La Roche-Posay Anthelios

A few nights ago I was lucky enough to be invited to a La Roche-Posay event at the most amazing hotel I have been in for many year, Number 16, to see and swatch the Anthelios range.

Anthelios is a complete suncare range for sun sensitive skin which is suitable for adults and children, it provides high sun protection for sensitive skin by offering:

• high protection against not only UVB rays but also provides protection against UVA rays, which together are responsible for 80% of the signs of premature ageing.
• minimalist formulas (fragrance-free, no parabens, non-comedogenic, tested under dermatological supervision).
• specially formulated textures to suit all skin types and skin concerns.

There are four different sections of suncare range such as Face, Body, Children and then Aftersun/self-tanning and within each range there is a product to suit every need.  For example, I will never ever pop into Boots, buy some suncream and put it on my face, I hate it, I dont like how it makes my face feel all heavy with every pore becoming blocked leading to a break out, so I always will look for a product that is designed for the face and voila La Roche-Posay have done just that with this cute little fellow:

This little fellow which is a rather funky shape costs £16.50 for 100ml in Boots and is so lightweight when it is on your skin, you hardly know it is there and ever since I got my hands on it, I have been wearing it daily.  It has an SPF50+ and is a dream to apply.

As mentioned, some of the other products from the range include products which are designed for dry skin, oily skin and combination skin and each one is labelled differently. There is also the option of choosing a lotion or an oil, again with an SPF50 and all promise to leave no white marks, be ultra light, be invisible and non-sticky.

The one item that did catch my attention was the Cream Compact which is described as follows:

New, clinically-proven Anthelios XL Cream Compact SPF50+ melts into the skin for a smooth, even complexion. A great alternative to foundation, it offers natural, matt coverage all day in the sun and very high protection against UVB rays. It also provides protection against UVA rays, even for sensitive skin and is:

• PURIFIED MINERAL PIGMENTS GIVE A NATURAL EVEN COVERAGE
• AVAILABLE IN 2 SHADES
• WATER RESISTANT
• WON'T CLOG PORES
• NO PERFUME OR PARABENS
• SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

I really enjoyed this event and was also able to have my skin scanned for sun damage in this rather funky booth and quite nerve-wracking it was to think someone can tell that for years I didnt wear suncream but I was surprised to hear that my skin is really really moisturised and in excellent condition with no excess lines or wrinkles and that the one issue which stood out was the need for moisture under the eyes - so I intend to find a product to sort that out.

Thank you La Roche-Posay for the opportunity to try your products and also for this wonderfulo gift bag

Do you use sun cream? Do you buy specific products for your face?

Eve of St Agnes - Hydrating Facial Silk

Every so often the arrival of an email in my inbox grabs my attention instantly and that was definitely the case with Eve of St Agnes.  A company which was founded in 2011, Emma Heywood had a vision to create a skincare company that would give the finest quality, all- natural skincare products, with a commitment to sourcing the best natural and organic ingredients from Fairtrade and community projects from around the globe.  Having suffered from Eczema and dry skin and failing to find a skincare product which delivered on their promise, she decided to create her own - Eve of St Agnes.

I was very kindly sent the Hydrating Facial Silk which was so very beautifully wrapped and it offers the following description on the back of the very beautiful box:

"Our customers agree that silk is the perfect word to describe our moisturising cream. Can be used as a day or night cream and is perfect for normal, dry and mature skin types. Bursting with skin hydrating ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, (sometimes referred to as the fountain of youth!), our Facial Silk leaves skin feeling nourished, moisturised, smooth and incredibly soft"

Inside the cardboard box is a glass jar which replicates the beautifulness of the box and as soon as you remove the lid, the scent which hits you can only be described as stunning. It is packed full of goodness for your skin and includes ingredients such as Cocoa Butter, Macademia Seed Oil, Thistle Oil, Safflower Seed Oil not to mention Hyaluronic Acid, Frangipani, Champaca and Sweet Orange Oil to name just a few (the rest can be found listed online and on the product). Not only is it 99% natural it is:

• Handmade in Britain
• Free from artifical colours and fragrances
• Not tested on animals
• Free from Parabens
• Free from Alcohol

The cream itself is exactly as described, like silk.  To use to simply apply it to your face and neck directly after cleansing, this cream can be used in the morning and night. It is so soft and smooth to the touch and as you apply it to your skin, the feeling is just so lovely, it glides on and instantly absorbs itself leaving no trace behind other than the lovely orangey scent that stays with you for a good few hours after application.  

It also lives up to its claims of leaving your skin feeling nourished, moisturised, smooth and incredibly soft and given that I have been using this cream for the last month, I was told at a recent blogger event where I had my skin scanned to look for sun damage that my skin was in incredible condition and the most moisturised she had seen all day.

I really am excited about what else Eve of St Agnes has to offer, I absolutely love this cream (if you haven't guessed) and cannot wait to see where Emma and Eve of St Agnes go, definitely one to look out for and try!

Top UK Music Festivals 2014

The UK comes alive though the summer with some amazing music festivals. There are the biggies like Glastonbury, along with the less well known ones, offering music to suit all tastes. So grab your tent, pack your maxi dresses and head off to one of the great festivals around the UK this year. Why not take a look at what's on to find your favourite:

V Festival

Held at two locations in the UK, Hylands Park in Chelmsford and Weston Park in Staffordshire, over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of August 2014, this is a massive concert featuring huge names and a great atmosphere. Expect to see Justin Timberlake, The Killers, Lily Allen, Ed Sheeran, Paolo Nutini, Example, Bastille, Kaiser Chiefs, Manic Street Preachers, Blondie, Rizzle Kicks and so many more. It's a real mix of music genres with old favourites and great new bands and singers sharing the stage. A brilliant weekend full of music and dancing.

