To Self Tan or Not to Self Tan?

Noooo!  It’s self tanner season, otherwise known as ‘Spring going on Summer’.  The recent warm spell we’ve been having has resulted in troops of denim shorts and summer dresses adorning the pale winter skin we’ve been hiding for months.  So along comes the inevitable moment, to self tan or not to self tan.  I admire those willing to embrace their pale skin, however for me, I look less glistening vampire and more Boo Radley.  There’s no denying the healthy glow a tan gives and therefore every year I find myself, along with scores of others, in search of the perfect tan.  So far I have only ventured into the gradual tan variety knowing without a doubt I would look like an orange zebra if I attempted a full blown self tan.

Of those I have tried so far (Johnsons, Garnier, Dove) St Tropez is definitely my favourite.  I used the Everyday Gradual Tan, which gives a nice natural colour and whilst I wouldn’t say the smell is lovely it’s definitely not the famous biscuity self tan smell.  However although in theory gradual tanners can simply be a replacement for your normal body moisturiser, I still feel they require effort and diligence that I find difficult to muster.   

For a start it seems to be a great undertaking for which you must first clear time in your day.  You then have the preparation, such as exfoliation, in order to avoid satsuma knees and elbows, then in the case of a full-blown self tan the use of gloves and a mitt, a tricky application and then walking around with arms outstretched for what feels like hours on end.  Surely this is all a bit too much for a splash of colour?  Perhaps I should focus instead on enhancing my vampirish qualities? Hmmm...we shall see :)

A Visit to the Hairdressers

I have a complete love-hate relationship with the hairdressers.  The love is owing to the fact that it can be a magical place, with the ability to transform both your hair and your outlook.  The hate however is not so obvious.  It’s not so much about the potential for a bad haircut, which albeit can bring you down as much as the right haircut can lift your spirits; it’s the process.  I consider myself a fairly confident person, but there’s something about the strange world of the hairdressers which immediately deflates my spirits.  On a recent trip to the hairdressers I began to contemplate what exactly creates this unease and came to the conclusion there is no single thing but it’s due to a whole series of events that occur.

From the moment you enter, the bright lights engulf you, leaving you feeling slightly dazed before you haven even taken your coat off.  You sit down in the chair and have the ‘consultation’.  Now this is the pivotal moment, these instructions you are about to give will make or break your haircut.  You know you have to explain yourself clearly and precisely, yet within seconds you find yourself nodding enthusiastically to the suggestion of an orange Mohawk.  


You then proceed to the washing stage.  Now this can be quite relaxing, with a ‘head massage’ often offered, however woe betide you if you do not find a comfortable position for your neck in the sink, as you will soon be praying that a neck massage is also complimentary.


Ok, the haircut, so at this stage the instructions are set, now you can just relax, can’t you?  No, this is where the conversation begins.  You may be one of those lucky people that can chat freely with anyone and become best friends within the first 10 minutes.  However I guarantee that, if like me, you are not fortunate enough to be possessed with these conversational skills; you will undoubtedly be sat beside someone who is.  Whilst your hairdresser asks you the polite conversational starters such as your plans for the day/week/next holiday, and you respond with one-word non committal answers, your fellow haircutee will be discussing the food preferences of her cocker spaniel or the division of assets in her friend’s divorce settlement. 

Whilst this awkward conversation continues, interrupted finally, by the hairdryer, you must face the mirror.  The hairdressing mirror is an amazing thing.  With most mirrors you see yourself, sometimes looking good, sometimes not, the combination of the hairdressing mirror along with your wet hair, means you find yourself looking far less like yourself and more like your uncle.  Then comes the moment when the haircut is finished and a mirror is held up to show you the back of your head whilst the hairdresser eagerly seeks your approval.  However you suddenly can’t concentrate as you become intrigued to realize ‘yes that is what the back of my head looks like’.  Eventually you snap back to reality, nod enthusiastically once again, stand up and retrieve your coat.  After paying for this strange experience you breathe a sigh of relief as you once more open the door back to real life.


However despite this seemingly traumatic experience I continue to return for love of the end result.  So what is the answer?  Well it’s simple, right away you must ensure you find yourself a best friend who is a hairdresser, and whilst you’re at it a doctor and a dentist would also be quite useful :)

What I'm Loving 4

 Fiorelli Wimbeldon Medium Shoulder Bag:

 I’d been needing a new bag for ages, with my current one being so well loved it actually had holes.  I wanted quite a classic style so that it would last a while and decided upon this beauty:

 It’s a perfect size and has lots of compartments, satisfying the organizer within me.  I chose the colour ‘Lavender’ but it also comes in, ‘Rose’, ‘Khaki’, ‘Soft White’ and ‘Black’. 

Zara Denim Shorts:

Adding to my budding holiday collection I bought these great denim shorts from Zara: 

These are perfect as they are not too short, as denim shorts tend to be, and fit really well.  

