Urban Retreat Beautique Wishlist

- Vicki 2 Comments

Urban Retreat is the online beauty destination for all things luxury. Not only can you book appointments at one of their beautiful salons including their flagship location on the top floor of Harrods but they also offer a beauty therapy service that will come to your home. Alongside their salons they have an online store Beautique which beauty addicts will love, it offers a really fantastic selection of cult luxurious brands from Sisley, NARS to CoverFX. They sell a wide range of hair, makeup, fragrance and skincare which have been carefully curated so you are getting some of the biggest names in beauty right now.

Urban Retreat Beautique Wishlist

I have been having a browse through their selection and I’ve put together a wish list of products I love the look of.

NARS Velvet Shadow Stick

I am a shadow stick addict and use them most days, they’re so easy to apply especially if you are in a hurry. I like that you can blend them with your finger and they don’t crease. These NARS Velvet Shadow Sticks look right up my street and they come in a really wearable selection of colours.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit 

I think I must be the only beauty blogger on the planet that doesn’t own this beautiful palette. Its just stunning, you get an edit of the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders all housed in beautiful rose gold packaging. Whats not to love?! I have only heard incredible things about this palette and their powders in general.

Cover FX Face and Eye Primer Set 

I have tried a few products from CoverFX and I’ve never been disappointed. I like the sound of this primer set and especially the eye primer. I’m always looking for products that help keep my makeup in place and looking its best for longer and I think these could be the perfect duo.

GLAMGLOW Bright Mud Eye Treatment

I love the popular GLAMGLOW Mud Mask that comes in the black pot so would be intrigued to try a few more of their products. These Eye Treatments sound soothing and perfect for combating early mornings.

Redken Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Hair Oil

I seem to neglect my hair when it comes to pampering but this Diamond Oil range from Redken sounds like it will transform my hair in to glossy, more manageable locks. With it being so cold outside this treatment oil would be great to help strengthen and protect hair from breakage. I must admit I adore the packaging too!

MOROCCANOIL® TREATMENT

I have tried this treatment before and liked it for applying through the ends of my hair. This is quite a pricey hair treatment but a bottle lasts what feels like forever. Another great haircare product to have in your arsenal.

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Pink 

I just can’t resist highlighters and think these Shimmer Bloc’s are just gorgeous, I already have the Golden one and its just beautiful. I think this Pink one would get a lot more wear because it would serve as a blush too (if you applied it with a light hand).

NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Adoration

Another beautiful blush, I have only tried two blushers from NARS and they get a lot of use but this Dual Intensity range looks on another level pretty. These are designed to wear alone of together for more intense colour. There are 7 options and I would honestly take any of them, they all look stunning.

Leighton Denny Pretty Little Things

This year I have got back into wearing nail polish and have been enjoying my Sunday night at home manicures. Leighton Denny is one of my favourite nail polish brands and this cute trio is bright and fun, it also reminds me Spring is just around the corner.

Chanteccaille Lip Chic 

I have never owned anything from this brand but think these Lip Chic lippies look stunning & what a great colour selection. Also if like me you wished your lips were a little fuller then these have added collagen to give lips a plumping boost. Which colour would you pick?

Foreo LUNA

This is a PINK (love the colour) nonabrasive cleansing tool, I have a Clarisonic and use that a lot but I’m always intrigued by other options. This is a rounded silicone touch-points glide across the face for ultra-gentle cleansing that gives you healthier-looking skin within just 3 days. It comes in a selection of cute colours and its petite enough to travel with so that could be very handy indeed. Let me know if you have tried this cleanser and if you’d recommend it.

If you like to use more luxurious products and enjoy shopping online then I recommend stopping by the Beautique’s online store. You will be filling your basket in no time.

•Written in collaboration with the Beautique

Three Pamper Products

- Vicki 2 Comments
January Pamper Products

January Pamper Session Products

I’m trying to ignore the fact the weather is awful, the nights are dark and January is historically a month I eat my weight in chocolate & I have been forcing myself to be more positive, active and have regular pamper sessions. I always neglect my body in the winter months and this year I didn’t want it to be that way so these three products have been regular features of my Sunday night pamper sessions for the past 6 weeks and I love them so much!

