Sunday 30 June 2013

Perfume Sample Saturday - Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua For Women Eau de Parfum


A bouquet of aquatic floral and warm musks with a clean, natural elegance,

Top notes: Apple, Cucumber, Apricot and Peony
Heart notes: Jasmine, Gardenia, Magnolia and Tiare flower 
Base notes: Woods, Cedar and Musk

My thoughts 

A gorgeous fragrance that has Summer Holiday written all over it, evoking tempting cool lush seas, the sea breeze and being soaked in the warm rays of the sun. If you would like something that is neither fruity or floral this is worth trying.

A lovely clean and balanced scent.

I find this quite similar to the discontinued The Body Shop Oceanus fragrance which I had actually forgotten all about but it brought it all back to me as I had a Greek Uni friend who was obsessed with it .

Calvin Klein Eternity Aqua EDP 30ml £29

Friday 28 June 2013

Nails Of The Day - Ciate Caviar Pearls Shooting Star & Cookies and Cream with Marie Claire


Free with July's Marie Claire magazine are 2 Ciate Mini's - Cookies and Cream which is a milky beige nude shade with a crème texture and Shooting Star Caviar Micro Pearls. I only picked up the magazine this morning but couldn't wait to have a little play (it took just seconds!) as these colours are just the kind of thing that I would wear.

In natural light


What do you think?

A Short Story ..Peter and Jane

Part 1

A man called Peter lived at the end of my street.  The first and only time I saw him was on the day he moved in. He noticed me looking and gave me a wave. He had short cropped hair, brown beady eyes and a beard.  I think I smiled back and shouted out my name, he wasn't my type but I could be friendly enough when needed. However, this friendliness of mine may have been a huge mistake, he turned into my stalker.

Here is my story - 

To get to the station I had to walk past his house every single day.  I could feel his eyes looking me up and down. I couldn't see him but I knew he was there.

Every so often I would turn back to see if I could catch him peeking  but each time all I would see would be the twitch of the curtain falling back into place. Peter was clever all right.

I imagined him sat grinning in his room, knowing what game he was playing and how much it was torturing me and yet there was nothing I could do. He had me terrified. I had no proof but I just knew. God, did I sound insane? After 3 months I admit I was beginning to doubt myself. Was it all in my head?

My friend Alice told me to go to the Police and report him – I couldn’t do that! What would I say?
“There's this man who watches me”.  They would laugh in my face ' No law against that, darling' the rotund desk Sergeant would say.

Nothing would change. He would still be watching me; those sinister red velvet curtains would still be twitching. My skin was crawling just thinking about it.

No, there was only one thing for it I decided. I had to lure him into mischief, find out what he wanted, before he hurt someone else. This had to stop.

So my plan began...

What do you think.. do you want more?




Tuesday 25 June 2013

Mandara Spa Island Paradise Revitalising Leg Treatment - Summer Ready Legs


I was recently invited to experience a new Mandara Spa Treatment - The Island Paradise Revitalising leg Treatment. I popped along to the divine Spa based at the Park Plaza Hotel Westminster Bridge for the 50 minute treatment and allowed myself to drift away to paradise.

Developed exclusively for Mandara Spa this detoxifying and contouring treatment for the legs combine hero
products from the Island Paradise bath & body spa collection.

Treatment claims

Inspired by the Maldives, the potent benefits of grapefruit, lemon and white tea combined with an intensive lymphatic drainage treatment using traditional bamboo massage techniques, will help stimulate a sluggish circulation, reduce fluid retention and smooth the appearance of cellulite. Tired, heavy legs will feel energised whilst the skin will feel beautifully smooth and look healthy and toned – the perfect preparation for summer.

What it involves


• To help kick-start poor circulation, an intensive dual-action treatment of dry-brushing, followed by exfoliation will have an invigorating effect on the legs. The Island Paradise Intensive Body Scrub combines crushed peach stone granules and coconut shells to thoroughly exfoliate the skin in preparation for the massage.

• Next the Island Paradise Cooling Gel is generously applied and massaged into the legs and thighs. The cooling,menthol action will further help stimulate blood flow and refresh tired legs.

• Legs are then wrapped, a technique that enhances the benefits of the cooling gel by restricting blood flow in the capillaries and helps to reduce any puffiness. Feet then receive a massage with the Island Paradise Foot Butter and placed into cotton socks for an intense nourishing treatment.

