Lust List: 3 Stunning Lip Colours From Avon

Following the Avon Beauty Bus I discovered these three amazing lip colour shades that I simply must share.

First up is this stunning shocking pink called Magenta Flash. I am seriously not one for bright pink lipstick usually as I don't think it suits me, however this shade is lovely.  Bright with rich undertones, it is the perfect way to add a pop of colour to a nude makeup look and love your lips with a bold shade. I think this tone would suit most skin types and is a great stocking filler idea for Christmas. You can buy online at www.AvonShop.co.uk

Next from the upcoming Matte collection  are two colours I can't choose between. Since I have had these colours I have literally been alternating them both every other day.

The matte one is called All Natural, and I love purely because I am shocked to have found a nude shade that actually easily suits my skin tone. As my lips are large but not defined, I line with my Mac Spice lipliner and the two work together so beautifully. This colour is perfect for if you do not have large lips but would like to get that Jenner pout. This matte colour will be available in early 2016.

Finally we have this gorgeous shade for colder months from the matte collection. Named superb wine, this rich colour compliments nude makeup beautifully. 

Avon offers a great range of colours which double up as the perfect stocking fillers for a beauty lover like myself (hint hint family). If you would like to shop their collection for Christmas see here   http://avonshop.co.uk/beauty/c/make-up/lips.html x 

#AvonBeautyBus

Tucked away behind the soho streets was a beauty emporium housing the most exciting products from Avon for SS16. As a company powered by women Avon benefits from first hand knowledge of what women want in beauty and has responded with an exciting array of products from skincare to makeup.

Avon Matte Lipstick

From Kylie Jenner to Rhianna the matte lip look is trending as a beauty look of choice. I find that with many matte lipsticks on the market are very drying so I was delighted to discover Avon's range of Matte lipsticks which are somehow matte yet hydrating! They come in an array of colours,  I was most impressed with the nude 'All Natural' shade which was so flattering for my skin tone, and it is very rare for me to find a nude lip colour that suits me. Lipsticks will retail for £8 and be available online from early 2016.

Anew Clinical Advanced Resurfacing Peel

One product that I just simply must share and CANNOT wait for is their "Anew Clinical Resurfacing Peel". This is an at home skin peel kit featuring 30 pads that are to be applied to the face every other day for two months

As a sufferer of hyper pigmentation, like many women of colour I experience scarring and dark marks from blemishes which are almost impossible to get rid of. Skin peels are a known way to remove dark marks over time, but clinical skin peels can be so expensive. I have literally been on the internet so many times to find at home skin peels that contain the active ingredients of acids that actually work. It is really difficult to find approved products readily available in the UK.

Finally Avon has created this amazing product which is certified, safe and can be done easily in the comfort of your home. Skin peels are not just great for dark marks, they also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and even skin tone. If you suffer from any of the above, I suggest keeping your eyes peeled on www.AvonShop.co.uk!

Make Up MVP's

While you not have the entourage of Rhianna (yet) you can definitely build an arsenal of products that work perfectly and tirelessly throughout the day to keep you looking Yonce flawless. Makeup is my guilty pleasure, and of all my collections, gets updated the most regularly. I am constantly on the hunt for the next best product that will just bring me to entirely new levels of fleek.

Within my over flowing makeup bag I have a few MVP's that deserve a shout out. Starting with the newest first:

1. Sleek cream to powder oil free foundation.

I love Sleek for their range of products specially tailored to women of colour. I have been looking for a contour powder for a while now, I had a mac concealer but felt that it wasn't quite right. The other day on a Superdrug binge I came across this. It is usually a cream foundation but when purchased in darker shades works perfectly for contour. It's light air whipped texture means it is so easy to expertly buffer and blend. Another thing I REALLY like about it is that because it is a cream, you can apply with lip gloss to your lips to give them a great nude tone for darker skin tones. Yaas honey. 2 in one thats my jam. You can get this at £7.99 Superdrug Buy 

2. Real Techniques foundation brush

These brushes are such a great price and really compare well in quality to the more expensive Mac brushes. This one is fluffy yet firm and it is the perfect weight to buffer in contour and foundation.

