Jo Malone opens their doors on Regent Street

Last night I attended a very exciting launch with Jo Malone as they opened the doors to their new global flagship boutique store on London's historic Regent Street. I couldn't think of a more apt spot for this beautifully British brand, Jo Malone, to pitch up other than on the iconic curve of Regent Street so heavily steeped in British heritage and values. The new boutique is officially open today but last night I was treated to a sneak peek of this new, immersive space and I have to say it is blooming gorgeous.

Decked top to bottom with Jo Malone's iconic black and white style and stunning elegance, it is a place you could easily lose yourself in for a good hour or so, sniffing every single scent and enjoying all the additional extras this store holds that you won't find anywhere else. There is a living scented garden that will be ever-evolving and is there to showcase Jo Malone's most celebrated and unexpected ingredients. Tucked away at the back is the Artisan's Studio which is where customers will be able to step inside the Boutique's workshop and watch the in-house engraver and embosser work their magic. Whether you want a bespoke engraving for your candle lid or perfume cap, or want that special Christmas present made extra special with some stunning tags and ribbons, you can get it all here. There will also be an illustrator and visiting artists busy at work transforming your box into a work of art right in front of you eyes, making even the packaging something to treasure forever. My favourite part however is the release of nine colourful caps to crown and customise your favourite perfume bottle - it would just be tricky to decide which one to choose!

Finally, as another added benefit of visiting this special new store, you will have the chance to pick up some of the brand's most admired scents lovingly returned and exclusively available from the Regent Street boutique. The Archive Collection is made up of nine comeback fragrances which are not available anywhere else with the likes of Assam & Grapefruit, Elderflower & Gooseberry and Sweet Lemon making a welcome return. I relished the chance last night to spritz, sniff and discover all these scents and have definitely left with a new firm favourite from the entire Jo Malone fragrance collection - Ginger Biscuit. Oh wow! Imagine a just-baked biscuit, fresh out the oven spiced with ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon with a buttery, caramel base. It smells warm, spicy, nutty and crumbly and is utterly irresistible. If you need any reason to visit this new Jo Malone store then let it be this - you need to take a sniff of this delicious scent!

Well done Jo Malone on a sensational launch and a truly beautiful space - I have no doubt this global flagship boutique will be another fantastic success and I know where I will be spending most my time when it comes to picking up Christmas gifts this year!

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Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Unapologetic

Revlon Colorbourst Matte Balm in Unapologetic (£7.99) | available from Boots

If you are after a matte-looking lip colour but with a buttery, balm like texture that won't dry or fade on your lips then look no further than the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balms. They are a handy, twist-up chunky crayon that delivers velvety matte colour infused with Triple Butter Complex (Shea, mango and coconut) to give you a vibrant, show-stopping colour whilst moisturising and nourishing your lips.

Here we have Unapologetic - a truly unapologetic shocking neon shade of hot pinky-coral. The pigmentation is extreme and you only needs one coat to get an intensely bright finish. The rounded crayon tip makes it really easy and quick to fill in your lips without any smudges or over-lined edges and even though they are described as matte, I think the finish is more like MAC's Amplied Creme lipsticks - matte with a little lustre. In fact Unapologetic is very similar to one of my favourite MAC shade - Impassioned lipstick. A great little dupe for almost half the price!

Are you a fan of these matte crayons from Revlon?

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Clarins The Essentials Festive Eye Palette

The Clarins Festive Eye Makeup Palette * (£35) | available on counters and online now

You know Christmas is fast-approaching when Clarins release their yearly festive eyeshadow palette - a beautiful selection of shadows that has become quite a beauty tradition around this time every year. So it would be fair to say that I heard distant jingle bells and the belly laugh of Father Christmas as this season's Christmas Eyeshadow Palette from Clarins arrived through my letterbox and I was very excited to flip the lid and see what treats were nestled beneath.

