BIKINI BODIES: STYLES THAT BEST SUIT PEAR SHAPES

When someone utters the word 'Bikini' to me I almost break out into a sweat. There is absolutely no way that I was ever created to wear a bikini, not with my generous share of bosoms anyway! So when Blossom Lingerie sent me their interactive guide to finding the best bikini style for pear shaped body shapes, I thought nothing to lose, lets have a look. Take a look at the Blossom Lingerie website to see the full interactive guide.

So, if you have what is described as being a 'pear shaped body', you will carry more weight below the waist, meaning that your hips and thighs are much wider than your torso and possibly your shoulders. By following the right guides, you can accentuate your good bits, hide your not-so-good bits, and will end up looking and feeling absolutely gorgeous.

Apparently, a great way to lengthen your body is to wear what is called a tasselled bikini top that is longer in the middle.  Now I am not one to keep up with fashion, but anything with tassels is going to have my cats swinging from it and in this area no thank you. However, jokes aside, the angles of the tassels on a bikini top like this are said to create vertical curves that will complement your natural body shape. It is also said that this type of design will also draw out your stomach whilst lengthening your body. This boho look is in at the moment, and you have the added bonus of being able to play around with patterns and colours t your hearts content. Choose a clean-skirted brief that rests below the largest part of your thighs to best show off your smaller waist.

What type of Bikini are you comfortable in?

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Benefit Air Patrol BB Cream Eyelid Primer

When it comes to eye make up, I am a nude and natural kind of gal, I am not brave enough to experiment with the lashing of colours and shades that others are and never have been, but show me a palette of nudes, i'm in. In recent years I have succumbed to miracle that is an eyelid primer, using them because the girls on the make up counter tell you that you should and because some bloggers swear by them and in truth, they can and do make a difference, for me anyway.

When I saw that Benefit were to launch their own eyelid primer, I wanted to try it. I can count on one hand the number of products I dislike from the entire range and this one sounded as though it would become a handbag saviour and I jumped at the chance to own a sample. One thing Benefit do exceptionally well in my view is a sample sized product and this one is right up there with my favourites!

Benefit Air Patrol is an innovative little product which actually does three different jobs in one. It is a BB Cream and therefore colour corrects, it has an SPF20 and it is of course a primer which has been designed to extend the wear time of your eye shadow, not to mention that I have also found to be quite hydrating.

This little 1.5ml tube is the perfect make up bag addition and it is incredibly easy to use. I squeeze the tube slightly onto my index finger and apply to my eyelids with a patting motion to ensure I have even coverage and then wait a few minutes before applying my eye shadow. The cream itself has a slight yellow tone to it which Benefit say is to balance out redness and any uneven colouring, so much so that this is a product that can be worn alone.

I am hugely impressed with having an SPF20 in a primer for my eyes and more so that it isn't drying. It does everything it claims to do when it comes to extending the wear time of your eyes hadow and I find that I can go out of an evening after work and not have to re-do my eye make up if I have applied this first thing in a morning. For me this is a handbag keeper and if you want to read more about it, then more information can be found right here on the Benefit website.

Have you tried Air Patrol?

The Urban Retreat Moroccan Hammam Spa

I have a few owed days off work coming up in a few weeks time and I could either spend them at home catching up on housework or I could do something for me and by that I mean indulging in some well deserved me time. In the past that has meant going shopping, spending endless hours wandering around London, which is actually pretty stressful, more so at this time of the year when the word 'Christmas' has appeared in every shop window. So, instead of shopping, i'm thinking pampering and what could be better than a day at the spa.

Here in London there is an abundance of spas to choose from, whether you want a quick massage, a facial, a head massage or something that combines the lot. For me, going to a spa brings about that instant feeling of calmness. Walking into a quiet spa with an ambient setting, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is definitely not something to take for granted. So when someone tells you that actually you can wonder through a busy London Store whilst working your way to a Spa, all under one roof, that has to be perfection right?

The Urban Retreat Moroccan Hammam Spa isn't somewhere I have been - Yet - but having read all about it, I am quite unsure as to why not. It can be found inside Harrods, that popular store in Knightsbridge. Slightly different to any other spa I have been into, it is a female only space which encourages you to relax and unwind in a beautifully handcrafted environment that resembles regal Morocco.

Upon arrival, at The Moroccan Hammam your experience will involve three different rooms. It starts with a warm room which helps you to acclimatize your body to the heat. The second room is the main hot Hammam area where you are treated to a luxury cleansing and bathing ritual and finally the third room which is described as being a decadent lounge area to fully relax and enjoy some Moroccan tea which, aims to restore and balance your fluid levels. I already want my own Kessala and I want to try the black soap not to mention the Ceremonial Massage, which is a hydrating full body massage using Onguent d’Argan, a nourishing Argan oil balm. 

Alongside The Moroccan Hamman packages there are also other treatments to treat yourself too such as wraps, exfoliation wraps, facials, massages and the one which sounds absolutely divine is the half day Moroccan Hammam experience which includes a manicure, pedicure, blow dry, makeup application, massage and Indulgent Hammam plus afternoon tea or lunch! 

