The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50

Having finished the moisturiser I was using, I popped into The Body Shop to purchase a new one which included an SPF as we entered the warmer months... Never mind the fact that it was snowing, I like to be prepared!

Explaining what I was after the sales assistant quickly led me to the Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 which I promptly purchased after testing a bit on my hand, liking the scent and being seduced by the very high SPF.

When I got home I had a little wobble as I wasn't entirely sure that what I had purchased was indeed a moisturiser... having used it a few times, I didn't feel the need to use a separate moisturiser but I am still not entirely sure what it is... ha ha.

The Body Shop says 

From the effects of the sun to the environment we live in - we’re constantly facing daily aggressors that can damage our skin. Introducing NEW Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF 50 PA++++, our strongest multi-protection to help protect your skin day after day. A feather light, milk-to-water essence with broad spectrum UV filters, brightening red algae and Vitamin C, to help protect skin against multiple skin aggressors, while providing utmost comfort.
UVA Protection: PA++++: Helps protect skin from UVA rays, including long UVA rays, which reach deep within the skin and accelerate the process of skin ageing.
UVB protection: SPF 50 helps protect skin from UVB rays that trigger redness and damage the skin’s surface.
Anti-dullness: With red algae extract and vitamin C to brighten skin for a more luminous complexion.

My thoughts 

Well I have to say that this is up there as a staple in my every day beauty routine. This essence, featuring a light and runny lotion consistency which instantly absorbs leaving skin feeling soft with no trace of tackiness. It offers very high sun protection and as mentioned above, has a pleasant delicate floral scent. As promised it does what it says on the packaging ... it really does brighten the skin and gives a lovely healthy looking glow effect. It also works beautifully as a primer under foundation, when applying Estee Lauder Double Wear it literally glides on across the skin, my skin look fabulous.

10/10 I will definitely be repurchasing.

The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 costs from £17 for a very generously sized 40ml tube. 

3 Gorgeous Summer Scents

I can be quite fussy when it come to scents and particularly when it comes to wearing perfume in the Summer. Having hay fever my sensitivity is heightened and I look for wearable and gorgeous scents that do not 'get up my nose' and antagonize excessive sneezing or irritation.

Recently I discovered three perfect scents that fit the bill and I think you will like them too.

First up is BOSS The Scent For Her EDP 

This is a sweet and fruity floral but exceptionally wearable for both day and evening due to its addition of the gourmand Cocoa.

The sweet fruitiness begins with the burst of honeyed Peach, settling with a floral heart of Freesia and Osmanthus flower. Depth is added by the dry down of delicious and intense roasted Cocoa. Addictive and seductive.

The second sweet and fruity floral scent is Miss Dior Absolutely Blooming EDP

This is a sexier and more youthful, playful perfume. Bursting with red berries, it features a heart of Rose petals from Grasse and fresh Peony and settles with White Musk. The result is a sweet and lasting scent which is a pleasure to wear.

Finally, I have really enjoyed wearing Mugler Cologne Thierry Mugler EDT 

This is a unisex fragrance which really appealed to me the instant I sprayed it onto my skin.  A fresh and clean scent, Mugler Cologne is ideal for Summer. A delicious citrus fresh which comes from the Bergamot, Neroli and Petit Grain. It has a heart of African Orange Flower and again finishes with
White Musk.
Green, Clean and Citrus fresh, I love it.

What perfumes are you loving this Summer?

Summer Ready Feet in Five Easy Steps

Here is my guide to getting Summer ready feet in just five easy steps.

I must confess the idea of going to a salon and having a pedicure is not my idea of fun, I much prefer to do it in the comfort of my home and using these tools it takes just a few minutes.

1. Soak feet.
2. Trim nails, going in a straight line (if you have thicker, more problematic nails use *Boots          Pharmaceuticals Toe Nail Clippers (£8.49) these are just brilliant as I can vouch)
3. Buff off hard skin from the soles of your feet - I like the Scholl Pedi Express which makes light work of it.
4. Deeply moisturise those feet - I am currently loving *Boots Intensive Foot Softener 150ml (5.99). It smelly lovely (no lavender here!) and really softens skin leaving it silky soft and it heals cracked heals thanks to the ingredient UREA.
5. Finally, choose a fabulously bright coloured nail polish and paint away! I hate waiting for polish to dry so I am using 60 Seconds Super Shine by Rita Ora for RimmelLondon in shade Bestival. One application is all you need for super shiny nails and it dries fast. Perfect!