The 2015 Clarins Festive Eyeshadow Palette is quite the show-stopper and contains a mix of ten ultra-soft shadows in an assortment of warm shades with either matte, satin or sparkly, irridescent finishes. The formula of these shadows is so lovely and easy to work with, feeling soft and blendable on the eyelids, with the added option to use them wet for an enhanced intensity. The range of colours are so pretty and would be perfect for an Autumnal look now or saved for something more special around the festive period for all those glitzy Christmas parties. Each matte shadow is enriched with musk rose oil whilst the satin powders contain white meadowfoam which gives them a nourishing quality and gorgeous texture on the eyelids. The chocolate brown packaging with gold embossing contains a large mirror and birchwood double-ended applicator so is perfect for travelling or popping in your handbag to take you seamlessly from desk to disco!

 Will you be treating yourself to this or popping it on your Christmas list?

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Michael Kors Gold Fragrance Collection



Michael Kors Gold Collection – White Luminous Gold, 24K Brilliant Gold & Rose Radiant Gold (from £33.50) | from Boots

Opulent, luxurious and glamorous. These are the three words that Michael Kors himself believes best describes the new Gold fragrance collection released last month. This next chapter in the MK fragrance story has been specifically created to reflect the opulence and luxury of the high prized metal – from white, rose and 24K gold. There is something undeniably luxe and glamorous about gold, from lustrous fabrics, gilded jewellery to sun-kissed skin, and Michael Kors believes these qualities fully embody the Michael Kors woman.

The three distinctive fragrances are joined together by their luxe, shiny metallic packaging but are all quite different when it comes to scent – offering a fragrance for every occasion, mood and personal aesthetic.

The White Luminous Gold fragrance is sparkling and sensuous. It combines an intoxicating burst of pear, jasmine and amber in a bright and exotic signature.

The 24K Brilliant Gold fragrance is feminine and seductive. It offers a shimmering scent of orange mandarin, voluptuous florals and a rousing spark of woodiness.

Finally the Rose Radiant Gold fragrance is tantalising and hypnotic. It entices you with a sparkling spice, textured with a charming femininity of rich florals and soft musks.

The gilded, sculpted bottles are striking in their appearance with their sleek, mirrored exterior and modern look. I love this trio of fragrances and think they look ridiculously fancy placed on my beauty table ready to spritzed as that final finishing touch to an outfit, much like adding your favourite gold necklace or pair of earrings to complete your look. I think my favourite is White Luminous Gold for the daytime as it feels light and fresh on the skin, but for an evening time scent, I have found myself reaching for Rose Radiant Gold because of its rich woody/spicy notes and musky finish.

Which gold scent has caught your eye?

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Sanctuary Spa Wonder Body

Prepare to bare! Sanctuary Spa Wonder Body (£8) | available from Boots

Just when you thought Winter meant cosy tights, polo neck tops and minimum skin exposure, you suddenly remember all those Christmas parties and nights out that call for something a little sassier and a great reason to get your legs (or arms or décolletage) out. Sometimes the last thing I want to do is slather on the fake tan in the middle of Winter but I still want to give my skin a hint of tint to take away from the stark pastiness. This is where the new Wonder Body from Sanctuary Spa is a winner for the Winter if you are after a subtle, radiant glow and beautifully smooth skin with an illuminated complexion and nourished feeling.

The Wonder Body, a new tinted moisture treat, is the quick fix party trick with seven proven benefits - hydrate, illuminate, transform, refine, even, correct and perfect. It contains blurring skin perfecting particles and sheer pigments and transforms the look and feel of your skin by giving it a healthy glow and beautiful illumination. Over time as well it nourishing and softens skin just like a good body moisturiser so is a great multi-tasking product. The formula is weightless and non-greasy and has a lotion to balm texture. It quickly sinks in without feeling tacky or sticky on the skin and really illuminates, highlights and enhances your complexion in all the right areas whilst giving you a warm glow that will warm up the coldest of nights! This is definitely my secret skin weapon this Winter for a quick, easy way to transform my skin from pale to perfected in a instant!