If you fancy a trip to the Urban Retreat Moroccan Hamman Spa at Harrods you will find everything you need to know right here on their website*  and all I ask is that when you book, you don't forget to take me with you!

What is your favourite way to pamper?

Dollibox - Beauty delivered to your door!

Dollibox is a new online subscription service for UK based beauty lovers. With a Dollibox subscription you'll receive five personalised beauty samples, sometimes full-sized every month, tailored to your beauty profile.  Your beauty profile consists of some quite specific questions to answer such as where you get your beauty news from, what do you splurge on and how comfortable you are applying make-up.  There are also questions about hair and eye colour as well as ethnicity and it takes just a couple of minutes to complete and the content of each box you receive will be based on this profile.

I was kindly gifted a Dollibox to review and one thing that has impressed me is that nowhere on the website will you find a clue, a hint or any tips as to what is in your box, it will be a total surprise. The only thing you can learn, if you are interested, is the contents of the previous months box.  This is my box:

Eye Candy Eyelashes £4.99

These are volumise lashes which claim to give thicker and fuller lashes.  They require an adhesive to apply, which is included within the package.

Freemans Feeling Beautiful Clay Masks £1.50

There are two different masks within this box and both are free from parabens. The first clay mask contains Avocado and Oatmeal which claims to purge your pores and is described as being a mask to nourish and purify using rich clays to dive deep into the skin to purge dirt and oils from pores It uses nutrient-rich Vitamin E, Avocado and Oatmeal moisturize for lasting skin softness and it is perfect for normal to combination skin.

The second mask is a facial purifying clay mask with acai which is powered by an 8-antioxidant blend of Acai, Blueberry, Cranberry, Goji, Mango, Mangosteen, Noni, and Pomegranate to neutralize environmental damage. Super oil-absorbent clays draw impurities from skin and clean out clogged pores. Perfect for all skin types.

Little Ondine Nail Polish £8.40-£11

Little Ondine is a natural nail polish, it contains just three ingredients - water, resin and colourant. It has no chemical smell and you can peel it off if you get bored of the colour. They are also Cruelty-free, Preservative-free, Pregnancy friendly, Fragrance-free and are Vegan. I have shade Mocha Shimmer which is coffee colour with gold flecks and it applies like a dream with a wide brush and a long handle to hold, ive found all you need is just one coat. It dries super quick and leaves no streaks.

Osmo Wonder 10 £2.95 for 25ml

Wonder 10™ is a unique all-in-one spray in Keratin based treatment which is designed to leave the hair feeling softer, silkier and more manageable with a radiant shine. The 10 effects it claims to have are:

• Helps repair dry and damaged hair
• Nourishes and protects for radiant shine
• Thermal protection from styling tools
• Delivers soft, silky, more manageable results
• Contains colour protection complex
• Creates body and movement
• Incredible detangler
• Aids in the prevention of static
• Conditions both natural and synthetic hair
• Smoothes split ends and controls frizz

Designed to be used on damp hair, so perfect for using after washing your hair and before styling.

Tantruth Self-tan lotion £8.99 100ml

I am not the best when it comes to self-tan and do pretty much avoid it. Ive only ever had one spray tan, which I did enjoy, but products like this just don't grab me. That aside, Tantruth is quite an interesting brand, the products are alcohol and paraben free and use Shea Butter and Avocado to leave your skin moisturised and nourished to ensure you achieve that perfect tan.  I am not too sure I will use this as it just isn't me, but it smells absolutely divine!

The final product within this box is Oil Arganic by Tanorganic. £8.99 for 30ml

This is a multi-use dry oil which can be used on your face, body, hair, nails, scars, marks and you can even add it to your bath. It is made with a unique blend of Argan Oil, Borage Seed Oil, Aloe Vera, Orange Peel Oil, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba seed oil, Rosehip Fruit Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, Hempseed Oil & Olive Oil. Used daily it can also extend the life of your tan and it leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and incredibly moisturised.

I think this is such a cute little box with a really nice mixture of products and there is definitely something for everyone and everything. With hair, eyes, body, face and nails all being taken care of. I also like that each product is of a decent size so that you get more than one use out of it, plenty enough infact to decide whether or not you like it enough to buy a bigger version.

If this sounds like something you wish to try then there are three subscription options and postage and packaging is £3.25 per delivery and it is a tracked package.

• A monthly subscription costs £10 per month (plus P&P). This is a rolling subscription, but you can cancel anytime.
• A 6 month subscription consists of a one-off payment of £54 (plus P&P), which is £9 per box.
• A 12 month subscription consists of a one-off payment of £102 (plus P&P), which is £8.50 per box,

So there you have Dollibox, a cute little box which I have thoroughly enjoyed using to discover some new brands whilst giving myself some little extra pampering.  

What do you think to the box?

My Jewellery Wishlist

I don't really wear much jewellery on a day to day basis, whatever I do wear has to capture my mood. My staple items are always my wedding and engagement rings, which I never take off and I will sometimes wear a necklace or bracelet if the mood takes me.

Outside of work, I attend quite a lot of functions and sometimes they require a little more dressing up.  For me that is usually a little black dress and heels with a clutch bag, something quite understated and not too out of my comfort zone. 

Christmas is also looming and people complain I can be hard to buy for, well hopefully this post will help!

When it comes to jewellery I can be quite picky, I know what I like and what I don't.  I have never been someone who wants a massive amount of bling, I'd be too scared to have it on show firstly and secondly, I just don't think it is me.  So as I have very small ears so would always opt for stud earrings as to not to draw attention to them and these Thomas Sabo Earrings are simply divine.  Around my neck, I really don't like necklaces or pendants too chose to the base of my throat, so this Fiorelli Silver multiheart pendant really caught my eye because it will work with all types of outfits. I never tend to wear watches, but this Karl Lagerfeld watch is quite petite and again, I have small wrists, so watches with a big face don't suit me.  I really love my Pandora bracelet and this Folli Follie Aegean Breeze would make a nice alternative and it matches quite nice with the necklace.  Finally rings, as I said I only tend to wear my wedding and engagement rings so these Folli Follie love and fortune rings look great stacked or on their own and I like having the either/or option.

I absolutely love all of the jewellery featured on my list and I hope you do too. To take a look at a wider selection click here.

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I Love Cosmetics Moisture Tint Lip balms

I am a big fan of the brand I Love Cosmetics and have featured them a few times here on my blog. Today I have a new product to share with you from the range, one which is cute, a little bit quirky and more pigmented than I was expecting and that is the Moisture Tint Lip Balms.

I have three from the range right now and they are quite similar in style to many Lip Crayons that you can find out there on the highstreet, but there is one difference with these and it is the cute nib covers which are in the shape of a heart with the word 'Love' written on them.

They come in three different shades and scents.  Grape is the darkest of the three and if you have ever had a Jolly Rancher Grape Soda, then it smells exactly like the drink.  Scent aside, it is lovely bright vibrant purple shade. Then we have Dark Cherry which smells like Cherry Coca Cola and is a really lovely bright red shade.  Finally there is Strawberry which reminds me of Strawberry Laces and it is a really lovely dark pink shade.

All three lip balms glide onto the lips to give a really good colour, the pigmentation, as I have mentioned is really good and they last on my lips just as long as any other high-street brand does and naturally it does depend on how much you eat and drink when it comes to re-applying, but you shold get a few hours wear from them.

They are moisturising and work well on their own or with lip gloss.  I sometimes add them over the top of my lipstick for a little extra colour and for £2.99 they are amazing value for money.

What do you think to these balms?

Heaven Skincare by Deborah Mitchell

Heaven skincare is a brand that has appeared on my blog a few times now and it is a brand I absolutely love and today I wanted to share a few of the products that I have absolutely loved using.

Limited Edition Cleanser (25ml £10)

This is a really light skin softening milk that works to gently open pores to remove debris and pollutants. It contains extracts of coconut oil and beetroot to increase blood flow and act as an anti-aging face cleanser that balances hormones. Using the ingredients of Organic Ylang Ylang for its healing abilities on dry skin. You use this cleanser both morning and evening.

I find this really soothing on my skin, it isn't too heavy or thick a texture and living in London, products which help to remove the days dirt and grime, like this does, will always get the thumbs up from me.

Divine Cream with Organic Mandarin and Orange (15ml £28)
When something smells so delightful of oranges, you know it is going to be a wonderful product and this cream is no exception and it is a fresh scent too. Designed to be an anti-ageing cream which is suitable for all skin types and works to increase collagen and elastin in the skin.

It also reduces skin pigmentation, reduces the appearance of scarring, aids sun damage and is packed with a natural source of vitamin C to leave your skin looking more radiant. To use, you apply to freshly cleansed skin in the morning and the evening.

Chamomile Desensitising Hydrogel (10ml £10)
This product does exactly what it says it will do - soothing the inflammation caused be a variety of skin complaints which include acne, psoriasis or rosacea. It is also said to be ideal for those with sensitive skin too because it helps to reduce sensitivity. Using a mixture of Organic Chamomile and Rose essential oils mix with organic Witch Hazel and Coconut to calm and deliver much needed nutrients and hydration to stressed out complexions. 

To use, you simply apply after cleansing using a cotton wool pad, or you can also use it as a primer before applying your make-up and not only does it help keep your make-up in place, but it also helps keep your skin hydrated.  

The Overnight Success Cream.  (15ml £37)

This product took over two years to develop was described by Deborah Mitchell as "The best" and it contains a whole host of anti-ageing ingredients such as vitamins B5, C and E, Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide, which fizzes on the skin and feeds it so skin will be able to breathe overnight. Add to that the softening oils of sandalwood to leave your skin feeling like velvet in the morning , plus a rose oil has anti-ageing properties leaving fine lines and wrinkles plumped up. After using it, your skin is left feeling dewy and it has a radiant look about it.

What I love most about it is how cooling it is on the skin, as soon as it makes contact there is an instant effect, as though your skin is breathing a sigh of relief.

You might have guess by now that I am a huge Heaven Skincare fan, I love the thought process that goes into each product and I love how my skin feels affer using each one of these products.  

Have you ever tried a product fro Heaven Skincare?