Now dig out those sandals and show off those feet!

Nail polish - 60 Seconds Super Shine - Rita Ora for RimmelLondon - Bestival 

*PR Samples 

Le Couvent Des Minimes Eau Des Minimes Cologne Review

Summer heat makes your fragrance becomes all the more intense which is why I like to sometimes wear something lighter and fresher for day. I was recently sent Eau Des Minimes Cologne to try from Le Couvent Des Minimes and I have to say this fits the bill nicely.

Le Couvent De Minimes say 

A fresh and easy to wear fragrance with a sparkling citrus scent. Gives a true feeling of freshness and well-being. This generous botanical fragrance will refresh your senses, boost your mood and energise your skin.
A refreshing twist on the classic cologne, suitable for men and women.

Legend has it that in the 14th Century, an old queen regained her health and beauty after using "Eau Miraculeuse" (Miraculous Water). Its recipe combined Citrus fruit, Rosemary and Eau de Vie. It was prepared in Convents, who alone knew their secret and it soon became an indispensable part of the daily morning ritual. From that point on, "Eau Miraculeuse" spread all across Europe and soon became known as "Cologne".

The Botanical Cologne of the Minims is the heir to this tradition.

Thanks to its Original Recipe combining 3 refreshing Citrus Fruits with 7 Plants selected for their beneficial properties, this universal and sparkling scented Cologne will delight fans of Botanical Colognes and Citrusy fragrances.

Original Recipe

• Grapefruit, Blood Orange, Lemon: Refreshing
• Rosemary: Revitalising
• Wild Pansy, Lemon Balm: Moisturising
• Burdock: Fortifying
• Mallow: Soothing
• Neroli, Benzoin: Sources of well-being

My thoughts 

Eau Des Minimes cologne is zesty and summery with the delicious citrus fruit notes in abundance which makes it a great choice as a holiday companion.  Although they remain, soon it becomes something a little more special, the calmness and feeling of wellness is lighter and almost creamier in tone. This is the ideal everyday scent. A light, uplighting fragrance but quite distinctive. I shall be wearing this throughout the Summer. 

Tip - Spray on after showering. 

Le Couvent Des Minimes Eau Des Minimes Cologne costs £19 for 100ml Spray and is available from boots.com 

*PR Sample
 

Godiva Ice Cream Parlour

Summer is fast approaching and with it the promise of warmer days ahead...naturally thoughts turn to ice cream and more specifically delicious, grown up, ice cream from luxury chocolatier Godiva.

Mmm, looks good doesn't it? I can confirm it tastes decadent and rich and everything you would expect from the chocolate experts.

Offering dark chocolate or creamy vanilla ice cream or if you are having difficulty deciding, a swirl of the two. You can choose to have it in a waffle cone, chocolate waffle cone or a tub, and then select a topping to make it bespoke to you! Options include chocolate syrup, chocolate flakes, crispy pearls in dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate, or my favourite bresilienne (a nutty caramelised hazelnut crunch).

Godiva Soft Ice Cream costs from £4.50 and is available from London stores

Holiday Fashion - My Seven Day Wardrobe

I don't know about you but despite reading year after year in magazines how to master the capsule holiday wardrobe, packing smart etc I still haven't quite managed to get it right.

This year I vowed to pack light ..until I heard that we had a 20kg luggage allowance each! Then I thought well a girl needs choices. So in went upteen bottoms and far too many tops. In reality however I did go way over the top and the majority of my day options went unused, I spent most of my time in my tankini, sun hat and sarong as it was just too hot to wear much else.

Evenings however were a different story, I love an excuse to dress up in a cute Summer evening outfit and was really happy with my choices. I am not a fashionista and won't pretend to be, I am a 30 something mum who hopes she hasn't lost it just yet!