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Bobbi Brown New Sheer Lip Colours

Four NEW shades: Summer Nude, Pink Taffy, Pink Violet and Lilac (£20 each) | available online

Anyone who has read my blog for a while will know that I am a true lipstick junkie. Lipsticks are, hands down, my favourite makeup item and I don’t think I will ever feel like my collection is complete despite the overflowing muji drawers. I love so many different lip products it would be impossible for me to choose a favourite and it all depends on the situation and occasion. That said, there is one range of lipsticks which I absolutely adore and are so perfect for everyday wear when I am after an easy-breezy makeup look – an effortless wash of colour, nourishing shine and a choice of light shimmer or flat-finish shades - the Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Colour lipsticks.

What I love about these lipsticks is the fact you can apply them so quickly and easily on the go without the need for a mirror every time, or constant checking and touching up. They are mistake-proof and combine the effects of a nourishing lip balm along with a wash of pretty colour. The formula is lightweight and luxurious, containing a rich blend of butters and oils to keep lips looking smooth and feather-free. My lips do get quite dry during the day so I find myself constantly either applying a lip balm or a hydrating lipstick at my desk so these lipsticks solve the issue of dry lips whilst giving you a gorgeous soft, shiny hint of tint. In fact, some of the shades aren't even that sheer and give you quite a strong pop of colour if applied heavily, but always with a super shiny finish so feels and looks lighter on the lips.

There is a whopping 25 shades from the Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Colour range so there is bound to be a lipstick you love - whether you like soft and shimmery or something a little more muted and flat. The latest four additions to the range are all so so beautiful - I am particularly smitten with Pink Taffy and Lilac. Which ones do you love the look of?

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My 26 Week Bump Update

"Your baby now weighs around 2 lbs and is 36 cms long. Their eyes will start to open this week and they will begin practising making breathing movements. Your baby will start to respond more to noises and can hear you and your partner chatting away."

How far along: 26 weeks exactly

Days until due date: 98 days

My bump: I think you will agree there is a definite bump there now. I would say between week 23-26 I have really 'popped' out and my bump feels really hard and firm now. To me it still feels quite neat and compact and I haven't reached that stage yet where it is hindering me day to day - I can still put my shoes on unassisted thank goodness!!

Weight changes: Pre-pregnancy = 8stone 4lbs. Today = 9stone 1lbs (+11lbs). I think around this point of pregnancy the average weight gain is around 16-20 lbs so I am a little bit under but I think that is due to the fact I am still incredibly active and can't eat massive meals any longer. (Gone are the days I could finish an entire Pizza Express pizza on my own!) And those 11lbs are definitely all bump and baby - in fact I have never felt more toned in the rest of my body than I do now so that bodes well for my post-partum recovery.

Stretch marks? No - still religiously using Palmers body oil, Bio Oil and plenty of body butters. I have some great mum-to-be products I am testing out at the moment which I am excited to share with you in another post.

Cravings: Nothing really but I am really enjoying Starbucks Chai Tea Latte with soya milk at the moment. I think it is the fact the nights are getting darker and everything is feeling wonderfully Autumnal now. There is something very comforting about hot, frothy, spiced milk and I do end up treating myself a few times a week.

Sleep: No major issues with sleep yet - still find myself sleeping on my back a lot which then causing a slight lower back ache in the morning but by the time I've walked to work, it has eased off. I am no longer waking up at ridiculous times now for a quick toilet dash either so that's really nice.

Symptoms: Recently I have felt really breathless when I'm talking which is completely normal during pregnancy but feels a bit odd when I have to pause and take a breath in the middle of a conversation.

Best moment this week: The lovely ladies at Clarins treated me (and bump) to an incredible Mother-to-be spa treatment which was pure heaven. Even though I haven't really suffered from many aches or pains yet it was still so lovely to be pampered from head to toe including a wonderful facial and scalp massage. If you are a mum-to-be or wanted to treat someone you know then I cannot recommend this enough - I could have stayed cocooned in those fluffy white towels all afternoon!

