: No7 Instant Radiance is a good cheap and cheerful concealer but not one that I would re-purchase. I am allergic to Touche Eclat so can't use that without getting red eyes. Max Factor Lash Extension is okay but I prefer False Lash Effect as it adds volume to lashes as well as extending them.

There's nothing like a good book

I know that I promised that this blog would be an outlet for my make up rambles, reviews and general chit chat but as a total book worm and lover of reading, I wanted to tell you about some of my favourite books to date. I have read so many over the years and have to say that at certain times in my life, particularly when I was in a pretty bad relationship they became kind of a saviour of sorts. They were a place that I could escape to and when I was reading about either people going through similar situations or uplifting stories about how they came out of it the other side it really did give me hope. Thankfully I am now out of that situation but after a long stressful day at work there is still nothing better than curling with a good book!

The most recent book that I have read and absolutely loved was, The Return by Victoria Hislop. It is a wonderful book and although a little on the sad side it was ultimately a great read and very enlightening. I knew very little about the Spanish Civil War and the atrocities that faced the people of Spain during that period and now feel that I know a little more about Spain. The story is based around a girl retracing the life of a flamenco dancer and the positioning of the war and struggles that her family faced running next to it made for a fabulous storyline.

I don’t want to tell you too much about the story in case you want to read the book, but if you are looking for a page turner I can’t recommend this book highly enough. It is sad, thought provoking and reminds you how very lucky you are not to be living through the nightmare that so many people faced during the Civil War.

I was engrossed in the book for about ten days and am pretty sad to have finished it. I now have The Return on standby to read next, but as I start a new job next week I need to start preparing for that before I immerse myself in my next book!

I hope you are all having a good week xx

I heart Carrie!!!

It’s Friday!!!
And what better way to celebrate the start of the weekend than by checking out a few Carrie outfits to give me some inspiration!
I honestly cannot wait for the film in May. I hear that it is set in Morocco which makes it even more appealing as that is a place that is on my wish list of holiday destinations and somewhere that I just know I would love to visit. I love the food, the rich colours, the riads, the markets. It just looks fab!
I have always been a Sex and the City fan and have all DVD’s including the wonderful shoe box of all the television programmes. I just think that Carrie is wonderful and definitely on my wave length in terms of her love of fashion, shoes and general nic nacs.
I think my favourite item of clothing/shoes that she has ever worn has to be the Dior Extreme shoes that she wore in the movie. They are just gorgeous and so flattering. They can also be worn with just about anything whether they are dressed up or made to look a bit more edgy. I have to say that I have yet to find a decent pair of replica Dior Extremes. There are plenty of, in my opinion, bad copies but as far as I have seen there no really great copies. I guess I will just need to get the real things.....
Which is your favourite carrie outfit?

Or do you own Dior Extreme's?

xx

I am keeping an eye out.....

...for an eye cream.

I have yet to start using an eye cream, much to the horror of my closest friends. I don't know why as I certainly like to purchase products, it's just that I simply haven't got around to it.

So I've started to keep my eye out (if you'll excuse the pun!) for a decent eye cream that will help with fine lines and ultimately help me to stay looking young ha ha. Who wants huge crows feet in their late 20's/early 30's??

The hunt has commenced and there are a couple that I like the look of. The Deramlogica range looks quite good and I do always like their products - but they are not cheap so would really prefer to go on recommendation.

The product in question is Multivitamin Power Firm. It claims to combat fine lines around the eye area and that is exactly what I am after.

The other eye creams that I like the look of are Clarins Eye Contour Balm, Decleor Wrinkle Prevention Cream (what a bold claim?) and Khiels Creamy Eye Treatment.

I know that Lollipop26 loves the Khiels Creamy Eye Treatment but when I looked at it in Space NK, the product did look rather heavy. It has received some great reviews though so I am definitely tempted!!

So my question today is, do you use an eye cream?

And, if you do would you recommend it?

xx

Good hair day?

My lovely boyfriend has treated me to a fab new PINK!!!! hairdryer. It is gorgeous and a proper salon quality job. It seems to dry my hair in half the time as my old 10 year old dryer that smelt like it was about to explode and regularly stopped working. It seems my bad hair days are finally over now that I have my new Turbodryer.
It is nice and light and easy to use to. I love it.Do any of you have one of these hairdryers? They are available in every colour under the rainbow!!
xx

Skincare products I am using right now

I've read so many other people's blogs, so decided that it was high time I joined in and set one up of my own. I am always reading about the latest products that are good for certain skin tones and types so I thought that today I would let you in on a few of my secrets - what works for me and that type of thing. Now as a rule my skin is on the drier side and so particularly during the winter months I struggle with finding a suitable moisturiser that caters for my needs. Face wise I have been loyal to the Dermalogica Brand for nearly five years now and haven't come across a moisturiser that comes close to Intensive Moisture Balance in terms of hydration and general moisturising capabilities. Body wise I have struggled more and tend to flit between Body Shop Body Butters, Burts Bees Aloe and Buttermilk Body Lotion and more recently Kiehls Creme De Corps. One of my friends recommended Creme De Corps and I am really loving using it but I think have yet to find a product that really blows me away and hydrates the tops of my arms perfectly. Do any of you struggle with that? The whole dry skin on the top of the arms thing. I hate it and every winter dread the prospect of having to bare my arms if I am going out in the evening. If you can recommend a good product/exfoliation routine I would love to hear about it as would love to get silky smooth arms again!!! Anyway, I am waffling and wanted to show you the products I am using right now.

