Fashion Fair Carnival Collection: Review and Swatches

Staring out my window with the sun shining brightly, and despite the rain we have been experiencing recently - I feel inspired to believe that Summer is finally around the corner!

One of the things I love most about Summer is the sunshine which always encourages me to shed the dark colours of autumn/winter and move into more vibrant hues, whilst also allowing my skin to get a beautiful bronzy glow from the sun (with protection of course) 

So when Fashion Fair offered to send me a few samples from their Carnival Collection, It sounded like it would be perfect for summer. Inspired by the sun kissed Caribbean and festivities of the Carnival, the collection is a mix of oranges, metallic gold, bronzes, vibrant pinks and purples.

L - R ( Safari Brown, Sahara Sand)

I was sent a selection of metallic golds and bronzes and starting with the eyeshadows - I just have one word. Gorgeous! Highly pigmented, they are beautiful shades that are highly wearable even during the day and they show up beautifully on darker skin tones.

My favourite is Safari Brown, which is a perfect brown skin nude on my skin tone and I can actually wear it on it's own.

The shadows go on extremely soft and are so easy to blend with other colours. Below is a swatch of the lipsticks and shadows.

L - R (Sepia, Confidence, Safari Brown, Sahara Sand)

The lipsticks I will admit, made me extremely nervous when I first saw them in all their bronze and gold glory, all I could think was circa 90's! But I was pleasantly surprised. 

L - R (Confidence, Sepia)

Confidence is more on the golden side and on its own doesn't work for me, but it can be combined with a darker lip colour to create a nice ombre effect and also worn over a nude lipstick. 

The star of the show however is Sepia lipstick, which completely wowed me - It has a brown/ bronze tone to it which also works as a nice nude colour. It's such a pretty shade and is long wearing and soft on the lips. 

The Carnival Collection is available from selected Debenhams and Boots.

The Review: Clayspray Chococlay Face Mask

 

Face masks are one of my favourite items in my beauty routine, and I tend to use them once or twice a week, picking and choosing a mask according to my skins concerns to either deep cleanse, exfoliate or hydrate my skin.

I was recently sent Clayspray, a Spanish skincare brand to try out and upon seeing the packaging and product, I was intrigued.

The science bit

Clayspray is described as the first emulsified clay in a spray can (first time I have ever seen a face mask spray out of a can), which helps the clay mask last a lot longer than say clays that come in a jar, tube or powder, simply  because once opened they are exposed to air so tend to become hard and dried out.

It is said to "incorporate up to 60-65% of pure clay mineral, spring water and hydrogel in a luxurious texture". Which is extremely high in comparison to normal clay masks, that are said to "only contain 10-15%" in their formulations, so this is one of the highest concentrations I have seen.

The macromolecular hydrogels are meant to retain up to 800 times their weight in water, which in turn is  meant to infuse your skin with moisture as opposed to drying it out, whilst also removing excess oils and impurities.

I tried out the Chococlay - Red Clay and Cacao Mask which aims to nourish, balance, smooth and brighten.

How to use

Like most clay masks, you need to start of with a clean face, then lightly mist your face with the H20 water spray and apply a thin layer of spray to your face.

I have to admit that it applies beautifully - it has a slight liquid type consistency, which makes the application of it so much smoother and easier than any other clay mask I've used previously. If you are a fan of clay masks, you will know what I mean here, they tend to be quite thick and hard to apply.

You then leave the mask on for 15-20 mins, and can spray your face again halfway through with the H20 water to prevent it from becoming too hard and drying. This avoids that tight and horrible I can't speak or move my face experience you sometimes get with a clay mask. (I loved this tip and will be using it for some of my other masks)

Finally, rinse off the mask once the time has elapsed and follow up with another spray of the H20 water and the rest of your usual skincare.

So what did I think?

A Hair Treatment with Errol Douglas

Ever since I decided to go back to my natural hair, I think I’ve only been to the hairdressers once. Mind you, it wasn’t out of choice, but simply because when I tried, most hairdressers would stare at my natural afro hair, and you would see literal expressions of panic fly across their faces as they tried to figure out how they would handle it. It was either that or they would try to convince me to relax my hair.

Fed up with the whole process, I have mainly managed and treated my hair myself for the last couple of years.

However, I recently attended an event with Phytospecific at Errol Douglas, and was invited to try out a complimentary hair treatment at the salon. When I quizzed them and was informed that yes they do offer treatments for natural afro hair, I was intrigued.

Now Errol Douglas as a salon is not new to me, I have heard many people rave their professional service and treatments for a mixture of hair types, and some of my friends go there to get their hair both relaxed and treated. But I just assumed it was restricted to relaxed hair. I love it when I stand corrected!

I arrived for my appointment a couple of weeks ago and hidden behind the hustle and bustle of Knightsbridge, is Errol Douglas. A beautiful salon, located on Motcomb Street. With a chic and spacious space, the décor is stylish and warm, inviting you to settle into one of their comfy chairs and get your hair done.

Errol Douglas himself is a legend in the industry and has won an MBE for his services to the hair industry.