Just make sure you wash regularly to retail fluffiness. I use super drugs, B cosmetics brush cleaner spray.

Brush £8.99

3. Bare Minerals Liquid Foundation

Ok so what I wanted was a foundation which looked flawless, was undetectable and covered blemishes. I had heard of bare minerals products before , but stayed away because I thought they had very little coverage and were mainly for people with near perfect skin. How wrong I was...

My main reason for foundation is to cover my uneven skin tone (hyper pigmentation ) and dark marks, I just happened past the bare minerals counter and on a whim thought- let's see what you got.

The makeup artist suggested liquid for me, which is in line with the natural dewy finish I love. The foundation used is called, Bare Minerals Brightening Serum Foundation, and is applied with an unusual buffer brush- this brush is crucial for application, and although I was sceptical about paying out for new foundation plus brush, now I have applied it at home, I can guarantee this to be a needed component. The brush just makes it ridiculously flawless and easy to apply.

How I used it

To prep -

Moisturiser : Mac Strobe Cream

Primer : Mac Natural Radiance (yellow tone)

Application

Foundation : Shake the bare minerals foundation well, as it does not contain mixants, drop 2 -3 drops in the centre of the brush, and then buffer on in circular motion. Add more drops and buffer as needed.I was so impressed with the level of coverage this foundation gives , all the while looking and feeling lightweight- like I had nothing on!

Bare Minerals Liquid Foundation £20.80 Feel Unique Buy

4. Mac Pro Long Wear Concealer.

When this product says pro long wear it does not lie. I love the long lasting nature of this because I really hate when my scars start to show through.This product is perfect for layering over foundation to cover scars or hyper pigmentation. Although it is a small bottle it really does last long. One small pump can cover all my scars, use with a fluffy concealer brush and lightly buffer in to cover blemishes. 

£17.50 House of Fraser Buy

5. Mac Prep & Prime Finishing Powder.

I have recently started to use this for my highlight, similar to the way that people use Ben Nye Banana powder (which I also have). This is great for lighter skin tones and those who perhaps want a more dramatic night time look. To apply, lighty tap out powder, and use a sponge to apply generously on your highlight concealer. Let sit whilst you move on to your contour, once you are done brush off the excess powder with a fluffy brush.

£20.50 House of Fraser Buy

6. Avon Luxe Collection Eyeshadow

Subtle golds, pinks and corals, this is a great go to day time palette. 6 shades of eyeshadow compacts available with complimenting rose gold edition mascara, for a subtle yet dramatic look.

Rose Gold Edition Mascara £9.00

Lux Eyeshadow Compact £10

Gorgeous wallet by Ted Baker. This came with my pink Shopper Bag. Trimmed in rose gold, this handy clutch is included with bag purchases. I often bring it with me on nights out and get complimented on it so much. It is very strong and versatile as far as blending into outfits. Ted Baker They are now doing a glittery version of this clutch. Shop the collection of bags here

Tips for Looking Great For Less.

I love when fashion that is affordable and this look comes under £30, shoes included. The trick saving money?

1) Save your money to the end of 1 season and the beginning of another and buy cute cross over peices that work well in either. This crop sweater is perfect for the chillier side of a British weather which we are all experiencing now. Top: H&M £5 Sale.

2) Pay attention to charity shop windows. I spotted this tartan kilt for £10

3) Look out for closing down / moving location sales. There are loads in London, so be sure to keep an eye out. I got these in a shop closing on Oxford St, for £15


Save money on the outfit so you can spend on beauty. It is all about the staples: hair face & shoes.

The hair was by yours truly @lawandmiw to buy visit www.lawandmiaw.com, or for more inspiration like us on FB: Hair By Law And Miaw, or instagram and Youtube, @Lawandmiaw

Bally Garry Hotel Review Part Two

So it has been a while since my part one review. Perhaps it's because my body was so relaxed that it has taken me a while to get back into work mode.

Anyway- part two has us at dinner and the actual spa experience. After a very relaxing day of using the spa facilities I was so chilled out I could not really be bothered to dress in my full 'dinner' attire (think Downton Abbey) so I made my way to the restaurant casual.

