IS BEAUTY SKIN DEEP?

So this is a little different from my normal lifestyle posts but as I'm investing in a little self care at the moment – read more about why here – I thought it would be good to share my morning at the EF MediSpa Bristol and my state of shock when I saw the results!

MY NEW YEAR'S EVE BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

Christmas has passed and everyone is gearing up to the biggest party of the year at the strike of midnight. Whether you like to see the year out in a bang or snuggled up at home, there's no denying that 2016 brings a fresh start and new energy for me.

I'm always up for a good party and I thought it would be fun to share my New Year's Eve beauty essentials, and what I'll be using to add a touch of sparkle to my night out. I don't tend to wear a lot of make up, going for a more natural look where possible, but I'm loving this glam palette for party season.

First up is my YSL Touche Eclat Blur Primer creating a great base for my make up. This primer makes my skin feel amazing and it visibly diminishes pores, plus the gold flecks look ace! At night I've been using the Clinique All About the Eyes Serum, this is the only thing that keeps my dark circles at bay and if that doesn't work then my good old Touche Eclat hides any signs of panda eyes.  When it comes to foundations I tend to alternate and I'm still on the hunt for my perfect match and can hopefully pick some up in the sales.

For me it's all about the eyes, striking eyeliner, long lashes and a touch of colour, looking to enhance their natural shape rather than overload them. I tend to use They're Real Push Up Liner as the point on the pen makes it easy to create the perfect cat flick effect and this dinky travel size No.7 Intense Volume Mascara is smooth and silky on lashes.

I love adding a bit of glitz to my wardrobe and can always find a way of adding it into my outfit, like this cute clutch purse or this Be Beautiful statement necklace with pops of neon colour c/o Happiness Boutique alongside a good fashion ring.

I don't normally use a lipstick or lip colour of any kind often just sticking to a plain balm to prevent chapped lips but I had loads of fun trying the Instant Definition Lip Crayon c/o Green People. The blossom lip crayon gave a lovely pink shimmer, perfect for parties, and the colour lasted for hours as well as my lips feeling nourished with the Shea Butter and Baobab giving it a creamy finish, plus it's organic!

My other beauty indulgence is nails! I swooned over my Nail Varnish advent calendar c/o Accessorize, and with so many colours a girl is really spoilt for choice! I have been known to carry  varnishes with me so I can change them at whim and even though I'm planning on using my Beige Gallery by YSL during the day, I'll still be keeping a sparkly varnish in my bag to add a touch of glitz when the evening rolls in.

If you want some other fab nail inspirations then check out my Nails Pinterest board for some other ideas.



We still don't have concrete plans for NYE, although we do know it will be spent with friends over laughter, dancing and champagne. I always tend to make plans last minute and roll with the flow, going where the vibe takes me. Last year midnight was welcomed in front of an open pit fire at an Apres Ski party beside a tipi at the Creative Common in Bristol – after a few bar/dance stops along the way – and it was a hoot!

However you celebrate New Years Eve I hope you have a most magical time full of fun and laughter! x

WIN GREEN PEOPLE'S DD AGE DEFY+ TINTED MOISTURISER

 

As a mama with little sleep, it's a struggle to look fresh faced most mornings, and you would be hard pressed to see me to leave the house without a bit of concealer and light foundation coverage to hide the suitcases dark circles I'm rocking at the moment.

So when I was asked whether I'd like to try the new Age Defy+ Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 15 from Green People I practically whooped. I'd been hearing a lot of great things over on social media, with everyone raving about the double D, its sheer coverage and natural glow.

Up until now I had been using a matt foundation, but during the winter months I've noticed that it was making my skin seem quite dull and dry in appearance. The new Age Defy+ tinted moisturiser is the UK's first certified Organic Daily Defence (DD) cream which goes on smoothly and is made with colour correcting natural earth minerals – yes say goodbye pale face and dark circles.

Using natures helping hand, the cream harnesses the power of plant stem cells technology to offer a complete anti-aging solution and it's always good to know that you're not putting any nasty chemicals on your face. I'm quite tempted to go completely organic for my make up needs after seeing how good my skin feels, plus anything to help reduce those fine lines is good for me!

The moisturiser comes in two shades, light and medium and should suit most people due to colour correcting natural earth minerals. I really loved this tinted moisturiser and now use it part of my daily beauty routine. Add a touch of concealer and some mascara and I'm ready to face the world as long as I've had a coffee.

The lovely Green People have offered two of you lovely readers to win a bottle of the tinted DD moisturiser – one winner per shade in each shade – and five runners up who will win a tester to try at home. All you need to do is enter using the options below. Good luck!

*T&C Giveaway will run for two weeks and the winner will be drawn by random using rafflecopter on the 16th February. All entries will be verified. Prize will include be one Organic Green People UK Age Defy DD Tinted Moisturiser worth the value of £35. This is not exchangeable. By entering you are signing up to the Wild & Grizzly E-newsletter. Open worldwide. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS

You know when your having one of those days where your head is full of busy, your house is a sea of mess, work deadlines are looming and you want wine but looking at the clock you realise it's way too early, unless you're over 65 and living in some happy go lucky californian retirement home? Yes, well that.

As I have no freshly cut flowers in beautiful vases dotted round the flat to hand – my instant zen go-to – these pics of beautiful blooms will have to do. It might even prompt a trip to the flower market tomorrow.

Enjoy x

Images via Pinterest