Beauty review - Elemis softly, softly daily moisturiser

(The size pictured is a trial size)

Elemis is a high end, luxury skincare brand found in spas and salons, all over the world. Moisturiser is the single most important beauty product to be be armed with - I’ve tried and tested luxury spa and skincare favourite, Elemis’ daily skin saviour.

The indulgent products are said to be a new found favourite among celebrities, particularly Anna Friel, a regular visitor at the London based, urban spa and Victoria Beckham, who famously tweeted about the £27.00, Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend, during her pregnancy - as a tip for avoiding stretch marks.

The Softly, Softly Daily Moisturiser is a bit on the expensive side at £20.00 for 50ml but for a product this scrumptious and hydrating, I would be prepared to splash out.

Infused with essential oils rosehip, almond and lavender, the cream smells sweet yet sensuous and slightly like Turkish delight. Rosehip and almond both work to soften and hydrate the skin, providing a much needed boost. Lavender has calming properties, perfect for use before bed or to create a soothing feeling, ahead of a stressful day.

The suggested directions advise to smooth onto skin after cleansing, which leaves a light, fresh and hydrated feeling. Though this product is so versatile, I’ve even used it as a base under foundation to create a dewy skin look, which is totally on trend for spring/summer.

The only thing I would say about this product is if you’re looking for a thorough moisturiser, for dry or damaged skin, to pick a more intense cream, as the creams light consistency would not have much of an impact on skin in need of substantial hydration. 

If you’re not completely sure about the right level of moisture your skin craves, visit an Elemis counter within a department store, a spa stocking the brand, or purchase trial sizes. This way you can insure to get the right product for you, before parting with your cash!

Currently trending - Little black dresses

1 - ONE ARM CUT OUT: 

AX Paris crochet trim one shoulder dress - £30.00

I adore this cut. As a modern, edgy take on the classic one shouldered dress, its perfect. After seeing a similar maxi style worn by Lousie on Made in Chelsea, I had to have one! The dress pictured above is a mini version, with crochet detailing on the outer seams. The material is refreshingly thick for a high street clothing outlet and it fits well. AX Paris stock affordable 'Friday night dresses' and I have generally had good experiences wearing their pieces. However I would advise people with 'bingo wing' worries not to go for a dress of this style as it extenuates arms, necks and busts. Wear this with: killer heels, bright lipstick and BIG earrings.

2 - THE HALTER NECK: Motel dalphine dress - £42.00

This dress is my old-faithful, whenever I'm stuck for an outfit, I can always depend on this dress to look great. I love halter necks because they exude femininity and flatter endlessly: think Marilyn Monroe. By Motel, one of my favourite brands, its comfortable, washes well and fits perfectly - all of which I believe are a constant trend in the label's pieces. They have also developed an awesome edgy, modern yet vintage look which runs through the line and its just lush! The versatility of this dress also makes it an all-rounder, dressed down with thick tights, army boots and a denim jacket (like this one) or dressed up with heels, lipstick and statement earrings - I really like these from Asos.  

3 - MOCK STRAPLESS: 

AX Paris mock strapless polka mesh sleeve dress - £29.99

This is possibly one of my favourite modern dress neckline styles. Long sleeves on a night out can create  a big impact and look great on anyone. Mesh sleeved, mock strapless dresses are subtle yet sexy, allowing you to bare all without really baring anything! Also as you might be able to tell I'm also a fan of polka dots. They seem to be able to fit into any fashion age perfectly and look different every time! This dress gives the polka trend a breath of fresh air looking totally modern and cutting edge. 

4 - SCOOP NECK AND BACK: 

H&M embellished scoop neck body-con dress - £14.99

CLASSIC. As an hourglass shape, this is the style of dress that suits me best. You can't go wrong with a classic, sophisticated scoop neck body con dress. Especially when the top half is covered in sparkle! H&M always pleasantly surprise me at what they have in store for such reasonable prices, whether your looking for a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, an interview outfit or going out dress, there will nearly always be plenty of options, in a range of shades and sizes. 

Handbags: Styles for every occasion

Black mock leather, gold chain and tassel, slouch shoulder bag - NewLook

I am so obsessed with handbags, they are most definitely my weakness. Clutch bags, shoppers, slouches, satchels, purses, bowlers, totes, buckets... You name it, I have it in abundance. Sadly, coming to university meant I was only able to pack my favourites, so here they are, the finalists! Roll on the handbags... 

