What's in my suitcase? Packing tips!

Going on holiday is very exciting and there is nothing better than leaving the stresses and strains of life behind and jetting off. However, although I think that the holiday feeling starts with holiday preparation, packing can be quite overwhelming and time consuming. So here are a few tips to help you stay organised.

1. I used to lay out my items before packing them, checking that I had the right pieces but now I layer my clothes whilst in the suitcase. 

I put my shoes on the bottom and I place clothing items that work together on top of each other (unlike the trip back home, where I roll my clothes to make the most of space). This saves ironing when I get to the destination and I can immediately see which pieces can be worn together. In the picture above I have two maxi dresses that will both go with my white cardigan. Therefore, they are put on top of one another and when I unpack, I can quickly put outfits away.

2. If you can double up, you should. For example, pack neutral layers that will go with a range of outfits. I am fairly strict with myself. For example in the photo below, I have removed a lime green striped cardigan. Yes, it's lovely but it only goes with one outfit, so not very useful. 

3. I tend to lay out my choice of shorts/skirts etc., making sure I am not repeating the same styles or colours. 

4. Next, I place the tops that will go with most of the shorts/skirts/trousers on top. As I do so, I check that each item can be paired with three or four other things.

5. A very important tip when packing: leave room! Only half fill your case if you think that you will be bringing home a case full of souvenirs. After all, on the way home, you can roll clothes, putting them into shoes to maximise space.

And that's it! What are your packing tips? Has anyone mastered the art of travelling light?!

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector

Today's review is for those of you who suffer with panda eyes in the morning, whether as a result of one too many late nights or just frustrating genetics! I think my problem is a combination of the two and I'm always on the lookout for products that will make me look like I've had a few extra hours shut eye.

THE PRODUCT

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector is a skin-colour eye cream that claims to instantly brighten the under eye area and visibly correct dark circles. I discovered it whilst shopping for cleanser (Kiehl's are brilliant for giving out samples of products that you might want to try) and the first thing the lady in the shop told me was that a little bit goes a very long way... she wasn't wrong!

APPLICATION

You really do need a tiny amount of this product. Used carefully it is opaque enough to cover dark areas, however this means that if you use too much it goes sort of chalky and doesn't blend in. It's not a moisturing product as such so it sits on top of the skin, hence why you only need a small amount. I'm very glad I was given this advice because had I gone in too heavy-handed I would have been complaining about the product rather than singing its praises!

RESULTS

I'll admit I was initially sceptical of the bold claims, but it really does work! It's paler than my skin tone, so in summer it's a bit too pale for me, but I use it to correct dark circles and then go in over the top with my usual toned concealer and the combination works very well. It even has SPF30, which is fantastic, because I know like many people I tend to ignore the eye area when protecting my skin from the sun!

THE VERDICT

I'm very impressed with this product and would definitely purchase it again. At £29 it is a bit expensive, but when you only need a tiny amount it will last a very long time. It's definitely worth picking up a sample if you are interested as I'm not sure it is a shade that will work on all skin tones and types.

£29 for 15ml, www.kiehls.co.uk

On a separate note, Kay has just left for sunny Florida (jealous? moi?!) so coming up over the next couple of weeks she will be sharing holiday-related posts such as beauty must-haves for travelling and tips for packing your suitcase. So keep an eye out for those!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

I popped into Space NK to pick up a Nars primer and whilst I was there, I had a gander at the skin care section (always dangerous!) and, actually, to be honest, the Diptyque candles....yes, I bought one. I was only meant to buy a primer! 

Any who, wanting something moisturising that would remove makeup, the lovely sales assistant introduced me to Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm. I have heard great things about Emma Hardie products, but had never actually tried anything from the range.

I tested the product and was immediately impressed by the consistency. It was light, despite the density and although it was a balm, it didn't feel greasy. The sales assistant informed me that Hardie created this product after being ill and wanted something that would nourish her skin. According to the website, emmahardie.com, the 'Moringa Cleansing Balm is a balanced daily cleanser that thoroughly cleanse deep in the pores, moisturises and calms all skin types'.

I have used this product several times and my face looks considerably smoother, especially considering that I wasn't using a harsh cleanser prior to this. I was using an excellent one from REN. However, now, my skin does look healthier. Having had a gander at the ingredients, so far, it does what it claims to do: 

Grape Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil rich in essential fatty acids help to plump and soften

Moringa seed extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E balance, purify and help to minimise the appearance of open pores

Essential oils of Orange, Neroli and Mandarin rejuvenate and revitalise the skin whilst calming the senses

Jasmine and Rose help to recondition dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins

Removes all traces of face and eye make-up and is so pure it doubles as a soothing and hydrating mask if left on the skin for ten minutes

The lady at Space NK said that the product can also be left on, as a mask, over night. It can even be used as a hair mask. 

So, how much is it? I was expecting £50 +, mainly because of the size. You get a 100ml, plus cloth. However, I was pleasantly surprised, it is £38.00. This is especially impressive when you consider that a little product goes a long way and, apparently, if you use too much, it can congest the pores. 

Moving onto the cloth. It has a muslin side for breaking down the makeup and dirt and a microfibre side that is used to gently remove the product in a sweeping motion. I'm not a huge fan of these types of cloth. It looks like a bacteria's paradise, even if you do rinse it properly. I prefer to rinse with warm water or use a flannel and chuck it in the wash. 

Other than this, the only thing that I am not too keen on is the fact that it's not a pump dispenser, which means your fingers go into the product to use it. I don't hate this but I'm not a huge fan of it either. 

However, would I repurchase? Yes, yes, yes. And probably buy a few more candles and numerous products whilst I'm there! 

www.uk.spacenk.com 

www.emmahardie.com 

Strobing – the new contour

Contouring

Strobing

Just when you had got your head around contouring, strobing pops up! Strobing is a technique that enhances a natural looking glow by accentuating where the light hits the face. It's a 'glow from within' type of idea and, unlike contouring, it doesn't make use of the face's natural shadows. Illuminators and highlighters are used but to prevent looking like a glitter ball or going from dewy glow to sweaty mess. Here are a few things to help: 

1. Use a toner, serum, moisturiser etc, like you normally would. Strobing is all about radiating light so dry skin patches won't help! 

2. Pick a tone of highlighter that suits your skin tone. Being a mid to fair toned gal, something champagney toned will suit. My friend, who has a darker complexion uses Liquid Soliel De Tan Chanel and it looks amazing. 

3. Use a brush, such as the Sigma Duo Fibre F50, that lightly picks up the product and gently deposits it. 

4. Apply your chosen product to the areas that the light naturally hits the face: bridge of the nose, cupid's bow, centre of forehead, top of the cheeks, top of the forehead, above the cheek bone and below it. 

5. Try not to over shimmer. Obviously, the whole idea is to highlight certain areas, but they are only accentuated if the other makeup isn't equally as shimmery. 

6. A little trial and error is required with this one. If it all goes slightly awry, use a damp beauty blender to blend it. Less is more and you can always build up the product. 

It suddenly occurred to me that MAC's Strobe Cream has been designed to do just that – to strobe! Despite my dappy moment for not working this out sooner, I will be trying it out for this purpose.

Conclusion:
So far, I'm not convinced. I still prefer the contour look but, I will keep trying it out and see how I feel in a few weeks. 

RGB Cosmetics - nail colour without harmful chemicals

As you know by now, we are always on the look out for brands that deliver great results whilst using the safest ingredients possible. For nails Kure Bazaar is a firm favourite, but I have recently stumbled across RGB Cosmetics on Net-A-Porter and am excited to give their products a try. They are new to (despite being around since 2009!) however the fact that they have been given the seal of approval by Net-A-Porter gives me high hopes.

What is so great about RGB? For starters they are free from Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP, Camphor and Formaldehyde Resin. Yes, these are the ingredients that supposedly give you strong, shiny, chip-proof nails, but RGB claims to do all of this without the nasty chemicals.

Even better, their aim is to bridge the gap between conflict free beauty and luxury cosmetics. All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and fair-trade. Sounds good to me! They have a fantastic range of neutrals and brights, as well as nail-care products, in fact I am struggling to choose what to try first. If anyone has any recommendations or can tell us whether RGB nail polishes are as good as they sound, we would love to hear from you! Review to follow so stay tuned....

www.rgbcosmetics.com
£15 each from www.net-a-porter.com/Shop/Designers/RGB_Cosmetics

I Heart Victoria's Secret Swimwear!

When I go to the States, I stock up on bikinis at Victoria's Secret. Why? Because by wearing them, I am hoping to turn into Gisele Bundchen or Adriana Lima. One can dream... Actually, it's because of their fantastic prints, durability, comfort and 'staying on-ness'! They aren't a cheap option, ranging from £18-£23 and that's just for the top. However, like Jen and I say, you usually get what you pay for and I think they are worth every penny.

They have a huge range of colours and styles – I am especially fond of the tassel front tops. (Memo to self....time to buy some more!) If you don't mind paying the tax, order straight from the U.S. website, or better still, find an American friend to visit for you. Checking out the London store is probably more convenient but be warned, like most international companies, you get much more for your money when buying the products in the country that the company originated. So obviously, in this case, booking a holiday in America is the most cost effective choice, right?!

Check out the full range at www.victoriassecret.com/swimwear