On arrival I was offered a drink and a food menu, which has a selection of actual meals and juices to choose from.  Do note that there is a charge for these as they work with a private chef.

I was then led downstairs to the dedicated afro hair area. Enter in Eve, the miracle worker who is the Artistic Director and Head of the Afro hair team at Errol Douglas.

Eve is extremely experienced and knowledgeable about all things hair, having worked as a hair stylist for the last 20 years, with 11 years specifically at Errol Douglas. Sporting a very stylish natural fro hawk style herself, I knew I was in safe hands.

Let's Get Tarted Up: Review of Tarte Cosmetics Fearless Amazonian Blush and Lights Camera Lashes Mascara

Ok can we just pause … and talk about the beautiful packaging of these Tarte products for a minute

The Fearless Amazonian Clay Blush is housed in pretty packaging that is colour coded to the same shade inside. It also includes an intricate pressed tree pattern that has stayed put even after I’ve used the blush a number of times

The Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara outside shell is just so unique in all its dark purple snake print gorgeousness.

On opening the blush, my initial thought was I don’t think this shade is going to work on my darker skin tone or even show up, but I stand corrected. 

It’s really buildable and applies easily, leaving you with a wash of colour. If you are a lighter skin tone that I am, then you probably won’t have to build up as much as I did to get the colour payoff.

It’s really long lasting with a matte finish, which is perfect if you have any flaws on your cheeks from pigmentation; to open pores and breakouts as a matte shade will avoid drawing attention to the area.

Overall I really like this blush and am keen to investigate more of their shades.

When I first saw the mascara wand, I wasn’t too sure. It just looked a bit blah but again I stand corrected. The wand completely coats every single lash when you run it through.

It’s a much wetter formula than I usually use, but it sets beautifully with no smearing or flaking. It also helped to lengthen and curl my lashes upwards

One coat gave me a nice full and open look. Layered on with 2-3 coats, the final effect was a dramatic, I have lashes and I’m not afraid to flutter them effect.

Have you tried the Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian blushers or the Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara?

Did you love it or hate it? And are there other products you would recommend?

Let me know in the comments below

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Review of The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector & Moringa Body Butter

The Body Shop is one of the first beauty brands I remember going to purchase as a teenager. I used to be completely enamored by their white musk body splash and would douse myself in it every few hours, loving it’s sweet smell and how grown up it made me feel.

So I’m surprised that I haven’t really talked about the Body Shop till now. Well I’m remedying that with not one but two reviews today

The Body Shop hemp Hand Protector

My hands have been incredibly dry recently and this hand cream has been a complete hand saver.

A little bit of information on the key ingredient Hemp Seed Oil. It’s an oil that funnily enough I have been researching recently because I have heard quite a bit about its benefits.

Hemp Seed Oil is known for having particularly high levels Omega-6 (50-60%) and Omega-3 (15-20%), otherwise known as Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s). EFA’s are essential to the healthy functioning of our body, however we cannot produce them so need to ingest them within our diet.

Hemp seed oil is hailed as a non –clogging oil that is anti-inflammatory. It also helps to protect the skin from free radicals and nourishes the body with essential nutrients.

Smell wise it isn’t what I would call a pretty or girly scent. It’s quite natural and grassy (is that a word?) but not in a negative way.  I honestly prefer that it does what it says on the tin and this does just that. I’m not surprised that it is one of the Body Shops best sellers. It’s rich but not greasy and it leaves my hands feeling incredibly moisturised, soft and not ashy. Enough said!

July Favourites

Hello August! How lovely to see you

Here are my favourite products that I reached for non-stop during July. It’s a tight edit but what can I say, the weather has been lovely and I have been going for the minimal look.

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser in Polynesia

This has been my go to look for days when it’s just way too hot outside. It’s an oil free formula, which is perfect for the current heat. I find that it glides on easily and gives a beautiful veil of colour and coverage that covers up any scars which is surprising for a tinted moisturiser, but I love that the it isn’t at all heavy.

It gives my skin a nice glow to it, but without looking like I’m wearing a lot on my face.

I do find that I need to blot it out through the day otherwise it can move a little bit on my oily areas.

I also love that it has a broad spectrum sun protection of SPF 30 and PA+++, the highest index measurement of protection against UVA rays, so it’s protecting my face from any kind of sun damage and I don’t have to layer another SPF under it.

It retails for £28 

Murad Essential C Sunbalm

Still keeping on the topic of sun protection this little gem of a product has become one of my holy grail products for the summer. I took it on holiday with me and the portable package allowed for a quick and easy application and worked a treat at protecting my face from the hot Mediterranean sun (it was about 37 degrees!)

It contains Broccoli Extract which stimulates the skin’s natural defence against UV damage, Tangerine Butter which locks in moisture and leaves the skin silky smooth and Vitamins A, C and E work together to renew skin health whilst providing immediate and long term protection.

It also contains Murasol, which is Murads exclusive antioxidant shield.  Murasol works by creating a protective barrier of free radical neutralisers, protecting your skin from further damage.

