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
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
I used both these products until they were empty by the way, and I can honestly say, they made a difference... not a big one, but overall my skin tone does look more even.
The day cream is a lovely light texture but still feels nourishing to the skin, it doesn't leave any residue so it's ideal for morning use. The pen is best to use at night - just dot on to areas that have high areas of pigmentation.
I had a few dark dots on my cheek from picking spots (sorry) and used the corrector pen on those, and they have faded, but they do tend to fade over time anyway - but I'd hasten to say this speeded up the process slightly.
I think the main thing when battling pigment spots is to massage your face and keep it really well hydrated, this ensures they're a good flow of oxygen to your skin to help it regenerate... oh, and don't pick your spots!
Would I buy again? Yes, but don't expect miracles.
I first tried this amazing smoothie recipe at a talk by the gorgeous Hemsley + Hemsley sisters and have since found it’s a go-to for a quick, filling nutrient boost. So I thought I’d share it with you, I've tweaked theirs slightly to make it a bit simpler to make.
The benefits of this recipe are its alkalising, hydrating, cleansing, antioxidant-rich and easy to digest – the raw foods contains loads of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, undamaged by heat. Plus the leafy greens in it are among the most nutrient-dense foods in the world.
Also a tip I got from the Hemsley girls is to chew it well, yes, even chew smoothies, it aids digestion and makes you feel fuller.
Ingredients
1 apple
2 sticks of celery
Half a cucumber
70g spinach or kale
Half an avocado
1 inch ginger root
Handful Parsley
Squeeze of lemon
Water – add for desired consistency
1 teaspoon of super green powder (chlorella, spirulina etc)
1/ Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
Around this time of year I get extremely chapped lips... and hands and nose, and sometimes my hairline. It's a mixture of cycling, harsh central heating and fierce winds. Very annoying but this miracle balm works wonders, you can use it for anything and everything (even on your hair) but it's forte is soothing dry and chapped delicate skin. Some people don't like the distinctive scent (I do) but you can now get it fragrance free. Anyway, this product is cult for a reason - get some in your makeup bag.
2/ Molton Brown Pink Pepperpot Bodywash
I've recently taken a liking to baths when a few years ago I probably didn't have a bath from one year to the next - maybe it's getting older but I need something to soothe these old bones and a luxurious soak always hits the spot. Molton Brown, hands down, do the best bath products, they're really gentle on skin and smell fab. This Pink Pepperpot fragrance is just the best - a mix between spicy and fresh - plus you can use it as a showergel too.
3/ Diptyque Epice Candle
Diptyque candles have become essentials rather than luxuries to me in the last few years - I stress out if I have less than two on the go (ironic really as the purpose of scented candles is to destress, no?). They make any room feel like a palace and are crucial to my afore-mentioned relaxing baths. This limited edition Epice scent is a delight - I get warm, spicy cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and amber - basically all the good stuff you want on a winter's night.
I’m a huge fan of Diptyque candles, for the obvious reasons that they look amazing and are a bit of a fashion status symbol, but also because their scent and quality is unrivalled.
Everyone likes a scented candle but until you’ve burned one of these babies you’re missing out – the scents are strong enough to fragrance a whole room without being overpowering and the use of high quality essential oils and spices means that the smell is deliciously relaxing. They even give off a fragrance when not being burned!
The Mimosa candle is ideal for those of you who favour fresh, clean scents – with a floral fragrance that evokes spring the Mimosa candle works best in an airy living room or hallway.
The packaging of this candle rivals any designer one but for a fraction of the price. You can inject some of that cool Scandinavian aesthetic into your home so simply with one of these lovely-looking beauties (there are 6 to choose from).
I chose the 7:e Våningen named after & Other Stories Stockholm atelier - a fresh and clean scent that would make a welcome addition to any bedroom or bathroom - especially with it's matte white pot and natural label.
They say that this medieval looking contraption is the be-all and end-all when it comes to eyelash curling, so I thought I'd better try it.
Having been a false eyelashes devotee for many years I've never really bothered with curlers but now that I favour a more natural look (less truly is more) I'm looking to tools that enhance my natural features.
The Shu Uemura curlers are so easy to use and the curved shape means they get right into the base of the eyelash giving you lots of lift and opening up the eyes.
I tried out the curlers on a no-makeup day at work and got lots of comments along the lines of how rested I looked.
While this cult beauty tool may not have the wow factor of others it's an essential tool for your makeup bag, especially on days when you want to forgo the eye makeup.
Swedish high street powerhouse & Other Stories are renowned for their cosmetics - their makeup and skincare is as good as their clothing and accessories with sleek minimalist packaging and, of course, it's great quality.
I ran out of my signature scent Ambre Sultan and being a little skint I didn't want to shell out the £75 so I decided to give one on Stories scents a whirl. At a purse-pleasing £26 the perfume comes in a chic glass bottle with a fabric label.
The fragrance is fresh yet rich with notes of juicy pear mellowing to a deep spicy Amber - I've had lots of compliments, there are 5 other scents in the range which you can view here.
1/ B.PURE MICELLAR WATER
This micellar water is amazing, gently removing eye makeup with ease which is great for delicate skin. The price tag is nice too. Superdrug £4.99
2/ NV COLOUR COSMETICS LIPSTICK
This is a flattering everyday red with a long-lasting moisturising formula and nifty magnetic lid so you don't lose it, natch. Nv Colour Cosmetics £6
3/ BOBBI BROWN GEL LINER
I've worn this for 10 years and although I've flirted with other eyeliners none come close to the long-lasting jet black goodness of this. A cult classic. John Lewis £16 4/ SEPHORA SOFTENING FACIAL MIST
The air con in my office managed to dry out even my super-oily skin so a moisturising facial mist is a must for hydrating halfway through the day. Sephora £12
5/ CHARLOTTE TILSBURY FULL FAT LASHES
This mascara by Kate Moss's makeup artist is the most natural one I've tried - it still lengthens and thickens but you could just get away with pretending those were the lashes you were born with. Selfridges £22
6/ ILLAMASQUA SKIN BASE
A lovely light base which I mix with moisturiser for a bit of a winter tan - I wear shade 13. ASOS £27
7/ RIMMEL EYEBROW PENCIL
My desert island item - I could not live without this brow pencil (shade brown/black), it's cheap as chips and the prefect formula and application. Superdrug £2.99
8/ BOURJOIS ROSE DOR BLUSH
This smells fab and gives your cheeks a rosy glow with a subtle shimmer - it looks beautiful on mixed-race or asian skin. ASOS £7.99
