No7 X Elizabeth Scarlett Collection

 This Christmas, two of my favourite brands have come together and collaborated on a selection of the most exquisite gift sets to dazzle and delight any beauty fans.

Say hello to the absolutely fabulous No7 Elizabeth Scarlett gift sets.

This beautiful Christmas Gifting collection features elegant and luxurious velvet accessories embroidered with twinkling starlit skies and perfectly pink, statuesque flamingos.

 Each gift set includes a bundle of skincare and beauty heroes from No7, with everything from indulgent bathing sets, hydrating duo’s and even bundles of travel brushes. 

 

Perfect for stocking fillers, Secret Santas or for pushing the boat out and treating someone to a truly spectacular set, there is a gift for almost every budget and occasion, allowing you to gift a little luxury and joy to the everyday.

I have been a long-time fan of British brand Elizabeth Scarlett thanks to her array of gorgeous and unique pouches, makeup bags, wash bags, eye masks and so much more.

 

Founded by artist and self-care sage Elizabeth Scarlett Petrides, the brand sprung to life after Elizabeth turned to painting as her way of reconnecting with wildlife, nature and her compassionate, youthful spirit.

Her artwork and designs are inspired by the soft, colourful and playful beauty of our natural world.

With a love of painting stretching back to childhood, she translates her designs with intricate embroidery onto beautiful fabrics.

 

Using only the softest materials and sourced with sustainability in mind and full of colour, they provide a little luxury to the every day.

I was absolutely thrilled to get my hands on two of the sets from the collection, the first being the No7 Elizabeth Scarlett The Restoring Duo.

Beautifully presented within a luxurious hot pink velvet pouch adorned with embroidered, dazzling gold stars you’ll find a No7 Restore and Renew Day Cream along with a pot of No7 Advanced Ingredients Ceramide & Peptides facial capsules.

 

Dive face first into the handy travel sized day cream and prepare yourself for firmer, smoother, younger looking skin in no time.

Packed full of an impressive host of skincare loving ingredients, this rich yet non greasy face cream helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while toning and firming your complexion.

Ginseng Extract helps to bring your skin to life targeting the appearance of tiredness and fatigue while its anti-oxidant complex, Rice Peptides and Vitamins A, C, E helps to protect your skin from environmental stressors.

 

A skin fortifying blend of Calcium, Amino Acids and Ceramides provides essential nutrition while Hibiscus peptides and Hyaluronic Acid plump and deeply hydrate the skin.

A unique blend of Emblica and Vitamin C gets to work to brighten and lift a dull, tired looking complexion while reducing the appearance of pigmentation and No7’s Matrixyl 3000 Plus next generation anti-wrinkle peptide technology helps to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Rich and hydrating but non greasy or clogging, this wonder cream instantly leaves your skin feeling pampered and comfortable while its powerful, long-lasting ingredients get to work perfecting your complexion over time.

Also within the pouch you’ll find a full sized pot of No7’s Advanced Ingredients Ceramide & Peptides 30 Facial Capsules.

Proven to help your skin feel firmer and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, these little pink capsules aren’t just pretty, they deliver scientifically proven results to help your skin look smoother and feel more elastic.

Infused with peptides and a specially selected ceramide, the capsules work alongside the natural components of your skin. 

 

 

Encapsulated and with a targeted delivery system for optimised results, the capsule material is 95% plant-based and air tight to protect the key active ingredients from the damaging effects of both light and air.

These little pods of joy are designed to be used post cleansing and prior to any serum or moisturiser.

To open, simply twist the neck of the capsule and squeeze the contents onto your fingertips before you applying to clean, dry skin.

Suitable for use both morning and night, they offer long lasting, targeted solutions to ageing skin, plus they leave your skin feeling unbelievably silky and smooth.

Unsure if such a gift would be suitable for a loved one, friend or colleague? No problem.

Take a look at the equally wonderful No7 Elizabeth Scarlett Travel Brush Collection.

 

Let’s be honest, one can never have too many makeup bags, or makeup brushes and with this gift you’re ticking both boxes.

Unlike the previous gift, this little gem features a fabulous, rectangular makeup/cosmetics bag.

Created with the same eye catching hot pink soft velvet, this bag features two elegant pink flamingos on each sides, surrounded by twinkling gold stars.

 

I mean, who doesn’t love flamingos! They’re so cute!

Unzip the bag to reveal a collection of four travel-sized No7 makeup brushes.

Featuring gold, aluminium handles and synthetic hair fibres, this set is perfect for maintaining a flawless look wherever you go.

 

The brushes are super soft and easy to handle, plus they take up barely any room in the spacious bag, meaning you’ve plenty of space to fill it with all your beauty essentials, whether you’re home or away.

I am absolutely thrilled with this collaboration and even more impressed with the price points which vary from £20 up to £50, so whatever your budget, there is a gift for you.

 

Take the Restoring Duo set for example; the ceramide and peptide capsules alone would usually cost you £19.95, however the entire set is priced at just £25. Bonkers right!

In terms of the Travel Brush Collection Set, if you were to head over to Elizabeth Scarlett you find that cosmetics bags start at £22, however this entire gift including the No7 brushes will cost you just £20.

 

AND on top of all this, these gifts are also included within Boots 3 for 2 gifting promotion.

I know, mind blowing.

Head to Boots to get your hands on these beauties and to check out the rest of the collection now.

No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream

 I bloomin’ love an eye cream and as I hit my mid thirties boy do I need it.

It comes as no surprise to me to learn that the skin around your eyes as much thinner and more delicate than on the rest of your face and can therefore begin to show the signs of ageing faster than elsewhere.

Because of this disparity the area around your eyes requires a little extra tlc so in short no, your general moisturiser won’t quite cut it.

 

 

I’ve been testing and trialling different eye creams for a number of years now and I can’t help but keep finding my way back to No7.

My current fave is the No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream.

Housed within a simplistic, chic yet elegant tube with rich pink lid you’ll find a miracle worker.

This understated cream is  supercharged with technology from No7’s clinically proven Multi Action Serum to expertly target the key visible signs of ageing.

 

 Designed for more mature skin, I still opted for this as the skin around my eyes can be super dehydrated and I figured I could really use all the help I can get at this stage.

It is formulated to target both the appearance of dark circles and to reduce puffiness while its skin fortifying complex rich in calcium and amino acids offers essential skin nutrition.

 

 

The cream also contains No7’s pro-retinol ingredient of choice, Retinyl palmitate to support your skins natural renewal process to help reduce visible signs of ageing, while being gentle enough to be used on even sensitive skin.

PLUS, aside from all these anti-ageing benefits it also helps to protect your skin against daily stress and environmental aggressors by boosting your skins natural defences.

 

 

 Rich yet lightweight and creamy in texture, the precision nib allows for precise, neat application directly onto the skin around your eyes.

Once applied, gently massage the cream in outwards and upwards until it has been absorbed.

 

Instantly, your skin feels hydrated and comforted, firm and protected.

It feels and looks brighter after just one application and after twice daily usage for a number of weeks I have noticed a marked change in the appearance of fine lines, circles and puffiness.

The skin feels and looks flatter and firmer, dark circles are certainly reduced and I feel that the skin does look younger.

 

 

It is a great base for makeup application to as it seems to smooth and perfect the skin, preventing cosmetics from sitting in the lines and making me look older and tired.

At £20 it is a great eye cream which offers real, tangible results.

The No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Eye Cream is available now from Boots and costs £20.

No7 Dark Circle Corrector

One of the things that bugs me the most about my complexion is the ever present appearance of dark circles beneath my eyes.

No matter if I get a decent nights kip or not, they seem to be always there and they really bug me.

I can be feeling as refreshed and awake as you like, but these bags give the illusion to the world that I’ve been pulling all-nighters.

So conscious am I of these ‘bags’ that if I leave the house with no other make up on my face, I’ll ALWAYS wear a dab of under eye concealer.

I’ve tried every lotion and potion going to try and banish them and while many eye creams are great at reducing the appearance of fine lines or reducing puffiness, to date I’ve found pretty much nothing that helps with the dark circles apart from concealer.

Step forward No7. My eye bag saviour!

Earlier this year No7 Laboratories launched its first ever clinically proven dark circle corrector and I couldn’t get my hands on it quick enough.

The result of 7 years of extensive research to build and identify the fundamental causes of dark circles, this formula has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of dark circles in just 4 weeks.

They discovered that the 3 main causes of dark circles are inflammation, hyperpigmentation and thin/fragile skin and these results led the No7 team of scientists to formulate a product that could reduce their appearance by up to 30%, delivering both instant visible results with its colour-masking ingredients and longer-term benefits from its active ingredients.

Can I get an hallelujah!

This super clever formula works in two separate ways. Firstly it features adaptive light diffusing particles and colour correcting pigments and pearls to instantly improve the appearance of dark circles on all skin tones.

Secondly, it contains a host of skin loving ingredients that get to work to repair and improve and appearance of dark circles from within the skin, rather than just masking the issue.

Hyaluronic acid hydrates your skin, keeping it plump and firm while caffeine, liquorice and algae extract calms, soothes and helps to reduce puffiness.

Vitamin C and Sophora work to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and an antioxidant complex of mulberry, ginseng and vitamin C reduces oxidative stress and protects the skin from free radicals.

I couldn’t wait to get started with this product.

Housed within a sleek, chic white tube with a multi-ball point tip, the tube reflects the scientific technology that has gone into creating this fluid.

To dispense, simply turn the tip from the ‘off’ position to ‘on’ and gently squeeze the tube to release the fluid.

Glide the massaging tip across your skin to apply the product and enjoy the cooling sensation of the metallic roller balls as they massage the eye area.

 The product itself comes in two different shades, Light/Medium which helps correct blue and red undertones or Medium/Dark which corrects red and brown undertones.

I’m using the Light/Medium shade which is perfect for my skin tone.

The product itself is lovely and lightweight in texture, silky, non greasy and not at all sticky.

Its soft pigments help to instantly lift the eye area, reducing the appearance of the dark circles and its hydrating, nourishing complex leaves the area feeling moisturised, fresh and plump.

Designed to be used twice daily as the last step in your skincare regime, I’ve been using it religiously for a number of weeks and I am really impressed by the results.

My circles appear to have diminished somewhat and the overall appearance of my eye area has vastly improved.

My skin feels soft and hydrated which undoubtedly helps with its healthy appearance, but the really dark, purple tones of my circles have reduced quite dramatically.

I’ve not been getting any more sleep so the only thing I can attribute this to is the Dark Circle Corrector.

I’m not alone in my findings as 79% of women who were surveyed reported a reduction in in the appearance of dark circles within 1 week.

That’s a high success rate I’m sure you’ll agree.

If you suffer from persistent dark circles like I do, I urge you to find a solution to the problem rather than simply concealing them.

I would absolutely suggest that you try the No7 Dark Circle Corrector as to date, it is the only product that seems to have helped me.

The No7 Dark Circle Corrector is available now online and in store and costs £28.

Whats In My Everyday Makeup Bag

As a busy mum of two small kids aged 5 and 3, I rarely have time to glam.

Ok so I never really ever get time to glam, but I thought it might be interesting to take a look at what I DO have time to place on my face on a daily basis and do you know what, I was thoroughly shocked.

There I was thinking I pretty much slap a bit of concealer on and draw my brows on before heading out the door, but no no my friends, this seems to not be the case.

According to my photos and catalogue of products I use, I pretty much glam up every darn day!

I’m most confused. Particularly given that I do my makeup sat on a bean bag, in our lounge (by the window for natural light, obvs) while simultaneously trying to down my now cold cup of tea while breaking up 50 billion arguments between the kids at 8:15am.

Ugh.

Yet, here we are ladies and gents. The contents of my makeup bag which I basically wear every single day.

Milk Makeup Blur Stick (£30.50) I only received this recently so I’ve been trying it out. I don’t like the large clumpy stick for application but I DO like its ability to keep shine at bay and my make up staying in place all day long.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation (£32)  I love this foundation for medium coverage when your skin needs a little help but you don’t want to look overly made up. Silky and with great coverage its my go-to. Reviewed in full HERE. 

YSL Touche Eclat (£26) Yeah, I have a 5 year old and 2 year old. Nuff said. Could use this stuff in the bucket load.

Clarins Instant Concealer (£22.50) I maintain that this is THE BEST concealer you’ll ever use. Fabulous coverage, great for concealing dark circles, stays in place, feels like it hydrates your skin and I’m sure there’s a full review HERE. 

YSL Eyebrow Pencil In shade 05 Ebony (£21) Again, full review HERE but the best eye brow pencil in terms of shade and texture EVER. Expensive? Yes, Worth it? Yes.

HD Brows Palette (old school packaging but in Vamp and now RRP £30) My brows have been overplucked for years so once I’ve used my YSL Pencil I use  touch of this to fill in the missing spaces where my eyebrows should be. Sigh.

Instant Effects Lip Plumper (£24.99) I’ve always wanted full lips and actually had lip fillers recently (more about that another time) but I always apply a generous slick of this plumping serum to my lips and leave it for a good 20mins or so before applying my lip colour. And yes, it does plump your lips but without any of that horribly cooling or tingly sensations you get with so many plumpers. 

Benefit Hoola (approx £22) I’ve used this as my go to bronzer for as long as I can remember and for that reason it never leaves my make up bag!

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (£18.70) Reviewed in full HERE this is my fave Benefit mascara. Curling, lash separating and it creates mental length with no flaking or smudging. Winner.

The Vintage Company Eyelash Curler (£7) Soft, gentle and easy to use these bad boys turn my flat as a pancake lashes into something that’s really curly, I cant think of anything right now but they’re reslly good and a great price point too. 

Kiko Milano Sweetheart Baked Blush in Just like Coral (no longer available) I just love its iridescent, non flat, colourful blush that adds colour and rightness to your complexion. 

Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look In a Palette Natural (£49) for the Highlighter (I hit the Pan on the Blush which was shade POP which was a sad day) Best highlighter out there- soft and champagne in colour it blends over your make up seamlessly leaving you looking your glowing best.

O'Keeffe's Lip Repair Unscented Lip Balm (£3) Cheap and cheerful this has to be THE BEST lip balm I’ve ever used. Thick and rich in texture its not fancy, it doesn’t smell, it has no colour but boy does it stay put and apply a generous amount to your lips at night before bed and wake to soft, gorgeous lips.

PIXI Lash Line Ink -Black Silk (£12) Sleek, highly pigmented and easy to use it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin and it stays put. Winner.

Beauty Pie Shine Up Colour Balm in Pillowy Pink (£3.70 is you’re a member, £16 if not) I love Beauty Pie (Check it out HERE) and this colour is just the perfect subtle pink with a gentle sheen for the school run. 

No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder in Translucent (£12) My oily skin always requires powder and this finely milled, super soft powder is one I’ve been using for years. I don’t like to add colour to my skin with finishing powder hence he translucent shade, but its great for hot summers days when you don’t want to wear make but want to blot your face a bit!

Scamp & Dude Mini Swag Bag in Peach (£18) Scamp & Dude was created by Jo Tutchener-Sharp, founder and previous MD of Beauty Seen PR who suffered a brain haemorrhage. She had to leave her small children for a lengthy stay in hospital to undergo life threatening brain surgery and the agony of not being able to be with her kids was what inspired Jo to create a brand that helps children feel more secure when apart from their loved ones. This swag bag is just one of many, many items Jo sells and has become a HUGE SUCCESS.  Adore my stylish Mini Swag leopard and lightning print bag.

So there we have it. Turns out I wear a sh*t tonne of make up to the school run and had absolutely no idea I wore so much!

I’m also quite impressed that I’ve managed to successfully apply said make up within the small amount of time I have to get everyone ready and out the door so I think that deserves a round of applause, so go me!