Top Five: Best Facial Sunscreens

So we all know we’re supposed to wear sunscreen all year around, but as the weather (slowly) heats up, it’s obligatory in my book.  I’ve exposed my poor face to enough sun damage in my youth and while I can’t backpedal, I can certainly take 30 seconds out of my day to slap on a quick layer that will help prevent further damage.  If you’re young, count yourself lucky that we’re so much more clued up these days and start now.  Don’t put your skin at risk just for a bit of colour on your face, reach for James Read Tan or Clarins facial self tans instead - both are brilliant. 

Choosing the best sun screen can be a bit of a minefield and with so many formulas available now, it’s difficult to know where to start - I’ve been testing different formulas on your behalf and these are my Top Five. 

My SPF Musts

• provide adequate protection for day to day use in the UK Summer (higher SPF may be required in hotter climates or on holiday)
• a relatively light texture that’s quickly absorbed and easy to apply
• not leave a white cast on my face
• not leave a tacky residue
• work well under make-up
• not break me out

Incase anyone is wondering, I like to use a separate SPF for face as they tend to be non comedogenic (won’t block pores), a lighter texture to work under make-up and offer higher protection.  Oh and while I remember, always extend your facial sunscreen down your neck and décolleté - both of which are very delicate and equally prone to sun damage. I add any excess to the backs of my hands or mix a drop in with hand cream.

This Works In Transit Skin Defence SPF30 - essentially a moisturiser with built in SPF, this is one of the few formulas which in my opinion meet both criteria adequately. Most moisturiser/SPF combos either aren’t moisturising enough for my liking or contain too small a percentage of SPF.  This has a beautiful texture, I love the handbag-friendly packaging and as the name suggests, it works.

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream for Face, SPF30 - I’ve always rated Clarins sunscreen highly and was thrilled to snap this up at half price in my local chemist (Medicare for any local girls reading). I also picked up the body formula and both are excellent.  Although slightly richer in consistency than the others, this still sinks in quickly, smells like Summer and has added anti-ageing properties - what’s not to love?

La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ - I’ve been faithful to this particular formula for a couple of years now.  If you’re very pale skinned, going on holiday or just looking for the ultimate protection from an SPF, then this is for you.  Despite the high factor, it’s a very lightweight lotion that sinks straight in to the skin and was the only thing that prevented me from burning in Singapore’s soaring temperatures.

Clinique City Block Sheer SPF25 - So many people have raved about this over the years and I’ve finally got around to trying it.  The lightly tinted formula provides a lovely base for make-up and as the name suggests, blends out to a sheer finish. I’d describe it as slightly camouflaging minor imperfections, but with less coverage than a tinted moisturiser, don’t depend on it for that.  I love the light texture of this and it’s a great everyday essential.

Swatches

Yup, I know it’s a bit weird to include sunscreen swatches, but the consistency is important to some so I thought it may be helpful.  This Works is the lightest texture, followed by La Roche Posay, Clinique and the more creamy Clarins.

SPF on the go

A quick ode to these minis which I keep in my bag for unexpected sunny spells or alfresco lunch! La Roche Posay Anthelios in SPF30 and Bioderma SPF30 also come in full size and I rate both highly.

Brush-on SPF

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I want to give you a closer look at my fifth recommendation as it’s difficult to imagine how brush on SPF works until you’ve tried it. Susan Posnick’s Brush on Block SPF30 is the newest formula I’ve tried - and while I don’t tend to apply it as part of my daily routine, it’s become a handbag essential both for top-ups and the reasons mentioned above.  Similar in size to a standard blusher brush, it’s lightweight and really easy to use. 

