Archive for the ‘Beauty’ Category
I am going on holiday to Marrakech soon. It will be 7 days in the (here’s hoping for) scorching north African sun, and I am looking forward to getting my first sun tan in almost 18 months.
One thing I am determined to do is to minimise on my packing with make-up and beauty products for two main reasons: I will be flying by no-frills airline Easyjet who are notoriously difficult with luggage dimensons and weights (total size includes wheels and handles for crying out loud!). Also I want to leave enough room for any potential purchases I will find difficult to resist from the souqs.
I took a heaving bag of make-up on my last getaway and shamefully I didn’t even use two-thirds of the contents. What is it about going away that sends us into a panic that we might need several palettes and lipsticks? It’s a holiday, not a fashion shoot!
So here are the essentials I’ve whittled down to:
- Maybelline’s Volum’ Express The Rocket Mascara – my current favourite mascara (not photographed)
- Illamasqua’s Precision Liner in Abyss
- Illamasqua’s Skin Base (12)
- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (NW35)
- L’Occitane’s Sublime Beauty Cream – BB Cream in Medium*
- GOSH BB Cream in Warm Beige
- Bourjois cream blusher in Sweet Cherry (04)*
- Nars cream blusher in Maui
- Avon Supershock Gel Liner in black
- Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Roomiest Rose and Mightiest Marschino*
- Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush (005)
- Smashbox Megatint in Punch*
- Bourjois 3D Effet lip glosses in Brun Exotic and Brun Rosé*
- Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lip Gloss in Icon and Empress
- Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm* – doubles up as a primer
- Liz Earle Sheer Gold Shimmer
I have purposely avoided products which need brushes as well as powders, and subsequently I am leaving out the eyeshadows because frankly I can’t be bothered with all that faffing around.
Bourjois’s new collection of cream blushers are not until 15th May but you can read a review and see swatches by Leanne of Do Not Refreeze. Light and slim in packaging, these are perfect for travelling so I’m popping one in the bag.
I am also looking forward to putting L’Occitane’s new BB Cream through its paces and I will be posting a review on it.
All of these fit nicely in my relatively small Bourjois make-up bag*. Honestly my make-up bag before was hand bag size!
Is there anything else I should take? I know I’ve overdone it with the lipwear but the trouble is, I don’t know which ones I will wear (depending on how I feel at the time) so I’m taking a few. Madness. I would love to know if you try to downsize your make-up when you go away or if you take more than what I am packing.
On a separate note, if you’ve been to Marrakech, please let me know your recommendations about what hidden gems I should visit or try. One thing that is an absolute must is a hammam and massage and picking up some argan oil. Can’t wait!
*PR sample
There’s a new subscription service on the scene. I know what you’re thinking…not another one! Well BoxDelux is geared towards high end luxury and it’s not just about beauty but health, refreshment and homely pleasures too.
The folks at BoxDelux have teamed up with leading brands including Illuminum Perfumes, Skin Salveation, Teapigs, Nakd Bars and NUYU skin clinic to bring top brand luxuries direct to your door every month. Some of these names might sound familiar to you so it’s a great opportunity to sample such delights.
To maintain exclusivity, there will be a limited number of boxes available each month with no repetition of products and each item featured will be available to buy in the online shop at www.box-delux.com for a limited period only. What’s also exciting is each monthly box will have a different theme every month including support for Breast Cancer Awareness later on in the year with a percentage of the profits going to the worthy cause.
The first BoxDelux will be out in May featuring the Best of British, so it’s a chance to experience the finest products made at home plus there will be an exclusive £20 gift voucher for redemption in the BoxDelux shop.
Subscription prices which include delivery, are as follows:
1 month subscription £35
3 month subscription £105
6 month subscription £175
12 month subscription £350
Giftboxdelux from £100
If you are stuck for ideas for a birthday present then it’s worth remembering BoxDelux can be purchased as a gift subscription for any period mentioned above.
For more on BoxDelux or to join the service, visit their website www.box-delux.com. There is also a Facebook page and you can keep up to date via Twitter too. Let me know if this selection tickles your fancy.
Exciting news for all you make-up lovers. The first United Make-up Artist Expo will be taking place in London on 6-7 April. To be held in Islington’s Business Design Centre, there will be stalls, shows and discussions.
The two day event will also feature a host of well known cosmetic companies including the London Brush Company. I first came across LBC at London IMATS a couple of years ago and met the founder Siân Richards too. The brushes are most probably my absolute favourite so I am pleased I will get a chance to stock up on more.
To find out more about the event and for tickets, visit http://www.umae.co.uk/.
Prices start from £27 for one-day tickets if you book in advance with concessions for students and professionals. If you’re keen then hurry as prices will gradually rise until on the day when they will cost £45. For each ticket that is purchased the organisers will donate £1.00 to Breast Cancer Awareness.
Roll up, roll up! Tickets for this year’s Vitality Show are now on sale. The beauty event marks its 14th birthday at Earl’s Court, London, from Thursday 21st through to Sunday 24th March.
Bringing the UK the latest trends and technology in all things health, beauty and fitness has made The Vitality Show the largest event of its kind. If you’ve never been and like the sound of free fitness and yoga sessions, spa treatments, health and beauty tips from the pros and shopping, get yourself down to Earls Court next month.
You can upgrade your ticket by going VIP, which includes a choice of facials and massages from Neal’s Yard plus a Vitality goody bag worth over £50. You will also get fast-track entry into the show and unlimited herbal teas. Also X-Factor’s Ella Henderson will be performing exclusively on Sunday 24th March.
Tickets are priced at £20 for adults with group booking discounts available. For more information on who will be at this year’s Vitality Show and to book tickets, visit http://vitalityshow.co.uk/.