What I also really love about it is the fact that it goes on and completely blends in, no white marks or tell tale SPF signs of a grey and ashy tone.  Love, love, love it!

It retails for £19.50 

Mac Touch Lipstick

This is such an easy wearable shade; I have been wearing it so much that I have hit pan and need to stock up.

It’s a lustre finish, which means it provides moisture and colour at the same time. It’s a lovely pinky brown shade and is one of my favourite nudes (lipstick that is). It tends to wear for about 4 hours before I need touch up.

It retails for £15.50 

And those were my favourites, are there any products you've been loving recently? Let me know in the comments below

Combat the shine: Fashion Fair Oil Control Powder

Ah the great British Weather! The last couple of weeks have been completely boiling in the UK, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees! Now whilst I absolutely love the warmth of the sun dancing across my skin, sadly my makeup does not! And I have been forced to bring out all the big guns for fear of my makeup (on days when I wear it) sliding off my face.

Enter in my current oil control hero in the form of Fashion Fair Oil Control Pressed Powder in Sugar – A bit of a mouthful, but all is forgiven due to its efficiency.

Described as

“A translucent silky, pressed setting powder that is oil – absorbent and eliminates shine”

I love the packaging; its design is sleek and discreet enough to happily touch up on the go, even on the tube!

I decided to try it out during one of the hottest weeks of the year so far and did the test using my normal moisturiser (not oil free) and minus a primer, just to see how it would perform.

The results? It really does what it says on the tin

It mattifies and controls my shine throughout the day without leaving me looking grey or like I’m applying for a role in a Marie Antoinette film.

Product Review: Baba De Caracol Hair Conditioners

So would you ever think of using Snail Slime on your hair?

No? Well neither did I until I was sent some hair products from Baba de Caracol, a Dominican brand that recently launched in the UK by Diaspora Hair, and which uses Snail Slime as it’s main ingredient. Not exactly a sexy sounding ingredient but Snail Slime is an ingredient that is now used fairly regularly in some skincare.

It contains a complex mix of proteins, glycolic acids and elastin that nature developed as a way to protect snail skin from damage and infection. So is meant to help to strengthen, repair and soften your hair.

I took out some braids and thought my hair could do with a little bit of tlc and nourishment, so it seemed like the perfect time to try out the products.

The two products I was sent to try from the range were Rinse Regenerativo and Intensive Hair Conditioner

Rinse Regenerativo

I started out with Rinse Regenerativo, which is a conditioner but can also be used as a co-wash (conditioner wash) for your hair

What they say

Bring life, elasticity and shine back to your hair with our exclusive conditioner formula designed to eliminate dryness and split ends with allantoine. Detangles, softens and nourishes dry and damaged hair

What I thought

Review: Anesis Superboost Facial

I don’t know what it was about, but the last few weeks have been pretty full on with work and life and my face was starting to feel the effects of late nights, lack of sleep and not the healthiest of diets.

So when I was invited to try out a facial at Anesis Spa, you couldn’t get me in there fast enough

Based in Clapham Common, can I just pause and declare my love for the fact that Anesis Spa is on a road called The Pavement because it literally is the pavement, I just thought that was so cute

Moving on before you think my declarations of love for a road are a little excessive. The spa itself is really sleek and chic with dark floors, glass panels and shelves which hold a variety of brands that are focused on efficacy and not just on looking nice

My facial started off with my therapist Georgia asking me what my concerns about my face were, which I rattled off with ease (acne scarring, open pores) but left a few out to see if she would spot them.

I love that she didn’t take my word for it, but whipped out the scary I can see every pore on your face facial light (I honestly need to get myself one of those, although on second thoughts it might be a little dangerous in my hands), not the real name obviously, but that’s what I like to call it.

After careful examination of my face she mentioned the things I left off, (dehydrated, slightly sensitive/reactive), which left me feeling that I was in I was safe hands. There is nothing better than a therapist who can identify what your face really needs without you having to tell them, and I love that the facial is completely bespoke and customised to your skins concerns and needs

The Review: Palmers Even Tone Body Milk & Skin Therapy Oil

For anyone who has been following me for a while you will know that one of my biggest beauty challenges is scarring left from previous breakouts both on my face and back, so when I was given the Palmers Even Tone Body Milk and the Skin Therapy Oil, I was keen to try them out to see if they could help both with the scarring and just my overall skin tone 

I have been using the Body Milk and the Skin Therapy Oil together for a couple of months as I wanted to give them enough time to see some results, so thought this would be a good time to do a review 

Even Tone Body Milk

What they Say

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Dark Spot Corrector delivers a dose of advanced ingredients for targeting discoloration such as age spots, dark spots, post-acne scars, and sun damage to even skin tone and unveil a brighter, more luminous complexion. A blend of Palmer's Eventone Tone Enhancing Complex containing Cocoa Butter, Niacinamide, Synovea, Vitamin C, Licorice Extract and Soy combine with powerful Japanese Songyi Mushroom Extract, and work synergystically to balance skin's tone and texture. Recommended for all skin types and tones.