• Whilst your feet and legs undergo their transformation,enjoy a wonderfully relaxing head and shoulder massage.


• The treatment is finished with a traditional warm bamboo massage. Designed to stimulate the lymphatic drainage, it will help flush away the build up of toxins and fatty deposits that can lead to the appearance of cellulite. The legs will appear more toned and contoured whilst feeling revitalised and beautifully soft to the touch.

My thoughts and a mini review of the products used.


The treatment from start to finish was sublime. The room was warm and inviting, the music calm and relaxing. my therapist had a wonderfully soothing voice. The scrub was harsh but pleasant for a real exfoliating and invigorating feeling that woke up the legs.  The cooling gel's icy cool effects were really rather pleasurable as it gained momentum having been wrapped. I normally dislike my feet being massaged but the foot massage was gentle and non tickly which made it bearable.. I absolutely loved the head and shoulder massage which identified tense areas and my therapist recommended that I had regular massages to ease this. The highlight of the treatment was the warm bamboo massage on my legs. This was a delightful contrast to the iciness that had preceded it.

At the end of the treatment my legs felt extremely light and the softest and smoothest I have ever felt them to be. I felt ready to bare them.

Bringing the spa to your home... You can replicate the spa treatment at home.. sadly minus the professional massage, with the affordable products that are used during the treatment.

Product reviews - products available to purchase from Sainsbury's.

Island Paradise Intensive Body Scrub £8.00 - Slightly lemony and citrus in scent this is a grainy and highly effective exfoliator.
Island Paradise Refreshing Cooling Gel £5.00 - Containing menthol the scent is very similar to Tunes, which I find really quite appealing and cannot help inhaling. The cooling effect is fab and would be highly enjoyable on a hot sunny day!
Island Paradise Softening Foot Butter £4.00 - This also has a citrus lemon scent, resembling a lemon cream. This foot butter is semi thick, absorbs fast and leaves feet smelling wonderful and super soft and silky.


Mandara Spa Island Paradise Revitalising Leg Treatment 
Price: £85.00 for 50 minutes


*PR Samples

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil - Review


Balance Me say 

Highly emollient yet super-absorbent, our 100% natural powerfully active face oil with Amazonian buriti nut oil, Roman chamomile, yarrow and benzoin feeds skin lacking in lustre with a rich, replenishing blend of skin-boosting and smoothing ingredients. Suitable for all skin types, including combination complexions.

INGREDIENTS

 Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Vitis vinifera (grape seed) oil, Aleurites moluccana (kukui) nut oil, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, Rosa canina (rosehip) fruit oil, Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) oil, Moringa oleifera (moringa) seed oil, Camellia oleifera (camellia) oil, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Anthemis nobilis (Roman chamomile)*, Styrax benzoin (benzoin), Achillea millefolium (yarrow)*, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract, Limonene**, Linalool**, Geraniol**, Citronellol**

My thoughts 

Don't you just love it when a product lives up to its claims. This is a gorgeous oil to apply, puts the 'treat' in treatment. It has a pleasant subtle scent and doesn't feel overly oily or greasy on the skin and absorbs well. I apply it at night (2 drops) before my moisturiser and I noticed a difference in the texture of my skin within 2 days. My skin is smoother and more refined. The skin looks softer, clearer, brighter and generally more radiant. 

Have you tried this oil?

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil 30ml costs £30

*PR Sample

Monday 24 June 2013

Afternoon Sweet Treat - Rococo Chocolates Dark Chocolate Floral Bar With Rose



I suffer from Afternoon slump and start to crave something sweet right about ..3pm. Dark chocolate is a good option to satisfy the craving and I have just discovered this gorgeous chocolate from Rococo Chocolates. 2 squares hits the sweet spot.

How pretty is the wrapper too - it is an original watercolour from the Rococo founder and designer Chantal Coady.

Rococo say 

In this bar our 65% organic dark chocolate blend is combined with steam distilled organic rose essential oil

My thoughts 

I love chocolate, especially dark chocolate and I love Rose (in all shapes and forms) so it was a given that this would appeal. It doesn't disappoint. A slightly bitter dark chocolate with just the right amount of rose taste with an appealing rose scent. A high end turkish delight taste. Delicious.

Rococo Dark Chocolate Floral Bar with Rose costs £4.50 for 70g

Front Bow Espadrille Summer Wedge Shoes From Marks & Spencer



BeautySwot is all about things of beauty and over the weekend whilst browsing in the shops I came across these super cute wedge shoes from M&S.