The brush itself is protected and kept clean with a plastic shield below the lid (pic 1), which you slide down to release the bristles, twist the base of the tube and tap on your hand to release product up into the brush.  Pic 2 shows the amount of product that ‘puffs’ into the brush before sweeping onto the skin.  Although ever so slightly tinted, the powder really isn’t noticeable on my skin, certainly not to the extent that it would interfere with make-up, which I’ve tried to show in pic 3 (would have helped if I’d put the pics in order, huh?!). Described as a family product, this is suitable for use on children too, though in my case this may mean tarnishing my brush with ice-cream residue et al! ;)

Round Up

So that’s my Top Five Facial Sunscreens. I really hope this has been helpful. Personally I tend to use This Works and Clinique City Block most days, saving Clarins and La Roche Posay for days when it’s extra hot, I’m outdoors a lot or doing a rare spot of sunbathing.  The minis and Susan Posnick stay in my various handbags for on the go top-ups, speaking of which… none of these sunscreens last all day and do need to be topped up every 2-3 hours. This isn’t ideal with a full face of make-up, which is where brush-on SPF is your friend.  If you’re looking for one that does last the distance with just one application, Ultrasun is fantastic (both face & body) - and would have been included here if I could have found my bottle!

I really hope this has been helpful in choosing the right formula for you.  Which is your favourite facial sunscreen?

John Frieda Full Repair: Giveaway!

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve teamed up with John Frieda with two sets of their new Full Repair damage reverse products to give away to my readers. The hydrating formula with Inca Inchi Oil, rich in Omega 3, is designed to undo damage by nourishing hair with a lightweight formula for restoring softness and shine without weighing hair down.  I’ve been using these products myself and am seriously impressed – they behave like much more expensive products and really do make my hair very soft and smooth.

For me the hero product is the Touch Up Flyaway Tamer, above right, which I sweep over those pesky little fluffy bits of frizz and baby hair on the surface of my crown.  If you’re a fan of up dos, this is amazing for achieving a super smooth finish and only a tiny amount is needed.

The Prize

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You could win: John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo, Conditioner, Deep Conditioner, Repairing Oil Elixir and Flyaway Tamer.

 

Enter via the Rafflecopter below – only one step is necessary!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Essie Cascade Cool: Lavender Pink

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I purchased Essie Cascade Cool on a bit of a whim, not quite sure how it would look when it arrived – and it’s turned out to be one of my favourite polishes ever.  A lavender toned pink; it’s neither pink nor lilac, but hovers somewhere in between.  It’s a difficult one to capture on camera and is more definite, less wishy washy, in real life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As with all Essie formulas, this applies beautifully – it’s a crème with a smidge of iridescence and would look lovely against tanned or darker skins.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wear time is good too – I generally get an extra couple of days from Essie polishes, partly why they’re one of my favourite formulas.

I bought Cascade Cool from Fragrance Direct, which switches up its shade regularly. If you’d prefer to see it in person, you can also pick up Essie at Boots and Superdrug.

What’s on your nails at the moment?

May Beauty Favourites

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did have these pics all ready to go on 1st May, but life got in the way… better late than never and all that!  I was rudely interrupted yesterday when I popped out on a 5 minute errand and a woman with blinkers on pulled out of a side street and drove into my car.  No-one was hurt; my five year old was with me and got the biggest cuddle of his life afterwards. Driving would be so much more pleasant without other drivers.

Back to beauty…

I wandered around the house gathering up my favourite products, (yep, pretty much every surface houses a beauty product to my husband’s delight) thinking there weren’t that many - and somehow ended up with what looks like an awful lot – but these are the goodies I really enjoyed using throughout May.  At least half of them made their way into my routine on a daily basis.

Make-up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Bronze eye crayon – a brilliant budget find that I swooped on while waiting for a prescription in the chemist – sweep it on as liner, layer it up as the basis of a quick smokey eye or blend out with a finger for a subtle wash of colour.  Need more colours, pronto!

Bourjois Cream Blush in Rose Tender 03 – I’ve raved about this before with a full post here. I’m still loving it, lots.

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara – If you don’t mind a fat mascara wand and fancy big lashes on a small budget, this is worth a go as the results are impressive: long lasting volume with no fall out. I always end up with mascara on my lid, so clean-up with a drop of Bioderma on a cotton bud is essential, but if you’re less cack handed, go for it!

YSL Touche Éclat foundation – Another ongoing rave of mine and my current foundation of choice for medium coverage that doesn’t accentuate pores or fine lines and leaves a glowy, natural finish.  I’m wearing it in this post.