Day 1

Dress - Fat Face
Navy Sandals - New Look
Navy Bag - Oasis

Day 2 

Black & White Spotted Playsuit - Miso at USC
Sandals - River Island

Day 3 

Dress - Billie & Blossom at Dorothy Perkins 
Sandals - River Island 

Day 4 

Navy Stripe Dress - Dorothy Perkins 
Red Crop Cardigan - Marks & Spencer
Navy Sandals - New Look

The dress was a last min purchase the day before we flew and it is so, so nice. It clings to my curves and hides all the bad bits. A Summer fave!

Day 5

White Bow Top - Next
1950's Style Skirt - Bay (it's an oldie but I LOVE it)
Plimsolls - Primark 

I went all 1950's inspired for this adorable look. Funnily enough on the same night I wore this TOWIE had a Grease themed party. The 1950's is my favourite era for fashion, just gorgeous, girlie and cute.

Day 6 

Bright Floral Dress - BlueInc
Sandals - River Island 

So flattering on and almost neon, this was the perfect choice for my final full evening in Turkey.

Day 7

Navy Striped Bow Top - Next
Jean Shorts - Next
Red Crop Cardigan - Marks & Spencer
Plimsolls - Primark

This also doubled up as my travelling home outfit as we left the hotel at 9pm. Super comfy and I love the navy, red and white combination.

So there it is, a peek inside my suitcase - my seven days of holiday style. Hope you enjoyed it.

Bettina x

2 Holiday Lipsticks Are All You Need

That's right, you only need to take two lipsticks away with you. On my recent Summer Holiday to Turkey I took just two Summer Brights for the seven days that we were away.

I HAD to take the recently acquired Mandarina from Bellapierre Cosmetics , the fabulous matte orange shade that was included in July's Glossybox.

I also took a red toned pink, again this was another matte shade so very wearable indeed and bright enough to make an impact  - Kiko Rock Idol Lipstick Rossetto 05. The only downside is that Kiko do so many ltd editions, items don't stick around for long!

That was it, all I needed as lippies go...

Avene Eau Thermale Water Spray - Holiday Essential

Turkey was hot, really hot! Most days it was over 35ºC with not a cloud in the sky... luckily for me I had the best cooling companion.. no not an ice cold slushie, but this mist spray from Avene.

Avene Eau Thermale Water Spray, I bought the travel sized 50ml version to try it out and finally find out what all the fuss is about. I am happy to say that it lived up to the hype. I found it indispensable, one of my holiday essentials beside the pool and on the beach.

Avene say 

Essential soothing care product for sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic and irritated skin.
Soothing action, sunburn, after anti-acne treatment, nappy rash, various forms of irritations, razor burn, after hair removal.
Comforting and refreshing action, to complete skin cleansing, to set make-up, after outdoor activity, in summer when travelling.

My thoughts 

As a multi-purpose product I used this as a toner after cleansing, day and night. I also popped it in the fridge overnight so I could use it out and about during the day. On the first day of being in the Sun I could feel the skin on my face feeling tight and this wonder spray sorted it out immediately. One fine mist spritz later (it really is a super fine mist) and my skin felt super soft and comfortable, I was hooked. 

Cooling, soothing and refreshing this works a treat. 

A must have in your travel bag.

Avene Eau Thermale Water Spray is available in 50ml (£3.15), 150ml and 300ml cans. 

Soltan In Shower After Sun Cooling Lotion with Cucumber

Almost 20 years ago my mum bought a fantastic After Sun Shower Gel at the airport just as we were flying to Crete. It was a fantastic product as it smelt so good and did a brilliant job of washing AND being an excellent After Sun.

Sadly I didn't make a note of the brand and we never saw it in the shops again, such a pity as it was a genius idea, especially good for children who don't want to waste time applying After Sun...

Roll on 20 years and whilst I still haven't managed to find a similar product.. the development team at Boots Soltan have come up with the next best thing - Soltan In Shower After Sun Cooling Lotion with Cucumber.

I took this away with me on my recent holiday to Turkey and put it to the test.