Worst moment this week: Nothing I can think of.

Miss anything? Not really.

Maternity clothes: I haven't bought anything new recently - still living in my maternity leggings and jeans from H&M and lots of chunky knits and cardigans as the weather gets chillier.

Movement: Those flutters and ripples are slowly increasing and I am starting to understand my baby's sleeping/movement pattern a bit better now. During the day I honestly think he/she snoozing all the time but when I lie down in bed this is when I start to feel things and boom, suddently they are wide awake!

Gender: Unknown and we aren't going to find out either. I think there are so few genuine surprises left in life I couldn't think of anything better than letting this baby be one of them. I plan for Rob to be the one who reveals to me what we've had (if he can see through the tears!) - a little girl or a little boy.

Belly button in/out: In but flat (definitely on its way out!)

Wedding Rings on/off: On and loose (no swelliing yet!)

Mood: Happy. Energetic. Feeling a little apprenhensive and nervous as I prepare to enter the third trimester. After such a breezy and enjoyable first 6/7 months of pregnancy, I am worried that I am going to get my comeuppance and really struggle in the final trimester. I also know I will only be getting bigger and will probably have to ease of my boot camp classes and road running which will probably be quite hard for me.

Looking forward to: Seeing the new James Bond movie at the weekend. Yes, if you didn't know already, I am the biggest James Bond geek!

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Balmy for these Balms

Along with umpteen lipsticks, numerous handcreams, a few rogue hairbands and a trusty tangle-teezer, there is something I will always have with me in my handbag or makeup case for when I am on the go, or stocked up next to me in my bedside table - a good, multi-purpose balm! I love balms and I'm not just talking about lip balms but those little tubs of magic that soothe and relieve a plethora of ailments. Here are my two current faves.

First up is the new Clinique Moisture Surge Melting Mask Balm* (£26) which is an incredible multi-tasking product that can be used as a soothing balm for problematic dry skin anywhere, a quick ten minute face mask or an intensive overnight treatment. Since being pregnant I have suffered from stubborn dry patches along my jawline that no amount of scrubbing or moisturiser will seem to soothe. This balm however has really improved my skin around this area and instantly relieves any dryness and is easy to pop on under your night cream as your head to bed. Not only is it great for your face but can also be used on dry cuticles, chapped lips, scaly elbows, unruly brows...literally anywhere! The formula feels luxe and lightweight and easily, as the name suggests, melts into your skin without leaving a greasy residue. It is silky-smooth and nourishing and a little goes a long way so this little tub should last me for quite some time. The Moisture Surge Melting Mask Balm is a solid oil balm that melts on contact with the skin. It contains a triple blend of Apricot Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil and Macadamia Oil so offers you a heavenly helping of goodness that will soothe and relieve dehydrated and dry skin in an instant.

The second tub of wonders I have been using comes from a brand that I wasn't aware of before, Moa, and is aptly named The Green Balm* (£12.50). This is another life-saving, multi-tasking product that is an essential for when I am on the go, travelling or just in need of some TLC for my skin as I climb into bed. Crammed full of good things such as organic yarrow, tea tree oil (nature's great antiseptic), beeswax, coconut, sweet almond and soya bean oil, it is such a handy little pot to have on standby to soothe a whole host of problems. Being 100% natural it is kind on even the most sensitive skin and can be used to treat cold sores and chapped lips, calm weathered skin, used as an aftershave balm, a facial cleanser or heal cut and grazes. The list is pretty impressive and I have found The Green Balm a real treat to use - the tea tree properties are great at combating and relieving spots and pimples and the nourishing oils work wonders at soothing and moisturising dry hands, nails and cuticles. Rumour has it that this balm is also pretty useful at helping stretch marks fade after pregnancy and can be used as an overnight hair treatment on dry ends as well as a gentle, effective eye makeup remover. The possibilities are endless and I am hooked on it!