Jurlique Rose Silk powder – All credit to one of my favourite MUAs, Kenneth Soh for this discovery – he has been raving to me about it for so long I just had to find out for myself! A fine, delicate powder that leaves an invisible veil, slight soft focus and sets my make-up with zero dry cakey-ness. I may give this an ode all of its own another day – it’s an absolute beauty. If you’d like to see it in action, check out this post on Kenneth’s blog – and do subscribe – he is such an inspiration and a gentleman in the true sense of the word.

Skincare

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot – I don’t know if it’s the hyaluronic acid, but I think this stuff has magical powers!  It claims to reduce the appearance of spots in a couple of hours and got rid of a stubborn one that had been lingering on my face for a month (yes really!) almost overnight. Amazing stuff. Available here.

Stila Undercover Conditioning Toner & Moisture Prep – I only discovered recently that Stila do skincare and this is my first product from the range – brimming with more of my favourite hydrator, hyaluronic acid.  It’s a toner that adds more than it takes away in my experience. The consistency is almost like a liquid gel and I prefer to use it by patting it onto skin then swiping off any excess with a cotton pad. Sometimes I just pat it on and leave it there (pre moisturiser) as it feels so good. It definitely makes my skin feel more hydrated and is beautifully soothing. Importantly, it’s alcohol free so won’t dry or tighten skin.

Apivita Natural Serum Lifting – can you see how little is left in this bottle?  I have a confession. I rarely finish a skincare product, for one of two reasons – either I’ve (often reluctantly) moved on to trial a new product for my blog or I want to eek it out as I love it so much. This one, I could not get enough of. I practically wanted to inhale it. It’s an anti aging serum designed to improve firmness and elasticity and contains rose, sandalwood and myrrh essential oils as well as numerous (pure) ingredients with fancy names – and is free of all parabens and nasties.  Apivita is a beautiful brand, well worth exploring if you haven’t already – love a little play every time I’m in M&S beauty hall, also online here!

VIchy Liftactiv Serum 10 here – this cooling serum is so soothing to use all around the eye area for an instantly lifted, illuminated look and nourished lashes. I’m not sure about the long term benefits but love using this in the morning before make-up as it feels so good has adds a subtle wash of light.

Hair & Body

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme – curl definition minus the sticky heavy feeling – gorgeous! Plus it comes in such a huge bottle I can imagine it lasting me for at least a year. Great for scrunching into hair on days when I leave it to dry naturally.

Organic Surge Citrus Mint Shower Gel – more minty than citrus, this is most definitely invigorating and an absolute godsend on mornings when I’m feeling a little foggy (that’ll be most days then!). It’s quite unisex and I suspect my husband may have been helping himself too!

GHD Straight & Tame Cream – this is one of the best styling creams I’ve tried and I’ve been using this on the days when I’ve had the time and inclination to blow dry my hair properly, which I do less in milder weather. It leaves a really sleek finish on both straight and wavy hair and smells like vanilla – yum! Find it here.

Aveda Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment – designed to repair and smooth even the most damaged hair, I’ve been using this as a once weekly treatment. Deeply nourishing, it leaves my hair really soft and easy to style. During the week I use the matching shampoo and conditioner duo, also gorgeous, but love to use the intensive treatment after this little number…

Apivita Propoline Shampoo with Citrus & Honey – I have to admit the biggest selling point of this is the smell, which is out of this world gorgeous (so much so, I may have used it as a shower gel on occasion – it’s all natural so I figured it’s ok!).  I just happened to try it in conjunction with the Aveda one day and it worked, so I stuck to it. After using this duo my hair behaves itself without any styling products, which is a small miracle.

 

Do you fancy trying any of these products?

 

 

 

samples inc

Beauty Wish List

On my right is a bowl of my May favourites, waiting to be written about. Instead I’m browsing beauty products, mouth agog, making a mental wish list of things I (genuinely) don’t need but (genuinely) do want. It would be rude of me not to share, right?

 

 

          

From top left:

1. Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder – I just spotted this online today – how on earth did I miss it? A bronzer that looks perfect for pale skins, also available in a highlighter. Need!