Boots Botanics- Soothing Eye Make Up Remover
I first came across this on Zoellas Blog and have not been disappointed. It is a great product and perfect for removing my mascara easily and without dragging on the skin. Clearly this is purchased from Boots and is fairly cheap and often available as part of a 3 for 2 offer.

Nuxe - Lait Demaquillant aux 3 Roses
I purchased this from Space NK and have to admit was drawn to it by the gorgeous smell! It contains 3 roses as the name suggests and also hazelnut oil and orange blossom. It is a lovely product and very refreshing on the skin. It says that it suits all skin types and I would say that is true. It does the job perfectly and like I said,the smell is AMAZING!!! Hydration wise it is okay, but I would always need to follow with Intensive Moisture Balance. It retails at £12.50 from Space NK although I am sure you could purchase from the internet.

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance
A great product that I have been using for 5 years now!! I used to be a serial moisturiser buyer as nothing really worked for me and even if it did to start with, about 2/3 months in I would start to get the tell tale dry skin on my chin and tightness around my nose so would need to purchase something new. IMB has been nothing like this and I never tire of the lovely feeling when I apply it to my face after I have cleansed and spritzed soothing protection spray. It is a perfect product if you suffer from dry or dehydrated skin. I aways buy my Dermalogica products from the internet from a site called Beautyflash. It is the cheapest place I have found to purchase from and they always deliver quickly and send a couple of samples too which is always nice.

Dermalogica Soothing Protection Spray
I love this product and have been using it for about 2 years. My beauty therapist introduced me to it and I find that it is great for adding moisture to the skin and also extending the life of my beloved IMB - it seems to make it last a little bit longer if you use in conjuction with Soothing Protection Spray. A large bottle is about £20.00 from Beauty Flash I think although I am sure there are lots of other web retailers that also sell it. Burts

Bees Soothingly Sensitive Aloe and Buttermilk Body Lotion
I first purchased this during the summer and as typical with me, was drawn in by the lovely smell and promise of soothing sensitive skin. It is great for light moisturising but without the heavy feeling that you sometimes get with body butters. You also only have to use a small amount of the product to moisturise your legs which is always a winner with me. I buy this from Ebay or my lovely boyfriend buys it for me as he knows that I love it, but you can get Burts Bees from most retailers like Debenhams, John Lewis etc.

Kiehls Creme De Corps
My latest purchase and has more than lived up to expectation. It provides great hydration and makes my legs silky smooth. I can’t wait to use this in the summer as it kind of glistens on your skin so will look great with skirts and shorts when you are wanting to get your pins out. I bought this from one of my favourite stores - Space NK. Don't you just love the customer service at that place?

So there you have it, my current skincare regime. What products are you using right now and what do you recommend?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas.
xxx

Fave lipsticks and glosses

For absolutely ages now my favourite lip gloss combo has been Mac c-Thru paired with Mac Creme D’ Nude. I love the consistency of Mac lipsticks, they are so creamy, non drying and even taste nice! They also don’t stick to your lips to give that horrible chapped lip effect – so not a good look.
But, last week I had my highlights done and made the huge decision – one that I have been pondering over for so long – to have my hair colour lifted so that I have a nice creamy light blonde. I totally love it although it was a bit of a shock to the system to start with. My lovely hairdresser Fi came over to my house to do it for me and while we bonded over jacket potatoes and talk of nights out and holidays, my somewhat mousey hair was transformed into a lovely Sienna Miller style blonde.
And so, it has meant that I have had to totally reassess the makeup situation. What looks great on darker blonde, can make a lighter blonde look a bit washed out. So I took a trip to my local Bobbi Brown counter and tried out a couple of new colours. The lady I spoke to was lovely and so helpful. She seemed to really know and understand the look and effect that I was after. The result was the purchase of a fab new lip gloss in Buff and a liner in Heather Beige. She lined my lips after applying the gloss which is something that I don’t usually do, in fact I haven’t used a liner for quite a while and am really glad I have started to use one again. It really seems to help plump up the lips and make them look fuller and healthier.
I will upload a picture this evening so that you can get an idea of the look.
So there we have it, my new fave colour combo Bobbi Brown Buff and Heather Beige Lip Liner and one that I would totally recommend to people with blonde hair, blue eyes and a fair to medium complexion. It is a great nude shade but without washing you out and making you look pale.