Beauty Favourites for Spring

At this time of year with the weather changing everyday, my skin starts craving a change in skincare routine. With this in mind I’ve been testing a range of lovely products to bring you a curated selection of Springtime favourites that will leave your skin glowing and feeling great.

Beauty

Plenaire – I’ve loved discovering the Plenaire range. The polka dot packaging will look super chic on your bathroom shelf, and the products will ensure your skin feels fresh all day. I struggle to find nice make-up removers but the Rose Jelly from Plenaire is gentle and conditioning, it soothes and cools the skin. I also found the Violet Paste blemish solution worked wonders for me, the solution is inspired by a 70 year-old French recipe and draws out excess oil overnight calming redness and inflammation.

Beauty

Ultra Violette – The most stylish sun protection around. It’s taken a while but finally there is a facial SPF on the market which actually feels nice to wear! Ultra Violette is an Australian brand founded by SPF experts Ava Matthews and Bec Jefferd. I love the Clean Screen SPF30 for everyday wear, while the Queen Screen SPF50+ is super lightweight, protects our skin, all while adding a dewy glow to your complexion.

Beauty

Drunk Elephant – I adore the Drunk Elephant skincare. Easy to incorporate into a daily routine, the range is great for all skin types. The B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum is a lovely gentle product to use first thing in the morning to prep your skin for the day ahead. I also find the C-Tango Multi-Vitamin eye cream is great at this time of year to add a little sparkle to your eyes.

Beauty

ilapothecary – I can’t fault the products from this powerful natural brand. The new Warming anti-breakout face mask is a treat for trans-seasonal skin, a black mud mask which is full of minerals and natural extracts to reduce spots and add nourishment. Pair this with the remedial Fresh Faced mud cleanser which will rejuvenate your face thanks to the vitamin-rich formula.

Beauty

r.e.m. beauty – This was my first experience of this beauty brand which offers skincare and makeup. In warmer Spring days the Mist Thing is lovely, a refreshing spray which calms the face thanks to the soothing lavender in the ingredients. I loved using it after a sweaty tube journey. I can also recommend the Full Night’s Sleep, an undereye balm that blurs imperfections and soothes tired skin.

Beauty

Diptyque – I love the Diptyque scented candles so was delighted to try one of their scents. Do Son eau de toilette has top notes of Tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine, amber wood, a sensual but delicate perfume that suits the season of Spring. I found that this perfume despite being light stayed on the skin for most of the day.

Beauty

Codex Beauty Labs – “Codex Beauty Labs is a bioscience beauty company that is setting a new standard in seriously sustainable, clinically proven, vegan skincare.” I really enjoyed the results of the whole range but particularly recommend the Exfoliating Wash and Facial Oil. These two work well together to refresh the skin without stripping away any moisture. The facial oil can be used daily to boost hydration, it has a lovely silky texture and made my face beam.

Beauty

QMS Medicosmetics – This results driven brand has been developed by medical and beauty experts. The products feel luxurious and healthy for the skin. The range works wonders together but just one QMS product will revolutionise your skincare routine. I found the 3-step collagen system routine set a bit of a revelation… combining exfoliation and advanced collagen serums to dramatically improve the overall appearance of skin, helping with dehydration, wrinkles and redness. Pair with the Deep Gentle Cleanser and Day and Night Cream for the ultimate skincare treat.

Beauty

Biotherm – Biotherm is a French skincare brand which originated from mineral water, it is gentle and kind on the skin. The Live Plankton Elixir is a 100% natural-origin probiotic fraction boosted by a unique blue biotech process, at its highest concentration for faster repair and stronger skin barrier. Each day I used it I found my skin looking stronger. The Cera Repair Barrier Cream is a great Spring option as it protects all skin types whilst acting as a barrier to protect against signs of aging.

Beauty

Argentum – The packaging of the Argentum products is enough to make you want to invest in this indulgent line of skincare. The Balancing Silver Clay Mask is the ultimate Sunday night skin treat, it enhances your skin’s natural beauty while helping to balance the skin’s microbiome and moderate sebum production. My skin felt purified and pampered for days after using it. Follow the mask with Hydrating Restorative Day & Night Cream, ideal for all skin types with powerful ingredients to protect and nourish your face and neck.

Beauty

Vichy – You should wear SPF all year round, but especially now the sun is (occasionally) coming out. The Eau de Protection Solaire SPF 30 will protect your skin from sun damage while also adding a natural glow. It is very easy to apply too. I am also a fan of the Vichy Lift activ B3 Serum which will even out skin tone and correct dark spots.

