Bic 'Just Live Your Summer' Party in Covent Garden

Last week I also went to the Bic 'Just Live Your Summer' Party in Covent Garden. It was probably the rainiest day of summer so far (that's saying something) and as we wobbled across the market cobbles to find the venue it was we got soaked to the skin!

Luckily inside the atmosphere was a little more temperate; we sipped some fruity cocktails and ate small tarts, sausages (for the meat eaters) and strawberries dipped in chocolate, delicious! There was a zumba class taking place, and though I have always wanted to try this, the combination of heels and alcohol made it a risky choice.

There were also Colour Me Beautiful consultations with Angi Jones. I remember my Mum and her friends going to get their 'colours done' when I was really young, so was eager to give it a go. Angi took me through a range of fabric swatches to see what colours suit my skin tone; the result was 'cool' colours. Very interesting, and may persuade me to step away from my beloved black in future.




Finally, there were Garra Rufa fish pedicures! This bemuses me, but I am a fish hater. I hate the look, taste and smell of fish. I even panicked in the controlled environment of Discovery Cove in Florida when I snorkelled and a fish swam towards me. So despite desperately needing some foot tending, there was no way I was going near those tanks; as you can see below, some braver souls did...




Anyone else tried the fish pedicures? Some people submerged their hands too!

Forever 21 Store London Launch

I've hear much about Forever 21 from American bloggers and well-traveled flatmates and so was pleased to learn it would be landing on Oxford Street in London this month. It sells lots of fashion, shoes and jewellery and seems reasonable; sort of like an American H&M?

I went along to the launch party last week which was held in the Old Sorting Office on New Oxford street. The roomy warehouse had been transformed to a Californian funfair, complete with carousel, burger van and roller skating babes!

We grabbed a cranberry based drink and contemplated getting a burger but alas, the queue was a mile long snake of hipsters, so we settled for an ice cream cone instead. Blogger Bip Ling was DJing enthusiastically to a hazy dance floor, and the one from Dirty Sexy Things was dancing in a cool way ha!

We were given a ticket on entry and shuffled in to see 'the show' at half 10. I expected some acrobats, but in fact it was the most amazing hologram experience. Truly amazing 3D technology made it look like the models were standing pouting before us, before shimmering in to animated splashes. We were transfixed!!



PS. Pictures stolen from Bianca at Fashion Slant- her iPhone is ten times better than my old Canon compact! When my Blackberry meets its demise I shall be converting to Apple!

A question of ethics - animal testing in cosmetics

I've been a little slow on the blogging front recently, and this is partly because I'm having a crisis of conscience. I've been reading up on animal testing in cosmetics, and it is truly shocking how many big brands still practice this, and even more distressing is the fact that I use many of these products every single day. Suddenly my scheduled posts for MaxFactor mascara, Olay skincare and Rimmel nail polish seem a little shameful?

I'm an great lover of animals and even wanted to be a vet until I realised that blood makes me faint. A few years ago I made the decision to become a vegetarian, not because I think eating meat is implicitly wrong, but rather it's something I don't feel comfortable with, and don't want to take part in. I'm no preacher on the topic of meat, but animal testing is in a league of its own; with the technology in this day and age, there is no excuse to practice such barbarism for cosmetic purposes.

So as a beauty blogger, a decision to stop using products tested on animals is a big change that will require much research and many limitations. Obviously, my dressing table is full of products from companies that test so it's going to take a little time to make a clean switch.

I have thought about this, and I think I firstly want to promote knowledge on which companies test and which do not (I was shocked to learn how many seemingly organic companies are on the testing list). I will continue posting about all products for awhile, but I will be discreetly labeling each review with information on the company's animal testing policies for those that are interested. The same goes for any products that are sent to me to from PR companies.


From this moment onwards, I will not be personally puchasing new products from any brand that tests on animals. I've got a feeling this might be tricky, but I am willing to put in the time to find great products that are animal friendly.





PS. Meet Oscar...looking at pics of this cute fella makes that miraculous MaxFacter mascara decidebly less incredible.

YSL Rouge Pur Couture in 10 Beige Tribute

YSL is one of my favourite cosmetic brands across all categories, foundations, eyeliners, and mascaras are all note worthy, but the lipsticks are exceptional! Rich creamy formulas that leave lips hydrated and drenched in colour for hours, I urge everyone to splurge on your favourite shade.

I love a nude, pale pink, so I make sure that I always have a YSL tube about my person. Rouge Pur Couture in 10 Beige Tribute is perfect, and can be worn lightly for a natural lip, or built up to a 60's chalky pout. I've been wearing it all week, only exchanging it when red wine stains required a darker shade of Chanel!

Absolution Organic Skincare

I like the idea of organic produce, but I must admit it is not a lifestyle I have fully submitted to; £1 for lettuce or £2 for organic lettuce? I will always be reaching for the former in Tesco, simply due to financial constraints.

But perhaps skincare is just as important in the organic debate, after all we are putting these formulas on out faces twice a day, 365 days a year (give or take those makeup caked drunken snoozes). I sometimes read the boxes of face cream in Boots, but I have no idea what any of the scientific ingredients actually are or do.

I have seen some organic 'beauty' in Wholefoods, overpriced, ugly and unpleasant smelling, so I was really surprised to learn that the sleek and beautifully packaged Absolution products are organic. The brand has won some prizes for the design, furthermore it is crafted recycled materials printed with vegetable ink- stylish with a conscience

Looks aside, this stuff is good. I was given two products to try:

1. L'Eau Soir et Martin This cleansing water smells deliciously herbal, and can be used with a cotton wool pad to remove makeup and cleanse skin morning and evening. My skin is really sensitive, and prone to dryness, yet this left it clear and clean but not tight. It even melted off heavy duty three coated mascara without irritation! A pure luxury to use, I began to look forward to taking my makeup off at the end of the night and have already gone through a bottle. I am definitely going to repurchase.


2. Le Soin Regard - This is an eye cream that claims immediate effects and long-term benefits. I'm not sure about how will it smooths wrinkles overtime, but it certainly brightens up the eye by day. I have really bad dark circles at the moment (concealer reviews ahead!) and this really reduced the appearance with its reflective light reflecting formula. It also has an amazing fragrance that smells like it is doing good things!


I find it so hard to source skincare that agrees with my combination face, but these two products have proved an excellent match, and organic to boot! I would love to have the whole collection on my bathroom shelf and might have to purchase over time- would like to see how the moisturisers work.

Absolution Organic Skincare is available at Space NK

Braun Sound of Fashion Party @ The Hospital Club with Daisy Lowe

Last week I was invited to the Braun Sound of Fashion event at The Hospital Club in Covent Garden. A night of fashion and music was promised, with Daisy Lowe at the helm as curator and DJ.

I came straight from work and had do a speed clothes change in the Oasis fitting room which was totally clocked by the sales assistant! Awkward! We arrived at the venue to find a very pink room, and supped very good champagne whilst chatting to the lovely PR girls.

The show was the highlight of the evening; it featured long-legged (Braun epilated) lovelies wearing outfits picked by Daisy who is currently starring in the Dual Epilator campaign. Lots of monochrome with slicked back ponytails and scarlet lips with a booming beat-ful soundtrack. Topped up glasses accompanied a cheerful pop set before we clattered in to the night for a woozy tube journey home. Great event!

Read my review of the Braun Dual Epilator HERE: