Summer Holiday 2015 Favourites ...!

Bonjour!


Can I really be writing about this Summer's Holiday favourites already?  Doesn't seem like two minutes since I was rushing around like an idiot trying to get the packing done (getting all stressed out as I do every year!).  And then we were there ... South of France, gorgeous villa,  fantastic weather (30+ degrees most days!), good food and company - what more could you want?  And then we were back ... and it all seems like a distant memory ... so here are few bits that I snapped whilst we were on holiday that stood out for me  ...

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - I knew this would be ideal for holiday and I was right! I only used a small amount to add a smidge of cover and it did a brilliant job of keeping in with the 'no make-up look' - will definitely repurchase for use again next summer. Full review here.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Dry Touch SPF 30  -  I'll try and sneak a full review of this on here before  the Summer ends (which basically means sooner rather than later!) it did a good job  of helping me avoid that overly greasy feeling!

Mally Under Eye Brightener - this isn't only a summer staple - it's an all-year-round staple to help combat dark circles and under eye shadows! Reviewed here this particular pot was coming to an end so I just shoved it in my make-up bag as I didn't have a travel size to take. I've since reordered a kit with both the same size pot (which honestly seems to go on for a couple of years!) and a handy travel size which will be saved for next year's holiday!

Bourjois Cream Blush in Sweet Cherry and 1 Seconde Volume in Ultra Black - a couple of winners here from Bourjois! I reviewed Sweet Cherry last year here - it's a lovely natural looking everyday blush perfect for holiday. I'm about to write up my review of 1 Seconde Volume up but I think it will be a good one - say no more!

Philip Kingley Elasticizer and Daily Damage Defence and Color Wow One Minute Transformation Styling Cream - moving onto hair products!  I've used Elasticizer for years, this travel size came with a recent Elasticizer kit from QVC and is so convenient to use on holiday, just stick it on late afternoon, sit out in the sun to catch those last rays and then just wash out when you go in to shower - easy and effective!  The Daily Damage Defence is brilliant for reviving frizz prone hair, leaving it soft without any crispiness. Similarly the Color Wow Styling Cream smooths hair with a tiny bit of texture, yet doesn't weigh hair down or leave it sticky or greasy and you only need a small amount! I left my hair to dry naturally after mostly every wash on this year's holiday and these two styling products really helped to control the inevitable frizzies and stop me looking like an extra from the Hair Bear Bunch!

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo - I picked up this travel size on a last minute shopping trip before we went.  It does leave a bit of white cast on darker hair if you spray too close but nothing that can't be 'rubbed out' once massaged in and helps to refresh and give hair a decent amount of volume at the roots. I'd buy again to take away!

Large sun-hat and and equally large box of French Rose - a couple of obvious favourites for a hot holiday ... I don't think I need explain why!

One more favourite ... (sigh!) ... the view from our balcony ... (further sighs!) ... lovely isn't it! 

What have been your holiday favourites this year?


Jen x

Birthday Bits ...!

Bonjour!

So you may or may not know that it was my birthday recently - actually it was a while ago now!   The day consisted of some shopping, some family and some food! My musician brother was home so he cooked a 'birthday' curry and my other brother was over in France (where he lives), so he sat within the confines of the laptop (on Skype) situated on the piano to be exact, watching over us and chatting whilst we had dinner - it was like having all the family in the same room! Here are some of my lovely pressies ...!

The Body Shop Bath and Shower Gels from my friend, L'Occitane and Gatineau goodies from my lovely mum. Mac lippie in Lady Danger from a friend and the hubby treated me to the Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15 (love it!), Real Techniques Core Collection and Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask - good to know he has my scalp's best interests at heart!

Bought myself the No7 Illuminated Make-Up Mirror (half price) with money from a good friend (now I'll be able to see all my wrinkles and open pores illuminated and magnified!) and couldn't resist this long-line 'Run DMC' distressed T from New Look - go me! The lovely bright scarf came all the way from my Aunt in sunny Melbourne, Australia - thanks Auntie J! x

My brother's tasty Sinhalese style chicken curry with aubergine, red pepper and fresh coriander and mum's wonderful triple layer milk choc birthday cake - once you start eating it you can't stop!

So yes - I can't complain - it was good! The only spanner in the works was caused by the boiler packing up at the end of the day - luckily after we had cooked and eaten but there was no long hot pampering soak in the bath that night!  Thankfully we managed to get it sorted pretty sharpish (I nearly hugged the plumber!) - washing hands in cold water was painful after a while! NEVER underestimate the power of a good boiler or a good plumber for that matter chaps!

What do you think of my birthday bits then?  Have you ever hugged your plumber?

Jen x

Birthday Wishlist!

Bonjour!

Bit of a hint in the post title there ... yes my birthday is on the horizon - not so exciting an event when you're getting on! Still - always room for some sort of wishlist whatever your age eh?  I've never done a 'wishlist' post since I started blogging but I've recently discovered Polyvore - it's a bit addictive - like Pringles - once you pop you can't stop and all ... I've definitely popped ...!