Black mock leather, gold chain and tassel, slouch shoulder bag - NewLook

This my newest bag, which joined the collection just after Christmas. It was a bargain buy in the sales, costing £12. This bag is a perfect all-rounder, big enough to carry all the days essentials but small enough to still look great! I especially love the gold chaining detail - I'm a big fan of gold and am hardly ever caught wearing silver jewellery or any item with silver embellishment. I also think this bag has a bit of a designer feel about it, I'm always keen to achieve a great look at as minimal cost possible. The slouch style definitely reminds me of Mulberry's Daria Medium Hobo bag, and the gold detailing almost feels like a modern take on the classic Chanel style.

Strawberry, mock ostrich skin, doctor bag £49.99 - River Island

This is my all time favourite bag! Not just because of the gorgeous, bright colour and chic-vintage style, but because of the memories it comes with. My friends all clubbed together on my 16th birthday to be able to buy this for me. Despite being having the surprise coming my way hinted several times by friends, I was more than chuffed! Despite the bold colour, I feel I could wear this bag with almost anything. It effortlessly adds sophistication and style to any outfit. I believe a doctor style bag is something every girl needs in her collection. (The scarf with this bag is vintage).

Orange mock snakeskin, gold clasp and chain clutch bag - NewLook & Pink and gold embellished  purse - River Island

Sorry, its another bright one! This clutch/chain strap bag is gorgeous and makes a perfect statement, in addition to a plain LBD like this. I love contrasting pink and orange and this purse is the best accompaniment. I wouldn't usually take my whole purse out to a club but when they look this good together its hard to resist. This bag is perfect for any occasion, as a bit of an optical illusion it can actually hold quite a bit! I could definitely fit my night out essentials in here and look great carrying them. 

Style round-up: Trainer mismatch and Hindu God stretch bracelet

Trend No.1 - mismatch trainers 

A recent piece in Look Magazine has left me unconvinced - mismatching trainers? I've never been to greater fan of the 'sport luxe' look. That being said, I still enjoy kicking back in my scruffy, old Vans and dressing down on the weekend, with a pair of Topshop jeans, funky, printed slogan tee like this and accessories like the bracelets below. But wearing odd shoes? Surely that's too much. The piece in I read in Look said that stars like Beyonce had been spotted working the look, I adore Beyonce, her style and all she stands for but I'm afraid I will not be on board with this latest trend. 

The Vans above are RRP £47.00 and available to buy from the Official Vans Shop Online here.

Trend No.2 - Hindu God stretch bracelets 

These bracelets are everywhere at the moment and I'm more than happy to admit to jumping on the band wagon! Middle Eastern style inspirations are massive in accessories right now, with high street brands producing affordable, bang on trend pieces to mix and match. The bracelets above are a mixture from NewLook and Primark, with the Hindu God styled ones coming in at £2.50 from Primark, a great price for a quirky accessory to top off an outfit. They can compliment a casual everyday look (like the style mentioned above) or even jazz up an evening dress (like this) - the possibilities are endless! 

The nail varnish I'm wearing in the picture above is Blooboo from Models Own.

Mock-leather sleeve jacket: DIY ways to wear

Mock-leather sleeve jackets are everywhere this season - ranging from parka styles, macs and boyfriend tweed trenches. I recently saw a girl in Bournemouth wearing a style which featured a large black fur collar and burgundy tweed underlay, so thought I'd try to work the style without spending any extra cash on new outerwear. Why not layer jackets?!

H&M - Wool blend jacket with large fake fur collar £39.99 

Available here

This jacket is by far one of the nicest I've ever owned! It wasn't overly expensive, looks great with most colours and after the autumn/winter hasn't showed any sings of wear and tear. The large fur collar holds a sophisticated vintage style and adds glamour to any outfit. I wear this coat with outfits from super casual - jeans and a girly blouse (like this) to a formal dress (like this) and it always works with whatever I pair it with! An easy wearing coat with oodles of glamour. 

Zara -Mock leather biker jacket 

 

Zara - Mock leather biker jacket layered with vintage fur collar

This jacker is such an all rounder. In a plain black, PU leather, biker style, it can be teamed with anything from pretty, girly summer dresses (like this) to jeans and converse and look utterly cool. I think a decent leather (or pleather) jacket is a must have for every girls wardrobe, if you want an edgier look buy slightly larger in a biker style, or if you prefer a more polished look buy a tighter fit with an off centred zip. 

