From Spots to Smooth Skin

For years I have had problems with my skin. In my teenage years I was spotty and blamed hormones, but as I got older I always thought surely they should have settled down by now! I hated having such uneven skin, dry forehead, greasy spotty red cheeks and chin. My skincare routine was always patchy often sleeping in make up and not wearing spf every day. However I always tried to look after my skin. I still failed to have that beautiful, glowing, evenly toned, dewy skin that some women had. I'd ask them what they did and they always replied, nothing at all! That just didn't work for me. 

The doctor prescribed various contraceptive pills and I tried expensive facials and creams. After getting very down about my skin I the returned to the doctor and was given some steroid cream, it worked a little but made my skin became very sensitive and I was still getting sore breakouts. Luckily my beautician came to my rescue. I was sceptical at first, she hadn't experienced the break outs I had had, plus I thought that the product was on the pricey side. What did I have to lose! Environ saved my skin and my confidence.

It's not just for people with problem skin although they do have a programme for everything from roseca to wrinkles. Whatever kind of skin you want, you'll get it with Environ. They have been around since 1990 and they don't advertise, just relying on word of mouth and recommendations by trained beauticians. I could go in to detail about the science behind the products but for now I just want to tell you my skin story.
  
Earlier this year my sister and I met the wonderful Uzo Aduba, 'Crazy Eyes' from Orange is the New Black. The first thing she said to me was 'Wow, your skin is incredible!', then looked at my sister and added, yours too! Then stared at us like we were aliens. Until you've experienced bad skin I don't think you can appreciate what a huge compliment that was.  My sister and I have been using similar products for about three years now and have no plans to stop.

    

These are the products I am using currently. It may seem like a lot but you can cocktail the creams together and apply them at the same time. They are very concentrated so only one small pump is needed to cover the whole face. You will need far less than you would usually use of your current product so make Environ good value for money.

 
The sebuwash lathers up to leave your face feeling lovely and clean but not dry. 

The moisturising toner you just wipe around the skin with a cotton pad.
The AVST is a system that you build up, you start on 1 and work up to 5, allowing your skin to get used to the increasing amounts of vitamin A. This is your main moisturiser, a bottle lasts about 6-8 weeks. 

I add colostrum to strengthen my immune system. I also use c-boost as I have pigmentation around my lip line. 

My favourite product is the sequence eye gel which is incredible, you only need a tiny amount and it really helps with those fine lines around your eyes.

Finally, in the mornings I apply the Rad spf 15, which sits on the surface of the skin to lock in vitamins and act as a barrier against uv and pollution.

Two masks I use to help keep my complexion clear are the Revival Mask, which is a face lift in a bottle, a really powerful anti-ageing mask.

I also use Hydrating Exfoliating Masque which can been used as an exfoliater which is much gentler than a regular gritty exfoliant OR a mask to combat oiliness OR it can be left on overnight to hydrate the skin. It drys the oil not the skin. A really great, all round product.

From time to time I have an active vitamin facial. For part of this 90 minute treat my mask is attached to a machine which sends sound waves through the skin to aid penetration of active ingredients and Iontopheresis which works like a hammer hitting a nail, getting products in to the skin.There are lots of different kinds of facials available but your beautician will be able to advise you on the best one for your skin type.

I know I look like i'm enduring a weird science experiment but it is actually very relaxing!

  
I am really happy with my skin now and often get compliments. I wear a lot less make up and feel I have achieved that much desired dewy, even toned complextion.

If you have problem skin or would just like to try some skin care products that actually work then find your nearest Environ beautician and arrange a free consultation. Please do not buy products online, only buy from a registered beautician! My beautician, based in South East London, is Joanna Neil. 07747 106961. For more information on Environ or to find your nearest stockist go to www.iiaa.eu. You are also welcome to message me if you have any more questions about my personal experience. 

H&M x Kenzo

I made it! I was lucky enough to win a couple of tickets to the H&M x Kenzo shopping preview evening the night before the launch, thank goodness! (I still had to queue in the freezing cold but didn't have to get up at the crack of dawn for the pleasure.) It was at the huge flagship store on Regents Street, booze and a DJ were promised so I was looking forward to a fun shopping event but knew that it would still be a bun fight!

My plus one arrived, my mum. When you need help with these things you choose a professional, ex first day of the Harrods sale shopper! I had my list of 'wants' on my phone which i quickly briefed her with, along with photos. This was no time for errors.

The doors opened promptly, we were swept in with the queue, thrust a huge shopping bag and carried in with the bass of the music. 37 seconds later we re-convened at the end of the rails clutching huge bag fulls of all our goodies in various sizes. The locusts had been and the rails and table were looking very sad.

Due to the collection rules of one size of each item per person, we had to make sure we had the right sizes before leaving the store. We dumped our bags in front of a mirror and stripped off. The birds of prey were circling waiting to see what would be disguarded. Despite the tension, everyone seemed to be enjoying the crazy. We passed on a few pieces we didn't need and luckily the favour was returned in the queue when my poor mum was feeling very sad that she didn't get one of the ruffle sweatshirts. A girl in front of me was deciding over one and when she decided it wasn't for her was kind enough to pass it over. 

The biggest win of the evening the much converted black pinafore dress. Yes it was £149, but it makes me so happy! It makes a change from the jeans and trousers I live in and it's so warm!

Here I am wearing it to a gig for my Dad's Birthday. I got much abuse from the family, toilet brush cover, duvet, peasant etc. Even a group of drunk men took time out to shout across the road at me! Honestly people have no idea of fashion darling! This all had my family and I in stitches and didn't fade my love for my new dress in any way.

The other lovely pieces we managed to grab were these, 

 Shirt for me

 Shirt for mum

 Jumper for spoilt husband 

Scarf for lovely friend

Here are some of the gorgeous pieces I have picked up in previous collaborations and still love...

 Marni

 Isabel Marant

 Matthew Williamson

 Alexander Wang

Isabel Marant

So how did you get on? Did you manage to pick up anything? I'm already looking forward to November 2017... who will it be??

H&M Collaborations and Me

I have been a fan of the H&M collaborations since they first started in 2004. The combination of high street prices for designer items and the limited production was too much to ignore. In the early days as long as you wandered in to an H&M a few days after the collections hit stores, you could probably pick up a few choice pieces. However, many bargain hunters caught on to this great offering. Before you knew it, mum I would be getting up at silly o'clock on a cold November morning; camping out in front of our nearest H&M anxious and nauseous waiting for our wristband that would be our ticket to unique and coveted items. We would stumble out, laden with bags, delighted with our overspend and swearing to wear them all for a lifetime. To be fair, my wardrobe is still punctuated with pieces from Matthew Williamson ('09), Marni ('12), Alexander Wang ('14) and more. 
I still love and cherish these unique buys and hope the next collection will bring me such additions...

I was lucky enough to preview the H&M x Kenzo collaboration this week and I was not disappointed. The collection is stunning, as a lover of colour and print I couldn't get over the mix of patterns and designs. It's certainly not for everyone, some pieces I would rather enjoy them hanging on my wall than on my body. But as usual there are a few affordable, collectable trinkets like the key ring, purses and sunglasses. There are always sunglasses.  There is a real Japanese influence with a beautiful kimono coat and jacket including flip flops, based on the Japanese Geta sandals... 

Here are some pics to whet your appetite...

The Sunglasses, £39.99

Bangles, also available in orange £39.99

Flip Flops, £79.99

Purse, £49.99

Kimono Coat, £249.99

Reversible Kimono Jacket, £199.99

Gloves, £49.99

Jacket, £129.99

Blouse, £49.99

What are your favourites? Have you ever queued at the crack of dawn for clothing before? 

Will you be purchasing anything on the 3rd November?

Wish me luck! I'll report back with my purchases, and maybe some snaps of pieces from my archives...

Ear Party

Short hair means my ears are always on parade, this gives me the perfect opportunity to indulge my passion for jewellery. I have a few piercings, so depending on my mood and outfit i can go simple or all out... I really like to mix metals, anything goes with an ear party, here are my latest favourite looks...

This half moons earring is one of a pair by Cos, they are silver and gold and have worn brilliantly for costume jewellery

Simple diamond & white gold studs and a pearl & gold stud.
The gold plated hexagon earrings are by one of the UKs top jewellery designers, Scarlett Cohen French (Bought at my recent visit to the Goldsmith's Fair)

 

This simple look consists of a small pyramid stud by Stella & Dot, small rose gold studs and a hammered stud also Stella & Dot

 This is the other ear, ear climber by Stella & Dot. 

Gold and ruby studded playing card and gold poison arrow earrings from Maria Nilsdotter,  (Found on a trip to Stockholm last Christmas. Maria's a big deal. Beyonce once bought an entire range from her and Madonna is also a huge fan).
Gold plated bar stud by Whistles

The other ear, gold modern primitive chain earring from Rachel Entwistle

 Ear cuff by Stella & Dot

Gold plated hoops all by Stella & Dot

Which are your favourites? Are there any other fab earring designers out there I should be checking out?

p.s I am not affiliated with Stella & Dot or any other brands, I just really like their jewellery and find it excellent quality for the price.

Jewellery Paradise

I was lucky enough to visit the Goldsmiths Fair recently. It is an annual event which showcases the very best contemporary designer craftsmen working in gold and silver 
(Go next autumn if you get a chance www.goldsmithsfair.co.uk) 

Prices vary from £40-£40,000(ish). Getting a chance to view these beautiful pieces of art, and try a few on, is a wonderful experience. You get to chat to the people behind the designs finding out the story of each piece.

My mum treated herself to this beautiful Ametrine ring by award winning designer Beth Gilmour

My sisters favourite piece was this stunning ring by Marie Walshe

Mine was this statement 18ct gold and aquamarine ring, which was also selected by guest curator Erin O'Connor. Designed by Shivani Patel

I purchased these gold plated hexagon beauties by one of the UKs top jewellery designers, Scarlett Cohen French. They are also available in silver and solid gold