Boots Soltan say 

The quick and easy way to moisturise your skin after being out in the sun.

This cooling in shower after sun will leave your skin feeling soft and moisturised up to 11 hours. With extract of cucumber and Aloe Vera to help cool and soothe.

To use

Use your normal shower product and rinse off. Apply Soltan in shower after sun lotion while still in the shower. Rinse off then dry yourself.

My thoughts 

This product works in the same way as the Nivea In Shower Moisturiser but has the added benefit of being an after sun product. The cucumber scent smells amazing and refreshing, so good after a day in the hot sun. I found it soothing, cooling and it certainly did leave my skin feeling incredibly soft. I had to keep stroking my legs as I couldn't believe what a great job of moisturising my legs it did!

The In Shower After Sun is a brilliant idea as you don't have to faff with a lotion after showering and can get dressed straight away. 

However, I would say that you may need a separate cream/lotion at bedtime if you have got a little sunburnt. 

Personally I thought this was an ace product and it is currently half price in Boots so go buy!

Boots Soltan In Shower After Sun Cooling Lotion with Cucumber 200ml costs £6.50 (currently £3.25)

*PR Sample

Poolside Glamour

Three items on my recent holiday helped keep me up there in the glamour stakes by the pool. Now I am not talking about false lashes, heavy foundation and some thick gloopy pale gloss but more subtle tricks that meant that I looked alive whilst sat by the pool and they had the added advantage of containing SPF and being good for my skin!

The first product I popped on after my suncare was the Ginvera Green Tea Nude Cover BB Cream . I have waxed lyrical about this product both in a blog post and on twitter and I still think the same.. it is fabulous. A light product that hides imperfections, evens out skin tone and makes skin look so much better and yet so natural, PLUS it contains an SPF30 for additional protection.

The second product was the new(ish) Smashbox Full Exposure Waterproof Mascara, lashes look long and luscious, it comes in a nice rich black and does a great job after a dip in the pool. There were no panda eyes here!

Finally, the third product I used by day was the Lanolips Lip Ointment With Colour SPF15 in shade Apples This conditioned my lips leaving them beautifully soft, protected them from the Sun with the SPF15 and provided a pretty and subtle red glossy hue to my lips. What is there not to love.

Liberty Print Claire Aude Print Tana Lawn Weekend Wash Bag

This gorgeous Liberty Print Weekend Wash Bag is ideal for Summer Holidays. I popped in suncream, aftersun and as there was more room a hair care product and my cooling mist from Avene.

Roomy, light, protective and see through. I found the wash bag indispensable and with its Claire Aude Print in Tana Lawn floral design, pretty to leave in the bathroom too.

Liberty Print Claire Aude Print Tana Lawn Weekend Wash Bag from Liberty London costs £45

*PR Sample

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream Review - Summer Feet

With Summer well and truly arriving at the weekend (well it may not last but hey you will be prepared!) it is time to get feet out on display, personally I have been maintaining my feet all year round as you just never know when you will get a chance to break out the Sandals and flash those feet.

Well as the temperatures rose, I was ready with the Sandals and all that was needed was a quick application, and I really mean a super quick, of Pedi fabulous Rimmel London's 60 Seconds in Coralicious. Just one application is needed for a full opacity sunny Coral shade that has you good to go..

My current foot cream love is Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream from the Sp@ Home Body Soothing Range which I apply to my feet every evening, just before bed.

Elemis say 

Rich in conditioning shea butter and jojoba oil, this intensely moisturising foot cream melts beautifully into the skin, smoothing and hydrating rough dry areas. Infused with a blend of aromatic patchouli, eucalyptus, and lemon oils to help soothe and comfort.

My thoughts 

This rich cream has a lovely texture that absorbs fast leaving feet feeling conditioned, moisturised and silky soft and smooth. Although I apply all over my feet, I take particular care to apply more to the areas that need it most like the heels. As it smells so good and calming I like to apply it at night and inhale the soothing scent coming from my feet.

So good! Elemis certainly put the 'treat' into treatment.

