MAC False Lashes Extreme Black

I went to the Harrods Beauty Hall the other day and as usual found myself gravitating towards the MAC makeup counter. I'm just coming to the end of my favourite mascara Haute and Naughty Lash but in the name of research thought I would see if their other mascaras are as good.

I had a chat with one of their makeup advisors and explained that I was after big, dramatic lashes with a good amount of volume. She instantly recommended False Lashes Extreme Black and said that it was their most dramatic and effective mascara.

Well the only drama that I'm getting from this mascara is the fact that the application wand is made in such a way that I get more mascara on my upper eye-lid than on my actual lashes. The product that I do get on my lashes is of average quality at best. My lashes do look longer, but considerably less so than usual. Within an hour I have panda eyes!

I wholeheartedly recommend Haute and Naughty, but if you're after a false lash effect steer clear of False Lashes Extreme and go for Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara. It's far cheaper and an excellent product!

He-Shi Express Liquid Tan

My legs are Casper the Friendly Ghost white. They are at their happiest when hidden in a pair of opaque black tights, but when the sun comes out this is not a good look.

So...what is a girl to do when she needs to get her translucent legs out and pronto?? The answer lies in a miraculous bottle of He-Shi Express Liquid Tan.

Yesterday morning I got out of the shower all pale and uninteresting and three minutes later I was glowing with a really natural tan. This product was so simple to use. I did a quick dry-body brush before getting into the shower and that was it. You're advised not to apply moisturiser so I literally poured the product onto a tanning mitt and rubbed it in. It took literally no time and I was left with an instant even tan that dried quickly, hardly smelt and developed throughout the day so is still looking good 24 hours later.

This is one of the best tanning products that I've tried. Here's the link: http://www.he-shi.eu/productdetails/1260/he-shi-express-liquid-tan-300ml/

Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume

Oh dear! I was very excited about trying this fragrance as a number of magazines promised that it would evoke the scent of sun, sea, sand and sun-tan lotion. Unfortunately it reminded me of supermarket toilet spray and on meeting up with my husband for dinner his first comment was "what's that strange smell?"

I am now on the search for the ultimate summer fragrance and will of course report back as soon as I find it! x

Mavala Scientifique - Nail Hardener

When I was about ten years old my best friend taught me two "life skills" that have caused me no end of problems. The first was how to shave my legs and the second was how to bite my nails. Yes it could have been worse, she could have introduced me to drugs and booze, but thanks to said friend I suffered from ingrowing hairs and a terrible biting habit for years.

Fast forward twenty years and the hair problem has disappeared thanks to the wonders of laser removal, but the years of nail biting have taken their toll and mine are now weak and flakey.

Anyway, I was recently introduced to Mavala Scientifique Nail Hardener and it has definitely had a positive effect on the state of my nails. It is seriously strong stuff and you have to be really careful that you don't get it on your skin/cuticles when applying it, but the effect on the nails is really good. Use it twice a week and they'll be stronger and more robust.

Mavala products are available at John Lewis. xx

The Sanctuary, Covent Garden

Sometimes a girl needs a bit of alone time with her Mum. I am a family girl through and through and Bonn gatherings are a regular occurrence but coming from a very noisy family, it is hard to have proper one on one time, so I love getting the opportunity to have a really good chin-wag and catch up with my Mum.


I decided that the perfect place to do this was at The Sanctuary in Covent Garden. We booked in for a day of relaxation, pampering and lunch and it was one of the best days I've had in ages. The last time I went to this famous day-spa it was looking a little bit run-down but after a make-over last year, it now looks smart and updated.

 We began our day with some sleep therapy. This involved being ushered to a low-lit room with a row of cosy beds. We were told to lie down and cover ourselves with a blanket. We then put on the provided head-phones and were sent into a state of deep relaxation by the calming and hypnotic voice that encouraged us to enter our own private secret garden. There were beautiful sounds effects and I found myself totally clearing my mind as the bed vibrated. After 25 minutes we felt totally stress-free.

 Next it was time to explore the many pools and jacuzzis. We had a good old natter in the large jacuzzi which was lovely and warm and then went for a swim in the famous "swing pool" which is basically what it says on the tin. There is a massive wooden swing that transports you back to childhood as you fly over the pool. I chose not to indulge in this as many years ago I got stuck on said swing and screamed with laughter, ruining the quiet and calm that reigns over this amazing place.

 Lunch was to follow and we sat in our big white dressing gowns feasting on massive smoked haddock fish-cakes with poached eggs and hollandaise and an amazing trio of desserts including a mini ice-cream sundae. (Not the healthiest but REALLY delicious, fresh food).

After a chat and a sleep on a double bed style chair we went our separate ways to have our treatments. Mum opted for the Body Polish and swears that her body is still soft and I had the incredibly relaxing Aroma Bliss treatment. It was 85 minutes of body scrubbing, massage, a mini-facial and head massage. It was definitely one of the most thorough and relaxing treatments I have ever had and left me feeling great.

My Mum and I left the Sanctuary having had some much needed bonding time. All the stresses from the week and life in general had been lifted and we felt ready for anything. If you fancy experiencing the Sanctuary then check out http://www.thesanctuary.co.uk/

Elemis

With the Jubilee and the Olympics coming up I'm feeling very proud to be British and what better time to celebrate some of this country's best beauty brands!!

My favourite of the larger British brands has got to be Elemis. Their products are incredibly effective and they have a great ethos too.

Over the years, some Elemis products have become my beauty must-haves and I thought I would share a few of my favourites with you now.

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream: This is one of their best-sellers and is ultra moisturising and highly effective at fighting wrinkles. I love the scent of this cream and the way that it makes my skin look and feel.

Papaya Enzyme Peel: This face mask is one of their all time classics. My husband and I both use this every week or so and it is gorgeous. I find that it is great at reducing scars and making you glow.

Frangipani Monoi Body Oil: I adore this product. When I have time, I use it as an all over body moisturiser. The scent instantly transports me to my honeymoon in Mauritius and my skin is always super-soft for days after. This also makes a great massage-oil, cuticle oil and can even be used as an intense moisturising treatment for your hair. You can take a peek at all of their products here: http://timetospa.co.uk

Olay Total Effects 7 in One touch of MaxFactor Foundation

I've never been one for wearing foundation. I'm probably crazy as the right one can make you look amazing, but I just feel that it clogs my pores and isn't necessary.

However, I recently read a glowing report about Olay Total Effects with a touch of MaxFactor Foundation. I liked the idea that it was a moisturiser/foundation which was really good for your skin and not too heavy. It also contained that all important SPF which really is vital for maintaining young and healthy skin.

I have worn it a few times now and find that a little goes quite a long way. When applied, the skin instantly looks fresh and glowing. The coverage is light and the skin feels good. The only down side is that it doesn't make a very good base for makeup. I've found that my bronzer really clings to this product and looks blotchy.

This is a great moisturiser for creating a natural look with added protection, but be careful to apply a primer with it if you want your makeup to look good too.