Cult Swedish clothing retailer & Other Stories also does a fantastic line in cosmetics and makeup and very purse-friendly prices. The range covers pretty much everything a girl needs to prettify herself including moisturisers, cleansers, makeup, tools, and nail polished in a rainbow of colours. They even do scented candles to light as you pamper yourself. The quality is unrivalled and the minimal Scandinavian packaging only adds to the appeal. Race you
Anyone who knows me knows I have a legit Red Bull addiction. I just love the stuff, especially because I seem to run myself into the ground, then back up again - it's a great little energy boost. I wouldn't go as far to say that it gives me wings (I'd have flown away by now if that was the case) but it does allow me to push that bit harder at the gym, work that bit harder in the office and dance a little longer in the club. This delightful yellow incarnation of my favourite drink landed on my desk last week and aside from the bang on-trend colourful packaging, this taste is a summer sensation!
Verso is a new, minimalist skincare brand from Sweden (where else?). I use the word ‘minimalist’ to refer to the packaging, product formulations and company ethos.
Verso do few things and they do those few very well; the product range is curated to include just seven products. There’s a day cream, night cream, face wash, serum, oil, eye cream and blemish fix. All of these items are free from nasties, unnecessary chemicals and harsh perfumes and contain high levels of Retinol 8, which is a concentrated Vitamin A derivative. I’m not too sure on the undoubtedly serious science behind this molecule but I do know it’s great for reducing and preventing wrinkles.
Now on to how they actually perform, full disclosure I have only tried the night cream which I received a sample of . On first using I was struck by the herbally, slightly medicinal scent which was really lovely, especially in a night cream. I hop that this is achieved through natural botanicals and not sneakily added perfumes but I’m assured it’s perfume-free. The yellow-ish cream is thin in texture and melted instantly into my skin which felt immediately soothed and hydrated. As someone with highly irritable skin this is great. When I woke up I can honestly say there was a visible difference in my skin after one use. My face was evenly hydrated (I usually have patchy areas of dryness), and looked really dewy.
I love night creams because the idea of being proactive with skincare while I sleep appeals to the multi-tasker in me and this is one of the best I’ve ever tried. I’ve been using it a week and my skin has never looked better. I’ve stopped using any concealer because I don’t need it. I’ll definitely be repurchasing despite the hefty price tag because when you find a perfect fit for your skin, it’s worth the investment.
Oh, and I'll be adding the rest of the range to my wishlist too!
I'm not usually one for beauty boxes, more often than not they're filled with teeny samples of not-so-good brands but I am a huge Selfridges fan, so I just HAD to check out their new beauty box offering the 'Agender Beauty Box' to celebrate their Agender campaign.
In true Selfridges style, this is a product with a twist, packaged in a sleek white box with bold yellow interior, the nine products are housed in a cotton branded bag - this gives it such a luxe feel, it would be an ideal gift.
Inside you'll find 9 products by cult brands and classic brands alike, plus a lot of them are full-sized so you don't have any tiny vials to contend with.
The full products are as follows:
Dermologica conditioning body wash, Kiehl’s ultra-facial cleanser, NARS mini eye liner, Illamasqua black mascara, Verso mini face cream, Konjac sponge, OPI Tickle My Francy nail polish, OCC Lip Tar Hollywood and , Lancaster tan maximiser.