Beauty

Aman – I love the Aman spas so it was bliss to bring a little bit of that experience into my home. The Amethyst scrub and soak can be massaged onto damp skin before you soak in a bath. It will relieve tension and ease fatigue… which I always need!

Beauty

Jones Road – Jones Road was founded by iconic makeup artist Bobbi Brown and has grown quickly with a cult following. Lots of friends have recommended the products so I was delighted to finally try a few key pieces in the range. I really like the no fuss packaging and easy to use, clean products. The Miracle Balm in Bronze offers a natural all over glow to help ease your skin into the warmer seasons. The Shimmer Face Oils are lovely for day and night wear, available in a range of colours they are versatile and nourishing while offering a lovely radiance.

Beauty

Jurlique – Jurlique has been a leader in the natural skincare world since 1985, an Australian brand that uses a range of botanicals in their products. I have found every product I’ve used from the range makes me feel as good as my skin looks. The Rosewater Balancing Mist is perhaps my favourite – a bestseller for good reason, it hydrates and refreshes the skin, restoring radiance on the go while offering the most perfect floral scent. After using the mist follow with Signature Eye Cream and for Summer months the lighter Balancing Day Care Cream, made with antioxidant rich oils and botanical extracts.

Beauty

Jo Loves – The Jo Loves fragrance paintbrushes are a cult product… the ideal compact size to tuck in your handbag and brush on your wrist at any time of day, anywhere. This herby citrus scent is a lovely Springtime perfume, fresh but warming.

Beauty

Elemental Herbology – At this time of year the skin on my arms and knees gets suddenly dry and this Elemental Herbology body cream is the perfect solution. The light moisturiser is silky smooth on the skin with a lovely scent of revitalising lemongrass and nutmeg. I’ve also found the Vital Eyes product from this brand great, an easy-to-use roll on eye serum that I can keep on my bedside table to de-puff and hydrate the delicate skin around my eyes.

Beauty

R+Co – It has been so much fun discovering the R + Co haircare brand. Their products are formulated without parabens, sulfates (SLS or SLES), mineral oil and petrolatum. They are all vegetarian, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and are colour-safe. I’m still making my way through the range of styling products, but as an introduction to the brand recommend trying the Dallas Biotin Thickening shampoo and conditioner – ideal for adding bounce and shine to fine hair. For beachy Spring hair give the Zig Zag Root Teasing + Texture Spray a try – adding texture and volume to fine, lifeless tresses while smelling delicious (the brand’s signature ‘Stars Align’ fragrance – a blend of White Cedar, smoky Tobacco Leaf and fresh Pine).

Beauty

Acqua di Parma – Nothing says sunny weekend away like the scents from the Italian coastlines. I am loving these 75ml bottles of Acqua di Parma perfumes, the perfect size for packing in your hand luggage for a mini-break with evocative scents that will get you in the mood for a holiday. Fico di Amalfi has notes of lemon, bergamot and grapefruit while the Mandorlo di Sicilia has hints of orange, star anise and green almonds – flavours that remind me of this special Italian island.

Beauty

Typology – I’ve told so many friends about Typology, an affordable brand which has a wide range of products to suit every skin need. Recently I’ve been trying the Brightening Face Scrub with rosehip oil, which is a great, easy product to use in the shower a few times a week to add radiance without agitating sensitive skin. I’ve been intrigued to try some of the Typology make-up products, and enjoyed trying out the lip oils – tinted oils which add colour and shine to lips without unwanted stickiness – I particularly loved the Coral orange with a bare face of make-up for a carefree Spring look.

Beauty

La Roche-Posay – This French brand is reliable and effective… which is exactly what you want when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. Try the Pure Vitamin C10 Serum and 50+ Invisable fluid to prep and prepare your skin for sun exposure. The serum can be used day and night to add radiance and improve skin texture while this innovative invisible sun cream will provide the ultimate protection, while being extra water and sweat resistant… so you can enjoy the rays without having to worry about your skin.

Beauty Winter Essentials and Gift Ideas

I always ramp up my beauty routine at this time of year. As temperatures drop I notice my skin suddenly feel tight and dry and it feels good to treat myself to a few great products that will make me look a bit more healthy through the winter season. Here are a list of my top cold weather essentials, ideal as a self care pick-me-up or as a little stocking filler for friends and family this Christmas. Click on the product names to shop, many of which have amazing discounts today and this week.

Skin

Winter beauty

Chantecaille Vital Essence – This beautiful, lightweight product does as the name suggests… offers vital essence to boost hydration help collagen production. It is versatile (good for all skin types) and the clever formula is infused with powerful botanicals to make your skin look smoother and ensure you are hydrated through the colder months.

