Holy Grail Products

Holy Grail; noun.

2. a thing which is eagerly pursued or sought after.  [Google]

You know the ones I mean. Those products you'd take to a desert island blah blah blah. They are lovely and fab and you can't live without them. 

I love the videos dedicated to these on YouTube. I devour magazine articles highlighting their top ten products. And now, I actually have some of my own. (Shut up!)

The thing with skin care, unlike make-up, is that it often takes months for results to be seen and a true judgement to be made. I thought I'd have some goodies I quite liked but Holy Grail status? This. Is. Exciting. (For me, anyway).

In no specific order, may I present the best things since sliced bread.

1. Nip+Fab Skin Glycolic Instant Fix Mask

If I hadn't vowed to no longer swear, I would say holy shit. This mask is a-maz-zing! I have done countless masks (haven't we all?!) and you well you do generally feel all luverly jubberly afterwards.  This is the FIRST time in my nearly 41 years that a mask has literally TRANSFORMED my skin. My skin looked - like masks often boldly proclaim but never really achieve - refreshed, poreless, bright and it even, I swear, erased my fine lines....the next day.

Thankfully I had watched some videos about glycolic acid and immediately afterwards, your face is red. Bright red. RED. It doesn't sting or burn but it does go red. Best do this on an evening after work then. The red is SO worth it. I promise. 

2. and 3. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream and Kiehl's Super Multi Corrective Cream

Frankly these smell divine and feel so lush, that I don't even care if they don't actually do anything for my skin. But - and wait for it - they do. Oh do they just. The moisture alone is phenomenal. PHENOMENAL. It is as though magical tiny Unicorn tears have been captred into these fabulous jars of awesomeness. Get thee to a Kiehl's boutique ASAP.

4. Pixi Glow Tonic with Aloe Vera and Ginseng

This little beauty has one of the same magic ingredients as my favourite mask above: glycolic acid. Was I the only person who didn't know that acid toners was the ONLY way to go?! "Normal" toners - you know those drying ones that leave leave your face feeling really tight - are basically useless and rubbish. The thought of even using acid, yes ACID, on my face sounded horrifying and well, dangerous. But this truly is Holy Grail worthy. 

Two to three days (DAYS, not weeks or months although the positive results continued) saw my skin dramatically improved. It resurfaces your skin (without ANY pain) leaving you looking refreshed and bright with incredibly smooth skin (and a great base for make-up). It even gets rid of those little tiny bumps you sometimes get on your forehead. They never really develop into anything but they just linger there. 

And if all that wasn't enough, this magic elixir lasts forever! You squirt some on ONE cotton pad and wipe it all over your face. You then simply turn the cotton pad over and do it again and voila you are done....with MAGIC results. Oh and I should say the glycolic is less than the Nip+Fab Mask so there's no redness. You're safe.

5. and 6. La Roche-Posay Serozinc and Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I never (ever) put any stock into spritzes and sprays. I mean they cool you on a hot day, usually smell lovely but they don't actually do anything.....until I discovered these two wonders! I never appreciated this simple way of adding moisture to your skin, nor did I realise how much my skin needed it. Now I cannot live without them. I may have Holy Grail products but I am not such a Diva that I need two different types just for the heck of it. 

The La Roche-Posay Serozinc is THE spray to use when you have breakouts. Caudalie all the other times. After I have removed my make-up and cleansed my skin, I spray this lightly over my face and just let it soak in while I brush my teeth or put on my pjs or whatever. It only takes a minute or so to absorb. I end up spritzing again before bed, first thing in a morning.... Well you get the idea. Try it and you'd never go back. 

(And in case you're wondering, it goes first cleanse (i.e. remove make-up), second cleanse (actually wash your face), wipe face with Pixi Glow Tonic, eye cream, spritz (let it absorb), moisturise (although on an evening, I add a facial oil before moisturising).

7. and 8. Caudalie Vinosource Overnight Recovery Oil and Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream

I. Love. These. Two. I always thought I had oily/combination skin but it turns out I, in fact, have DRY skin with oily patches. Adding moisture through spritzes, oils and moisturisers has been life-changing for my skin. 

