May Giveaway Prizes - Friday Video

A really quick look at what you could win this month to celebrate the blog turning 10 this year.

If you want to enter then go here and follow the Rafflecopter link at the bottom

LMB Turns 10 - May Giveaway (NOW CLOSED)

If you have enough make-up and skincare is not really your thing then this could be the month for you. All three of the prizes this month are my absolute favourites starting with the Hand Chemistry Youth Intense hand cream. Wherever I'm going I need to have this in my bag, if I'm starting a long stint of work this will be one of the necessary things I'll pick up to go into my kit beforehand.

A long with the perfect mascara I am always on the quest to find the perfect red nail varnish and I'm pretty sure that Happy Wife Happy Life, a limited edition from Essie last year (or even the year before), is it. Not too dark, not too orangey, I always get complimented on it and wear it most of the year round (in summer I go a bit more coral or neon).

The last time I had naked toe nails must have been when I was 13 or so. I can't understand why anyone would want to leave undecorated something that is just so perfect for a pop of colour. For me it is the same as a made up face with no lipstick, nail varnish is just so glamorous, even with jeans, t-shirt and flip flops. To ensure my nails are in good condition however I am always very careful to use a base coat and Butter London's Nail Foundation is the best I've found.

This is basically all I need, and therefore all I think you need, for great nails and happy hands. I will pick the winner from those entrants who follow my YouTube channel - leave a comment below letting me know what your YouTube username is so it's easy for me to find you. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Automatic Re-Buys

I've been thinking about this post for a while and I think it's just going to have to be one that is ever expanding. But there are some things that I have spares of in reserve or re-buy as soon as they run out, automatically, without thinking about the things you usually think about when buying products - cost, reviews, necessity. As soon as they look a bit low I re-buy. Writing me has also made me realise there are certain products for which I have nothing on the re-buy list - for example mascaras. I really like a couple of mascaras but I'm still on the hunt for the perfect one so whatever I buy when I need to is usually a new one that I want to try out.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm - if you have read this blog at all you'll know how much I love this product (see my full review here and my quick review video here)  This is the cleanser I use every evening unless I am trying other cleansers out and if they make my skin react then I go back to this and it sorts it out. If I've worn a ton of make-up this gets it all off. If I'm not wearing any this feels like a moisturising treat.

Pixi Glow Tonic - the toner that got me really back into toning (see my full review here). Slews away dead cells, brightens, moisturises and firms. If you are thinking about adding a toner to your skincare routine this is a great place to start.

Origins Make A Difference + -this is a moisturiser I come back to again and again (see my full review here). It just seems to suit my skin so well. And, bizarre as it sounds, it is totally buildable in that, if I'm feeling well-moisturised and its the morning and I'm going to be adding an SPF and some make-up then a really thin layer of this is great. If I need to slap it on to dry, or a bit irritated skin in the evening I can and it feels deeply moisturising and luxurious.

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula for Dry Skin - I have incredibly dry skin which can get itchy so I have tried a lot  of moisturisers. This is the one product I've found that keeps me feeling moisturised for the 24 or so hours between applications. And it's incredibly reasonably priced (see my quick review video here). Why try to find something high end when there is a fantastic product available on the high street?

Lavera Soft Eye Pencil - why they stopped putting a smudger on the end of this I'll never know but it's my second favourite soft liner pencil and, for me at the moment, easier for me to get hold of than my No 1,  Smoulder by MAC (they sell it in the shop next door). A truly soft eye pencil, vegan, non-irritating, truly black, goes on the waterline (see my full review here). What's not to like?

MAC Eye Kohl in Smoulder - always in my pro-kit and, ideally, always in my personal one too. For a '90s teen a smudgey black liner will never go out of fashion and this is the ultimate. Goes on the waterliner, properly black, long lasting and, for me, the perfect consistency.

Sleek Makeup Luminous Pressed Powder - another high street hero. Love that it will fix my make-up in place without taking away all the dewiness and radiance I spend time (and money) putting in. A must for those of us naturally prone to dullness.

Benefit Sugarbomb - a blusher I have been using for years and years (see my full review here). Its personal preference but the colours for me are perfect and, though it's expensive, it lasts for a long time. 

Avon Supershock Gel Liner - the best black waterproof liner you can get, as far as I know (see my full review here). Incredibly reasonably priced, goes onto and stays on, the waterline.

Real Techniques Shading Brush - a great eyeshadow brush. Good length bristles, easy to use and keep clean, synthetic and very well priced. I always have a couple of these in my personal brush collection. I wish they did the base shadow brush separately too, it's fantastic for blending.

Butter London Flawless Base Coat - loved it from first use and still love it now. (see my full review here). No yellowness, nice strong nails, nothing nasty in it, lovely base for your colour to go onto.

Japonesque Solid Brush Cleanser - smells great, easy to use, cleans brushes perfectly, no nasty chemicals (see my full review here and my quick review here).

Butter London Nail Foundation Flawless Finish

Since using this base coat I have not bought or used another one, even when I go for a manicure or pedicure I take this with me - it is my absolute number one nail base and I can't see that changing.

I originally bought it when I was first pregnant with Ned and was worried about the amount of toxic things I was no doubt pumping into my body without realising - I got my hair coloured throughout my pregnancy, wear make-up everyday and have nails painted most of the time. Butter London is a fantastic company which not only does the most stunning range of colours and finishes (and has recently branched out into make-up as well) but does a 3-Free range meaning no Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, and Formaldehyde. I supposed there was no point buying 3-Free lacquer's if I wasn't careful about what was in my base coat which led me to trying the Nail Foundation. 

The colours are not the longest lasting I've tried (though this is more due to my lousy application - it was their colour Snog that lasted months when I had the best pedicure I've ever had) but this base coat is so good that, if you are a fan of nude nails, you could wear it on it's own. It is like a make-up primer for the nails, creating a smooth surface covering all ridges and leaving a lovely silky matte finish. Fast drying it creates the perfect base on which to paint the colour of your choice and prevents staining even from the most treacherous colours and keeps nails in great condition.

What you need to know - Butter London Nail Foundation

• £13 but prices vary widely
• Free from Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, and Formaldehyde
• Available from Butter London, Look Fantastic, Boots,  Selfridges, Bath & Unwind

Christmas Gift Ideas - Nails

Nail varnish and accessories are great stocking fillers but also you may see something that’s perfect for the nail fanatic you know or as a present for the hard-to-buy-for girlfriend.

• Butter London – one of my favourite brands. Free from nasty stuff and a great range of colours. Their Nail Foundation Flawless Base Coat is now the only base I use and they have a fantastic range of colours. Snog is a particular favourite but Saucy Jack or Knees Up are two that I’d love to try

• Mavala – These are fantastic nail varnishes available in a lot of chemists, in lots of lovely colours and an individual one (Bordeaux is my favourite) would be a great stocking filler. But they do little trio’s for £11.45 which are great too (also a good choice for a teen cousin/in-law). The 50 Years Nail Colour Trio and Rouge Trio of Colour are my picks.

• YSL – do possible the best nail varnishes. Though more on the expensive side this is a definite treat in a stocking so whether you go for the more traditional Rouge Pop Art or the festive sparkle of Feuille D'Or I would love anything from this range. 

Friday Video - November Favourites

I've been really busy so not a lot of time to squeeze in filming this video but these are my favourite things I've been using in November

St Grape Aqua Bliss Scrub
Butter London in Snog
Accessorize Exposed Palette
Emma Hardie Dual Action Cleansing Cloths

Butter Me Up

Not only am I using pregnancy as an excuse to eat as much cheese as I like (specifically Cheshire cheese... oh my god I love Cheshire cheese) but it was also a great reason to make my husband by me some nail varnish that's actually good for me. Well not good for me but certainly not bad for me, and that is something Butter London specialises in.

I'm trying not to be too overly freaked out about what I can and can't do while pregnant. My mother ate everything and I turned out fine but, as I explained to her, the problem with knowing what you should and shouldn't be doing is that if something goes wrong you feel totally responsible. So imagine my dismay when I read that some chemicals, called phthalates which act as plasticisers, are used in some nail varnishes and can mimic oestrogen and have a 'feminising effect on boys while they are still developing in the uterus'.*

Snog

The levels of these phthalates in our bodies is rising but there is no scientific evidence that this is caused by nail varnish but they are used so widely, and manufacturers don't need to list them in the ingredients, that I thought making sure I'm using the 'healthiest' nail varnish I could find would be a good idea. Basically any excuse to try these lovely nail varnishes.

Butter London were the first company to sell non-toxic nail lacquer in the US and their 3 Free nail varnishes contain no Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP or Parabens.At £12 for a colour and £15 for a top or base coat these lacquers are not cheap but the range of colours is exceptional, they are easy to apply, quick drying and long lasting. I always get comments when I'm wearing them.

Joe very kindly bought me two colours (Snog and Blowing Raspberries) back from America and I went online to buy base and top coats... then I accidentally bought two classics, Pillar Box Red and Come to Bed Red.  I always have red toes so I think £24 on red nail varnish is totally justified!

One thing to mention - it is not the most chip resistant nail varnish I have ever used... but then I'm pretty hard on my nails but this chips quicker than some others. But then nail varnish chips. This is not big news.
I'm now desperate to try their matte top coat, Rosie Lee, Knees Up, Henley Regatta and surely I've got to get Slapper for blue-crazy Miss F's birthday? xx

From l to r: Come to Bed Red, Base Coat, Pillar Box Red, Top Coat, Blowing Raspberries and Snog

* Expecting by Anna McGrail and Daphne Metland

Early Pregnancy Life Savers

OK so I can finally say that I'm pregnant and although I'm determined that this blog isn't going to become all about pregnancy and babies, if there are any products that I find are particularly good for a lady in my condition I will put them up on here. For more baby-related things I'll be putting that on Blue Sky and Bunting.

Oilatum Natural Repair face cream

There have been a couple of products and brands which have helped to make the first three months more bearable. I wasn't actually sick but had about a month and a half of feeling nauseous all the time and having to lie very still. My eczema has become unbearable and my face is a mass of spots. Luckily I've been given some creams for the doctor for the eczema but for everything else I was on my own so here's what's been helping me out.

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream - I'm sure I've reviewed this separately (it's fantastic) but this has really come into it's own in the last three months. People say my skin has been looking amazing - that is completely down to this moisturiser and some very good concealers.

Jemma Kidd Shadow Quartet in Metallica

Jemma Kidd Shadow Quartet in Metallica - A friend got this for me for my birthday and I love it but don't use it as often as I should but this has been just fantastic as a lovely, easy to apply eye base for when I just can't be bothered to spend ages on my makeup.The bronze tone gives a really nice subtle shimmer with quite a natural tone so is great on it's own with a little bit of mascara.

Waitrose Baby Bottom Butter - I will do a proper review of this soon but believe the hype. This has been fantastic for keeping my skin nicely moisturised - I use it on my arms and decolletage after my bath in the evening and can still feel it moisturising in the morning.

Butter London - these 3 Free nail lacquers are the healthiest way to have beautifully done nails when you are pregnant and at the moment my nails are the only bit of me worth looking at! Post coming soon.


Chanel Pro Lumier - I've been using tinted moisturisers most days but when I've had to go out, this is the foundation I've been using. Awesome, professional level coverage means that my blemishes are completely hidden and I feel confident even though I know underneath I'm looking spotty and washed out. They don't do this anymore but try Perfection Lumier or Vitalumier instead.

I Want it All... And I Want it NOW

I'm just in the mood for some new nail varnish and have been looking on Butter London for some inspiration. Trouble is I just want them all. But I have narrowed it down to two... Rosie Lee and Pillar Box Red. Something glitzy and something classic. Still on the hunt for the illusive gold glitter varnish though. Where is it? xx

Back in the Saddle

Liesel and I completed our sponsored ride on Sunday and although we got absolutely drenched it was a really great day (but not one of my most glam!!) She jumped beautifully, was extremely well behaved and we managed to raise £145 for the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund . So although I arrived home soaked to the skin and have spent the last two days barely able to sit down (or get my hand out of the ‘claw’ position) it was all totally worth it for such a great day. Taking advantage to use it as an excuse to spend most of this week in hot baths with my latest read (Slash: The Autobiography).

I waddled into work on Friday to see that I had won a prize for ‘greenness’ which was a lovely surprise. I have to choose my prize and am having a look at all the latest ‘green’ cosmetics. Stella McCartney has a great range. All products are not tested on animals, 100% organic non-genetically modified ingredients, no chemicals or petrochemicals and suitable for every skin type - the Nourishing Elixir looks great. Another great ‘green’ skincare range is Ren – they cover everything from skin and facial care, to fragrance and haircare. I really love the look of their Phytokeratin Volumising Conditioner for Fine Hair (£19.50). I’d also love to try REN Zostera Marina Cleansing Wash 150ml (£16.50).

I’ve managed to get my hands on the new paperback edition of That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between by Victoria Beckham. This is a really fun book with great pictures and tips but I have to say that I did not feel that it told me anything I didn’t already know. She gives great advice on where to get certain items of clothing and accessories but unless I am more clued up than most on fashion (which I don’t think I am necessarily) I feel that I could have written a similar book and, dare I say it, maybe done it slightly better. It would be a great girlie present but with books like The Goddess Guide around I fear the competition is pretty stiff.

I’m really loving the L'Oreal Resist and Shine nail varnish which I put on my toes nearly three weeks ago… it still hasn’t chipped!! Although I think I will stick to pinker colours on my tootsies and keep the red for the hands so far this is the longest lasting nail varnish I’ve had on my toes ever. There’s also a new comer in nail care which I think is a must try for all of you who love to varnish Butter London looks fantastic. None of their products contain formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate (so are known as 3 Free) and as well as doing a fantastic range of colours (Macbeth, Portobello Pink, and Henley Regatta for the more adventurous) they also do nail fertilizer (Horse Power, £20), ridge filling basecoat (Nail Foundation Flawless Basecoat, £18) and many more. And they do loads of fabulous gift packs which are great as presents ranging from £12 for a travel pack which complies with new airport rules (containing remover, sanitizer, nail files and cotton pads) to £18 for Lacquer Lovers (a set of two nail lacquers in either a ‘Vogue’ or ‘Vintage’ look) or for the really extravagant the Ultimate Mani Pack. It’s £90 but you get lacquers, treatments and files. It’s really worth checking out their site.

Mr J and I attended the annual Halloween party at my sisters house in Brixton last night. As usual there was mind-numbing punch and fantastic nibbles to be had. And we're going to not one but two fireworks displays this weekend. Brockwell Park on Friday and Ravenscourt Park on Saturday. I can't wait - I love fireworks although they have a nasty habit of making me feel prematurely festive. xx