2. Dior Hydra Life BB Crème – I swatched this when I was in France and tried a little on one cheek. It gave the most beautiful, dewy coverage – and would be awesome underneath the Laura Mercier bronzer!

3. Dior Hydra Life BB Crème for Eyes – just spotted this evening on Escentual.com and if it’s anything like the face version, I want it!

4. Hourglass Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Ballet – a pigmented, matte look, non drying lipstick with great staying power. Swoon!

5. Jouer Cosmetics Little Black Dress Palette – blush, eye & lip product in an interlocking system. This brand is totally on my radar and this looks like a great place to start!

6. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation – this has been around forever and while I’m not sure that it would be right for me, I’m SO curious to try it and find out – if only we had a local counter.  Think I’ll be on the train to Dublin sooner than later!

7. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask – the world and its wife rave about this and I can’t resist much longer. My dehydrated skin would just love a gulp of this!

What do you think of my choices? 1,2, 4 & 5 are highest on my list right now. If only I didn’t have such darned expensive taste *sigh*

What’s on your beauty wishlist – anything I should add to mine?!

Victoria Perfume by Victorinox

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m not sure how the transition from knives to fragrance came about (stay fresh while camping perhaps?), but makers of Swiss Army Brand, Victorinox, have created a new perfume, Victoria.  To coincide with its launch, they have developed a micro site where people can send digital bouquets and try a complimentary sample.

With fruity top notes of freesia, plum and blackcurrant and a base of sandalwood and white musk, Victoria is a heady, intense scent. While not to my taste, I do appreciate its complexity and am sure it will have its fans!

To try a sample of the perfume, or send one to a friend, visit the Victorianox micro site, where you can create a virtual bouquet that will be printed on a mini postcard and sent with the sample of Victoria, rrp £51. Find it here.

My Top 3: Heat Protectors for Hair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confession: I’ve only been using heat protectors on my hair for a couple of years now. I never use straighteners and hot rollers, tongs et al only put in an occasional appearance, so I didn’t really feel the need.  For two years I’ve switched between GHD Air Hairdryer and Babyliss Big Hair, sometimes both in one sitting. The heat from this duo is pretty intense and made me realise I better step up to it and guard my locks.  Of the formulas I’ve tried, these three have really stood out for me…

GHD Style Heat Protect Spray, £8.95 here – I assumed this would be good as it’s designed to work with uber hot ghd straighteners. People this stuff is amazing and if you haven’t tried it, you must. A fine mist of spray that coats but doesn’t soak hair, a gorgeous sweet scent and a very reasonable price. It doesn’t interfere with styling, just does its job and does it beautifully – I feel really confident that my hair is protected when I use this.

Lee Stafford Argan Oil Heat Defence, £12.99 (or 3 for £20) here – another delicously scented, fine mist spray that doesn’t wear down hair. I feel that this one adds a spritz of moisture to my hair, probably due to the oil, and have been known to use it as a finishing spray or between washes to tame that annoying layer of surface frizz. This is a long term love, originally reviewed here.

Aveda Brilliant Damage Control, £15 here (subscribe to newsletter for free delivery) – more than just a heat protector, this beauty is described as a pre-styling tool to protect hair from breakage through combing and styling. It guards against UV damage (hello holiday season!), detangles and seems to add a little body to my hair. Infused with moisturising aloe, the aroma is so good I’d happily use it daily!

Do you use a heat protector? If so, which is your favourite? If I had to choose just one from this trio, it would be the GHD. 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiko Light Legs Crackling Mousse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kiko Light Legs Crackling Mousse could not have come into my life at a better time… after several hours spent traipsing around a hot farm with squillions of 5 year olds (school trip), I arrived home feeling more than a little weary.  I removed the metallic purple can from its (rather lovely) packaging, not quite sure what to expect… 

It is ICE cold.  And it actually crackles, like sherbet fizz in mousse form. On your legs, not in your mouth.  As you massage it in, it makes a fizzing, crackling sound that makes me giggle like a big child.  It smells of lemons, hence the pic above, though I’m now chuckling to myself as it actually contains blueberry and liquorice (oops!).  Anyway, it’s fresh and cool, so much fun to use (the crackles!!) – oh and yes, it did feel sooo good on my hot weary legs! 

Definitely a treat for Summer legs and would be perfect on holidays after a day’s sightseeing (or lying on a hot beach I’d imagine!).  Post-workout gym bunnies, avid shoppers and anyone who works on their feet all day would appreciate this too.  The citrus scent is very unisex (tried & tested) so it could even pass as a Father’s Day treat.

Light Legs Crackling Mousse contains active ingredients to stimulate microcirculation, soothe skin and invigorate the legs. It costs £12.90 at www.kikocosmetics.com

Do you need it? Probably not, but I reckon you’ll love using it as much as I do! 

 

 

ps Four days isn’t a long gap between blog posts, but has felt like an eternity to me as I normally post daily. I have a tendency to prioritise my blog over a lot of things (purely because I’m passionate about it) – and this week I chose to prioritise other life stuff.  I could probably have pumped out a few quick posts, but doing it out of habit or obligation didn’t sit well with me, as I think it shows when I don’t write from the heart.  Anyway, it’s helped me gain a little perspective - and while I doubt if anyone was bothered or even noticed, I just thought I’d share my thoughts.   Nic  xx

This Works: Perfect Cleavage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perfect Cleavage in a bottle, say what? 

Today has been the first properly warm, sunny day we’ve had this year – as in, warm enough for vest tops and shorts – if you’re so inclined.  Annually, this stirs niggling insecurities in me. I get over it after a couple of weeks but it’s always the same at the beginning of Summer.  I won’t bore you with a full list, but one of these is the sun damage to my décolleté, after years of subjecting it to extreme sun, unprotected (in my youth I hasten to add – I don’t do this now!).  The sun took its toll and I now have perma-creases in the cleavage zone, which is nice.

So of course I couldn’t resist the opportunity to try This Works Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion.  It comes in an sleek, elegant bottle and smells like fresh cut flowers, or grass, or something equally fresh… which I just adore. It’s a lightweight lotion that sinks in quickly, moisturises and feels super refreshing on the skin, leaving a lovely (non sticky) sheen. 

The award-winning formula contains a nourishing blend of essential oils and plant extracts designed to combat lines and firm the delicate skin of the décolleté.

“Carefully blended with Larch extract, proven to firm and tighten; vitamin-rich Algae, Tonka bean and Frankincense to reduce fine lines, as well as nourishing Rose and Pomegranate oils.”

That’ll be why it smells so good then!

Did I really expect it to make a difference? Not really if I’m honest, but I did hope. I always hope, otherwise I wouldn’t be here, doing this. After slathering on Perfect Cleavage religiously (on my neck too) for several weeks I swear those creases are becoming less visible. Will the effects stop if I quit applying it? Who knows… I don’t intend to find out.

This Works Perfect Cleavage, £37 here – ouchy I know, but worth the investment in my view. Plus you currently get a free Perfect Hands Intense Moisture (worth £18) when you spend £35+

Floral Nail Art: Lilac & Roses

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please be gentle as I share my first foray into nail art beyond the level of a few dots!  I’d bought a set of brushes on eBay more than a year ago with the intention of getting all creative and just not got around to it, but took a little notion to have a go one afternoon last week.  This floral design was just a quicky, which I know pales in comparison with some of my favourites like Nailicious and Makeupsavvy, but if you don’t look too closely, I think it looks quite pretty from a distance!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the base I used LVX Azalea, with NYC Midtown (full swatches here) for the roses (yes that’s what they were in my mind!); RImmel Salon Pro in Peppermint for the leaves background, topped with NYC in a gorgeous grassy green.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My tools were these three dainty brushes and my palette, a slip of cellophane from a powder compact! I just dabbed one drop of colour on the palette, picked up a tiny amount with a brush and went in!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the full brush set and dotting tools, which cost about £2-3 on ebay and includes an amazing array of fine and feathery brushes, some firm, some pointed, some long and skinny – brilliant value. I’m looking forward to experimenting more and getting more creative!

Have you ever tried nail art and do you enjoy it? I found it really relaxing and fun!