LAYERED UP

Here's the end result! I had to make a few minor adjustments to the jacket underneath, like safety pinning the button loops to the inside as when they were sticking out I felt it didn't look right. I also removed the belt from the jacket underneath as it also made the look appear unfinished and sloppy. Overall a result - great way to refresh your autumn/winter wardrobe. 

Spring - fashion/beauty must haves

In the words of Maria Von Trapp here are a few of my 'favourite things'!

1- Models Own Mirrorball Nail Varnish in Dancing Queen

There is no better accessory than a sparkly nail and this varnish creates the ultimate mirrorball effect. With some glitter varnishes its difficult to achieve coverage of the whole nail, but this bottle is jam packed full of sparkle, meaning that a great look is easy to gain. At £5 a pop they aren't at all extortionate, allowing customers to guiltlessly buy a bottle in every colour... I am a big fan of Models Own and think their glitter varnishes are one of the best in the market. Other shades include a sexy pink/gold blush suitably called Hot Stuff, a very festive looking golden green named Disco Inferno and a neon purple with flecks of blue called Boogie Nights. All available online here.  

2 - Hasma Palm accessories
This symbol is everywhere at the moment and I adore it! The open palm is a symbol that comes from the Middle East and is used for protection, so why not look great and warn away bad vibes at the same time! These earrings were from Primark and were a bargain at £2.50. I honestly couldn't rate Primark more at the moment for their cheap and cheerful jewellery, their designs are spot on trend and often sell a variety of similar styles in different shades, so you can bulk buy and match a ring to every outfit!

3 - Peter Pan Collars
I know I ranted about collars not long ago, in this post, but I just can't get enough, whether they're detachable, a necklace or part of a top. The one above is attached to the peplum, navy and black striped top I'm wearing from New Look. I've always believed that I would never wear a collar again after secondary school but now I think they will be a staple in my wardrobe for good. They elongate necks, flatter shoulders and look feminine, perfect to pair with jeans for an everyday look or jazz up to create a more sophisticated evening ensemble.

4 - Spring time scents

Now Spring is here its time to get out the pastel shades and start smelling like exotic flowers again... MaDame by Jean Paul Gaultier (available from Boots here) has got to be my all time favourite perfume. With a bit of a luxury price tag at £45.96 for 50ml its probably best to wear on the more special of occasion, but then again you only live once! Its perfect mix of sweetness and musk creates a subtle, fresh smell and is a perfect scent for spring. The edgy, feminine bottle absolutely mimics what's to be expected from within, a gorgeously ladylike smell with a unexpected edge. 

Beauty Review - Barry M Nail Paint

Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Blood Orange and Pastel Texture Nail Paint in Ridley Road

Innovative nail paint styles from Barry M

I was so excited to try these amazing new polish textures - particularly considering the more than reasonable price tag in comparison to similar style varnishes by Nails Inc. In at £3.99 each or (on promotion in Superdrug) two for £6, these bottles of brilliance are an absolute bargain.

The first of the pair I've chosen, is a high shine, blood red shade. Promised to achieve professional Shellac/Gelish manicure results, I can't wait to get painting! 

I am a great fan of DIY-ing when the quality of product enables users to gain a professional level look. After applying the first coat its obvious how great this varnish is going to look, its easy to apply, glides onto the nail evenly and shines from first application. The only difference from this Barry M polish to a professional Gelish manicure is the thickness, after two relatively thin coats the ridges of an un-buffed nail are still visible, though this could be easily avoided by buffing and applying a base coat, or applying more than two coats of the varnish. 

I think this shade would  look stunning with a LBD like this one from River Island or slogan tee, like the one I mentioned in this post, with blue denim jeans. Overall this varnish is a perfect all rounder, and makes a reliable and easy wearing, sexy red polish - something every girl needs in her collection. 

The second polish is a textured, pastel baby-blue, similar to Nails Inc. Concrete Polish but a third of the price at £3.99! Its a little tricky trying to get the hang of applying this varnish but when its done right, the look is super cool. Two coats achieve the best result as one looks a little too transparent, though be careful as too much polish will ruin the concrete style texture. 

The shade is perfect for spring and would look dahhhling with a vintage stlye, smart white shirt like this one, summer dress (see here) or on toes with flip flops or wedges! Pastel shade varnishes and textured nails are bang on trend at the moment so why not rock two key season styles in one go?!