Elemis Treat Your Feet Foot Cream 75ml £19

*PR Sample

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid SPF30 & SPF15 Review

The sun has finally emerged this year, the temperature is rising (for now anyway!) and now is the time to break out the Sun Protection and slap it on. Hello Summer!

I have been trialling the new range from one of my favourite and most reliable Sun Care brands Piz Buin and it is a real treat.

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid in SPF15 and SPF30 

Piz Buin say 

This sun fluid combines immediate and effective UVA/UVB protection with an ultra light formula that dries instantly. The hydrating fluid spreads easily over your skin for a weightless dry touch feel. The non sticky and non greasy formula absorbs instantly without leaving white marks for skin that feels silky and smooth. Enriched with an anti-oxidant* Vitamin E derivative, it helps to prevent sun induced premature skin ageing.

PIZ BUIN® Ultra Light Sun Fluid is sweat and water resistant.

Benefits 

Has an instant dry touch 

Feels ultra light on application

Formulated with special powders to give a unique dry touch feel 

Oil free formula which leaves a non greasy finish, skin feels silky smooth 

My thoughts 

Ultra Light Dry Touch Sun Fluid is a revelation. The packaging has a twist nozzle for easy and non messy application (product does come in a spray formula if you prefer). The fluid is incredibly light and absorbs/dries instantly without leaving any trace of product or skin feeling sticky or tacky which is just marvellous for city dwellers as it can be worn daily without a second thought.

I am converted, however it has one downside. The incredible and distinctive Piz Buin scent that reminds me of my holidays..which leaves skin smelling so good means that I would much rather be at the beach than in London town.. if only I could be transported.

PIZ BUIN® Ultra Light Sun Fluid in SPF15 & SPF30 RRP £16.99 for 150ml

*PR Samples

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette - Spring/Summer Blusher

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette

I am loving this pretty blush palette from No7 - Peony Petals Blush Palette. It has 3 shades, 2 pinks and cute gold highlighting petals. It is rather subtle as you will see from the swatches but can be built up for a stronger colour. I like to blend all three for a shimmery, radiant look or swish my brush in the two pinks and add the gold highlight shade on the tops of my cheeks.

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette Swatch

Wearing it below with a strong lip, I think it is really flattering. I think it is a really versatile blush, apply the purple/pink for a cooler tone, warm it up with the softer pink or swirl in all three.

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette is available from Boots and costs £12

*PR Sample

Kiko Make Up Milano Sun Show Nail Lacquer 43 - Nails Of The Day

This delightful nail polish is from the Limited Edition Life In Rio Collection - The Sun Show Nail Lacquer contains a gold pearl that gives it an iridescent quality, the result is quite simply shimmer-tastic, the polish glistens and gleams in the sunshine with an almost wet look to it. No43 is a gold shade that in certain lights looks rose gold or pinky. It will certainly keep people guessing!

Kiko Make Up Milano Sun Show Nail Lacquer is available in 10 shades and costs £5.90

*PR Sample

The Essential Hay Fever Kit - Surviving Hay Fever Season

Spring/Summer is usually agony for me, as although we can enjoy warmer temperatures and the sun shining..for those of us who suffer from hay fever it also means looking forward to itchy + watery eyes,an itchy throat, constant sneezing and puffy sore eyes by the end of the day.

I have put together my essential ultimate hay fever kit. The products I need to see me through hay fever/pollen season.

1.  Wrap Around Sunglasses - I may have enormous bug eyes wearing these but big glasses help immensely to keep the pesky pollen away from my eyes

2. Optrex Actimist Eye Spray for Itchy Watery Eyes - New for this year, this spray works wonders for providing instant relief from itchy eyes. A must have.

3. Prevalin Allergy Nasal Spray - My favourite hay fever relief product and it is steroid free and non drowsy. This usually does the trick unless the pollen count is really, really high.

4. Antihistamine Tablets - I take a tablet but these are just used in an emergency now as the Prevalin is good.

5. A Waterproof Mascara - I love to wear mascara as it really opens my eyes therefore a waterproof mascara is an essential on the Summer months. I have just bought L'Oreal False Lash Architect Waterproof.