Winter beauty

Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask – I am a massive Glossier fan… the simple brilliant packaging and the easy to use fuss-free products always satisfy my skin. This soothing face mask is great for lazy winter pampering sessions. It has a creamy texture and the ingredients include Liquorice Root and Lemon Fruit Extract which will visibly brighten and even out your complexion.

Winter beauty

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Hydration Crème – At this freezing time of year my skin requires a potent moisturiser to help combat the cold. Emma Lewisham is a new brand to me, a science-led natural skincare brand which launched in 2019. This deeply hydrating cream promises to hydrate the skin and provide a luminous glow, and even after a few uses my face felt smoother and brighter.

Winter beauty

AHC Aqualuronic Cleanser – This cleanser is a year round must, I love the light foaming formula, which gentles cleans the skin and supercharges your face with moisture from three molecular weights of Hyaluronic acid. My skin always feels refreshed and soft after use.

Winter beauty

Victoria Beckham Priming Moisturiser – I’m seriously impressed with his nifty product from Victoria Beckham by Augustinus Bader. The packaging is chic and perfect for tucking away in your handbag for when you need a boost of moisture on the go. The cream is lightweight and will make your skin feel firmer whilst reducing pore size and adding hydration thanks to the cell rejuvenating TFC8® technology.

Winter beauty

Vichy Liftactiv Collagen Specialist Firming Moisturiser – This anti-ageing and energising product targets fine lines and wrinkles quickly and effectively. The ingredients include Vitamin CG and collagen-protecting biopeptides which will ensure your skin looks more youthful and supple even in the harshest weather.

Winter beauty

Nimue Winter Shield Trio – This brilliant little trio is designed to protect against environmental damage, especially at this time of year. The set includes the Sun-C SPF40 (a lightweight and moisturising sunscreen), Pre & Post (a hydrating serum which protects the skin whilst also repairing and hydrating), and Element Barrier (a face/body cream which particularly offers protection against extreme temperatures and wind). Ideal size for popping in your handbag to go.

Winter beauty

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops – Could this be the ultimate winter product? This serum shields the skin from the harsh winter elements while also adding a subtle sun-kissed glow to your skin. Just add a drop or two to face or body moisturiser for a flattering bronzed result.

Winter beauty

StriVectin Barrier Strengthening Oil – A really special treatment oil which will nourish and balance the skin. This face oil is one of a kind, with so many valuable ingredients clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier, it offers moisture without feeling greasy. I found that even after a few days it evened out skin tone and calmed the redness in my cheeks.

Hair

Winter beauty

Ouai Medium Hair Shampoo and Conditioner – Whatever your hair type Ouai have the perfect shampoo and conditioner pair for you. This set is great for hair that’s not fine or thick, hydrating and lightweight, while cleansing and reviving shine. After just one use I found that my split ends were more under control and the frizz wasn’t so noticeable. I’m also loving the Ouai x Byredo bestselling leave-in conditioner which has fragrance house Byredo’s iconic Mojave Ghost scent.

Winter beauty

Kevin Murphy Angel Wash and Angel Rinse – It’s always a treat when you visit a hairdresser that uses the Kevin Murphy products, they smell divine and always give your hair a boost. So I’m very excited to have the products in my own bathroom… the Angel range is great for coloured or dry /broken hair. The hydrolysed oat protein adds volume and body without weighing hair down, whilst the green tea leaf extract aids moisture retention and increases elasticity. The ideal duo for winter-worn, stressed out tresses.

Winter beauty

Osmo Super Silver – Affordable, 100% sulphate free, hair products to restore tone and shine to bleached or grey hair. Gentle and kind on all hair types it’s a great everyday haircare brand.

Scent

Winter beauty

Jo Loves Fragrance Paintbrush – Pomelo is one of Jo Malone’s most iconic scents and I love this fun, portable way of using it. The paintbrushes are the perfect gift or stocking filler, the pen holds the fragrance in gel form which can then be easily brushed on the skin, on the go. I love that it comes with a refill and is small enough to be taken in hand luggage when you travel.

Winter beauty

Acqua di Parma Eau de Parfum – I think a beautiful bottle of perfume is one of the best presents you can buy someone, and the Acqua di Parma scents are classic and alluring. Oud & Lily of the Valley are two of the Acqua di Parma signature scents, and these Eau de Parfums will (impressively) stay on the skin all day. Oud has a warm and intense scent while Lily of the Valley is a lively citrusy fragrance that I find addictive! These beautiful bottles would look wonderful adorning any bedroom mantelpiece.