We had booked our dinner slot upon arrival, when we got to the restaurant we were warmly greeted and shown to our table. Our waiter was SO lovely and friendly. She was a young Irish girl with a lovely smile and funny conversation. She was very helpful advising on the courses and even brought out a complimentary starter for us to try which was absolutely delicious.

I ordered a fish dish for the main course and Kieran ordered lamb with seasonal veg. The portions were very large and filling- definitely great value for money- especially as this was all included in the original price.

The following morning, after what may have been the most relaxing sleep of my life- I made my way to the spa treatment area for my hot stone massage. The treatment area is designed beautifully. A waterfall water feature gives the soft sound of water whist the dim light and welcoming aroma just put you in a good place. My therapist was again a lovely lady, she asked me about my preferred pressure. OH MY GOD this massage was everything! I am not usually one for massages as I am an active person and get kind of bored. I also enjoy good pressure and find that people usually are not as firm as I would like. The lady who did my massage spotted my problem area, and got to work with just the right amount of pressure. I quickly fell asleep. I did not want it to end. It was hands down the best massage I have had- and I have had a few.

After the massage was over I really didn't want to get up- and this is why the relaxation room was so appreciated. It was so nice to be able to take a short walk to a cocoon in a beautiful room and just lay down and sleep it off. There was a fruit smoothie, fresh fruit and water to greet me. The nap I had after this massage was the best sleep I have had in ages. I'm not going to lie, I slept for over 2 hours! And it was so nice of no one to bother me!

Once I got myself up, I was able to get ready in the spa changing rooms, which had everything from a shower, to large mirrors, high quality blowdryers and quality straighteners- all this is to say that I came out the spa looking like Kim Kardashian...and really, what more can a girl want ;)

BallyGarry House Hotel and Spa Review Part 1

Looking out on to the backdrop of rolling hills, tall grass, trees and mountains, I sit in a white pod, engulfed in cushions, courted by the sweet melody of classical music and utterly content.  Living in London, one of the busiest cities in the world, 'content' is not a feeling that I regularly experience. London is all about the next, the hustle, getting there- being first. It is a place where 'room for improvement' is the constant grade and for the most part I love it- yet ever so often I have to escape. So here I am, in Tralee Kerry Ireland at the BallyGarry Hotel and Spa. 

After last nights partying till 4 am during the annual Listowel Races Ladies day, Kieran and I opted against round two of madness in Dublin for the All Ireland Final and instead opted to recharge. We booked easily online in minutes via the BallyGarry House website: http://www.ballygarryhouse.com . Choosing their overnight spa deal we received  2 nights for 2 people, with Breakfast, Dinner and 50 euro off a spa treatment each included for only £211.

I know - what the heck?! Almost too good to be true, but when we reached the lobby of the 4 star hotel and were were greeted by really warm staff I realised that today, we had booked well. 

                               

Decorated in soothing neutral tones our room boasted A king sized bed, 4 chair seating area, large modern stone bathroom with a bath and separate shower and a real coffee machine (this sealed the deal for me). 

After getting settled we headed to the spa to book a treatment for the next day with the beautiful, friendly and so helpful spa host Bonnie. Treatments range from beauty (tanning, nails, facials) to Aromatherapy, massages and detoxing wraps. My back has been at me so I booked a hot stone back massage for 45 minutes this was £70 but with our voucher it was £20 difference to pay.  

Once booked we were then free to head to the facilities - which are breath taking. An in ground out door hot tub over looks the Kerry hills, a shower with 3 settings - including 'mist' preps you for the " Herbal Glass Sauna,  a dry sauna described as "a traditional dry sauna experience with intensifying dry heat, infused with herbal essences to induce a deep state of relaxation". I found that the dry heat soothed my muscle aches. The view of the hot tub and hills are visible from the dry sauna, and I soaked in the back drop as the stress left my body. Next: "The Crystal Steam Room", where Humid heat and colour therapy is enhanced with eucalyptus essence to improve restoration  and detoxify the body". The Crystal Steamroom is a refreshing change after the dry heat, this room and I definitely noticed that the infused humid air was great for my breathing.