Every night after I have cleansed and spritzed et al, I add 6 drops of the Caudalie Oil and massage into my skin. I top it off with my Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream (sometimes moisturiser and then my sleeping cream).

And that my lovelies, are my Holy Grails.

February Favourites 2016 - What I Have Been Loving This Month

Ok, ok, so technically it IS March but here are some of the - what I think - things that oozed fabulousness during the month of February.

Short month. Short list. 

So I love all things Kate Spade and I especially love my new Kate Spade bag. Suddenly my local TK Maxx has started selling Kate Spade. Whaaaaaaaaaaaat?! So when I went in for a quick look around, my eyes clapped on this immediately. I. Had. To. Have. It. And it has not disappointed. 

                                                     

     

Last month's favourites saw the introduction of my new aromatherapy humidifer and diffuser. I bought a tester pack of oils from Amazon, within which was Mystic Moments Blue Eucalyptus Oil. It was the perfect winter scent, so much so I ran out of it early February. So I bought a giiiiiiinormous bottle.  And I do mean ginormous. But I love the Vicks-esque scent (I'm weird that way). I fill my diffuser with it every night! 

Since I got my pooch, Georgie, five years ago, I have become obsessed with all things dog-related. One of my favourite dog-related purchases in February was these über cute Perky Pet Tumblers from ASDA. 

                                             

Shut up! How totally adorable are these???! And they are only £2.50 for FOUR!!!!! I also LOVE these dog-themed pjs also from ASDA. 

A snapshot of the PJ bottoms

                                              

I wasn't lying when I said if it features a dog, I have to own it!

Cold, dark, wintry nights are the perfect backdrop for some fabulous TV and I am in love with three different shows. The Icelandic thriller, Trapped. A fabulous who-dunnit set in a remote town in Iceland. Twists and turns a plenty. I am particularly bereft that there are only 2 episodes to go. What am I going to do? No, seriously, what am I going to do?!!

 

 

Season 2 of Happy Valley does not disappoint. Sarah Lancashire is a-maz-ing. What a fantastic, versatile and understated (and often, underrated, I fear) actor. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it and am gripped for every-single-moment. The nuances in the storylines are particularly perfect. The screenwriters are infallible at capturing the human spirit. That it is set in Yorkshire doesn't hurt, I must say. 

 

 

Also ridiculously (or should that be 'embarrassingly') late to the party but I am currently on a Chicago P.D. marathon. Season 1 down and Season 2 started. Looooooooove it. I am a HUGE fan of Chicago Fire and love this spin-off.  I can't wait for the third spin-off, Chicago Med, which starts soon. Since Chicago Hope waaaaaaaay back when, I have wanted to visit The Windy City and this was the main reason for tuning into Chicago Fire (and now P.D.) but the storylines don't disappoint. 

 

  

Spectre has also been a favourite this month and dare I say it, I think it's the best Daniel Craig Bond yet. Of course you have to see all the movies, and in order, to fully appreciate it. 

                                            

Lastly and, well, oddly, my last favourite is a hot water bottle. Any hot water bottle really as long as it's hot and placed against my back. Heaven. With Neurosurgery, Physio, spinal injections and other more complicated treatment options, the humble hot water bottle has been a God-send. Truly. If you haven't tried one since last winter or for years, dig it out and fill it up. It eases all kinds of aches and pains.

 

 

And that's it for February. A week into March (already??!! Where is this year going?! Yes, I did just say that.) and I have a sneaking suspicion some of the lovely jubbliness I have found will make it into next month's Favourites.

 

Would love to hear your favourites - including book recommendations, TV shows, beauty products and anything else that makes life just that little bit more fabulous!

 

 

My Favourite YouTubers (aka people who don't realise they are my BFF!)

Bed rest has meant A LOT of YouTube. When I say that I don't think people actually realise how much YouTube. I mean I found Wedding Clog Dancing Flash Mob Style ... (I so wish I was kidding)

 

But it has meant that I have found some fantastic YouTubers who talk, primarily I grant you, about skincare and beauty (but that is what I am into). What I love possibly even more than the next 'best thing' I should try is that the super cool essence of a totally decent human always comes through.

 

These are awesome people .... who are freakishly knowledgeable about their shiz. And I thought you should know them too.

 

1. Caroline Hirons

 

(whispers) I freaking love this woman. I mean I LOVE her. She is witty, H-I-L-I-A-R-I-O-U-S, down-to-earth and I haven't even started on what she knows.

 

In fact, stop right here and go to YouTube and find her. Wait that might take too long - I'll put her here for you. She does 'favourite products', 'products she has used up but recommends' (aka 'empties') as well as ... -- sigh -- my all time favourite thing in existence by this woman ... vlogs.

 

 



 

Watch this vlog. Get to 2:58/2:59 into this vlog and tell me you do not adore this woman!

 

2. Estee Lalonde

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/essiebutton

 

Basically one fabulous, unique and truly (what is another word for fabulous because she is FABULOUS!!)??!! She was the first non-wedding-clog-dancing YouTuber I stumbled on and I have never looked back. A Canadian living in London loving Paris ... yes please.

 

Plus she has just announced her new book ( #Bloom). You might be thinking - oh great. A book about pale pink frosted lipgloss (something I probably would have loved when I was 11, I hasten to add) but there is such a depth about Estee. And there's no way her book would be one dimensional or frankly, so outré! Check her out - you won't be disappointed. Promise.

 

3. Coffee Break with Dani

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/CoffeeBreakwithDani

 

Having a bad day? Everything is just ... pants??! It is IMPOSSIBLE not to be completely cheered up and distracted (from your woes) while watching her videos. She knows so much. She has the most fantastical energy. I never, ever miss a video. Yup, I subscribed and even get notifications.

 

4. A Model Recommends

(also known as Ruth Crilly)

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/AModelRecommends

 

A) She is a model

B) She's a NORMAL HUMAN BEING (I mention this because I think some folk might foolishly discriminate against her for point A.)

C) Hilarious, witty and knowledgable as heck!

D) Love the COLAB range? That's HER!

E) She's unapologetic that she has had a baby/that baby sometimes features in videos AND she has new mum body issues. This in fact should be number 1/point A - haters gonna hate and she never waivers. Love her (AND baby!)

 

Ok. There is one more reason. Collaborative videos with Caroline Hirons. I will say no more and walk away now.

 

5. Glam Life Guru

(also known as Tati Westbrook)

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/GlamLifeGuru

 

What this woman does not know about makeup is not worth knowing.

Plus she is willing to take one for the team to tell you what that £250 moisturiser is really like and if it's worth the money.

She's finds the best cheaper alternatives (a lot even better than the super luxury counterpart) -- and she ALWAYS tells you what her honest opinion is of all the products - those she bought and those sent to her. There is a reason she has more than 1 million subscribers. This woman is amazing.

 

6. Kandee Johnston

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/kandeejohnson

 

Make-up artist extraordinaire. Oozes fun, vibrancy and a good heart. Plus can create a drop-dead glam look or natural, every-day look or even full on Halloween fabulousness.

 

7. Rachhloves

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/RachhLoves

 

Rach loves lifestyle, beauty and fashion and I love Rach. She is my-kind-of-funny as well as being ....I'm trying to think of a word or words that adequately sum her up. Fun and classy?! It doesn't do her justice. She is FAB-U-LOUS and can create any look for the most advanced beauty guru to the just-starting-out (without sounding condescending). A big thumbs up.

 

8. TalkBeckyTalk

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/TalkBeckyTalk

 

To join Caroline Hirons and A Model Recommends, TalkBeckyTalk is another UK YouTuber (making their videos just that little bit better - they show us what we can get our hands on HERE and if it's not for sale here, where we can find it)

 

Her video about losing her grandmother was so poignant and moving and made me think of how much my grandmother meant to me. Just an example of how broad these channels are.

 

 

 

9. Lily Pebbles

 

https://www.youtube.com/user/WhatIHeartToday

 

A one-woman beauty, styling, organizing machine. I love her. I love how she follows her heart. She got glasses she loves - she'll tell you about it. Products that suck - fear not, you shall not make the same mistake. Love how her desk surrounding looks - here's how she did it. Bloody brilliant.

 

 

Now if you know me, you know I am definitely a Type A / OCD / Control Freak type-of-girl. That part of me wants to pick TEN favourite YouTubers but to shake things up (like only a Type A / OCD / Control Freak type-of-girl can), I am leaving it at nine....

 

I may just be heading to bed to catch up on the latest videos until sleep beckons. Night chums. Hello YouTube.

The Year I Learned To Love My Life - Jean Edelstein courtesy of RED Magazine

I read this two-page article in the February issue of RED Magazine and *loved* it. As much as I love Social Media (and I do!!) there is a danger that you take people's best posts and compare them to the lowest parts of your life. Dangerous! 

Hopefully you can enlarge the pictures to read this article. If not, get thee to a newagent and buy the issue stat!

I Heart YouTube

You know when you're in the work's kitchen, waiting for the kettle, and you say something random to your colleague like how you could do with a loooooooong break??!! 

For me, I never expected to actually get it. When I thought of the aforementioned imagined lovely long break, I imagined Bora Bora or the Hong Kong - not surgery, bed rest, surgery and more bed rest. 

B-O-R-I-N-G.

Now nine times out of ten, my nose will be in a book. I love books (or Kindles) and I love reading. Love it! But for a million different reasons, books have not been able to captivate me (as much) or help pass the time as I expected.

Thankfully the monotony has been broken up with YouTube. What a bloody marvellous invention. I hadn't realised before what a gem I had at my fingertips. 

Pre-long-boring-unexpected-and-unwelcome-break, my YouTube visitation was to solely hear (and see) latest single from Singer X or Band Y. The end. 

Then I discovered TEDTalks and my relationship with YouTube expanded substantially. (TEDTalks - another bloody brilliant invention!)

My first round of bed rest, I hunkered down, tuned into TED and ..... Couldn't last the distance. Whhaaaatttttt?!!!!! What my brain / soul / body needed was (a) lots of laughs and/or (b) light entertainment. Thus entered the period of:

1/. Jimmy Fallon

2/. Celebrities Read Mean Tweets (OMG! Totes adorbs!)

and for me, most surprising (c) Make-up/Beauty/Skincare videos

What?! You heard me. Make-up videos. My make-up "routine" (God, I use that word loosely) consisted of mascara (if I remembered). Well, not quite but not far off.

But what caused me to fall in love with these videos and the folks behind them was their authentic vulnerability. These gals are *PASSIONATE* about make-up, skincare and beauty tips which is infectious. Their passion is such that they often appear on camera sans make-up (dark circles, spots etc exposed). So, you might say, but I am not sure I would be brave enough to do it myself to 1 or to a million subscribers and then face the wrath of a mean comment. 

What starts out as make-up, often segues into life beliefs, favourite TV shows, weather, love, life in another country/city and the formation of another wonderfully different human being who, through a little camera, is letting you into their life.

Brené Brown (who I love) often talks about vulnerability and how to live your best life, you need to give in and embrace your vulnerability and these YouTubers remind me of that. Who would have thunk I'd come away with such a great lesson as well as a great lipstick recommendation??!

Since my first bed rest, James Corden's Carpool Karaoke has also made my list of YouTube videos I *must* watch. I'd love to know what YouTube channels you love and are subscribed to.

January Favourites 2016

Christmas is over and all of a sudden the dark nights (with twinkly lights) start to look gloomy rather than romantic and festive; making January usually a TOUGH month. And let's not even discuss how long it feels until Pay Day finally arrives!!

But not even January is alllllll bad and this month, I had quite a few favourite things that kept me smiling all month long.

The first being the Kate Spade Glitter Cat iPhone Case received as a surprise gift from Kate Spade. O to the M to the G. I have coveted this forrrrrrever and it is EVEN BETTER in person than I could have hoped. I - freaking - love - this!

Surgery recovery has meant bed rest which has meant a loooooooot of TV and DVDs. Low and behold I stumbled upon Season Two of a fantastic Italian drama called The Young Montalbano. It is brilliant and resembles an Italian version of "Endeavour" (another show I love). It follows the life of newly appointed Police Chief, Salvo Montalbano (brilliantly played by Michele Riondino!!!) in the fictional town of Vigàta in Sicily, Italy. The stories are brilliant - unusual crimes with lots of twists and turns which aren't overly complicated interspersed with light-hearted, everyday comic moments. I love it. So much so that I ordered Season One on DVD immediately! 

There are studies on the therapeutic "powers" of essential oils and I can't help but agree. There are some scents that immediately help me relax.  My absolute, all-time favourite essential oil is from Neal's Yard called Women's Balance: Relaxing. I can't pinpoint what specifically it is about this scent but one thing I know with absolute certainty is that is ALWAYS chills me out. Always. And it has featured a lot this month thanks to my newly bought Aglaia Aroma Diffuser (now also a favourite!) This dynamic little machine, with a stylish glass cover, produces a fine mist (either constantly or on-and-off every 30 seconds) for 3 hours or until the water well runs dry. I also love how it turns itself off. There is also a light function with either constantly changing lights, selecting one specific colour or no light at all.  I personally like the constant fine mist and no light and have it on my bedside table to mist away while I read or sleep. LOVE IT!

 

 

I have two lip balm favourites and it was a case of duelling banjos for the top spot which finally went to the Bite Me Agave Lip Mask (only available in Sephora Canada). It is AMAZING. It has a thick consistency and I usually pop it on at night before bed and my lips are still moisturised and fabulous in the morning. The bonus is that it's not, I think, overly sticky or thick. Perfect for winter and this is the first year ever, I've not had cracked lips thanks to this little beauty. I saw online there are tinted versions too.... I so need to go to Canada to get them all!!

 

The next lip balm is by Clarins and it is the Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in the colour (?) Honey. This is more a lip gloss that actually soothes and heals your lips (as oppposed to just making them look pretty) and I loooooooooooooooooove the applicator. It is MASSIVE and so soft. I keep putting it on because I love that freaking thing so much! These balms are so different but both are fabulous. I really love them (and have ordered the Raspberry tinted version of the Clarins to try too!)

Hands down - the BEST eye make up remover (in the world!) is by YSL and it is called Top Secrets Eye Make-Up Remover Bi-Phase.   This is the stuff of legends. It is made up of two components so it needs to be shaken up before use but there is NOOOOOOO oily residue or stinging red eyes afterwards -- and this stuff removes EVERYTHING.  If allllll that wasn't enough, it seems to be a never-ending bottle and it lasts forever. When I do run out, this is a definite re-purchase. I love it.

I thought nothing would ever, ever, ever replace Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle as my all-time favourite perfume -- then I discovered Black Opium by YSL. I've said it before but O to the M to the G. It is stunning. I am rubbish at describing scents but my best attempt is that it is a slightly masculine scent but not too heavy and completing alluring. I love it. I think some folk might think it's a winter-only scent but I can't imagine not wearing it so will see how I feel / how it stands up when Spring arrives. Love it and I love the bottle too!

Last but not least are my Joules Floral Sunnies. I love that they are bright without being BRIGHT. The tinted lenses are clear and not too dark (or light) and it is like carrying a bit of Spring-fever with you wherever you go. I am a big fan of sunglasses in winter. I know it is contentious but I grew up in Australia and that bright winter sun not only gets in your eyes but all that squinting leads to even more fine lines - no thank you sir!

 

Oscar Predictions 2016

Can I just say - Leo DiCaprio - give the man an Oscar! I am not a "fan girl" but give the man his due, he is a phenomenal actor (I was SURE he would win for Wolf of Wall Street). I don't care what his performance is like in The Revenant (having not seen it yet) but for the love of God, give - him - an - Oscar!

My Oscar predictions, based on nothing but who and what I have liked or think will win, are:

Best Picture: The Martian - this was both heart warming and comically genius. There is a heavy field of contenders but does every Oscar-winning picture have to be gut-wretching or blood-thirsty?!
Best Actor: Leo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Best Actress: Cate Blanchett, Carol
Best Supporing Actor: Easy! Sylvester Stallone, Creed
Best Supporing Actress: Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs
Animated Feature Film: Inside Out
Cinematography: The Revenant
Costume Design: Please let it be Cinderella -- I so want THAT dress
Directing: The Revenant
Make-up and Hairstyling: The Revenant
Music: Writing's on the Wall, Spectre
Production Design: The Martian
Visual Effects: The Martian

We'll find out on 28th February!