MONU Warming Ginger Body Oil

This is a gorgeously indulgent product and its all about creating that Spa experience at home. This Oil can be used in three ways, as a body oil, in shower oil or put a few drops in your warm bath. It smells incredible, leaves your skin so soft and nourished and is a lovely indulgent treat. I like that it’s not at all greasy and is the perfect pampering treat for your body. It includes,

  • An uplifting mixture of aromatic Ginger, Lemongrass and Orange essential oils is sure to awaken the senses and provide an energising kick to tired muscles.
  • Added active ingredients such as Calendula, Jojoba Seed Oil and Vitamins A and E deliver all you need to gently restore natural softness to the skin.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Taking the day off is what I like to do every evening, cleanse off all the dirt and makeup at the end of a busy day. I don’t just save this for the weekend but it still feels like a treat because it’s so gentle on my skin and it really does take off every stitch of makeup. I scoop a little product out and massage it into my skin for a good few minutes (the balm turns into an oil), taking the time to work the product in and help it dissolve my makeup. Then with a damp face cloth I wipe it all off – my makeup comes off very easily no vigorous rubbing needed, it even removes my mascara.

ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud Mask* 

My hair has looked and felt so dry and frizzy these past few weeks & this mask has really helped to bring some shine back and also smooth the frizz. This mask is pink and it smells so rich and luxurious. You massage a generous amount into your scalp and through damp hair, sit back and relax for 20 minutes then rinse thoroughly. I thought because this is a mud mask it would be a little tricky to rinse out but it wasn’t difficult at all. ESPA also recommend you use this overnight for more of an intense treatment, I haven’t tried that yet but I will soon. The mask contains,

  • Red Clay stimulates circulation to the scalp improving hair growth
  • Apricot, Bergamot and Orange Oils nourish and aid manageability and gloss
  • Vitamin C rich Watercress helps to soothe your scalp

I like that its designed to be nourishing and beneficial for not only your hair but also your scalp too, it leaves my hair smelling lovely whilst feeling so soft and glossy. Its a treat for sure and I love using it when I am having a pamper evening. All ESPA products come beautifully packaged, they make the whole experience luxurious from the scent of the product to the luxurious packaging. You really feel like you’re having an at home Spa experience.

•PR Sample

Date & Chocolate Energy Bites

- Vicki 2 Comments

This is my first ever baking post & I thought this was a great one to start with & also make a confession, I am utterly terrible and useless in the kitchen. Im clumsy and think everything is going to turn out to be a disaster. Since I moved last September in to my new house I have tried to push myself to cook more & experiment in the kitchen. My new kitchen is gorgeous & it would be a shame not to use it more so I am kicking off my first baking post with a very simple no bake recipe!

Date and Chocolate Energy bites

These are the Date and Chocolate Bites and were inspired by a recipe in the January ASDA magazine. I changed it up a little to suit the ingredients I had in the cupboard. So you will need the following ingredients,

  • 100g stoned dates
  • 100g cashews (i used mixed nuts)
  • 25g raisins
  • 40g orange plain chocolate
  • 1tbsp cocoa
  • 2 tbsp boiling water

No Bake Energy Bites

First you add the dates and boiling water to your food processor (if you have one) I don’t so I mixed them best I could in my blender then I mashed them for about 2 minutes in a bowl to get them as smooth as possible before adding in my raisins and mixing them all together for about a minute (again if you have a processor you could blitz them in there).

Then you add your nuts (if you have a processor you can blitz them in there) I bought the chopped mixed nuts because I knew I didn’t have a processor. When you have all the above ingredients in your bowl you add in your cocoa and mix it thoroughly. Mine is quite a chunky mixture but if you have processed your ingredients it will be a little more fine in texture. Chocolate and Date Energy Bites

Then you line a 24cm loaf tin with cling film and add your mixture making sure you really press it down. Then you just pop it into the oven to chill, I left mine about an hour. You can then lift out the mixture and cut it into 6 – 8 squares depending on how big you want them, or if you prefer them even smaller you can cut them to the size you wish.

Then comes the tasty part, melt your orange plain chocolate in a bowl over a pan of boiling water and add as much as you like to each square, I layered a tea spoon amount over the top of each bite. Leave them to chill in the fridge and set for about 40 minutes then enjoy.

Chocolate and Date Healthy Bites

I like to have these at hand in the afternoon to combat that slump in energy. Also these are good as on the go snacks and if like me you like to have a somewhat healthy snack option then these are great on the go treat. They’re so moorish and taste delicious, because they’re mainly made up of dates they have a caramel sweetness to them. So they have been my go to chocolate treat of choice these past few weeks. If you want them to be a little healthier you can opt to have no chocolate on top or less of it!

So easy to make and because there is no baking involved they’re simple and quick too. They only take 10 minuets to prepare and they taste so good. Also 100% Vegan.

Let me know if you plan on making them or if you already make a version of these.

No Bake Date & Chocolate Bites

Enjoy!