Gorgeous patent nude wedge shoes with a front bow. I picked these up in a Size 3. They are really comfortable and not too high to walk in. Ideal for Summer and they make a change from my usual black shoes!

Marks and Spencer Front Bow Espadrille Wedge Shoes cost £19.50 and are available in sizes 3-8 including half sizes.

Sunday 23 June 2013

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Review - Sachet Sample Sunday


I have been wanting to try the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream for a while and when I was purchasing one of the new Clinique A Different Nail Enamels the counter asst offered to give me a sample of the CC Cream so that I could try it.

I was matched with shade Light which is second up from the lightest shade.

Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector



Clinique say 

Introducing a new, lightweight formula that immediately creates natural, glowing skin. Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector is an instant complexion perfector designed to enhance skin’s natural radiance while leaving it hydrated and protected.

Suitable for all skin types. Coverage moderate.


Daylight

With Flash

My thoughts 

Shade match - light was perfect for me.

Texture wise I was expecting this to be lighter than it was, it felt much more like a foundation. I found it to be reasonably thick coming out of the pot but once on the skin it was easy to blend and was barely visible, I found that a little goes a long way. I like the scent which is similar to a sun cream. Coverage wise moderate is a good description. It covered and smoothed my skin (pores etc) well although more coverage/concealer was needed for red blemishes. My rosacea redness was dealt with brilliantly however. The product provides a nice radiant glow, living up to its healthy appearance claim. Lasting wise this gave at least 6/7 hours of coverage and it still looked nice and fresh. 

All in all this is a fantastic product and coupled with the high SPF and range of shades makes an excellent purchase.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream 40ml costs £28 and is available in 9 shades

Saturday 22 June 2013

Nails Of The Day - Models Own Hed Kandi Ibiza Mix & MissGuided MissCellaneous Nude Nail Splash



MissGuided MisCellaneous Nude Splash is a fantastic nude beige, perfect for the nude nail trend this Summer. It has a great consistency, it applies smoothly and 2 coats achieves opacity. As an accent nail Models Own Hed Kandi Ibiza Mix has been added for some gorgeous super sparkle.

*Hand model my lovely little sister

Friday 21 June 2013

It's Back! The Royal Albert Afternoon Tea Tour 2013



A bit of news dropped into my inbox this afternoon that really brightened up my day ... The Royal Albert Tea Tour is back again for 2013.

From 10am - 4pm they will be serving up free afternoon tea in the beautiful vintage style tea sets. There will be plenty of macaroons, cupcakes and tea for everyone.

In keeping with Royal Albert’s vintage theme, there will be a chance to be professionally styled by a vintage hairdressing specialist while playing dress-up using themed costumes and props available.

Here are the dates and locations where the tour will be heading -

• Friday 21st June – Islington Green Gardens

• Saturday 22nd June – Jerden Place

• Friday 28th June – Bloomsbury Square

• Saturday 29th June – Parsons Green

• Friday 5th July - Spitalfields

Last year I popped along to one of the events and can tell you it was great fun!

Will you be popping along?

Thursday 20 June 2013

What's Inside My June GlossyBox 2013


June's GlossyBox is themed as creating your perfect Summer Look.

So what did I get inside mine...


A nice mix of makeup, skincare and haircare. I like the variety in the box.

MONU Hydrating Moisturiser SPF15 (30ml) Full size 50ml £29.95

This smells lovely and fresh and it is suitable for all skin types. I am tempted to use this now but wondering if actually I should keep it for taking away as it is the perfect travel size... decision, decisions.
A Zinc Oxide SPF provides both UVA and UVB protection and it also contains Vitamin E.

Figs & Rouge Coco Rose Lip Balm (Full Size) £5

I am a huge fan of Figs & Rouge lip balms and so this is a welcome addition. Comes in a handy tube, is 100% natural and is tinted. Coco Rose is lightly tinted pink with a slight shimmer and a delicate rose scent. Very pretty and moisturising.

John Frieda Frizz Ease Original Serum (25ml) Full size 50ml £6.29

It has been a long time since I have used this serum (a staple for many years) and to be honest right now I have so many hair serums that it may take a long time to get round to using it. Liking the glossytip of applying it in the shower when hair is soaking wet. Not tried that before!