Exclusive to selfridges.com the box costs £30 - the products have a combined value of £108 - so it's a steal and a perfect little treat. Hurry though, this is a super limited edition product! BUY NOW
Fountain, The Beauty Molecule
I use this liquid vitamin complex in my juices, full disclosure, it's tastes totally gross on it's own, so masking it in a juice is better. It definitely has made my skin and hair glow and my nails have been stronger too. A great alternative to vitamin tablets as it's packed full of water-soluble antioxidants that are absorbed instantly into your body, due to its liquid form, giving you healthy glowing skin. £25 Urban Outfitters
Mac Clear Bow Set
My BAE, my brows are basically a myth and so are drawn on for the most part. Anyone who pencils in their tails will know that there's a high risk you may lose one or both eyebrows during the day. Therefore this is a miracle product. It's like Lipcote for your brows and I get through about five tubes a year. £13.50 Mac Serge Lutens Ambre Sultan Eau de Parfum
This deep and heady scent is quite polarising, it's not a trend floral or a sweet vanilla scent of the kind that are popular on the mass market. It's most certainly a niche fragrance, but if you're brave enough it's beautiful. The main note is, as the name suggests, amber and it's so warm and exotic and lasts for hours and hours. It's a really special perfume, if you like unusual scents then try this or some other Serge Lutens perfumes. £74 Space NK
Hauling your ass down to the gym or on a run is hard, so if you do do that, then I commend you, I really do. You're a sicko. One aspect of working out that I know I find particularly difficult is figuring out what to wear. It totally helps your gym-confidence if you're wearing something you look good in. Also, I have recently realised the importance of proper fitness gear - I used to just rock up in a tee and leggings - but you need performance wear. Tops and leggings that suck you in, keep you cool and don't show that much sweat. So ladies, here are some inspiring workout outfit ideas. Also check out the stunning Adrianne Ho's blog for tons of sporty fashion ideas.
During a wonderful stay in this hip and happening hotel, my phone and I obviously had to try out a couple of the resident restaurants at The Hoxton, Holborn.
So here is my #INSTALUNCH review of Hubbard & Bell and the Chicken Shop... where I had brunch and dinner respectively. I'm stuffed.
What I ate...
...Chicken, obviously. Well, they don't do anything else here except some excellent sides. Me and my dining partner (hey sis) ordered 1/2 a chicken, crinkly chips and the avocado salad. Then swiftly ordered another 1/4 chicken because it's just the best chicken ever. It's so unbelievably good, so juicy, I would eat here every day if I could. I drank a beer and she had a wine.
What it costs…
It was just under £40 for the two of us including service charge and we went away absolutely stuffed.
What’s the verdict?
You just can't beat the Chicken Shop, the menu is spartan but it's perfectly curated and every dish is absolute perfection. It's worth mentioning the apple pie, which I didn't have this visit, it's other-worldly good and you can eat as much as you want!
5/5
_____________________________________________________________________________ HUBBARD & BELL
What I ate...
The full English breakfast which came with delicious black pudding (too often omitted from brekkies these days), two very tasty sausages and some kind of bacon which was about a centimetre thick, really salty and just divine. My friend Soph had the mashed avocado on toast with a poached egg which I obviously tried and lo it was good. They also do cold pressed juices and a range of teas.
What it costs…
About £15 per person for breakfast with a drink. The portions were really generous too.
What’s the verdict?
The dining area of Hubbard & Bell is so well designed, it reminds me of a New York deli, with a big, wide open kitchen, lots of tiles and very friendly and courteous staff. There's lots of natural light and light-coloured decor including booths with jolly yellow seats. I felt so chilled-out here, the acoustics are great because they minimise noise so it's a lovely, laid-back dining experience.
I used to pick up this cream on the rare trips I made to Paris, French pharmacies rock, but now it's easily available in the UK so a trip across the channel isn't needed. This light cream sinks easily int skin and is intensely moisturising even though it's not heavy. I suffer from such sensitive skin, it's a joke, and I get allergic reaction from a whole host of ingredients but this moisturiser is definitely suitable for sensitive skin. The main claim is that it's anti-blemish which, to be honest, I'm not sure about because a dermatologist once told me spots are almost 100% genetic or hormonal and don't respond to topical treatments. Effaclar however does help to even out skin tone and feel. This is one of my favourite face products for sure.
Dr. Bronner's Liquid Soap is a staple in my beauty regime, not least because it's ethical, works amazingly well and is suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. The formulation is about 150 years old and Organic certified - there are no nasties in this. You can even wash your vegetables with it, which I've tried and I'm still here. The lavender version is great in a hot bedtime bath, if you have babies then this is a fab product that you can both use.
Arm & Hammer Enamel Care Sensitive Toothpaste is MY toothpaste. I've found my brand and I'm sticking with it. I tried another brand a few moths ago and had to throw it out because a/ my tooth sensitivity came back with a vengeance and b/ my moth just didn't feel clean. The baking soda taste in this takes some getting used to but does wonder for naturally whitening teeth and this enamel formulation can apparently even fill minor cavities. Definitely worth a try if you have sensitive teeth, after a day or so it disappears.
