Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Oil

If you've read through my previous two pregnancies you'll know that I'm a little dubious as to whether any stretch mark oils/creams/gels/potions actually work or whether it's just down to your skin, the baby, the time of year, whatever. I mean. It's a hard one to judge.I hardly used anything at all with Ned and was fine. I used Rosehip oil all the way through Jim and thought I got away with it until a sad looking (huge) jelly fish of stretch marks appeared about two days before he was born. Thanks Jim.

I jumped at the chance when offered this to try though as this is not only a bit pricier than I would normally pay - do you get what you pay for with stretch marks? But I have heard great things about it and it has a lot of good reviews.

I'm not entirely comfortable paying £27 for something that is, to my mind, not guaranteed to work. But, so far, there is not a new stretch mark in sight and a little of this goes a long way. I have been using it for three months now and I'm pretty sure it will last me until I've had the baby in July. I've been using it mostly on the bump and a bit on the tops of my thighs which are the places I usually get stretch marks. If there's any left over then after the baby is born I'll use it on my boobs as it's when the milk comes in that they tend to get stretch marks. If I run out before I have the baby I may while buy a new bottle.

Pregnancy update - Week 30, Baby 3

Non-make-up I know but thought may as well do a quick pregnancy update as it feels strange to not mention it at all. It turns into a bit of a rant about people talking about the babies gender and then I forgot to mention the anxiety that's been a bit of a nightmare this time round. I think I feel we have been so lucky with the boys that we're pushing it a bit this time round and it's been driving me a bit bonkers. My family have been absolute heroes putting up with this.

Anyway, I moan a lot but really this pregnancy has been fine so far because the baby has been fine so far. 10 weeks left seems a long and short time all at once.

Back to make-up next week but if you do have any questions then please feel free to either leave me a comment or send me an email. I'm not medically trained but I have had two before and I'm pretty unshockable so if there's something bothering you let me know!

If you haven't already then please subscribe to my channel, it is mostly make-up I promise.

Friday Video - What to Pack in your Hospital Bag

Last week it was 'what's in my hospital washbag' this week it's the main bag itself. Back to make-up next week...

Friday Video - Pregnancy and Make-up Shopping Vlog

I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself...

Phytaoil and Phytalotion

I find it very difficult to review stretch mark creams even though I am now 7.5 months into my second pregnancy and have used a lot of them in my time. Why? because how do you know that the product you are using is preventing stretchmarks at all, maybe you just aren't going to get them in that area anyway, maybe you're not prone to them at all and if I have got a stretch mark then is it because I wasn't using the cream/oil often enough or was actually nothing going to prevent it from appearing. I've always thought the latter. Keep your skin moisturised and that will help but I'm not sure you can actually prevent stretchmarks if they are going to happen.

Friday Video - Quick Review - Embryolisse Rich Balm

I love this cream but only really need it when my skin is dehydrated and needing some full-on TLC...

Friday Video - December News

Well... the title says it all. Not make-up just news

Nip + Fab Tummy Fix

Some people get pregnant, pop the baby out and snap back to the way they were before. Some people do do that, but not me. I got my first eat on the tube at around 11 weeks and expanded from there. I felt sick all the time unless I was eating exactly what I wanted and what I wanted 90% of the time was pizza. I was huge. Then out he popped and every one promised that breast feeding would suck the fat out but no, it seemed to make me lay fat down. I only really started to shed weight (apart from about 3 stone of water retention within the first three weeks) after I stopped breast feeding and by that time my stomach had had it. It was crepy, and wibbly and wrinkly and just has an extra layer of fat that won't shift which I refer to as the Ned House.

I don't believe in miracle creams - if there were creams that could flatten your stomach and tone you up then we'd know about them. Instead there are lots of creams that say they are going to fix things and they do for some people, don't for others and make tiny changes for the majority. So I wasn't hoping for much when I tried Nip + Fab's Tummy Fix even though I had heard great things about the brand and Maria Hatzistefanis who also created celebrity favourite Rodial. I used it at least once a day on my stomach and muffin tops for over a month and I could see a difference within two weeks.

Post-pregnancy Skin Tightening part 2 - Friday Video

I thought I'd uploaded this a while ago... one very clear winner.

Jergens 

Nivea

Nip + Fab

Return to Glory

It's rare to find anything at a fantastic price in London and I was dreading booking myself in for a pregnancy massage because I knew that if I enjoyed it I'd want more and we'd be bankrupt before the baby even arrived. But a bit of googling led to me Return to Glory 'London's leading mobile massage and beauty service' who not only offer pregnancy massage but four different pregnancy treatments including reflexology. And they do so many other treatments for the non-knocked up - deep tissue massage, couples massage, Swedish and Thai yoga massage, dance, salsa and Pilate's private lessons, facials, make overs, a whole range of treatments for men and even events for offices and parties.

The fact that you can get whatever treatment in your own home is fantastic but especially if you are in London and want a massage - the thought of being that relaxed and then having to schlep home on public transport thus undoing all the relaxation is what really swung it for me. As I wanted it asap I booked over the phone (0845 485 1195) but you get a 10% discount for booking online so it's definitely worth doing that. I couldn't believe that for £65 someone was going to come to my house with all the equipment and give me a massage.

Agnes appeared at 5 mins to the allotted time and set up quickly even though our room is tiny. She'd bought soothing music (which helped drown out  the noise of upstairs builders) and helped me get my bulk into a towel (which she kept helping me rearrange so I didn't feel like meat on a slab - all exposed). She also explained exactly what was going to happen which was nice - I knew they wouldn't offer or do any treatments that weren't safe but my husband was anxious about me getting a massage which had transferred to me a little so it was nice to have it all talked through before hand. I was getting their Signature Pregnancy Massage and I'd read a bit on the website but what I hadn't taken in was that everything gets rubbed. Your back, legs, feet, arms, face and head. IT IS AMAZING.

Obviously it depends on your therapist but the amount of pressure was just perfect - I was worried that pregnancy massage would be a bit light - and the timing great, nothing was hurried and I definitely got my full hours worth. How can this be just £65. As soon as she left - leaving me in my dressing gown beaming - I re-booked for a months time. I then called my pregnant sister and pregnant buddy and told them they have to try it out. It is really worth giving Return to Glory a go - they are incredibly helpful so if you are not sure what you need give them a call - I'm sure they will have the treatment for you.  

Pregnant Makeup - Friday Video

Ok having threatened to do this for ages here is a video tutorial of me doing the makeup that has got me through the first three or four months of pregnancy. Quick to apply (so morning sickness friendly) and with fairly good coverage...

Oilatum Natural Repair Face Cream
Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector
Jemma Kidd Eye Wardrobe Quartet in Metallica
L'Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim
Rimmel Glam Eyes Mono Shadow in Jet Black
L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara
Bobbie Brown Corrector in Light Bisque
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Medium
Hula by Benefit
Maybelline Dream Touch Blush
Sugarbomb by Benefit
Cover FX Translucent Setting Powder
Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Cream in Iced Gold

All brushes used were Real Techniques

Embryolisse Baume Riche

I love Embryolisse. Their Lait Creme Concentrate, Hydra-Mat Emulsion and Lotion Micellaire are constants in my professional kit and now I've been trying out their new Baume Riche a rich cold cream that acts like a balm for very dry, sensitive skin.

The first thing you notice (apart from the lovely packaging) is the amazing smell - always a bonus with any product. You really don't need to use very much of this - a little goes a long way and you don't want to waste any of this as it's not cheap. Baume Riche is incredibly hydrating and sits on the skin for a while so I like to use it at night almost as a mask - I can still feel it on my skin in the morning. Having used it for a week my terrible skin has cleared up a lot; the redness has nearly gone and the spots are much less present.

I'm not saying this is a miracle spot-removing cream but I'm pretty sure that along with hormones, my bad skin has been caused by incredible dryness and this seems to be really helping. The dry, flaky skin on my chin which has been present since about week 6 of my pregnancy is gone and only a bit of easily-coverable redness remains. I will update this review if any of that changes over time when I'm using, or not using this product, it's hard to tell whether it's this or just bodily changes but I'm pretty confident that the incredible turn-around in my skin in the last week that I've started using Baume Riche is no coincidence.

I really recommend splashing the cash (£21.95 for 40ml is quite steep) and trying this out if you have dry skin - this could really turn it around. It also makes a lovely present for a girlfriend.

What You Need to Know - Embryolisse Rich Balm

•  £22
• 40ml
• Available from Guru Makeup Emporium,
• Watch my Quick Review of it here

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.

Baby Boom

It seems that the place to be is the maternity ward in pretty much any hospital but particularly Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles where Nicole Richie gave birth to daughter, Harlow Winter Kate Madden on Friday morning and Christina Aguilera gave birth to her son Max Liron Bratmen at 10.05pm on Saturday. Other new parents include Stella McCartney and Alasdhair Willis who had a son Beckett Robert Lee on 8th January.
But just in case you were getting complacent and thought that maybe the celebrity world was going to get a grip in 2008, Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse have been evening out the normal/abnormal, happy/sad balance with various unbelievable antics. First to Britney who was removed from her home by paramedics after locking herself in a bathroom with one of her sons. Her assistant and friend Ali broke the door down eventually and we were treated to the worrying sight of Brit being tied to stretchers with restraints and alternately crying, laughing and screaming at the paramedics. She was apparently high on various substances but having a close look at her (trust the Sun to be completely close up and in her face during a breakdown) her pupils seemed pretty normal leading me to speculate that she has actually just flipped a switch somewhere and had some sort of mental meltdown. On the bright side it prompted Simon Cowell to offer not only words of wisdom but seemingly a shoulder for her to cry on... the mind boggles.
Now, am I the only one who HATES Amy Winehouse's new hair? She would clearly never really suit being blond at the best of times but when its a nasty yellow-tinged bad peroxide job I think we'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who could carry it off. It also seems to somehow accentuate her still terrifying stick-thinness which doesn't seem to be getting any better. Meanwhile, in prison, her 'husband' Blake Fielder-Civil is reportedly fuming at her spending the night with producer Mark Ronson in the K-West hotel. I may be naive here but I'm pretty sure he's got nothing to worry about - the photo's of them taken on the night show him wearing a sharp suit and looking fit and healthy next to Amy with skeletal figure, terrible new yellow hair and an ill advised pair of 'City' shorts... Surely that can't be an irresistible look. I never thought I'd say this but 'bring back the Beehive'... even that dreadful thing is better than this!
Now after my previous rant about the shooting of Tatiana the San Francisco zoo tiger I lay awake at 4.00 this morning having had a horrible nightmare involving me having to watch my parents being chased down and attacked by tigers... I'll take this as karmic payback for my animal rights rant. xx