Thursday, 31 July 2014

Make Way For La Mav Organic Skin Science

The beauty of makeup is not just how it looks on your face but how you feel when you wear it. To  find a brand that incorporates everything you would want it to in one piece, e.g, organic and actually does what it says it should do, whether it be a foundation, powder or lipgloss is a rare treat.
 I have pale skin with rosy red cheeks and red lips, that in the summer I get an oily t-zone and in the winter I get dry patches. This dilemma means that i'm forever trying different makeup to try and combat these areas at specific times of the year.

I recently got in contact with a company called La Mav Organic Skin Science about their products, as I had come across them on instagram and then had read many reviews on the great things that the products do. I was extremely lucky to be sent three full size products of my choice!





1. La Mav Rumex Advanced Lightening Day Creme

2. La Mav Anti- Ageing Mineral Foundation in Light/Medium

3. La Mav Tinted Lip Treatment in Sheer Pink




La Mav Rumex Advanced Lightening Day Creme

  " This ultra-rich lightening day creme works to reduce the appearance of discolouration and pigmentation. Formulated with Licorice root and Rumex Occidentals to deliver intensive lightening and brightening benefits. Gives skin a smooth and healthy appearance. "

Ideal for
   Skin that is prone to pigmentation, sun-damage and fine lines.




Ok ok, so I know Im only 28 and you're probably thinking why do I need a lightening creme already, but I feel it's important to look after my skin as I do have a few fine lines already ( I call them smile/laughter lines), and every summer my face does get a little sun damaged as we go abroad and I definitely don't apply as much sunscreen as I should. (This post took a little longer than usual in uploading as I have taken a couple of weeks testing the products to give an honest opinion!)
     The Advanced Lightening Day Creme gives a great description promising lots of improvements with continuous use so it had a lot to live up to. I found the creme to be very light on my skin, and didn't leave an oily residue which is a big plus especially in this weather! Already after a few weeks I can see and feel a slight change in my face, with it feeling more toned and the appearance of my fine lines less noticeable. Because the creme made my skin feel so good and look good I didn't apply as much foundation as I usually do due to it looking less tired than usual. I will be keeping this creme in my daily skin routine as I couldn't find a fault with it!

RATING 
 5 Stars Out Of 5


La Mav Anti- Ageing Mineral Foundation In Light/Medium

     " La Mav Mineral Foundation is a concealer, foundation and powder in one that provides a flawless finish giving skin a natural and radiant look without clogging pores or irritating skin."



For me a powder is essential, especially in the summer months as I can often get an oily t-zone, so being sent a powder was like music to my ears! The powder is very light on the skin and glides on easily using my Real Techniques brush, and has a slight shimmer effect which I layer up on evenings out for a more glamorous effect.  What I particularly liked about the foundation is that on days that I didn't want to wear a "full face" I could literally wear the product on it's own, and if necessary add more if needed.

RATING
  4.5 Stars Out Of 5
Now, here Im being picky, as the product itself is great, although I personally feel that the product would benefit form having come with its own brush or sponge in the box, hence the 0.5 marking down!



La Mav Tinted Lip Treatment Sheer Pink

   " An intensive hydrating tinted lip treatment that moisturises and conditions lips. Formulated with CoEnzyme Q10,  Argan Oil and Vitamin E that will help to maintain ultra hydration and nourishment."



I love love love this lip treatment!!! Being a fan of barbie pink lipstick anyway, whats not to love about adding a pink gloss on top that actually nourishes the lips! Some people are not a fan of glosses as they can be sticky and wear off easily! What was surprising is how this gloss is definitely not sticky, so my hair isn't constantly being pulled away from my face when wearing it, and it stays on a lot longer, so reapplying all throughout the day isn't essential! The sheer pink was a great choice for me, but you can also order berry for a more daring look or nude for a subtle every day style.

RATING
  5 Stars Out Of 5



Overall I was so pleased with the products I was sent by La Mav, as they matched my skin tone and personality down to a tee! I always find it a little daunting trying new products especially make up as you never know how your skin will react to them and getting the right shade is an essential. I will definitely be ordering some of the other products from their website as I was so pleased with the findings from this review.

Don't just take my word for it, head over to the website www.lamav.com and see what other wonderful products you can get! The shipping is a great price considering its coming all the way from Australia and if you sign up to their newsletter you will be informed of all their great offers and latest discounts!


Let me know if you have purchased any products from La Mav and if you are going to!

Hope you enjoyed this post!


Vicki xoxo





Wednesday, 23 July 2014

First Day In The City Part Two



This is where we left off, Madame Tussauds. Even though I have been to the London Madame Tussauds when I was younger this was on our card for attractions we could gain access to for free, so we thought why not as we are here! I won't bore you with details of which celebrity waxworks is there but we did have an amazing time posing with all our favourites. For me the best part, well one actually, was when I decided to get my hand modelled in wax. I'm not a brave person who will volunteer for anything or put myself forward for something especially in public, but this looked soooo much fun! I basically had to remove any jewellery from my hand and then hold it in a bucket full of ice cubes for thirty seconds. This may not seem long, but trust me this became quite uncomfortable after the first ten seconds with it being so cold! I then had my hand held in wax and would have to dip between the two buckets of hot and cold. I decided to have my hand moulded into the shape of spidermans hand. Reason being I have a two year old obsessed with him and thought this would be so much cooler than just a normal hand shape. Once the wax was starting to settle I then had to dip my waxed hand in to the red dye for becoming the real spiderman! And heres the end product!!!



With it being our first day and deciding to have a day of wandering around, we overheard some other tourists saying they were heading to The Rockefella Centre so we decided to follow suit. Walking the now busy streets with yellow cabs dashing past us, we were finally outside the enormous but very beautiful building!







Inside the building its filled with shops and a few restaurants on the ground floors, and as you can imagine loads of tourists taking pictures and some selfies to share with friends and family. Now heres the best bit.............. THE VIEW




Apart from the movement of people and the odd camera noise, its so peaceful up here, and looking across to Central Park you wouldn't know the craziest of New York exists whilst at The Top Of The Rock! Im not particularly great with heights, but the view is amazing and its something that you can't come to New York without doing it!


Heading down, we then got some food whilst discussing what to do next. As jet lag was settling in a little we agreed to walk some more and do a bit of retail therapy and also see if we could find Trump Towers, ( as Leigh likes to believe he is the next Donald Trump most days).


A chicken pasta dish inside the Rockefella Centre was so tasty!





                                                                    Trump Towers!

Whats great about Trump Towers is when you go in there you can't help but wish you had a flashy briefcase and a smart suit and be heading to one of the plush offices! The conservatory upstairs wasn't open, so after taking a few more seflies with the gold plaques on the wall we left, with a very happy Leigh in tow! It was clear how the man himself Donald Trump is an inspiration to many business minded people as he came bank from bankruptcy with a bang to amass a great fortune!

As the day drew to an end we went back to the hotel with some amazing deserts from Magnolia Bakery!






Vicki xoxo


A "Dash"-ing visit New York Style

For me a trip to New York wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Kardashian store Dash. Located at 119 Spring Street in the heart of New Yorks fashion district of Soho. This was on my personal list of things that I wanted to do before I left the city.
     It was Wednesday morning and we headed out to Soho as we were doing a walking tour of the area including China Town and Little Italy. We left fairly early to find the street we were meeting our guide on and then to wander round and find the Dash store beforehand as well as the tattoo shop New York Ink which is another reality show that we both love.
 




Soooo a little morning selfie never hurt anyone, even though it shows our messy bed!

Finally on Spring Street I was literally looking at all the buildings numbers, counting down to see how far away I was from the Dash store. Leigh spotted it a mile off, but I still couldn't see, (in fairness it does have the smallest door sign pointing out on to the street). And here I was standing outside the Dash store. I can't explain the excitement that I felt, other than a girly squeal may have been let out. Turning the handle to go in, I couldn't believe it, not open until 12!!!!!! The disappointment was unreal. We took a few pics then left!


  
As you can see from my pictures the exterior needs a lick of paint and the sign is rather small, to the point you could miss the actual store if you walked past not knowing where it was.

To cheer up my misery face, Leigh said we could wander around for a while and then come back to go in and have a look. 
   Walking around Soho, it had such a different vibe to other parts of New York, it was much trendier, with high end fashion retailers and was just more relaxed.  A few streets south Leigh spotted New York Ink, which is actually called Wooster Street Social Club. Once again this wasn't open until 12, so we weren't able to go in. 


Heading back, the streets seemed to get a little busier, and before I realised we were going in to Mulberry!!!! Now for as long as I can remember Mulberry has always been a dream of mine to actually own one of their bags. The price tag has always been too out of reach for me to have one, as we all know you can get a cheap car for the same price of a Mulberry! But that doesn't stop a girl dreaming, right? The store was large, with bags of every shape, colour and design on the shelves,and immediately a guy came over to welcome us into the store. The air was clean, a light scent wafting through the store, with a feel of warmth and luxury that you don't get shopping on the high street. Carefully looking at the bags, and opening them up to see the price tags, I was so excited to be in there. Then the magical four words came.... no, not "will you marry me" (he's done that), but "you can have one!" 
   The choice was not one to be taken lightly and was extremely difficult to know what size or better still what colour to get? Walking round the store several times,  I had narrowed it down to two, the classic Bayswater in mushroom grey or the Suffolk in ginger shrunken calf. I finally decided on the Suffolk as it immediately caught my eye when entering the store.



And here she is!
My love for this bag goes far beyond than I can explain, she is simply exquisite! The staff were beyond helpful and so nice and complimentary on my choice! Once all wrapped up in an extremely large Mulberry cardboard shopper we left the store, to head across to Dash!

Being still a little overwhelmed by the purchase of a Mulberry we walked into the store. I had read many reviews on Dash, mainly negative ones but that didn't put me off, as I love the ladies and their shows. The store was rather spacious with collections being merchandised on the racks around the store with a few tables in the middle. The fitting rooms were to the back with a large till area at the side, filled with extra trinkets to purchase! The young lady working in the store came over immediately to welcome us in and showed us around all the new lines and was very informative. I think the fact I was holding the biggest Mulberry shopping bag may have had a little influence, clearly thinking I was going to spend just as much in this store. She was very kind and didn't mind the fact I was bombarding her with all these questions about the Kardashians. 
I purchased a few bits as souvenirs to take away with me as I couldn't help myself!





All in all it was a great start to the day! A brand new Mulberry and getting to go to the Dash store. Forget the reviews you read, experience it for yourself as I was sooooo glad we hung around before our walking tour, to go inside! For me the Kardashians are what the American Dream is about, and on that Wednesday morning my dreams came true!!!

Vicki xoxo

Wednesday, 2 July 2014

ZEFYR...Not just an idea a destination.

Don't you just love when you find special pieces of jewellery and then delve into the companies history and find it to be the start of something very exciting to come.

    Whilst uploading my many selfies of the day, I was searching the popular pictures on instagram when I first came across Zefyr Jewels. What immediately caught my eye was how beautiful and eye catching their pieces were, which made me instantly want to know more so I followed to find out about this amazing new company. I got in contact by simply messaging them to see if they had any literature on their fabulous pieces and they sent me over a pack detailing all about the idea from the designer and how she started!



Tanya Coelho came from a very talented family of craftspeople so knew from early on that she would be working with her hands being creative! And that she did. Tanya trained at the Enmore Design Center in Sydney and fell in love with jewellery and metal smithing, but not just that, Tanya was very fortunate being able to travel and took from her travels inspiration to create her own beautiful collections. Tanya describes this time as, "living in the romantic city of Edinburgh for a few years, I had the good fortune to share a massive arts space with lots of other artists and designers. During my time in this creative melting pot, I distilled the inspiration i'd received in Europe and Africa and forged my aesthetic style".


However, for Tanya it wasn't just about creating a beautiful collection, it was about being as eco-friendly as possible. From selecting the correct metals to recycling to even taking a bus or cycling to work instead of driving. They also became a member of The Carbon Reduction Institute and aim to be carbon neutral by the end of 2014.


Enough about the history, now let me show you the beauty of these fabulous pieces.....








For me this collection has so many statement pieces that can really change not just the way an outfit looks but also how you will feel when wearing a piece. I love the colour of the gold and depending on how you wear jewellery you could opt for one piece for a classic look or layer the jewellery up for a more boho trendy style. What I also like is the fact the designer has really designed her collections for all women in mind, so whether you are a city worker with a suit or a woman working in retail there is something for everyone.

I hope you enjoy the Zefyr collections as much as I do, and don't forget to head over to their website at www.zefyrjewels.com.au to browse more of the lovely pieces and find even more out about the history behind them!


Vicki xoxo
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