6. Individual Packs Of Tissues - A handbag must whatever the season if I am honest - I get through tissues in abundance.

7. A Cooling Eye Mask - Sometimes hay fever can really affect me. I rub my eyes too much and they start to hurt and feel sore and dry. Those who suffer will know exactly what I mean..we even can get a gel like film over the eyes (really not good!). When my eyes feel like this I like to have some time out and just rest them, I pop on a mask (refrigerated for extra cooling benefits) and lie back and relax. This soothing gel mask is an absolute bargain from Superdrug

Would you add anything to this list?

A Summer Poem - The Friday Column

The Sun's out bringing itchy watery eyes
Sunglasses vainly try but fail to disguise
Freshly cut grass causing sneezes galore
Hay fever woes, can I take much more

Picnics in the park with wasps not far behind
Landing on Strawberry Tarts, sure you won't mind
Cricket being played on the village green
Frolicking young lovers hoping not to be seen

Sunhat, flip flops and ice bucket ready
A trip to the beach, can we take teddy?
Ice cream on the pebbles, dipping toes in the sea
Daddy drinking beer, fish and chips for tea

Strappy tops and shorts embracing the heat
The barbeque poised to cook plenty of meat
Family and friends making most of the light
Garden parties with music late into the night

Paddling pools shrill with the laughter of child
It may be cold water but to them it seems mild
British Summer so short and yet thrilling
Despite the cloud and rain we give it top billing

An original work of fiction - all rights reserved 

GUESS Eyewear Spring / Summer 2013 Collection

GUESS has long been one of my favourite fashion brands. Claudia Schiffer brought the brand to my attention way back in the early 90's when she starred in those stunning black and white ad campaigns making me a loyal customer ever since. I love the stores, the clothing (which is a perfect mix of cool and glitz) and their advertising campaigns with no trip to America complete without a spending spree in one of their shops.

What really gets me excited however are their fabulous accessories - the watches, the bags, purses, belts and of course sunglasses. Over the years I have had them all...

The Eyewear for this Spring/Summer is no exception. Below I have selected my favourites from the collection but I do suggest a visit to the stores as there is so much more to choose from for both men and women and in a wide selection of styles to suit all face shapes.

£70 - Available in Shiny Gold Metal with Tortoise Tips/Brown Gradient Lens or  Shiny Gunmetal Metal with Black Tips/Grey Lens (pictured)

£65 Butterfly Shape Frames. 

Available in

Black/Grey Gradient Lens 
Pearl/Brown to Rose Gradient Lens (pictured)
Purple/Purple Gradient Lens 
Tortoise/Brown Gradient Lens

£90 - Available in Black/Grey Gradient Lens or Tortoise/Brown Gradient Lens (pictured)

£95 - Petite Rectangular Frame - Available in Black/Grey Gradient Lens (pictured), Tortoise/Brown Gradient Lens and Blush/Brown Gradient Lens (which are just gorgeous, I NEED these!)

Available from GUESS stores in the UK

Get Up and Glow - A Guide to being Beach Body Beautiful

May's Issue of iN-Magazine is out now, take a look at my beauty page to find out which products will get you ready for Summer!

Click here pg 39

Hope you enjoy it

Models Own - Hed Kandi Collection

Ah Ibiza how I love you. I have spent many a fond Summer in the gorgeous Ibiza Town and partied the night away in San Antonio Bay...

Inspired by Ibiza, the party capital of the world and to celebrate Hed Kandi's 10th year on the Balearic Island, Models Own have collaborated with Hed Kandi to create the the 'Hed Kandi' collection.

These five shades are guaranteed to take you from day to night and back to day, from city to beach and sunset to sunrise!

Beach Party - Sunny, bright and intoxicating polish inspired by the world famous sunsets on the White Isle
Balearic Cool - A crystal aquamarine blue inspired by the waters of Formentera

Disco Heaven -A glittery, gold disco bomb

Ibiza Mix -A dense multi-coloured day-night sparkle

Hedonist -A hot neon coral.

£5 each from Boots stores nationwide, launching in Boots and online from March.