MeMeME Cosmetics Eye Inspire Mono Eye Shadow (Full Size) £4.99 

A baked eyeshadow that can be used wet or dry. I received shade Mocha - as this is a Summer box it would have been nice to receive a brighter or lighter shade. Although I have tried this brand I haven't tried their eyeshadow so I would be happy to use this as part of a smokey eye look.

Helen E Cosmetics Waterproof Protective Lip Liner (Full Size) £8 

I received shade 4 which is a gorgeous deep pink shade, I would be happy to wear this alone with a bit of gloss or under my lipstick to make it last longer. It applies really soft.

Final thoughts 

I will probably be using all of the products in this box although some I can see lasting longer than others due to the nature of the product and my level of excitement towards it! Value wise there are 3 full size products and those alone come to £18  so a great box this month.

Glossybox costs £10 a month plus p&p

*PR Sample

Tuesday 18 June 2013

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow


Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow is part of the Elemis Sp@ home range and one of two new body scrubs to be launched recently.

Elemis say

Transport mind, body and soul to the shore of the South Pacific.

Mineral rich salts and Hibiscus cleanse and exfoliate dead skin cells to help brighten skin
A rich infusion of exotic Tahitian Monoi Oil and Frangipani Flowers leaves skin delicately fragranced.
A nourishing Coconut Oil base melts on contact with the skin to seal in moisture.

To use - Apply with gentle circular motions to damp skin in the bath or shower. Use weekly to remove dead skin cells and restore skin radiance.



My thoughts  

The moment you open the jar you are seduced by the most obscenely beautiful scent possible. It makes you want to dive in and smother your body in this salt scrub. Obviously I didn't go crazy and do this but used it as per the instructions ;-)

The scrub is quite smooth (which I wasn't expecting) with a little bit of grit, enough to make you feel that you are indeed getting an exfoliation. The salt granules melt as you apply and turn into a milky textured liquid as it moisturises the skin. The result is silky smooth, soft skin.

Decadent and gorgeous. Achieving an exotic spa feeling at home has never been this pleasurable or easy!

The perfect self pampering treat.

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow 480g costs £36.50 and is out now.

*PR Sample

Cargo Cosmetics Giveaway - The Winner Is.....



I ran a birthday giveaway in conjunction with Cargo Cosmetics to win all of the items above

Water Resistant Blusher in the gorgeously Summery shade of Los Cabos worth £19

Texas Sized Duo worth £19.50 - Comprising of
TexasLash Mascara Black
TexasLiner Liquid Eyeliner Black 

JetLag Concealer shade 01 Light worth £19


The winner has been selected by random.org and I can now reveal the winner is .......

Mrs S Woodward

Congratulations - please email bettina@beautyswot.com with your details to claim your prize.

Thanks to everyone who entered and stay tuned for more fab giveaways and the chance to win :-)

Monday 17 June 2013

Lush The Olive Branch and Grass Shower Gels Review - Travel Size



The Olive Branch 100g £4.45

Featuring Fair Trade Olive Oil, Fresh Mandarins, Bergamot Oil and Vine Leaves. Lush describe this Shower Gel as the Med crammed into a bottle!

My thoughts 

As it contains Olive Oil the product separates so you have to shake before use. The oils in the product make it  feel nourishing and moisturising on the skin resulting in soft skin and as expected The Olive Branch has a divine citrus smell but it is not zesty. Great for a pamper.

Grass 100g £4.75

Containing Fresh Wheatgrass Juice, Sandalwood Oil, Bergamot Oil and Neroli Oil. Lush describe this as a green and fresh Shower Gel that is like a roll in the hay, or a walk through a morning Summer wood.

My thoughts

This smells exactly like cut grass, and is very refreshing to use. The perfect morning wash. Leaves skin feeling super clean and it lathers up nicely (much to the delight of my husband, who really liked Grass) Unfortunately for me it made me sneeze..  this was just a bit too real for me...hay fever!

Both these shower gels are suitable for use on hair and body. Oh and these bottles are perfectly sized for travel.

*PR Samples

Friday 14 June 2013

L'Occitane Iris Angelica Sublime Essence Skin Perfector


L'Occitane say 

For the 1st time in cosmetics, L'Occitane has patented the association of 2 angel's flowers to visibly reveal a perfect skin.

White Iris for its power of sublimation
Angelica for its power of hydration and vitality

Fresh and light, the Sublime Essence is a silicone-free perfecting serum. It's unique ultra velvety texture helps to correct skin irregularities.

1. Skin texture is visibly smoothed and refined.
2. Pores look instantly tightened
3. Redness and blemishes seem reduced
4. Complexion is more even and radiant
5. Skin is hydrated and plumped
6. Skin touch is ultra soft and velvety

My thoughts 

Sublime Essence is a new addition to the Angelica range from L'Occitane. Sublime by name, sublime by nature. Regular readers know scent is extremely important to me and this delivers, the serum smells so good and refreshing. A good scent means that making the product part of your routine is so much easier and I look forward to applying this day and night. I use 2 pumps twice a day.

The serum is thickish in texture and creamy opaque which goes on clear on the skin and leaves skin feeling soft and velvety to the touch, just like it promises to. Sublime Essence does a fantastic job of hydrating my skin and when I apply my foundation/BB Cream/CC Cream I have no dry patches at all. It also does a great job of smoothing and plumping my skin. My skin is not at all dull and appears more refined.

A very nice product indeed.

L'Occitane Sublime Essence Skin Perfector 30ml costs £39

*PR Sample

Melvita L'Or Bio Organic Extraordinary Oil


I am currently loving using L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil by Melvita, a nourishing and enhancing dry oil for face, body and hair.

Melvita say 

5 precious oils

To bring you L'Or Bio (organic gold) Melvita selected and blended the most precious organic  oil in the shades of three golds.

Yellow gold - Argan Oil, known for its exceptional skincare properties, is combined with Kendi Oil and Inca Inchi Oil with regenerating properties

Pink gold - Buriti Oil helps nourish the skin and promotes a healthy skin glow.

White gold - Pracaxi Oil improves hair shine and strength.

The result: a 100% natural origin dry oil with as light, fluid texture. The skin is nourished, its beauty enhanced. The hair is radiant, shiny and protected.

My thoughts 

It smells incredible, a gorgeous and delicate scent of sweeties! The spray bottle is easy to use and a little goes a long way, hence it is taking me ages to get through this 100ml bottle (not complaining)

Used on my face before bed, it is non greasy, smells wonderful and softens the skin beautifully. I occasionally use this on my body after showering and it leaves skin soft and smooth. However, my favourite use for the L'Or Bio is on my hair. The liquid is so light and leaves no residue. My hair is left with the most amazing shine, feels so soft to the touch and looks smooth, flattening down any flyaways (which I have a lot due to my son constantly playing with the top of my hair and breaking it!) Impressive results from one spray.

Melvita L'Or Bio Extraordinary Oil 100ml costs £25

*PR Sample


Thursday 13 June 2013

Afternoon Tea at the Dorchester 2013 - Review


Yesterday I revisited Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester, I can hardly believe it has been 3 years since my last visit. In the meantime I have been to The Dorchester for various events and the food has always been exceptional, so I was really looking forward to returning for the whole 'afternoon tea' experience. Pictured above is The Promenade where afternoon tea is served. The Promenade stretches the same length as the London landmark, Nelson's Column.

The entrance that greets you with the most incredibly delightful floral smell.


We were a party of 4 and were seated just in front of the live pianist, to my delight. I have mentioned before how much I appreciate live music when taking afternoon tea, it definitely adds to the whole experience.


All together for a photo :-)

Back to our own seats with the pianist pictured behind us.


The tea selection is varied with plenty of options there is one bound to appeal, however you are able to change your tea at any time. Three of us opted for the Paris Tea. Listed under the Delicate and Scented section it is described as a black tea blend flavoured with currants, caramel and bergamot. I had this the last time I was at The Dorchester and it is quite frankly the best tea I have ever had. The other in our party opted for the Arabian Mint Garden also from the Delicate and Scented section. This is described as a light and refreshing Green Tea with a hint of Peppermint.


The Food 

Sandwiches - 



We were presented with 5 different sandwiches.

Cucumber and Cream Cheese on Caraway Bread
Egg & Cress Mayonnaise on White Bread
Roasted Vegetable on Brown Bread
Salmon on Granary Bread
Chicken & Wholegrain Mustard on Tomato Basil Bread

(Sandwich offerings change daily)

One of the party asked for no mayonnaise on her sandwiches and this was dealt with easily and promptly.

Palette Cleanser



Scones were brought to our table warmed, these were light and fluffy in texture. Served were plain and raisin scones, clotted cream, strawberry and blackberry jam.




The delicious desserts and pastries 

Lemon cake
Banana and passion fruit mousse
Chocolate mousse
Strawberry and Pistachio
Tonka Bean Eclair - my favourite

(Sweet selection changes 4 times a year)


My thoughts 

As expected the food and drink was fantastic and filling., no complaints at all. The ambiance wonderful, the welcome pleasant and the space allocated warm and intimate and yet informal.  Afternoon tea is very deceptive, however the sandwiches were plentiful and replenished as many times as we wished. The few niggles I have are to do with the service, if these are sorted this is a first class afternoon tea destination.

When you first arrive the staff are very attentive, however at first there was an error with the wrong tea being poured for one of the party, she had to wait a while to receive the correct tea. To their credit they dealt with any deviation from the standard tea brilliantly. Once the initial tea is poured and sandwiches delivered the staff leave you to it. I would have liked to have not had to pour my own tea and we had to ask for the tea to be refilled in the pot as it had gone cold, we had to wait ages for this and the staff member apologised as he had forgotten to bring us the new tea. Nearing the end of the tea the staff seemed to disappear and so we had to get up and approach a desk to ask for the bill. After 10 mins we had to repeat this.

A parting photo in front of one of the huge floral displays.


Traditional Afternoon Tea is served daily at The Dorchester and costs £41 per person.

Tuesday 11 June 2013

Elie Saab Le Parfum - Review



Elie Saab Le Parfum is the original perfume from renowned evening dress designer Elie Saab, released in 2011. 

They say -

The top note opens on a sun-kissed, radiant orange blossom, as an ode to light.
The middle note develops into a jasmine absolute, a legendary flower in perfumery, imparting voluptuousness and elegance to the fragrance. It combines with a pure, modern patchouli heart.
The base note unfolds into a cedar woody accord adding character and a lingering trail, while the honey rose envelops the composition in a beautifully addictive note...

Top note: Orange Blossom
Middle notes: Jasmine absolute, Patchouli 
Base notes: Cedar accord, Honey Rose

My thoughts - 

Elegant, sophisticated and romantic, much like the gowns from the designer. This is a beautiful perfume that is an understated classic. A white floral fragrance that is delicately sweet, I would think this would appeal to the 30+ age bracket.

Elie Saab Le Parfum EDP Spray 50ml £56

Monday 10 June 2013

Father's Day Fragrance Gift Idea - Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Noir EDT Spray



Described as a woody aromatic fragrance Lacoste Noir is the newest addition to Lacoste's male fragrance collection.

Inspired by the intensity of warm Summer evenings and the timeless elegance and simplicity (the bottle) of the Lacoste Polo Shirt.  The bottle is black lacquered with side grips for easy handling and dressed with the iconic Lacoste crocodile logo in material.

The fragrance opens with a burst of wonderful freshness from the Watermelon, think of a welcoming breeze, this soon evolves into a more intense and aromatic scent of Basil, Lavender and Verbena replicating the warmth of dusk and early evening and culminates in an explosion of masculinity which intensifies in the heat releasing and wrapping the body with the sensualness of the base notes.

Lacoste Noir is absolutely gorgeous. It is intense, masculine and refreshing but ultimately it is warm and sensual - the perfect gift for a father.

Top Notes: Watermelon, Egyptian Basil
Heart Notes: Lavender, Verbena
Base Notes: Dark Chocolate Accord, Cashmeran, Courmarin, Patchouli

Lacoste Eau de Lacoste L.12.12 Noir EDT 100ml Spray costs £47. Also available in 30ml £28

*PR Sample

Friday 7 June 2013

Happy Birthday Giveaway with Cargo Cosmetics!


It's my birthday today and to celebrate with you my dear readers I am excited to announce that I have got together with the lovely people at Cargo Cosmetics for a rather fantastic Summer Essentials Make-Up Giveaway.

One lucky reader will win the following amazing prize (everything in the picture above) -

Water Resistant Blusher in the gorgeously Summery shade of Los Cabos worth £19

Texas Sized Duo worth £19.50 - Comprising of
TexasLash Mascara Black
TexasLiner Liquid Eyeliner Black 

JetLag Concealer shade 01 Light worth £19

How To Enter -
  • You must be a follower of this blog - Please leave a comment stating how you are following the blog and what your Summer Beauty Essential is.
  • You can gain an extra entry by tweeting about this giveaway. Just tag your tweet with @BeautySwot at the end so I can see it. 