Top tip:  I usually use saunas as a chance to deep condition my hair. The heat is great for penetrating hair follicles. As this was a last minute trip I didn't have my conditioning stuff so regrettably missed out on this hair treat experience but it's a great tip for next time you're at a spa ;) 

After some time in the wet sauna  we headed to the relaxation room which over looks a beautiful garden, set In front of the famous Kerry mountains. Here there are large pods, water, ice, berry juice and magazines. As spa music plays my body finally switched gear into relaxation mode. And here my loves I must leave you, sleep is calling.

Stay tuned for my part 2 , on my treatment, dinner and breakfast.

Loves and Finds: Olivia Von Halle Sleepwear

This is an ode to pyjamas, real pyjama's I mean.  Not oversized t-shirts or your old school gym kit. I am talking real stylish, silky, luxurious pyjamas. Night suits they should be called, for those who like to powerdress from board room to bedroom. Speaking of style champions of sleepwear, who better to than British designer Oliva Von Halle. A favourite of Harpers Bazaar and Vogue, her eclectic prints, bold colours and tailored pj's are number one on my Autumn wishlist.

After all, with the days turning a little more gloomy, nothing makes me smile more than the thought of a good September issue, a cup of Baileys Irish cream coffee and luxury silk on my skin.

You can buy Oliva Von Halle at Net-A-Porter 

A favourite from the new Zodiac collection, these adorable illustrated silk satin eye masks! 

Prabal Gurung NYFW Ready To Wear

The show began with the sombre sound of 30 monks, clad in vibrant burnt orange with their hands held in prayer. An unusual reverent start to a typical bustling NYFW show, however this wasn't just any show, this was the start of Prabal Gurungs show the Kathmandu, Napal raised fashion designer who this past year, followin the Nepal earthquake crisis used his social media platform to spread awareness and raise over 1 million for the people of Napal. Prabal remarked, that he is grateful to the fashion industry which granted him the platform to change so many lives.

Against this backdrop perhaps the monks were perfectly placed, the juxtaposition of prayer and fashion a reminder of how fashion and the people can united to change the lives of many.

Themes:

Burnt Orange:
Nepal was a great theme through out the collection evidenced through burnt orange that featured more than a few times: a strong yet beautiful colour perhaps alluding to the fierce resilience of people to overcome tragedy.

Movement: If burnt orange symbolises strength, the light airy fabric alludes to the delicacy of humanity. Movement is beautiful for SS.


My favourite pieces:

This bronze glitter and low v-neck dress was a show stopper for me. I also love the ethic models. It is great to see some colour on this runway.

Stunning open shoulder design and silk fabric over lay is a delicate yet bold look for summer. The shoes make the over all look cool and urban

The jagged hem and openings are a SS16 trend which can also be seen during the NYFW opening show. 

  Elegant. Simple. Stunning.

 Kathmandu

OOTD & Happy Hour On The Horizon

Today was a great day of late summer sunshine, rewarding meetings and strolls with my bestie. This week coming up to Fashion Week has been a busy buzz and so when I got a break- I decided to enjoy my high point above the clouds.

I fell in love with the The Shard long before its opening, when I visited for a Thomas Sabo new collection party in the then pre open shard. At the time it was empty, no restaurants, just a promising shell elegantly peering over the expansive city scape. Now however it is a buzz of activity- hosting a hotel and Resturants  AquaShard and Oblix.

I have been to Oblix a few times, namely for my 25th birthday earlier this year ( which was a stunning candle lit affair over Londons twinkling skyline) Today however, it was daylight and I figured perfect time for Margharita's and Empire Artisan Chocolates.

Pairing Empires Sea Salt and Pistachio with my zesty Margharita's I had the best time laughing and talking over Londons unusually visible skyline. 

The Shard is a hit and miss kind of place depending on the weather. On a cloudy day, it can feel pointless- a cruel tease to know all that amazing view is out there - but you can't see it. However catch a bright one like today- and its amazing. 