Armed with only a phone, lots of flowers from the nearby Columbia Road Flower Market and a craving for some Mexican grub - I review the uber cool DF Mexico...
What I ate…
I had the chicken burrito which comes as is - no choosing what goes in it here, you get what you're given. Good news is it's tasty and very filling with a very generous bit of guac. The tacos are also very yummy and although they're messy as hell they do come on special holders which makes keeping hold of the filling that bit easier. For dessert I had the raspberry ice cream with popping candy but it must have been Mexican popping candy because it nearly took my face off. Lots of fun.
What I drank…
The bottomless cold drinks; red hibiscus juice, lime and chia seed juice which was the most refreshing drink you could possibly wish for and Horchata, a kind of chilled rice milk with cinnamon which was weird at first but now I'm searching for other places to drink it. It reminded me of eggnog and I liked it.
What I wore…
What it costs…
For a main, ice cream and drink about £12 which is amazing! You also pay at a self service touchscreen which was very slick and high-tech.
What’s the verdict?
This is very fast food but it's tasty and the environment is that of an upmarket East London eatery - I sat in the window which proved to be an excellent people-watching spot, I even saw Tom Daley. I especially loved the industrial-style typography used everywhere from signage to menus and the natural wood used liberally in the restaurant was the perfect partner to the abundance of greenery and foliage that adorns this very good looking haunt.
I would compare it to Nando's in that it's cheap, quick and tasty - some might see that as a diss but I really loved it. The menu is very simple and the concept just works. It's by the same people behind Mexican restaurant Wahaca but it's definitely cooler and a concept I can see being rolled out nationwide. Fast food can be chic too!
4.5/5 DF Mexico, Old Truman Brewery, Hanbury Street, London E1 6QR
I used to be prescribed this cream as a child when I suffered from bouts of eczema but I've continued to use it ever since as it's just a bloody good moisturiser. It contains no nasties, alcohol or perfumes so it's suitable for even the most sensitive skin and you can use it on your face and body. The only drawback is that it's slightly greasy but if you do suffer from very dry skin you will probably soak all the emollients right up. I usually have a big tub at al times but the little handbag size is great for moisturising on the go.
I hold my hands up,
I'm addicted to posting pictures of our food on Instagram #sorry. Rather than
seek help, I'm fanning the flames and taking it to the next level…
#INSTALUNCH.
I eat, I snap, I tell you all about it…
This month I'm in
Leeds at the wonderful Shears Yardwhere
beautifully presented modern British food, local produce and savoury, yes
savoury, cocktails are the order of the day.
What I ate…
To start I had a ham hock terrine with pickled spring vegetables and piccalilli sauce, followed by a seriously delicious Hake on a bed of casseroled beef with tomatoes from the chef’s mate. Dessert blew my mind – an almond frangipane cake with rum-soaked black cherries and blackberry liquorice sorbet. The menu changes frequently to use the best seasonal and local ingredients.
What I drank…
Blueberry Brambles, a refreshing carrot juice based cocktail and savoury cocktails with marmite (try them, they’re good) and homemade liquors. My favourite was their new rhubarb cocktail.
What I wore…
What it costs…
About £30 per person for a starter, main, dessert and cocktail but there’s a fixed price menu for £17.50 and bottles of wine from £10.
What’s the verdict?
The interior of exposed brick, filament light bulbs and poured concrete floors is uber cool, there’s a lovely terrace for summer cocktails and the food is super tasty. Throw in accommodating, knowledgeable staff and purse-friendly prices and you’re on to a winner.
I review Jago, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Shoreditch, east London armed with only a phone, a slight hangover and an insatiable appetite for brunch
I hold my hands up, I’m addicted to posting pictures of our food on Instagram #sorry. The beautiful Jago is an orange dream just waiting to be snapped - so I did, enjoy the review and the photos.
What I ate…
Well it was brunch and I was in the heart of London's Jewish community so it seemed only right that I had a Salt Beef and Chrain (beetroot and horseradish paste) Beigel... not bagel, I'm a connoisseur. It was honestly one of the best bagels/beigels I've had, although the bright pink chrain did stain my top, but then I'm a messy eater. I also tries the Orange Cake with Orange Curd which was very, very Orangey. It knocked my socks off - even if you smoke 40 cigarettes a day your taste buds will have no problems with these bold flavours.
What I drank…
A fresh cold-pressed green juice which was very refreshing, I also tried a red one which was very nice - the juices come served with ice which makes them taste a little better I think. Anyway, the health conscious are well-catered for, juice-wise, here. I also had an English Breakfast tea but Jago also do a great cafe latte.
What I wore…
What it costs…
Around £15 per person for a breakfast dish, dessert and a couple of beverages. I was shocked that I'd spent 2 hours eating wonderful food for so little cash.
What’s the verdict?
This place is stunning, it's like a The Conran Store 3015 but with way more orange. It's just a delight to sit in the surroundings. The staff are also very laid back, allowing you to take your time and they cracked a few, genuinely hilar, jokes. I like. I would like to come back and sample their dinner menu.
Most of us girls just love a little bit of luxury in our lives from our favourite designer label, and often entry price point products like cosmetics and perfumes are our foot in the door. This Tom Ford nail lacquer is most definitely the only Tom Ford product I’ll be able to get my grubby mitts on until my long overdue lottery win and a great nail polish it is too.
The formulation is fantastic with one coat providing ample coverage and chipping is minimal (whoop)! The colour is absolutely divine, a kind of souped-up nude that flatters my tanned skin. I recommend.
I review Marcus Wareing’s Tredwell’s Restaurant in London’s Covent Garden armed with only a phone and a large appetite.
I hold my hands up, I’m addicted to posting pictures of our food on Instagram #sorry. Luckily all three floors of Tredwell’s are extremely Instagram-worthy. Here’s the lowdown.
What I ate…
To start I had the warm Heritage Carrot Salad which was very, well, carroty with a rainbow of carrots on a creamy carrot puree – divine. I also had to try the Chorizo Jam with dipping bread which is like a mini chilli con carne only tastier.
Mains were the succulent Confit Duck with cabbage and the Short Stack Rib which literally (I saw it happen) fell off the bone. Dessert was a cornflake dish that tasted like the mix you make with your mum for those chocolate cornflake buns and that is, of course, a good thing. I salon tried the sin-free chocolate brownie which tastes better than it should being gluten and sugar free.
What I drank…
Gunpowder gimlet cocktail which is a limey, cardamom drink in a martini glass and utterly refreshing plus a Sparkling Cyanide which was made with Green Chartreuse and Sherry and had a delicious Maraschino cherry at the bottom.
What I wore…
What it costs…
About £50 per person for a starter, main, dessert and cocktail. You can also pop in just for one of Tredwell’s excellent cocktails at the bar alongside some sharing plates.
What’s the verdict?
The friendly staff really make this place, I’ve been three times and the welcome is always warmer than warm. The knowledgeable bar staff will even create you a bespoke (and delicious) cocktail if you ask nicely. Laid back dining at its best – this place is great for mates or a dinner date.
5/5
Tredwell's, 4a Upper St Martin's Lane, London WC2H 9NY
I was pretty excited when I was sent some of Fountain’s
Molecules, but I’ve started with the now cult Beauty Molecule (£24.99) taking a
teaspoon a day. This red liquid contains a shed-load of Resveratrol which is a potent
anti-oxidant, found in the skin of red grapes. There’s the equivalent of about
a million grapes worth of Resveratrol in here though so eating it in its
natural form wouldn’t make a difference.
Anti-oxidants are good for your skin because they protect
skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which damage skin cells. This
in turn slows aging and lessens inflammation that can make your face look at
big, well, haggard.
The Beauty Molecule contains the first water soluble
resveratrol on the market, making it super easy for our bodies to absorb it,
and use more readily. As well as the power of grape skins there are also anti-oxidants,
in the form of black carrot, and hyaluronic acid (the skin's best hydrating
ingredient) to give your skin a beautifying glow from within.
Having used it for about two weeks I think I’ve noticed a
difference. My skin feels less dry than it usually is at this time of year and
does look generally good, not that I really had problem skin to begin with. I
think that it’s worth taking just as a vitamin supplement but it’s a bit sweet
to take neat so I add it to my green juice. I can’t wait to try the other
molecules and give The Beauty Molecule a few more weeks to see if there is a
difference in my skin.