The (not so) Small Print -

  • Maximum entries per person is 2.
  • Open only to UK residents.
  • All entries will be logged and numbered, and the winner will be selected by www.random.org
  • Entries close at 23.59pm, Monday 17th June 2013.
  • The winner and instructions as to how to claim your prize will appear on the blog on Tuesday 17th June. You will have 48 hours to get in touch before I select a new winner.
Thanks for entering and good luck!

Bettina x



Thursday 6 June 2013

Nails Of The Day - Jessica Custom Nail Colour in Seductress


2-3 coats will get the best out of this Jessica Custom Nail Colour. Seductress is a beautifully bright raspberry red.

*As worn by my lovely sister

Summer Fragrance - Roger & Gallet Fleur De Figuier Eau Fraiche


Fresh, fruity and delicious - the new fragrance from Roger & Gallet. Fleur de Figuier takes you on a voyage to the Mediterranean garden of Esterel. This scent captures a sunny climate in a bottle, transporting you into a holiday spirit. A great mood booster.

Composed with Fig Pulp, Mandarin, Grapefruit and Caraway Seeds. Following with Fig Leaves, Fig Milk, Cedar and Musk.

Sweet, light and refreshing Fleur de Figuier is ideal for spritzing on the go and the 30 ml bottle is just perfect for popping in your handbag.

If you are a fan of layering then take a look at the Shower Cream and Body Lotion. The Shower Cream is as the name suggests, rich and creamy and moisturising. It smells exactly like the Eau Fraiche and benefits from being Sulphate free and paraben free and suitable for sensitive skin. The Body Lotion is light and runny, leaving skin soft with lasting moisturisation, also paraben free.


The Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier collection is available from Marks and Spencer 

Eau Fraiche 30ml Spray £16
Eau Fraiche 100ml Spray £32

200ml Shower Cream £9
200ml Body Lotion £12.50

*PR Samples

My Hair Loves - KMS California Tame Frizz



It is fair to say my hair suffers from the curse of frizz (especially in humidity, think Monica in Friends on vacation) so when I was invited to the launch of KMS California's newest range TAMEFRIZZ I was there like a shot.

TAMEFRIZZ claims 

Ultimate frizz fighter - Up to 100% Frizz Reduction plus Humidity Resistance for up to 3 days*

* With use of the TAMEFRIZZ system.

The difference with this range is that it claims to work both internally and externally to calm frizz instantly while delivering lost-lasting control and manageability.

Internally the De-Frizz System strengthens the hair structure and increases pliability helping to calm frizz. Externally the De-Frizz System smoothes the cuticle and reduces the visible effects of frizz.

The key ingredient is Pequi Oil which is an antioxidant-rich Brazilian fruit found in the Amazon, high in Vitamin A and E, which is known for taming frizz (a quick google informs me that this oil is known for taming and smoothing brittle hair). Also contains Acacia which is rich in sugar derivatives with moisturising properties, known for smoothing and increasing pliability.

Does it work? My thoughts

I was given one of the TAMEFRIZZ Frizz Fighter Kits to take away with me and try.  The kits are great value - basically for the normal cost of the shampoo and conditioner you get the oil and 2 sachets as well.

First of all I have to say the products smell absolutely wonderful. The shampoo and conditioner feel quite heavy on the hair, even when rinsed off, but the hair does feel clean. The heaviness to me makes this feel far more of a treatment system as opposed to a regular shampoo and conditioner. Before I had even dried by hair I could tell it was going to be smooth. I added the taming creme and possible used a little too much (probably over excited about the promises of this system!) so I would only use a little of this product.

Having dried my hair and straightened it I added the minutest amount of the delicious de-frizz oil which is gorgeous and incredibly light as a finisher.

The results - Not a hint of frizz, I was very impressed as to how smooth my hair was. However, what really  sets this apart is the fact that after a day or so my hair can start to grow outwards with the humidity..with the recent hot weather I was perfectly poised to put the 3 day claim to the test... and I can confirm that for 3 days (before I washed it again) my hair remained looking exactly as I had styled it.

Bottom line - This works

TAMEFRIZZ Frizz Fighter Kits are limited edition and cost £29.50 - available from salons and selected online stockists.

Kits contain

TAMEFRIZZ Shampoo (full size)
TAMEFRIZZ Conditioner (full size)
TAMEFRIZZ De-Frizz Oil (full size)
TAMEFRIZZ Smoothing Lotion (sachet)
TAMEFRIZZ Taming Creme (sachet)
Wide-toothed comb.

*PR Sample

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