Are you balmy about balms like me? Which ones do you always have nearby for when you need some skin TLC?

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Fleur de Force Make Up Collection

The Fleur de Force Beauty Range - exclusively available from Feel Unique

After the huge success of her first book, The Glam Guide - it was only a matter of time before we saw Fleur de Force turn her beauty expertise towards creating her very own makeup range. And so her capsule beauty collection was launched. Comprising of 6 lipglosses, 2 eyeshadow quads, 4 false lashes and a beautiful cosmetics bag, it is a lovely new beauty range which encapsulates the real essence of Fleur and her highly successful brand which she has built up so spectacularly over the passed six years. 

It was particularly lovely to learn that Fleur was involved with the genesis of her collection from the concept, design, packaging and testing right through to the stunning launch party which I attended a few weeks ago. The beauty range is currently exclusively available from Feel Unique and has some lovely pieces which I have enjoyed trying out recently.

Fleur has released two eyeshadow quads - Lunar Rose (a mix of rose gold, ballet slipper pink and soft mauve) and Cosmic Bronze. I have Cosmic Bronze with includes four complementary shades with a mix of shimmer and matte finishes - coconut cream, warm taupy brown, mink shimmer and coco brown. The texture of these shadows are soft and easy to blend whilst giving you a strong colour pigmentation. I love the Cosmic Bronze palette with its warm, brown and mink shimmer shades and it is so versatile for a day or night time look.
 

Onto the lipglosses and Fleur has treated us to six gorgeous shades for the lips from a light, girly pink to something a little darker, berry-rich and perfectly Autumnal. The two new shades I have been testing out are Written in the Stars (a delightful mauve rose) and Starlight (a fun bright fuchsia)...I see Fleur's love for all things 'star-like' has helped inspired many of her beauty products' names. I am not the biggest lipgloss fan but what I like about these glosses in particular is the fact that they aren't overly sticky and have a thicker consistency that gives a good colour coverage without feeling heavy on the lips.

Shortly before her new makeup collection graced the Feel Unique online store, Fleur teamed up with Eylure and also released four sets of gorgeous false lashes including a mix of uber glamorous, simple daytime, three-quarter length and individual lashes to suit all occasions! Above I have "Simply Fleur" - a lightweight, subtle set of lashes, perfect for the daytime and I am excited to try these out. Finally, the collection is completed with an adorable watercolour and star printed makeup bag, perfectly sized to squeeze all your beauty essentials inside!

Well done, Fleur - a definite triumph! Have you picked up anything from Fleur de Force's new beauty range?

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L'Oreal Paris Collection Exclusive Color Riche Lipstick by Naomi

The new L'Oreal Paris Pinks Collection Color Riche Lipstick by Naomi (£6.99) | available from Boots

There is something very iconic about L'Oreal Paris' Color Riche lipsticks, and having been around for now exactly 30 years, the black and gold packaging with their perfumed, vanilla-scented shade inside have become a very recognisable sight in makeup bags and on beauty tables everywhere. To celebrate 30 years of the Color Riche lipstick, L'Oreal Paris have released a limited edition Pinks collection which includes five special shades tailored to suit all complexions, inspired and named after the five L'Oreal ambassadors - Blake, Eva, Helen, Naomi and Liya. Having released two similar Collection Exclusives for the reds and the nudes I am really pleased to see the pinks finally taking centre stage and I love every single lipstick that has been launched, in particular Naomi's shade - a delicate, soft peachy-pink, perfect for everyday wear.

All the pink shades look quite scary and intense in the bullet but rest assured that they are actually quite soft and sheer on application. The formula is smooth and creamy to apply and delivers a velvet/satin matte finish on the lips that lasts quite well throughout the day. Naomi's pink is so pretty and easy to wear it has swiftly become my go-to lip colour for those days I just want a simple peachy-pink lip without any fuss. I now just need to resist picking up the other four shades from this collection. Have you found your perfect pink yet?

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