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Birthday Suit: 

I love this eyeshadow.  It’s a lovely neutral colour and is easy to build up in intensity but also looks great as a base for other shadows.

Go Jewellery: 

Along with my unicorn necklace I also recently bought their double heart necklace: 

It’s simple enough to go with any outfit and looks great when it reflects the light.  

What are you loving at the moment?

Primark and more

I’ve never been very good at shopping at Primark.  I’m forever asking people where they got their lovely top/skirt/cardigan and getting the reply, ‘oh it’s just from Primark’, whereas all I’d ever found in Primark was a jumbled mess and never my size.  However what I discovered recently was that it’s all about the location.  A small Primark is never going to work with the bargains and confined spaces soon resulting in a descent into anarchy.  However supersize the Primark, and everything becomes suddenly organized and appealing, with space to breathe.  So as I happened upon one of these wonder Primarks the other day, I found two things for my summer holidays:


The first is this lovely sundress, which is elasticated on the waist in order to be fitted then flares out, so very flattering.  It comes in a few colours and I chose this lovely peach:

The second was a skirt I’d seen in loads of magazines recently.  It has a pretty beach scene design and would look great worn high-waisted with a belt:

In other news, it was birthday at the weekend (happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, etc.)  and I got some splendiferous things :)


Firstly, this Birthday Girl gift set from Philosophy:

I’d never tried anything from Philosophy before but had heard loads of good things about them.  In the set came: Amazing Grace (shampoo, bath and shower gel), Purity Made Simple (cleanser), Time on Your Hands (hand cream), Soul Owner (foot cream) and Vanilla Birthday Cake lip gloss.  I’ve tried a few of the products and they’re really nice, especially the lip gloss, and the set comes in a sweet cosmetics bag.

Secondly I got a gift set from L’Occitane, in the scent Cherry Blossom and it came with: bath and shower gel, body lotion, soap and hand cream.

I absolutely love the smell of these products and the scent lasts for ages especially the hand cream.


I also got this weekend bag from Marks and Spencer, which will be perfect for holidays:

 

It’s big enough to fit all your make up and toiletries in and even has a mirror inside.

And that’s it, my latest additions round up :)

Lush Valentine's

I heart Lush!  When walking round Lush the other day I was so excited to discover their Valentine’s range.   

The first thing I picked up isn’t actually a Valentine’s product, but it is pink so I think it counts!  It’s their Comforter bubble bar:

Oh my goodness, this really is comforting.  It has a gorgeous sweet blackcurrant scent and creates a lovely relaxing pink bath with loads of white bubbles.


Now onto the Valentine’s goodies:

I chose The Ex-Factor:

I actually had this little blue man last year as well; he smells lovely, of vanilla and yes it’s very fun breaking him into pieces, insert evil laugh here!


I also got the new addition, the Frog Prince:

Mr Frog has kissable lips and smells of jasmine, rose, rosewood and neroli and turns the water a slightly radioactive colour!  However I didn’t like the scent as much as the Ex-Factor and was somewhat disappointed with my prince as he took the form of a picture rather than a figure, but not to worry, I’m sure the Ex-Factor will help me get over him!


So whilst I continue my love affair with Lush I officially declare February bubble bath month :)

What I'm Loving - 3

Zara Red Skater Dress:
I’ve been lusting after this dress from Zara since seeing Frankie from the Saturdays wearing it in Look magazine.

It’s not something I’d usually go for, but the classic style means I think this will soon end up a wardrobe staple. It fits really nicely and would be perfect for both day with flats and night with heels or shoe boots.  It comes in red, black or camel.

Purple Unicorn Necklace:

I found Go-Jewellery after reading Fleur De Force’s blog post about their heart necklace.  I went on their website and fell in love with this ‘Clara the unicorn’ necklace.  It’s made with ‘acrylic - hand polished and hand laser welded on to sterling silver chains’.

It looks really delicate and sweet whilst the purple makes it stand out, especially when it catches the light.

Nails Inc 'Heather Grey':
Diet Coke have once again joined forces with Nails Inc and are giving away a free bottle of Nails Inc nail varnish with two bottles of Diet Coke in Boots.  My favourite colour is 'Heather Grey' (nothing to do with the name of course :) ) which looks more pink in the bottle, but is actually a beautiful purple colour.

L - R, Caramel, Denim, Plum and Heather Grey

I use two coats of this along with my favourite top coat, Seche Vite Dry Fast top coat, and it looks perfect.

So that’s it, my latest favourites, and now I’m more than ready for some warmer weather and Spring fashion!

Pose For Thought

L - Audrey Hepburn shopping in Beverly Hills (1958), R - Taylor Swift, Elle photoshoot (2009)

L - Grace Kelly reading (1960), R - Model, Glamour photoshoot (2010)