Winter beauty

Diptyque Christmas candles – I love all the Diptyque scented candles but there is something exciting about the annual Christmas flavours. This Sapin (Pine tree) scent will ensure your home feels and smells festive. A limited edition fragrance that will give a warm, aromatic scent, a combination of mountain pine trees and wafts of a roaring open fire.

Gifting

Winter beauty

Drunk Elephant Hair and Body minis – The ideal introduction to the Drunk Elephant Collection. All encased in a fun neon orange make-up bag this set of seven miniatures includes some of the brands best-loved products. I’m really enjoying getting to know the haircare range, a brilliant wild marula tangle spray, cocomino shampoo and conditioner and the invigorating hair scrub which helps with scalp health. I’d love to find one of these sets under the tree this year!

Winter beauty

REN Day and Night Moisture – This definitive duo is the perfect skincare set, including the Overnight Recovery Balm for nighttime and Global Protection Day cream for all day use. These products are particularly good effective for sensitive skin, I have found they have reduced tightness and red pigmentation caused by harsh cold weather. The night time balm is transformative, even after one night I woke up with renewed and repaired skin, exactly the effects I hope for from a product like this.

Winter beauty

ilapothecary Face the Day set – The ilapothecary products really work. This luxurious set will nourish and moisturise dehydrated skin, my legs were particularly thankful for the Keep Calm hand & body lotion. The Beat the Blues Room Spray is a great addition, I recommend spraying it in the bathroom before having a bath – the powerful essential oil uplift emotions and create a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

This blog post includes some gifted samples.

The Harper Hotel, Norfolk

Norfolk is an area I had often heard good things about, but previously had not had a reason to visit. When an invite to stay at the new Harper Hotel popped up, I decided it was time to explore this unspoilt British county. The after-work weekday traffic meant a two and half hour car journey from London quickly turned into a four hour slog, but when we arrived the staff were relaxed and quick to check us in (something I am particularly appreciative of now I have a baby).

The Harper Hotel opened in May this year, a comfortable bolthole just outside Holt in North Norfolk. The 32 boutique rooms vary a lot in size and design, we were in one of the smaller rooms so sadly missed out on a four-poster bed, but still benefitted from a big bed topped with an award-winning Casper mattress and luxurious Buffy bedding.

There is plenty of colour everywhere at The Harper, wacky artwork and vibrant furniture means that no space is without character. The rooms all feature indulgent bathrooms, but only a few have a bathtub. I was delighted to find Irene Forte products in the bathroom, gentle products inspired by the Mediterranean, they all smelt and felt delicious.

There is a lazy feel about the hotel, guests are very much left to their own devices to explore and use the space as they wish. This unpretentious atmosphere allows all visitors to feel welcome, and I noticed quite a few young families, groups of friends, and older couples enjoying the Harper when we visited.

After months in lockdown in the confines of my own home, it was the swimming pool and spa at the Harper which made me most excited. I spent a blissful hour swimming then relaxing in the sauna, it was such a novel and lovely experience despite the spa being half shut due to Covid restrictions.

I was lucky enough to also try one of the Irene Forte signature facials, a calming treatment that used a range of these natural products to cleanse, tone and deeply moisturise my face and scalp. There was nothing ground-breaking about the facial, but it did really improve my skin’s appearance and feel for a few days afterwards.

The Harper have two food options. Stanley’s is the more upmarket restaurant, on the first floor, where they serve breakfast and dinner. The alternative is an all da- menu that’s available to enjoy anywhere in the hotel, so you can choose to dine in your room, out in the courtyard or even in the bar area.

After our unscheduled late arrival the team kindly arranged  a late-night dinner from Stanley’s. A lavish platter of local Norfolk estate ribeye steak (cooked to perfection on the Josper grill) was demolished in silence, accompanied with grilled seasonal vegetables and moreish chips.

The next day we tried a few classic dishes that came recommended from the all day menu – ‘brisket burger in a marmite bun’ and ‘Lobster mac & cheese’ sounded like the ultimate treats, but sadly this food fell a bit short. I’m hoping with a bit of fine tuning they can improve this menu, as the dishes all have a lot of promise.

There is lots to do in North Norfolk, from wandering round quaint towns to discovering independent bakeries and breweries… not to mention the expansive coastline and impressive historic National Trust properties.

The Harper is a welcome addition to the hotel scene here, and there is just about everything you need for a relaxing weekend away from the city.

I stayed as a guest of the hotel, more information about The Harper here.