Physical Sunscreens

I was asked for recommendations of a lower-priced oil-free sunscreen in my Facebook group and I vowed to do my research. Now I don't use or recommend chemical sunscreens so these are all physical/mineral sunscreens. When you are looking for a mineral sunscreen the ingredients will be Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide and then nano or non-nano. This refers to the size of the particles, I prefer non-nano as this means less is absorbed into your system. I have of course done a YouTube video talking you through all of this. 

The pros of these are they are better for your skin, better for your body, better for the environment and can actually help a lot of problems such as sensitivity, prickly heat and eczema. The cons are they can leave a white caste or take longer to absorb. Below I've listed ones I would recommend checking out, I've put the pros and cons of each as I see them and whether I've tried them or not. 

☀️ Pai British Summertime - I've tried this one and it's the one I currently use if I am using an un-tinted sunscreen. Pros - absorbs well, nice ingredients, British brand. Cons - I don't love the smell but it doesn't linger

The Sunday Spend - January 17th 2016

We may be midway through the hardest month of the year but in all this abstemiousness don't you think you deserve a little treat? I actually think that the sales is the perfect time to restock on your favourites and try those products that you're never going to pay full price for. It's worth mentioning that if you are a user of a Clarisonic or other such face machine then now's the time to see if you can get discounted heads.

• ASOS - great for a variety of brands. The LMB picks are... the Lulu Guinness make-up bag (because it reminds me of this Jenny Lewis video and I love Jenny Lewis), the Hipstar or Stained Glass mask from Face.Lace (sometimes I struggle to think of a better make-up artist than Phyllis Cohen the creator of Face.Lace. Kylie as Marlene anyone?) and the Velvet waterproof eyeliner from Daniel Sandler (I've yet to try a product of Daniel's that I don't like and who doesn't need more black liner?)

• Feel Unique - now this is the one I'd really go crazy on. There is something for everyone on here and it's great for fans of Origins, Estee Lauder, Nudestix, First Aid Beauty and Clinique but these are my picks.  There's a lot of them. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads (a constant in my skincare regime), Ole Henriksen Truth Serum (a great all-rounder serum for all skin types), Nudestix Magnetic Eye Colour (one of my favourite eye products), Estee Lauder Even Effect Skin Corrector (one of my favourite tinted moisturisers for giving glow), Amazing Concealer (which I've wanted to try for an age), Clinique Take the Day Off Balm, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara, Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer 

•  Selfridges - have some great 'electricals' on sale hair straighteners, curling wands etc. There's not a huge amount of variety here but fans of Sisley should definitely check this out. If I were going for a splurge I'd either get the Black Rose Oil or Black Rose Cream Mask

• Space NK -  not as amazing this year as usual but still I'd go for... Dancing Queen from Lipstick Queen (want to try these out), Ren Instant Beauty Booster Kit (great for anyone wanting to try Ren out), and the Smokey-on-the-Go Kit from Laura Mercier because I love this brand. 

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