MSH Backup

Last week, I was lucky enough to be invited along to my local Luminis Beauty salon to indulge in a little spot of rest and relaxation- the perfect way to round off my recent holiday and try and recalibrate as much as possible before heading back to work. It's only in the last year or so that I've really embraced heading to a salon every few months for a treatment (usually either a facial or a deep tissue massage), but have become a real convert in quite a short space of time. I think that there's a lot to be said for taking (and indeed making) the time to look after yourself properly- an hour every once in a while to completely switch off from the outside world and relax. My trip last Tuesday represented my first visit to a Luminis salon, and I was well and truly converted by the end of the experience: After a consultation with the the therapist who would be doing my treatment (the wonderful Rehana), and having spoken through my skincare concerns, we settled on the Elemis S...

With spring, well, springing up all over, I’ve taken the opportunity to spruce up my skincare and overhaul some aspects of my regular routine. I always tend to forget just how much of a toll winter takes on my skin, and the arrival of the warmer weather is always something of a welcome relief from the chillier months (although I am seriously concerned for the planet after the warmest February day on record..!) I’m also trying to be a little bit thriftier with my pennies in advance of some trips which I’ve got on the horizon over the coming months, so have been shopping around for a feasible alternative to a facial at a salon, and have discovered the perfect products in the shape of a new cleansing combination from Charlotte Tilbury:  This Goddess Cleansing Duo is a combination which I’ve had my eye on for a couple of months now, and has proved to be a payday treat well worth waiting for. Sold as a spa-in-a-jar, it well and truly does what it says on the tin, with the first step inc...

Since the start of the year, and especially now that this cold snap has really taken hold, I’ve given my daily skincare routine a little bit of an overhaul. At this stage of the game, I’m only making minor changes, just to add a bit of a boost as and when I need it, and also allowing myself the option to test a few new products here and there. As such, my current combination of favourites is definitely helping with the battle against winter skin: I’ve been after roller for my face for a little while now and was lucky enough to receive one for Christmas. It’s Rose Quartz and so far I’m getting on really well with it, and am finding that using it as recommended in the evenings pays real dividends in terms of reducing redness and calming my skin down after a long day- it also came in extremely handy when I had the worst flu-induced headache at the start of the year! I’ve recently switched my cleansers around a little bit too, and am having a break from Oskia’s Renaissance Cleansing Gel in...

At this time of the year, and especially now that the weather is on the turn, I find myself regularly reaching for an armful of seasonal beauty staples- a few of which are new additions to my routine which I’m getting on really well with. I feel like I’ve said this a million times before, but I always tend to forget just how much my skin absolutely hates the winter, and because it’s so sensitive I always feel like it needs much more tlc at this time of the year than any other. Luckily, I’ve got a stash of supplies in my seasonal arsenal to help allay those winter woes: I’m a late convert to all things Elemis, but picked up this Papaya Enzyme Peel after it was recommended to me following a facial a few weeks ago. A happy halfway house between cleanser and exfoliating mask, so far it’s really helping to pep my complexion up, and in the long run I’ve been reassured that it will solve those problematic visible pores. In truth, I’ve always been a bit weary of exfoliators as the more abrasiv...

It’s not often that I’ll get completely swept up in the hype around a new beauty launch, predominantly because I’ve fallen foul of fads in the past, and because as a rule switching up my skincare routine is a one way ticket to breakoutsville. However, the buzz and online noise around Drunk Elephant over recent weeks had me well and truly won over, especially as those canny people at Space NK offered an exclusive selection of mini products- a sort of try before you buy offering the opportunity to get to grips with the range without having to splash out on the full size options: As well as being ideal options for travel, this selection of minis is a great option if you, like me, find that trialing new products can be a bit hit and miss. Don’t get me wrong, this little stash was a tad on the expensive side, but it seemed sensible to snap up the small range in miniature before committing to a pricier full-sized purchase which I might not get on with. Having been using them for a few weeks,...

Now that there’s a faint autumnal chill in the air, I’m sure that I’m not the only one thinking about a seasonal switch up with my beauty routine. Although I’ve definitely got my tried and tested favourites, at this time of the year it’s always worth taking stock and adding in some fresh favourites, whether that be a pop of colour or some new skincare staples. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve amassed a quite the crop of autumn essentials: I picked up The Wet Detangler from Tangle Teezer towards the end of the summer, and it’s been a real godsend over the last few months- especially as my hair has been growing steadily more and more unruly. Not only is the pale pink hue perfect for decorating my dressing table, but the addition of the handle to the tried and tested Tangle Teezer brush makes it just that bit more robust and perfect for reaching for in a rush. Next up, a slightly more luxurious addition to my beauty stash in the shape of Chanel’s Sea Foam nail varnish- how lovely is t...

When it comes to everyday beauty products, it's often difficult to unpick exactly why the hero products which we all reach for each morning are such indispensable staples- the real essentials just tend to blend seamlessly into the day, carrying you through until the evening with no need to reapply, and equally protecting your complexion from all of those little environmental nasties along the way. After the recent heatwave, I found myself taking a step back and re-evaluating the products which I reach for first thing in the morning, especially wanting to keep things as simple and pared back as possible: I've only this year started using a standalone SPF on my skin, but Glossier's Invisible Shield is well and truly a product to add to any arsenal- especially as it's so light and fast-absorbing. Even better, as a sunscreen specifically designed for the face, it comes with high protection as standard, as well as being almost fragrance free- definitely one which I wouldn...

Phew! Now that the heatwave seems to be on hold, I'm starting to feel a bit less fuzzy! Looking ahead, it doesn't look like the respite is going to last for all that long, but for the time being at least I'm making the most of things being at a normal temperature again to regather a selection of summer beauty heroes which have been making things slightly more bearable over the last few weeks:  I'm a big fan of the Kiehl's hand salve as a year-round hero, but when I popped into store a few weeks ago I was introduced to this new Richly Hydrating Lavender version, which has become a firm favourite since I picked it up. Lightly scented, it's formulated with Shea Butter and Vitamin E so is perfect for hydrating hands and feeling fresh on the go- the lavender scent is one which I always associate with summer thanks to the flowers which burst into bloom in the garden at this time of the year, so it's lovely to have a slice of it ready to go when I'm on the move...

As I touched on in my post from the start of last week, recently I’ve been switching up my skincare for summer, in an attempt to keep things as fresh faced as possible. As well as adding a few new favourites to my daily essentials, I’ve also been getting into the habit of treating my skin to face masks more regularly- a commitment which is really paying off. A few weeks back, on a something spur-of-the-moment lunchtime visit to The Body Shop, I picked up another addition to my arsenal which I’ve had an eye on for a good while now: This Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask is a product which I’ve read lots of good things about, and after using it for a little while I can confidently report that it more than lives up to the hype. With green tea leaves and tea tree, it draws out impurities and absorbs excess oil, which makes it perfect for targeting those pesky visible pores, as well as tackling breakouts. As well as that, it’s wonderfully practical too- fast drying  (ideal if you'r...

With the onset of summer, I’m sure that I’m not the only one taking the opportunity to remix some of my skincare staples. The warmer weather that we’ve had over the last few weeks has definitely caught me a little bit by surprise, and year after year, I always tend to forget just how much the heat disagrees with me! Don’t get me wrong, I love the sunshine as much as the next person, but when you’re dashing from one sweaty, airless space (the Tube) to another (the office), it can sometimes be a battle to keep cool and carry on- give me a trip to the beach pronto! Whilst I’m now really careful about using SPF all year (especially on my face), adjusting my skincare routine for summer is definitely something of a work in progress- and over the last few years it’s been a case of trial and error to find those products which are light enough to use when it’s warm but which don’t compromise on care. As well as migrating to a new moisturiser, over the last few weeks I’ve been using some hero pr...

If you've got already got a holiday in the planning or are just debating on where to head off to on a short break this summer, if you're anything like me then the chances are that you'll already be planning on how to make the most of the space in your carry-on bag! There's no doubt that shunning a bigger suitcase is a no brainier if you're heading away for the weekend or a mini-break, and since I've been doing it more regularly I've found it really liberating to streamline what I actually need to take away with me vs all of the superfluous bits and pieces which never see the sunshine. Gone are the days of coming home with suitcase full of unworn, pristinely folded clothes, substituted instead for a handful of versatile essentials which lend themselves really well to all eventualities. Similarly, over recent trips I've made a really concerted effort to only take toiletries which I know I'll end up using and which tick all of the right boxes, particula...

As regular visitors to these little pages will be well aware, I'm a huge fan of all things Kiehl's, and since I started using their products a few years ago, my skin has improved so much. I regularly repurchase their Calendula Flower cleanser and accompanying toner- everyday essentials which I'm pretty sure I'll be using for forever- and am always keeping my beady eyes peeled for their new product launches. Their most recent release is something which I spoke to someone about in store back in February, and sure enough, I snapped it up when it hit shelves a few weeks ago: This Ginger Leaf & Hibiscus Firming Mask is something a little bit different for me, as it's the first overnight mask which I've ever used, but with the promise of smoother looking skin it seemed like a worthwhile investment, especially as a little goes a really long way, as with all Kiehl's products. Not only is it wonderfully nourishing, it also feels like a fantastically luxurious tr...

With the absolutely icy temperatures of last week, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has found my skin in need of some serious tlc. Lovely as it was to witness one last flurry of winter, the practicalities of keeping safe and warm whilst still trying to navigate a transport system which is predictable at the best of times was a little bit of a nightmare, with last Friday night in particular resembling something more Mad Max than most of the train carnage I've seen before! Spending longer than anticipated out in the cold, whether that be slipping and sliding to work from the underground, or waiting on the platform for a train to appear, my face in particular has felt a little it more like sandpaper than skin. Fortunately enough, a few weeks ago I picked up a new addition to my arsenal of face masks which has well and truly earned its keep over the last little while: After loving the dry sheet mask  so much when I tried it recently, I popped back to Charlotte Tilbury to pick...

With the weather having taken another chilly turn of late, I'm sure I'm not the only one who is finding their skin feeling a little bit on the sensitive side. Whether it's contending with wind, rain (and everything in between!), or feeling defeated by dryness, winter always packs something of a last brutal punch before spring arrives. With some serious tlc needed, I've been rummaging through my skincare stash- and have been reaching for a selection of sheet masks: I'm a recent convert to sheet masks, and have amassed a lovely little selection over recent months- thanks mostly to Elodie bringing back a serious skincare haul from her Korean adventure! This dry mask from Charlotte Tilbury was a spur-of-the-moment purchase one lunchtime about a week or so ago, and was an instant radiance booster, as well as being really easy to deploy thanks to the handy ear hooks (seriously, what an innovation!) As well as that, it can be used up to three times, so is pretty good value...

As I've grown older, and have started taking skincare a bit more seriously, I've come to the conclusion that there's no such thing as a 'quick fix'. I shudder to think about how much money I used to fritter away on a post-Saturday job splurge in Boots, hoping against hope that *this* £5.99 tube of face wash would be the one to finally give me miracle skin. Spoiler alert, it didn't happen, but what I learnt from all of those futile shopping trips was that taking time, investing in products which agree with your skin, and being patient is the only thing which pays dividends in the long run- that and drinking lots of water. With that in mind, I must confess that I was somewhat skeptical when I read about Glossier's latest launch- a chemical exfoliator aptly named Solution, which comes with a promise of a reduction of redness, spots and pore size.  However, having gotten on really well with the products which I've purchased from them so far, I added it to my...

*Peeks out from underneath the duvet...* is it the end of the month yet? I know, I know, it's shameful to wish the time away, but January feels like an eternity- especially as the gulf between last payday and next feels absolutely enormous. All is not lost, however, as I've been rummaging about in my stash of beauty goodies to pep the month up a little bit- and have uncovered some complete gems in the process:  This & Other Stories nail polish was a Christmas gift, and the shade (Vivant Ciment) is a wonderfully subtle hue for everyday- drawing on those grey January vibes in the best possible way. So far I've been really pleasantly surprised by how well the formula is holding up too, so I'm definitely going to pop back to my local shop and see which other colours they have on offer. Another beauty goodie which I found under the tree on Christmas morning was this Chanel Coco Eau de Parfum, which is a wonderful scent for winter. Sitting just the right side of musky, wi...

I always find that making resolutions for the new year is something which makes everything feel terribly pressured- especially as January is a tough enough month to get through at the best of times. Over the next few weeks, I think I'm instead going to capitalise on the spirit of renewal by making a little list of all of the things which I'd like to achieve during the course of the year, whether that's travelling more or spending more time looking after myself. With that in mind, I'm keen to build on the skincare successes which I've had recently, and have collected a little selection of goodies which I've been eagerly trying out: Serums are something which, up until comparatively recently, have been largely absent from my routine, but thanks to Rodial's rose gold offering, I'm well and truly converted. With hydrating and rejuvenating properties a-plenty, it's a great option for this time of year too- especially with the winter weather proving as unp...

Hello from Crimbo Limbo! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas Day and have spent the last few days safely ensconced in front of the television, whether glued to back to back films or binging on a box set or two (I've got The Crown and Game of Thrones  waiting for me, hurrah!) As well as enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation, I've also made a point of having a good old (and long overdue) sort out, rummaging through my stash of old hair and beauty bits, clearing out anything which has gone beyond its shelf life and making space for some new favourites- one of which comes in the shape of a recent purchase from Aesop: Aesop is one of those brands which I've always loved and I'm resolved to try more of their products in 2018- especially as they are cruelty free, and offer such a broad selection to target a whole host of different skincare concerns. As we near the end of the year, it's fair to say that my skin has definitely taken a fair old punishing of late, wh...

Now that the temperatures have well and truly plummeted, I've hit refresh on my beauty routine, incorporating a selection of essentials which are ideal for combatting the cold as much as possible. As well as ticking all of the right boxes for some of my seasonal skincare concerns, I've also made a repeat purchase of a fragrance which is proving to be well worth the investment: Back in the summer, you might remember that I posted about song new skincare discoveries from The Ordinary, including their Hyaluronic Acid. Having used up my stash, I repurchased this Hylamide Booster from The Abnormal Beauty Company, which is slightly lighter and a lot faster absorbing. I find it wonderful for using after cleansing and toning, and it's definitely helped to give my skin a much needed pep up over the last couple of months. Another favourite from The Ordinary comes in the shape of their primer, which acts as the perfect base for everyday makeup, and a much needed extra barrier against ...

And, as if by some Game of Thrones style magic, we find ourselves well and truly in the grip of winter. Brrrr. I feel like all I've done for the last week or so is complain to anyone who will listen about just how cold I'm finding it, but sitting on the sofa wrapped up in thermals and fleecy socks with the curtains closed at 4pm yesterday afternoon really reminded me how little I like this time of the year. As well as making me resemble the Michelin man in terms of layering, winter also means that my skin tends to go into panic mode- dry and lacklustre, verging on the paler side of grey. In an attempt to combat this, as well as embracing some new deep cleansing treats , I've also added a step to my morning routine which is really helping to keep the outlook as bright as possible:  Before now, I'd never used any of Nars' skincare range, preferring instead to reach for their colour cosmetics- namely blushers and their super covetable eyeshadows . However, after road t...