May-a-rama: Beauty Flash Balm

Good god, I feel like I've been away forever. Sorry, being out of London for four days has literally turned my mind to mush - it's not a good look. It's done wonders for my hair though...

Anyway, as I may have mentioned, I was at a a festival in Brighton this weekend which was, lack of sleep aside, all kinds of fun. Unfortunately for my skin (as opposed to my hair which LOVED not being washed and ironed for a while) I was away from my Liz Earle/Elemis routine and it was NOT happy. It did seem to cheer up a little bit however, when I reintroduced it to our old friend and Dirty Stop Out kit favourite, Clarins Beauty Flash Balm.

I think I just went through a phase of using this too much and it lost all of it's magical properties. Not so this weekend. I woke up, washed myself down and ew, looked in the mirror. Naught but grey and scary skin. One quick swipe of a paw loaded with Beauty Flash Balm and a couple of dabs of the eye cream under my peepers and I was human again!
Until the next morning...

May-a-rama: Klorane Mango Butter hair masque

Sorry I've been so crap this week, inbetween being generally ill and generally miserable, I've also been stupid o'clock busy. But thank the lord, I have two days to myself now and I'm on the train to not-so-sunny Brighton for The Great Escape festival. Can't wait.

Since I've been parted from my straighteners for a couple of days, I've had to put my faith in good products, starting with the delicious Klorane Mango Butter hair repair masque. And OMG, it's delicious. I'm not sure that it actually can count as one of my five a day but it should. Yum. And so far, my GHD tamed tresses are soft, smooth and silky.

Let's see what state they're in by Sunday...

May-a-rama: MAC Double Dazzle

I am having a really, really, really shit week.
I can't really explain why, it's just a combination of lots of little crappy things that have culminated to a Tuesday lunchtime BLEAURGH session. Boo.

Only one thing to do. March myself right down to Westfield shopping centre and purchase the entirety of the new MAC Double Dazzle collection. Aren't they beautiful?



I love MAC Dazzle Glasses more than maybe any other lipgloss. They're subtly sparkly but don't feel like they're full of grit on your lips. Also, the colours are subtle but unmistakably there. Too many lipglosses look full of colour in the tube but play out so blah you can barely see them. I HEART Date Night and Love Alert but I think I'll be going for 'Stop! Look!' and 'Extra Amps' tonight.

The new Dazzle Lash mascara is pretty special too. The teeny tiny brush catches every lash and really makes the your eyes open up. Pretty.
And I am desperately in need of some pretty right now.

May-a-rama: Creme de la Mer The SPF 30 Protecting Fluid

I am forever spouting on about using sunscreen every single day to anyone who will listen. Honestly, I think it's so important. Not just so I can maintain my Casper-esque complexion but to avoid all those sun-related nasties as we get older - not least of all, Madonna claws...

However, I do understand that some peeps find it hard to find an SPF for the face that doesn't clog their pores and I've yet to find an actual moisturiser with SPF that doesn't irritate my skin so I accept that finding a product to use daily can be a pretty tricky task.



Which is why, ladies and (let's be honest mostly gay) gentlemen, I present to you the new SPF 30 Fluid from Creme de la Mer. Before you get all snippy and tell me off for featuring too many premium brands in these troubled times let me remind you that a) this is your FACE we're talking about. The same one you'll be wearing every day for the rest of your life (unless Face/Off actually happens which I doubt) and b) I refuse to accept the recession in any way. Despite it's constant hammering down my doors. Boo recession, boo to you.

Anyway, as you might imagine, the SPF 30 Fluid is a little bit amazing. Not only is it chock full of Creme de la Mer goodness, it's got Tourmaline and Malachtite in there to 'help absorb light energy, turning it into green light, and helps enhance anti-oxidant activity. This helps prevent the appearance of skin discolouration and unevenness.'
No, really.

Pick one up, if only for kryptonite-esque powers, from your nearest Creme counter or at CremedelaMer.co.uk

May-a-rama: Elemis Eye Duo

I'm not even a little bit ashamed to admit that I've been burning the candle at both ends recently. What's a girl to do? Spring has sprung, love (well, cough, maybe not exactly love but you get the idea, right?) is in the air and there is so much to do in London right now. So many cocktails, so little time.

So I was pretty relieved when Elemis brought out their double whammy under eye saviour, 'See the Difference Eye Duo'. I've been using the Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal for a little while already and while I was happy with the results, there were times when I needed a little more brightening, tightening and all around TLC. Well, ta-da. This kit includes not only the Eye Renewal but also the Absolute Eye Serum, containing rosewood, osmanthus, lavender and chamomile. And it's amazing.

If that wasn't reason enough to get online and buy but but now, the duo bought together is 30% cheaper than buying these wonder prods apart and they come in a ridiculously pretty silver jewellery case which is currently looking after my earrings. It's only available until the 31st of May so what are you waiting for! Grab yours from your nearest Elemis, stockist, spa or at timetospa.co.uk

May-a-rama: The Sassy Minx

Now, I know you won't believe this but there are days when quite frankly, I feel about as fabulous as a badger's arse. No, really. And it has very little to do with how many products I can humanly apply in one sitting - if I'm feeling crappy on the inside, I'm looks beyond crappy on the outside. Luckily, I have my very own personal cheerleader who does not stand for this kind of rubbish. Work troubles? She'll set me straight. Boy drama? Not on her watch. General no idea what you're doing with your life? She will sort me out. She is a miracle worker.

And so it is with quite frankly, not a small degree of reluctance that I'm prepared to let you in on her. Throughout May, Lisa, officially One of the Best People in the World* is offering her services for a mere £45 (life coach services that is, gutterminds). For more deets, check out The Sassy Minx here.

*As certified by me.

May-a-rama: Angelfish

OMG I've come over all excited.
Have you seen the sunshine? Isn't it amazing?
Well, it is. Unfortunately, it's doing terrible things to my hair. Luckily, I have products to help...



The new Angelfish goodies are both handy dandy handbag slim and handy dandy actually effective - good news, non? I'm all over the Fresh Angel fragranced dry shampoo (I've been out a lot this week, a busy socialista like me doesn't always have time to wash, rinse and repeat every day) and the Star Angel shine spray to add a healthy gloss at on those less than fabulous (ie Monday - Friday) days.

And you can get it at Boots which is like, totally everywhere. Even on your walk of shame route come Saturday morning, I bet.