This blog post contains samples received as a PR gift. I’m not under obligation to review or comment. See my full disclaimer below. There is something a little bit throwback about the ‘sticky sandwich’ nail hack. I first discovered it years ago before gel nails became my go to. I’m hard on my hands so finding ways for nail polish to look good beyond two days is a challenge. With the ongoing pandemic restrictions, I’ve rediscovered the ‘sticky sandwich’ nail hack as a way to make regular nail polish last. The basis of this technique is to sandwich your colour nail polish between layers of a ..read more

This blog post contains samples received as a PR gift. I’m not under obligation to review or comment. See my full disclaimer below. I am a huge fan of the Pixi Beauty Rose range of skincare. It’s hydrating and caring for my dry and dehydrated skin. Excitingly, Pixi Beauty have brought out a range called Rose Bodytreats. This is what my skin needs in the lead up to spring. It’s a time when I might dare to put away those winter woolies and reach for the lighter layers instead. The first Rose Bodytreats product is the Pixi Beauty Rose Body Cleanser (£18). This is a nourishing cream body cleanse ..read more

This blog post contains samples received as a PR gift. I’m not under obligation to review or comment. See my full disclaimer below. There’s nothing more satisfying than finding a decent face mask to pep my skin during all this time at home. It’s so important to use a good exfoliating product once or twice a week to remove dead skin cells. This helps active skincare products to absorb better into skin, helps makeup apply better and improves the general health of bare skin. I have been using the Dermalogica Hydro Masque Exfoliant (£55) in my Sunday self care routine for the past few months and ..read more

Trying to arrange a birthday celebration during a pandemic is challenging. Our usual celebrations involve meals and possibly drinks out with friends and family. Maybe even multiple outings depending on the occasion. With the current pandemic, we are adapting so we marked my husband’s birthday with a Little Blackwood bao takeaway. We had some good fortune that Little Blackwood were doing their bao specials at the right time. It’s not their usual offering but with covid19, businesses are doing what they can to adapt to ever changing guidelines. We ordered a Family Bao Box (£79), with 20 bao an ..read more

This blog post contains samples received as a PR gift. I’m not under obligation to review or comment. See my full disclaimer below. Dermalogica have released a limited edition Body Glow To Go version of their Phyto Replenish Body Oil. It’s coming up to Christmas so it’s time for all the festive editions to start appearing. This release comes in a pretty botanical print box, making it a lovely gift. If you’re looking to try the Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Body Oil without committing to a full size bottle then this might be a great way to do so. Also, there’s no rule saying you can’t buy a gift ..read more

This blog post contains samples received as a PR gift. I’m not under obligation to review or comment. See my full disclaimer below. Great news for beauty lovers in the UK as Laura Mercier launches in Boots stores and online. I’ve been a fan of Laura Mercier for years. Everything from their brushes to base products and cream eyeshadows. I love my Laura Mercier collection and have made several repurchases over the years. Laura Mercier is the pioneer of the flawless face. We’re talking about beautiful primers, seamless foundations (hello Silk Crème), invisible concealers and the silkiest of pow ..read more

We’re all in this together. The lockdown hair struggle is real. Do we succumb to home trims, bleaching and colouring? Or simply buy a few pretty hair bands and braid our way through this crisis? Like most of the nation, I have been living with a grown out hair style and colour for most of 2020. Through the few selfies and photos I’ve felt up to taking and sharing during the pandemic, I’ve documented this era of make do beauty. With the uncertainty of the pandemic, lockdown restrictions mean I’m having to change my hair colour plans. I love going to Aesthetics Hair once every six or eight wee ..read more

Trying to dress more sustainably for me involves thinking about all the ways I can utilise what I have. I don’t want to keep buying things for one specific occasion without considering longevity and cost per wear. Given that most of my clothes are currently in storage whilst I await my house move, I was considering how I was going to dress for the colder British winter – and Christmas. I found a few great options but this ethical Christmas jumper (£34) from Rock on Ruby is perfect as it works all year round – not just the lead up to 25th December. Firstly, the slogan speaks to my heart. I re ..read more

This blog post contains samples received as a PR gift. I’m not under obligation to review or comment. See my full disclaimer below. 2020 has been a challenging year for so many people and in varying ways. Treating ourselves and each other with some kindness is having a bigger and more profound effect this year. It’s been tough. I was searching for ways to shop small in Birmingham during lockdown to support independent businesses I love. Here’s a list of ways to be kind to yourself or a loved one, and support small local businesses all at once. Spice up all those meals at home with some delic ..read more

I was a guest at a PR event. I’m not under obligation to review or comment. See my full disclaimer below. The Sainsbury’s beauty aisles have undergone a makeover both in store and online. People want to conveniently shop for beauty products alongside the weekly food shop. So Sainsbury’s invited me to look around and do a little shopping to see the change for myself. Let’s be honest – I don’t venture to the supermarket to purchase beauty products. The supermarket isn’t my beauty shopping destination of choice as it’s usually difficult to find a good range of products or brands. Though I may on ..read more