Accommodation wise, there are so many options. From yurts to beautiful old gypsy caravans, stunning American style Airstreem caravans and wooden huts, to exotic Bedouin tents and Luxury Emperor Suite tents, to colourful village style accommodation, you'll find the perfect accommodation choice for you.

Wireless Festival

Another festival held in two locations over two dates, the Wireless Festival is now in its eleventh year and still going strong. Featuring the best pop, rock and dance acts combined with a great festival atmosphere. You'll find a festival village here featuring a huge beer garden, food stalls and chill out zones. You can't camp here but as the festivals are held in London and Birmingham, you'll have no problem getting in and out of town thanks to the readily available transport and hotels.

The line-up this year features acts like Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Drake, Rudimental, Knife Party, Bruno Mars, Outkast, Salt n Pepa and Ellie Goulding. You'll find it In Finsbuy Park in London and Perry Park in Birmingham on the 4th, 5th and 6th of July 2014.

Racing Rocks

Rockington Motor Speedway will play host to Racing Rocks on the 17th and 18th of May this year. It’s an eclectic music mix, including folk, country, rock and cover bands, combined with a beer festival, where you'll find 40 hand crafted beers and ciders. There’s also a food fayre including cookery demonstrations as well as street vendors and artisan foods and, of course, plenty of motorsport action. It's a two day extravaganza that's great for rock and racing fans.

With lots of hotels and B&B's in the surrounding area and even a free prebookable campsite, there are plenty of opportunities to stay and enjoy the whole weekend of the festival.

Festivals are of course a great excuse to buy some of the great maxi dresses at George and rock that festival style. Also popular this year are dungarees, bright patterns, teeny shorts, comfy sandals, Aztec ponchos, pretty playsuits, flowery cover ups, big sunglasses, pinafore style dresses - and don't forget to pack your wellies too. Get ready to rock, dance and party in style!

**Guest Post

You Beauty Discovery Box - May Edition

For the past few months I have been getting the You Beauty Discovery Box which you can see February,  March and April with previous box contents.  This month my fourth box has arrived and I have said I am just as impressed.

This months box is themed "CEW(UK) Beauty Awards" and when I got my email to let me know my options for selection was now ready, I logged straight in with excitement to make my choices and I am so chuffed I got the products I really really wanted to try and surprisingly some of my choices were already sold out.

As I have said before, I love is how the box fits through my letterbox, it is packed really delicately and the box really study

Within the magazine which comes with the box we are told that for May's box they have joined forces with CEW(UK) in celebration of the holy anticipated CEW(UK) 2014 Beauty Awards. So as a dedicated subscriber, I have been given the opportunity to try both the finalists and winning brands which included:

Philip Kingsley - Elasticizer, Percy & Reed – Eau My Goodness Shine & Fragrance Spray, Oriflame – Tender Care Protecting Balm, Margaret Dabbs – Foot Hygiene Cream, Manuka Doctor – Mini Hero Kit, LOLA Make Up – Finishing Brush, L’Occitane en Provence – NEW Almond Milk Concentrate, GLAMGLOW – YOUTHMUD Tinglexfoliate Treatment & SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment, Fake Bake - 60 Minutes Self-Tan Liquid & Professional Mitt, Elemis – Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Dr.Organic – Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum, CHEEKY – Nail Paint in Tongue ‘n’ Cheek, Carmex – Moisturising Lip Balm, Burt’s Bees – Facial Cleansing Towelettes with White Tea Extract, Batiste – XXL Plumping Powder - Just how much choice is there - WOW

Again as with previous boxes, with this subscription you get some extra treats and mine came in the form of Charles Worthington - Moisture Seal Hair Healer Leave-In Conditioner, a sachet of Caudalie – Divine Legs and a sachet of Lizi’s – Naturally Toasted Granola in Treacle and Pecan flavour.

Then comes my actual selections.  

As soon as I saw one of them there was no doubt it was going to go in my box and it starts with Lola Make-up Finishing Brush which has the following description:

"This multi-purpose brush is designed to create a natural and airbrushed look.
It can be used to perfect and blend powder or liquid formulations.
Ideal for buffing face primers or foundations to a flawless finish".

This is obviously a full sized product which has an RRP of £17. This brush won the Best New Beauty Tool or Accessory Award.

The second choice of mine was Dr Organic Moroccan Argan Oil Hair Treatment Serum which comes with the follow description:

Produced with the finest Moroccan Argan Oil, this sumptuous but light hair treatment is instantly absorbed into the hair, resulting in a silky smooth finish with brilliant shine.

With the heavenly scent of Patchouli, Cinnamon and Rosewood and the combination of African organic extracts including Kukui, Moringa and Sacha Inchi Seed Oils, this bioactive formulation leaves hair beautifully conditioned.

This is a 100ml tube which you can purchase from places like Holland and Barratt and it has an RRP of £14.99

So for a £6.95 subscription, my box has a value of around £32 which is amazing value for money!

What do you think to do this? Do you subscribe to these boxes?  What would you have chosen? If you subscribe, link your post below so I can see what you got.

Next month the attention will be dedicated to Beauty Hero’s - quite excited already!