To start I shared the dim sum platter with my friend Amy which had a selection of dim sum; Sea bass with gold leaf, lobster dumpling topped with caviar , truffled prawn, scallop and vegetarian dumplings. I have to say this was delicious – especially the scallop ones and the gold leaf was a lovely, if extravagant, touch. The caviar (which we had on the side) was really good stuff too. I’d definitely recommend getting the platter to get to try all the different dumplings.
For main I had the Wagyu beef skewers, Scottish lobster with truffle, Gai lan with oyster sauce, Tempura soft shell crab and the salt & pepper squid with chilli and Szechuan peppercorns. Everything was perfectly done, the beef melted in my mouth like butter – it was crazy. The lobster was also really good quality and tender. We had a good red wine to accompany the meal and the service was excellent.
Overall, I would say if money’s no object and you’re not interested in trendy restaurants, then go to Chai Wu. You won’t be disappointed with the food but the atmosphere and clientele might be a bit lacking if you’re a real foodie or fashionista.
Fitness and wellness are the new currency with Style.com devoting a whole week to the phenomenon, Missguided, Boohoo and Stellasport all launching new activewear ranges within days of each other and the Skinny Bitch Collective taking over our Instagram feeds.
Being #fit and healthy can only be a good thing so here are the four wellness trends you need to know about!
THE URBAN TRIATHALON
If the word ‘triathalon’ terrifies you, then you’re probably of sane mind, they’re incredibly hard – but there’s a slightly more fun and less arduous version of the hardcore sport gaining popularity. The Urban-Tri, there’s no set formula for what this could be but typically it involves a hot yoga class, 5k run and a spin class, but can include circuits or other classes. Check your local gym for one, or get some friends together and create your own.
Last year’s juicing trend is well and truly over, to be replaced by the much more palatable and nutritious souping. Health aficionados from Hemsley + Hemsley to Natasha Corrett are championing this ancient food (the earliest recipes date back centuries). It’s easy to make at home simply boil down meat bones in a soup pot and when boiled long enough, they’ll start to disintegrate and release nutrients and proteins (including collagen) which lead to great skin, shiny hair and general healthiness. Say hello to your next superfood.
HULA HOOPING DIVAS
Who wants abs? All of us then. Well, the best way to achieve abdominals like Britney circa 2001 is with a hula hoop. There are classes springing up all over the UK and, as well as toning your tum and burning up to 600 calories an hour, it’s also a lot of fun. Buy yourself a hoop from any good sports shop (a tip to get the correct size for you is to make sure the hoop reaches just above your hip when stood on its side) and get practising! Once you have your hula hoop it’s free and you can do it anywhere you have space.
Another food fad that has actually been around for thousands of years; fermenting food. Fermented foods are the product of ‘lacto fermentation’ where natural bacteria feed on sugar in the food, preserving it and creating beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, enzymes and vitamins plus a shedload of probiotics. This makes fermented eats great for gut health and aiding digestion. Restaurants such as the Rawduck in East London serves a menu full of these foods already or try some Kimchi from your local Korean restaurant – it’s the original fermented meal.
I wouldn't normally review a deodorant buy 'hey' we all sweat so it's as relevant if not more-so than any other product, right?
This Maximum Protection cream anti-perspirant by Sure is literally incredible. It smells lovely and fresh but unlike spray doesn't get up your nose and it stops you sweating completely. Even in a woolly jumper and a coat on a packed rush hour tube.
Plus it's great for sensitive underarms and there's no post shave sting - if anything it moisturises your underarms. It's excellent - I'd say even better than Mitchum 48 Hour.
However, it does retail at £5... and I'm reluctant to spend more than a quid on deodorant but I could be swayed with this one.
You may now be aware that I'm a huge fan of Swedish high street store & Other Stories, not just their excellent clothing, but their cosmetics range too.
The packaging of their hand creams is lovely, minimal design, made of metal with an industrial-style cap and they're the perfect size for a small handbag.
My favourite scent is the Moroccan Tea which has citrus tomes and a hint of mint, the fig fiction is richer and more wintery with fig fruit and a bit of a muskier fragrance.
Overall the quality is good but they're not ideal for super-dry hands - probably a summer product rather than winter. The price is very purse friendly though so they're worth trying.