December 2015 Empties

- Vicki 2 Comments
December empties 2015

December Empties 2015

Ponds Contour Eye Cream

This was a really great eye cream & I wasn’t expecting it to be at all. It was very gentle and hydrating not too heavy or greasy. It was easy to massage in without leaving the area feeling like I had piled on the product. I have been using it morning and night and It worked a treat to keep my skin hydrated and smooth. It contains some great ingredients,

  • Vitamin E: helps improve the skins hydration.
  • Pro-Vitamin B5: helps restore and soften the eye contour skin.
  • Essential Nutrients: Jojoba Oil and She Butter help protect, nourish and calm the skin.

I wear an eye cream daily and I was very sad when this ran out (although it seemed to last forever) I can’t seem to find it in Superdrug and I am hoping it hasn’t been discontinued. If I can find it I will 100% repurchase. It’s a great affordable eye cream

MUA Eye Define Lengthening Mascara

This £3 mascara is so good if you like your lashes to look fluttery and long. I seriously love it, plus it lasts ALL day without flaking or transferring. This is a very intense black so if you like your mascara to be jet black this is a great option. I do like many products from the MUA range but this mascara is one of the best products I have tried from then and its well worth adding to your makeup stash. When I next need a mascara I will be repurchasing this one.

Bee Good Honey & Wild Water Mint 3-in-1 Cleansing Water

This is a lovely cleanser for removing your eye makeup or for doing a pre cleanse. Its gentle and great at dissolving makeup. It feels soothing and instantly cooling on the skin so if you use this in the morning its a nice way to sooth tired eyes. It contains some really good natural ingredients.

  • Moisturising British wild flower honey
  • Brightening red algae
  • Refreshing wild water mint and propolis.

I have tried a couple of products from this British brand & I have only good things to say about them. Bee Good skincare is bursting with the finest blend of ethically sourced bee based ingredients, naturally active botanicals and plant oils. They harness the very best from nature to create hard working, luxurious and dependable skincare. Their whole range is free from parabens, synthetic colour, mineral oil, silicone, SLS/SLES – so no nasties here. They are also the only British premium skincare brand to exclusively use British honey, propolis and beeswax in all of their products.

Its skincare that is getting back to nature & I am totally on board.

Covergirl Clump Crusher Mascara

This mascara is good at preventing clumping and I liked that it was jet black that said it wasn’t the best at staying put and quite often it ended up on my upper lids or under my eyes. Not a cute look! I’m not in a rush to repurchase. With this being an American release it’s not easy to get hold of so I am quite glad I didn’t love it, also the MUA Mascara I mentioned above is so much better and more affordable.

Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF25

I really liked this moisturiser and the fact that is was an effective SPF ticked all the boxes for me. I even wore it to a wedding that was outside on one of the hottest days of the year & my face didn’t burn at all. I was very impressed,

Balance Me say ‘Our rich yet easily absorbed SPF 25 face cream is specially designed to care and protect skin in everyday life. To support your skin’s own defence system, our SPF 25 moisturiser contains an innovative natural titanium dioxide-based sun filter to block out both UVA and UVB rays. A blend of super hydrating hyaluronic acid and powerful anti-oxidant blackberry leaf extract with essential fatty acid-rich rosehip, camellia, kukui nut and jojoba oils work gently yet effectively to soothe, firm and shield your precious skin as well as enhancing the activity of the sun filter.

It didn’t leave a white cast on my skin or break me out, I thought this was a great way of protecting my skin from the harmful UVA & UVB rays. Although it is slightly heavier on the skin than your average daily moisturiser you’re getting so many more benefits and after a week or so I really didn’t notice it. I made sure to massage it into my skin thoroughly before applying my foundation and it never left me feeling greasy or shiny. I would 100% repurchase this.

Vichy Purete Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil

I think I used this almost daily since I got it & these past few days I have really missed not having it in my skincare routine. I massaged two pumps in to dry skin to dissolve makeup and the dirt from the day, using a warm face cloth I wipe it all away. The fact that it is an oil really made it easy to massage in to the skin and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight. People that enjoy doing a double cleanse will find this so good as the first step. At the heart of the formula are,

micelles (Micelles are attracted to dirt, grime, and oil, and they draw out impurities without drying out your skin), which gently remove waterproof make-up, impurities, sebum excess and dead cells with no need for rubbing. Also it contains Vitamin E which provides antioxidant protection and Camellia Oil which moisturises and soothes the skin. This can be used on even sensitive skin and the formula contains no parabens.

I will be repurchasing this ASAP, I loved using it.