Night Time Essentials

I always find it a little bit harder to get to sleep at this time of year. I'm not too sure what it is, maybe it's the light, maybe it's the temperature, I don't know, but what I do like to make sure is that I'm fully kitted out with pamper products that will one, help me sleep and two, make the most of my night and utilise the time and give my skin a little kick up the backside and nudge it in the right direction. 

To help me sleep, I use the Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Linen Spray*. This product scents my bedding with the uber relaxing scent of Lavender and it just helps me to rest that little bit easier. In fact, I've also got the Crabtree & Evelyn Lavender Hand Wash* in my bathroom for the same reason. I like my pamper times to feel relaxing and when I'm in the bathroom this does just that. Before I get into bed though, I love having a peppermint tea. I'm not much of a tea drinker anymore, in fact I barely drink any caffeine at all as it just seems to cause too much havoc so I like to treat myself to a peppermint tea when I do fancy something a little hotter to drink. My go-to mint tea at the moment is the Voya Peppermint Pleasure Tea*. It's a little more on the expensive side but I can really notice the difference - and I find that because I don't drink tea that often, I can just about justify the spend. It's natural and organic, and it also is filled with Seaweed which of course gives so many more benefits than just a normal mint tea. If you have problems with digestion then I'd definitely recommend giving this a go. Plus it tastes delicious!

This time of year also can play havoc with my skin. I like to have a few go-to skincare products that will push my skin in the right direction and give me that little pamper overnight that my skin so desperately needs. If I'm having an issue with blemishes, then the Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel* is great. This overnight treatment helps clear breakouts while minimising the potential for future breakouts. I've heard that this works wonders for acne-prone skin! As I'm super lucky with my skin however and only breakout sometimes, I use this in a far more targeted way. I'll apply directly to any affected areas and then cleanse my skin etc. as normal in the morning. If you do find out that you break out a bit more, then this can also be used over the entirety of your skin. 

If my skin is lacking moisture, then lately I have been loving the Argan+ Moroccan Rose Night Time Facial Oil*. This a great budget beauty that helps to hydrate my skin overnight, leaving it super fresh and awake looking in the morning. 

If my skin is looking a bit dull and lack lustre, which is pretty often at the moment, then I've got a few products that I've been loving. First up is another budget favourite and it's the Sanctuary Spa Beauty Sleep Face Mask*. I love the purple in the packaging for this. The product works to hydrate and brighten skin over night, and with no need to remove in the morning, this one is great if you're short of time (or just like those extra 5 minutes in bed in the morning). This Works is very much known for its products that help you sleep, but the This Works Sleep Plus Trouble Shooter* was a really lovely addition to my bed-time skincare essentials. This beauty works help you look as though you've had a lot more sleep than you may actually have had. It plumps, brightens and rejuvenates skin leaving it looking lovely in the morning. If you find you wake up with an uneven skin tone in the morning, this is a really great one to give a go. The Kiehls Over Night Biological Peel Skin Treatment* is for sure my go to in emergencies. This gives my skin back its life and I love that about it. You apply in the same way as the other products, before you go to bed and then remove it in the morning when cleansing. The packaging is my favourite though - it looks beautiful on your dressing table and really looks like it's going to do something... Which I can confirm, it very much does. 

My last couple of steps before going to bed, is always applying a hydrating hand cream. I've got a lot in my stash but my favourite at the moment is the Crabtree & Evelyn Avocado Hand Therapy*. This is super hydrating (as you can imagine it would be with Avocado) and it sinks in beautifully before I hit the hay. If I've been feeling super stressed, then I'll either rope the boyf into giving me a massage with the Aveda Stress Fix Composition Oil*, or I'll just rub it into my skin for hydration. This is an all round great oil as it does a little bit of everything. If I had a bath, I'd pop a bit of this in before bed-time too as the aroma and benefits are just incredible. 

I love trying out and adding new products to my before-bedtime-regime. What are your go-to products? 

Lorna x

SHARE:

My New Balayage Hair

Remember back in the day where I wrote this post about having my hair dyed balayage and ombre by the incredible Dario at the Mowgli Salon? It was the first time I'd ventured out of my bedroom to inevitably get my hair done by a professional, and for the first time ever - I blooming loved it. Now that was about a year ago, and I have something to admit... That was the last time I visited a salon to get my hair cut. Oops, I know but from past experiences and quite liking letting my hair grow, it just kind of happened that way and of course, there's only Dario who I can put my faith in to take over the reigns and let him do my hair. He's a blooming genius and he just knows what to do. 

He's moved over to the Rush Hair Salon in Sutton* and I just had to take a trip there to see what he was getting up to now (and more so, to let this genius loose on my hair again). I wanted the same thing as last time, but as usual, I just let Dario loose and to do what he thought would be best. You can trust him, he really does know what he's doing!  

I went for a blonde balayage and a bit of a trim. An ashy toner was put on top to counteract any brassy tones (this can also be kept up when you're at home with a silver or purple shampoo. I've been using the Pro:Voke Touch Of Silver Brightening Shampoo and it's brilliant. It's super affordable - only around £3 - and it lasts for a super long time as I wouldn't recommend using it every time you wash your hair).

We finished off the look with some loose curls - my go-to hair style and my favourite hairstyle for Balayage hair. It just makes the blonde and brunette contrast look incredible. I love it! 

Balayage and ombre has been my go-to hair colour for years and years now and it genuinely just feels like me and I'm super thankful for Dario for helping me get there. I know I've said it before, but this guy really does know his stuff. Just ask for Dario when booking at Rush Hair Salon in Sutton and you'll get to see what this genius can really do. 

Lorna x

*My hair was done free of charge in exchange for this review, but I really mean what I say and I do genuinely just trust Dario with my hair!

SHARE:

Mother's Day with Next

Mother's Day is super special and I always try and make an effort to do something on it for my Mum. Unfortunately this year, I can't be with mine as I've got to sort house things out but I'm going to do something when I see her next as I don't think it's something that should be missed or ignored. We of course should show our Mum's that we care all year round, but I think it's lovely that there's a day just for them and so when Next contacted me asking if I'd like to work with them on their #StyleMyMum campaign I jumped at the chance. My Mum is such a fan of Next so I just knew she would love the idea - even if she does usually steer clear of photographs. 

We chose our outfits and I popped home last weekend for us to try them on, and spend some time with her before our belated Mother's Day (which Mum, we will be having... I know you'll be reading this!). Pictured above are our outfits. My mum went for the Navy Peacoat, Navy Ditsy Grandad Shirt, Navy Premium Slouch Trousers, Black Leather Premium Feature Heel Boots and the Navy Weave Tote Bag. She has always been a fan of the colour Navy, as you can probably tell and all of these pieces make a great addition to her wardrobe. The boots though are to die for - I actually got the same in a different shade but I just need these too. The Brown Tortoise Shell Feature Heel is just stunning - I can't quite get over it. 

For my outfit, I wanted to go for something a little out of my comfort zone and not my usual black on black on black kind of vibe. So I gave myself the rule of no black and actually, I kind of fell in love with it. I went for the Neutral Trench Coat, Geo Blouse, Denim Leggings, Mink Suede Premium Leather Feature Heel Boots and the Grey Suede Bucket Bag. The trench coat just felt beautiful on, the material felt lovely to touch but the one thing I would say is wait until it's a little warmer to wear it. It's blooming freezing right now, and this is the perfect coat for that transitional period between winter and spring and on from there... It is England after all and the weather is super temperamental and so this is a great piece to have in your wardrobe. The Denim Leggings were more like jeans which is actually why I went for them. If you're a fan of the Topshop Joni's then you'll probably like these. They are a great budget alternative and I love the shade - it's completely different from my usual Black Joni's but I love it! My favourite part of the outfit had to be the shoes though... I usually have this rule of only buying black shoes because in the past I've found that I just don't wear anything else but these Mink beauties are absolute game changers. They're super comfy too which is always a bonus in my book! 

We spent some time having a walk in the park in our outfits, before inevitably I got a bit too cold  and we had to pop home for a cuppa. When I go home to visit my parents, that's what I like to do anyway. Sit at home with a hot drink, some good food - I love to cook - and just have a good catch up as I don't actually get to see them as much as I might like anymore because of that whole thing of being a 'grown up' and having a job... Just that ol' malarkey, you know. I think it's just about spending time with them and enjoying that - and I was super excited that this campaign gave me an excuse to go and do that. So thanks for kitting my Mum and I out and giving us a chance to have a catch up - it was super special. 

Lorna x

*The clothes were provided by Next for the feature but as always my views are completely honest. 

SHARE:

Eating in London: Vintage Salt

I heard about Vintage Salt* when they had their pop up at Selfridges and just about everyone was raving about it. Little did I know that there was another couple of restaurant branches around London. I didn't get around to visiting the one in Selfridges so had to pop into the one on Upper Street. If you've read any of my other 'Eating in London' posts then you'll probably know that I'm a pescetarian - so any restaurant that specialises in seafood or fish is a must go hence why Vintage Salt was so high up on my list of must-visit places to eat in London... and trust me, it didn't disappoint.  

To start, we firstly went for the Scallops (pictured second). The half shell diver scallops with seaweed and hazelnut butter to be precise and they didn't disappoint. I've become a scallop fiend of late and will always go for them if I get a chance and these tasted super fresh and incredible with the seaweed and hazelnut butter. Alongside this we went for the Salt and Pepper Squid with Chilli Jam (of course) (pictured above). I don't think I can turn down squid if it's on a menu. I'm always on the hunt for a new favourite, and although my favourite is very much still the one I tried at Shikumen (forgetting about the rest of the meal...) this one most definitely comes close and it's very much the Chilli Jam that does it. This tasted blooming incredible. Can I get a jar of the stuff please? 

For our mains, we went for a special - a fish stew kind of thing (pictured first) and the Shrimp Burger with Spicy Tartar Sauce (pictured directly above). They both tasted great. The Spicy Tartar Sauce on the burger blew me away and so did the presentation of the stew (and the taste)! Do make sure you order some sides though if you want to go away full and having not missed out on some of the best bits. We opted for the Truffle fries and the Winter Greens with Garlic Chips. Both were so incredible and full of flavour. I'm eyeing up the Brussel Sprouts with Chestnut Crumble for my next visit... 

Generally I can take or leave a dessert. I'm just not that kinda gal... This time however, it blew me away and for sure was my favourite part of the meal. I was extremely full by the time we came to order our desserts but they sounded lovely (and just had to give them a go... of course). We went for the Rice Pudding and the Lemon Posset. Both were incredible but the stand out had to be the Lemon Posset. If you go and its on the menu, you just can't leave without trying this. It was the perfect mix of sweet and creamy and citrus and I just couldn't get enough. With the most delicious shortbread biscuits served on the side - this dessert is one to come back for again and again. And trust me, I'm really not just saying that. I've literally been craving it ever since... 

With branches on both Upper Street and Liverpool Street in London there really is no excuse not to come and give it a go if you're in the area. Both menus are slightly different and I'm eyeing up the Liverpool Street branch already. I'm eyeing up the Crab Toast and Grilled Tiger Prawns - yum!

Lorna x

*I was invited to review Vintage Salt, but as always my opinion is 100% honest. 

SHARE:

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: For Her

Valentine's day is generally about spending time with a loved one - or your BFF for 'Galentine's day' right? Valentine's day shouldn't really be all about buying new things... but if you do want to pick something new up for a loved one then I've narrowed down a few options that I quite like. 

For someone that wants to pick something up for themselves at the same time. The Tangle Teezer His and Hers gift set* is the perfect option (they also have His and His and Her and Her options too!). It's practical, I mean I don't know any girls that don't love a Tangle Teezer once they've given it a go - and the idea is blooming cute too. Along similar lines... If you want to delve into their gift too - why not get something edible? Chocolate is always a safe bet and the Lindt Lindor Truffles* (both the original and the strawberry) are a perfect option. They taste blooming delicious and I don't think I've ever met anyone that doesn't like them. If you fancy going for something a little different from the usual however then I'd recommend the Crabtree & Evelyn All Butter Rose Biscuits. I was super sceptical about these - I mean I love a rose macaron just like the next person, but it in a biscuit? I just wasn't sure... But oh my god. These blew my mind. They taste unlike anything I've ever tried before. So so delicious - and you must try them or buy them as a treat for someone else. It's a biscuit game changer if you will... 

Onto some more beauty and I fell in love with Illamasqua's Valentine's campaign. They have created a collection of the most seductive pouts that will undoubtably lead to getting your lipstick smudged by the end of the night - and I think actually this is such incredible. It's not mushy or gushy it's just right. I got my hands on their lipstick in Maneater* and it's the most perfect matte red for doing just that. 

If you do however fancy being a little more on the gushy side, then Sabon's Hugs and Kisses Gift set* is just perfect. Filled with a beautiful lipgloss and hand cream inside a beautiful tin - it's just gorgeous. It doesn't break the bank and it's a luxury that's lovely to open. 

If you want something that also has gorgeous packaging - then I'd recommend Glossybox. Now I know I'm a little bias as I'm currently working there... but trust me - their packaging is just blooming beautiful. I'm a beauty junkie and am lucky enough to get my fair share of beauty treats and so when I get my hands on the box each month - it's the packaging that gets me the most excited. The unwrapping of the box etc. is the best part and I know that's the same for a lot of people too! But you know what? The products inside are great too. I pictured the February Beauty Soulmates box - which is now unfortunately sold out, but you could still gift someone special with a subscription so they get the excitement month on month on month... It is the gift that keeps on giving after all. 

Or finally, you could buy individual pieces of makeup... and this is the part I well and truly fell in love with. KIKO's BFF collection* is a beautiful Valentine's inspired collection. I'm talking beautiful pinks and reds all embossed with hearts - I mean even the lipstick is shaped as a heart! This blew my mind and got me far too excited. The collection is super budget friendly and you really need to try one or two of the products out. 

A few favourites from the world of Valentine's day gifting... but don't take this as sin. Maybe buy them a cute gift - but I think spending the time with them could be a whole lot more special. 

Lorna x

SHARE:

Introducing: Yes To

Yes To is a brand I've always heard about but for some reason, as with many a brand, I just never got round to trying it until now... And I'm blooming glad I did. I always thought the brand was solely Yes To Carrots - but little did I know that there were other scents and types of products in the range - and this is what got me so excited about trying the ranges out. 

I got my hands on a few bits from the Yes To Coconuts range and the Yes To Blueberries ranges - one, because I blooming love a coconut scent and two because I love blueberries, why have I never had something made with blueberries before?! 

The idea behind the Yes To brand was to create a beautiful and super-natural beauty range made with fruits and vegetables - I love the idea of this, and they blooming well have done it and done it well at that. 

The Yes To Coconuts range is targeted at dry skin and as a gal with dry skin I can vouch that it works! The product I want to mention is the Yes To Coconuts Body Lotion Spray* - not only is the packaging super nifty, what's inside is just beautiful. It works incredibly, it's super easy to rub in and I just can't get enough. 

The Yes To Blueberries range isn't really targeted at my skin type as they are recommended for those with fine lines and wrinkles - but prevention is always better than a cure right?! My favourite product from this range, surprisingly is the Yes To Blueberries Cleansing Facial Wipes*. I got out of the habit of using wipes such a long time ago in favour of a cleansing water, as I found it worked so much better with my sometimes sensitive skin. Sometimes however you just need a quick fix for on the go - and that's what I use these wipes for. I always pop them in my bag for any on-the-go beauty touch ups or pre-Psycle sessions, as no one wants to go to the gym with makeup on. 

I'm hooked and I can't wait to try out the other products in some of the other ranges. The brand has such a great authenticity behind it (and after a quick read of their 'about us' section), I read that they're all people after my own heart... Fellow wine lovers. Let's celebrate my new found love of the brand with a glass or two. I mean, it's okay if I'm using these beautifully natural products on my skin right? 

Lorna x

SHARE:

Falling In Love With KIKO

If you're a regular on the blogosphere then I'm sure you'll have heard everyone and their dog rave about KIKO... but I wanted to write this post just in case you hadn't.... And, I really needed to get it out somehow. 

I love luxe, expensive and beautiful beauty products just like the next gal. They generally work incredibly, they look lovely on your dressing table and they feel so exciting to own. The worst bit? Parting with the sometimes excessive amount of cash to get your hands on them... I'm always looking for products that work wonders but don't break the bank balance and there's one brand that ALWAYS pops up and blows my mind - and you will probably have an inkling by now that that is of course KIKO. 

I remember the first time I stepped into the KIKO store on Regents Street. I was a University student, still a beauty blogger and I'd heard so much about the brand that I couldn't wait to check it out. It was one of those things where I hadn't really planned to go, but I saw the big sign staring me right in the face across the road and it just pulled me in (a lot like Claire's Accessories used to around 10 years ago...)! I stepped inside, a little overwhelmed. I mean their stores are a little manic... They're always rammed with people trying to swatch the products and grab the bargains, but I think that just shows how incredible it must be if it's always that busy. There are rows and rows of products - I remember finding it so hard to decide what I even wanted. All I knew was that I wanted something... I was not going to come away empty handed. I think that time I just picked up a dark brown shimmer eyeshadow - but the next time I stepped inside, I picked up a little more. Restraint is not something I'm always good at, student budget or no student budget. 

Honestly, there's not anything I've ever tried from KIKO that I haven't liked - I know, big big words - but then I wouldn't be writing this post if I did. Their lip liners are one of my favourites, even the uber cheap ones. You can pick up a tonne of shades and it really isn't the end of the world if it doesn't suit you - the same can be said for the lipsticks... Eye shadows... Nail polishes... Perhaps I should have just said it could be said for the rest of the products in the store too!

KIKO are always coming out with new collections. Pictured above is the KIKO Midnight Siren Collection from November last year if I remember right. It's a beautiful collection and the packaging just blew my mind. I've not seen anything like it before. And each collection is always different, so if this packaging doesn't take your fancy, then just hold off and wait for another collection to come out or check the other one's there selling. There's always something. You must check out the Rebel Romantic collection if you're a fan of Charlotte Tilbury makeup.

They sell in store and online, so if you've not got a chance to head to a store (or don't fancy the craze to get the lip liner you're after) then their online store is definitely worth a browse... In fact, that's what I might just do now. 

What are your favourite KIKO products if you've given them a go or what products are you eyeing up? 

Lorna x

SHARE: