Dove Summer Glow v Garnier Summer Body

I am not a fan of gaining colour from sitting in the sun as I seem to get headaches from it, and with a toddler I wouldn't really have time as I spend most of my time running after him anyway. However, I do like to have a nice sunkissed and all over glowy appearance in the summer. With this mind I purchased both these products to see what could be achieved and how they compare as they are competing in the same market.

I am pretty fair skinned but do tan quite easily due to my mixed heritage. Also my skin has a yellow tone to it, I chose to buy the fair to normal in Dove and the light sun-kissed from Garnier. Starting with my sugar scrub  to exfoliate and prepare the body (review coming soon), I then moisturised my elbows, knees and ankles to avoid those tell tale fake tan signs...

First of all I tried the Garnier Summer Body - This is a 12 hour daily moisturiser with a hint of tan that builds up to a natural sun-kissed glow - It goes on nicely and is quickly absorbed, by the next day I noticed a very subtle tan and by day 3 I had a lovely natural honey colour which was exactly what it said it would do - I did like it but the one thing that put me off was the scent, It was quite strong and seemed to last, not really to my taste.

A few days later and starting on a blank canvas, having prepared my skin I looked forward to trying Dove Summer Glow, again this is a Dove moisturiser with a hint of self tanning agent to gradually build a natural summer glow.  This says to use for 5 days to see best results but I used it to day 3 for the purposes of this review and comparison.  It went on very nicely as a moisturiser and dried quickly. I would say that this one gives a stronger colour, again very natural and sun-kissed but looking like I had spent a few days abroad.

In summary, both will give a natural sun kissed glow but my preference was for the Dove version as I preferred its scent which wasn't as overpowering as the Garnier.

Chanel Vitalumière Liquid Foundation

Now I know this isn't the cheapest of foundations and I will be recommending some others as well in the next few weeks, BUT I have tried lots and lots of foundations in my time and this is the one I return to. When I wear this, it is the one to get me compliments, countless people have asked me what I use so I think I can happily recommend this.  It is suitable for younger and more maturer skins alike.

Chanel Vitalumière Satin Smoothing Liquid Foundation comes in a bottle with a pump action which dispenses the foundation with no mess. One or two pumps are all you will need. It glides on easily, is light, gives excellent, even, coverage which is adaptable and is great for day or evening. I find it gives a nice dewy finish and is really moisturising. It illuminates the skin and I love the way in photos I have a completely flawless look even if I am having a bad skin day - Have you noticed I seem to prefer this to a dry matte look?

Chanel Vitalumière is priced at £31 for 30 mls and is available to purchase at Chanel counters in dept stores and good chemists.

"that gal" face brightening primer - benefit

My latest must have make-up bag staple is the rather wonderful that gal brightening face primer from Benefit.

I have always been of the opinion that a primer was just an invention of the make-up companies to get more money out of me without actually doing much at all....Not any more - this product rocks and for the last week I have refused to go out of the house unless I am wearing it!

The primer claims to take your complexion from dull to darling! Promising that if you smooth it on you will get the look of brighter,smoother skin. It can be worn alone or under make-up.

It comes in a rather nicely packaged tube, that you twist up and the product comes through holes. 2 twists and I had enough to smooth onto my face, it smells like bubblegum and is pink and shimmery. It instantly smoothed and hid my pores and gave a nice gleam to my face and as promised brightened it. Once my make up was on, I had a very healthy glow and beautifully highlighted cheeks and loved the way I looked.

£20.50 from benefit stores and stockists

Laura Mercier Body Soufflé Crème Brûlée

Every woman loves a bit of pampering and indulgence once in a while....
I was bought this after I gave birth to Aaron and fell in love with it immediately. The packaging is exquisite, it smells amazing, I feel good enough to eat!
It has a gorgeous thick texture and goes on without leaving your skin greasy. I found my skin felt moisturised for hours and the scent remained but didn't overpower. Plus it looks fab on your bathroom shelf.
I feel a million dollars if I apply after my shower but at £42 a jar I save this for once a week.
If crème brûlée is not your thing, head down to your local Laura Mercier counter to try out the others in the range  - crème de pistache and almond coconut milk mmmmm and they are also available as hand creams.

essie nail polish: ballet slippers

Ballet slippers - What does this evoke for you?

For me, it evokes fond memories of my ballet classes aged 5.  Pliés, twirls and toe pointing in my gorgeous soft pink ballet shoes whilst the gentle classical music plays..... So I simply had to get my hands on this best seller from essie.


I have small hands and consequently I am not too keen on drawing attention to them with bright red polish or similar unless it's a special occasion. So I have been on the look out for just this kind of flattering product. Generally I have found the polishes to be too light, too pink or too translucent.


Ballet slippers is just perfect for everyday unobtrusive pretty nails when you don't really want to go au naturale. I think it complements my skin tone quite nicely, is glossy and with 2 coats matches the colour in the pot well. 


Now, I just wonder if they are going to be bringing out a nail polish called tap shoes ......

RIMMEL LONDON 100% Waterproof Mascara

The hottest day of the year so far, pollen levels very high and my hay-fever at its worst, I was going to be on the tube and had an half hour walk each end. What better day to try out a waterproof mascara and put it through its paces....?

Well application was easy, it's a nice enough wand and within seconds I had long fluttery lashes, impressive for a waterproof and it was a good black colour, so it passed my first test.
As usual and invoking sod's law, as soon as I had finished applying my make-up, my nose started to itch and the streaming watery eyes began, great what a waste of lovely make-up. My eyes did not stop watering for the next 3 hours and I was constantly dabbing at them, and yet my tissue was clear. I didn't look in a mirror for over 2 hours, so you can imagine my relief when I got home, looked in the mirror and saw the same lovely eyes I had left the house with and not the panda eyes I was expecting...

I have no hesitation in recommending this mascara and at £4.99 from Superdrug it's a steal.

Dermalogica Clean Start Ready,Set,Scrub!

After I had my child Aaron, I found that my beauty routine went out of the window due to lack of time. At first I seemed to have got away with it but within a few months I noticed that my skin had lost its sparkle, was dull, flaky and my pores large. My skin was literally crying out for attention. This didn't do much for my confidence and even my favourite foundation couldn't wave its magic wand. I knew I had to take action to return it to its former glory.

I know that face scrubs/masks are ideal for this and when I picked up the Clean Start Kit it contained a mask that I was itching to try to see if I would get instant results. This product is aimed at the Dermalogica youth market and at 33 I wasn't sure whether to use it but I am so glad I did as it gave instant results which has made me go out and purchase the full size product.

In just 5-7 minutes this mask/scrub cleans the pores, and smooths the skin making it softer and brighter. You apply a thin layer, let it set, wet your fingertips, and massage it over the skin and then rinse off with warm water. I use it twice a week and it's made such a difference.

Dermalogica Clean Start Ready,Set,Scrub! costs £14.30 for 75ml