Having the view going for it - it doesn't take much more for Oblix to stay winning over other London bars. Yet, far from resting in the clouds- it has a great  has a fantastic atmosphere, live jazz, raw stone , warm lighting and great food and bad eats ( think lamb cutlets and tapas style hearty dishes) add that killer cocktails and I'm more than happy. It's a great place to spend happy hour on a successful day. 

Cocktails at 45 Park Lane Hotel

Cocktails in a hotel lobby are a great way to get the tourist experience in London without actually spending half your rent in a hotel in London. I actually prefer hotel bars to the actual hotel room. The hotel bar is like dating before the relationship, the hotel is on its best sparkly behaviour, it's guests are at their most interesting and no matter what your budget, the decor is the same for the prince as it is for the pauper. That and the fact that when you stay in a hotel room, all you is sleep and shower- the essential boring stuff. In a hotel bar you talk, laugh, drink and drink some more.

So long as we are evaluating hotel bars the 45 Park Lane, is a great place to go. Set on actual park lane, we now enter premium Monopoly board territory.

I had always seen its impressive artists Art Deco exterior and wanted to go in, and so the other day, I decided I would.

The bar is upstairs, the seating is comfy, the colours warm and the art engaging.

The staff are friendly and come around with bowls and bowls of delicious butter salt garlic popcorn as well as offering great service.

I ordered my signature Margharita love, and being a tequila fanatic found it to be exquisite.

It had soft jazz playing in the lobby, and all in all - if this was a date with 45 Park Lane, I would certainly be up for a second, and perhaps even up for a hotel room...

         

Afternoon Tea At The Ham Yard Hotel

I have a friend called Maya who since I have known her has always been up to fancy things. Maybe I have become jaded from the city- I am too busy ushering tourists out of the way to stop and see what they may be looking at. My friend Maya on the other hand is the type who takes the effort to plan research and enjoy her city like she is on holiday. After growing a tad jealous of hearing of her fabulous excersions with other friends ( I mean she takes them to tea at the Ritz whilst we meet at Westfields) I insisted that I be included in her fabulous plans.

We decided on tea (how British) at the Ham Yard Hotel in Picadilly.

Tea in London can be quite expensive when we start to talk about the Ritz and so on. The Ham Yard Hotel is very affordable, if you want a civilised Saturday with friends this is your option. We both enjoyed nattering over scones and the best tea I have ever tasted (and I am an avid coffee drinker) £19.50. for Tea.

What was on offer:

Sandwiches, scones, cakes and desserts. It all tasted heavenly and the servers were so nice!

The Ham Yard Hotel:

A stunning hotel tucked away behind the heart of London's Piccadilly, the Ham Yard Hotel boasts a rare combination of being central yet refreshingly secluded. Down a cobbled street, in a mews you will find the entrance of the modern, artistic yet some how traditional hotel. It boasts a spa, bowling alley, fine dining, and of course a tea room.

Sight-skating Around Paris

My love and I had the pleasure of visiting Paris after a wedding in Chantilly. We were lucky enough to arrive on the day of the Fete De La Musique, where the whole of Paris was in song. Every courner had a block party, from early in the day to late at night. Being the wannabe hipsters that we apparently are, Kieran and I elected to bring our wheels (his Penney, my Micro Scooter) and see the most of Paris, with the freedom to stop as we wanted. It was a perfect day.

Kieran looking suave

So many beautiful details in Paris

The Louvre

We chose scooter and skateboards as main mode of transport. No better way to travel around a city

London on a Penny

Kieran loves his Penny board. He bought it at the start of the summer and has been non stop cruising ever since. He hates posing for pictures but I make him (when I can catch him). I am learning how to use the old Penney board. Small light weight and easy to manoeuvre its quite the accomplice to city living. Most boards come in cool colour combinations and you can buy a Penney board all around London in skateshops or you can see online

Shirt: Zara, Obligatory Skater Skinny Jeans: Zara, Board Penny Board UK 

London Street Art Eye Spy

London Has a great balance of old and new, the institutions and the rebels who keep things fresh, innovative and new. This constant battle is most often played out on construction boards around the city. Scooting around, I keep my eyes peeled for interesting street art. See what I spied below.

 This is some street art I came across on some construction work being done in East London

This is some street art I came across at the back of Oxford Street.