Birthday Wishlist! by beautyandthebiryani featuring black laced boots

Quick blurb on the products then kicking off with the Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask, must try this -after all good hair begins with a good scalp right? Had to restrain myself on the make-up front (obviously) or there would have been tenfold blushers on here, but how cute is the Cargo blush - there are several different 'beach based 'options and who knows I may even try a couple! Been wanting a pair of Dr M's for ages and I reckon I can get away with these ... probably not the ideal footwear to wear for the school run though unless I give myself ample time to do the laces up!  I only possess one MAC lippie (in Chilli which I still have to review) - I think it's time for another, preferably bright and matte - hence Lady Danger. Can't wait to shed my duffle coat and get Spring started, love this teal blazer!  Also need a new handbag - something like this would be ideal, roomy enough for my kitchen sink! Last but not least, I tried a sample of the Liz Earle Botanical Essence No15 and I was addicted - gorgeous!

So that's the list -will keep you posted if I end up with any of this lovely lot!

What's on your current wishlist?

Jen x

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence - Review

Bonjour!

We're talking hair again - 'oh no not again!' I hear you say ... yep sorry -it's my obsession of the moment!  I bought this duo of Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence (from QVC) back in August just before holiday (seems so long ago now).  It's not cheap at approx £20/250ml but I'm a big fan of the iconic Philip Kingsley Elasticizer and so was certainly intrigued to try the Daily Damage Defence.  For those who aren't aware my hair is super-fine, curly, frizzy and thinning - good (not) combination eh...?

It contains ingredients to help smooth, strengthen and provide more elasticity together with heat and UV protection, and aids anti-breakage, frizz fighting and general manageability.  I took the mini bottle on holiday and have been using the larger one for the past few months.  The spray is easy to use with a super-fine mist and you don't need to use much, hence there is still loads left in each bottle. It doesn't cling to the hair or weigh it down and is not sticky or crispy. Plus - it smells lovely!

On holiday - I found this a brilliant product for enabling me to wear my hair curly, helped with the frizz whilst leaving my hair to dry naturally (something I don't often do - trust me it's frightening!), sprayed lightly after washing and also in the mornings to help tame and define curls which had succumbed to my usual overnight holiday hair madness! Yes - I do remember reaching for this most mornings!

Back home - again, sprayed lightly through mid-length/ends and layered with whichever other styling product I happen to be using -it does (usually) leave my hair softer and fairly frizz free - however I do still have bad hair days (when nothing I use seems to work!).  What I have found is that the Daily Damage Defence doesn't so much stop hair from becoming frizzy if I'm caught out (hat and hood-less) say on a damp school run but is great at rectifying the matter to a degree. I just spray lightly over the affected areas, which will have curled and frizzed up.  It renders the curls much less frizzy, softer and wearable.

Unfortunately - my hair is still prone to breakage in places,  maybe due to missing my haircut appointment?  I do think, sometimes, no matter how lovely the product you are using, if you let yourself get run down and stressed (as I have done recently) then it shows in the state of your hair (and skin) - well it does in mine anyway.

For me the Daily Damage Defence is a brilliant product for fighting established frizz. Not sure about the long term effects as Phil the hairdresser says he didn't see a vast improvement in the condition of my hair but then again it wasn't in as bad condition as I thought it was anyway - confusing!  I'm not sure I'll re-purchase immediately as there are similar products I want to try but it will be interesting to see what happens once it runs out - although I'll be saving the travel size to take away on holiday again next year...!

Have you tried the Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence? Which leave-in conditioning spray do you use?

Jen x

August/Holiday Favourites...

Bonjour!

These are my favourite products from this year's holiday (which was obviously in August!) ... photographed by the side of the pool - she says wistfully...must forget about the pool and the sun for another year!

Clockwise ... (sort of!) ...

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Cream Factor 30 - although the recent bout of eczema has cleared up on my face and neck I needed sun protection which was gentle but effective in case it re-appeared whilst on holiday - this was just the ticket.  I smoothed it on every morning over my face and neck after moisturising - super easy to apply and provided the protection I needed - a lovely product and one I would repurchase.

Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in Grapefruit - you can see it in action in my NOTD post here. Absolutely love this vibrant juicy colour. Don't want to put it away for autumn/winter - not going to just yet!

Wild About Beauty Multi-Purpose Tint -  a super summer and holiday product. Gives a natural flush which you can see in my review here.

Sanctuary Spa Skin Perfecting BB Cream (Medium to Dark) - can't believe I reviewed this a whole year ago here , it was also included in last year's August Favourites and here it is again! This is in fact the same tube with plenty left (and in date of course) so I've used it again.  I said it last year - because it's quite pigmented it's a lovely product to use on holiday and keeps that bit of glow on yer kite once you return. Another product I'm not yet ready to retire for the season just yet!

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Duo - I got hold of this from QVC on easy pay instalments during the the last Beauty Day. A leave-in conditioning spray, a leave-in Elasticizer?  It was certainly a lifesaver on holiday and kept the frizzies at bay good style. Full review to follow when I've done a bit more road-testing!

Daniel Sandler Instant Tan Face Powder - still loving this bronzer - perfect for holiday evenings - full review here.

Mally Perfect Prep Under Eye Brightener - been using this for a couple of months now and it works really well to lighten up those dark circles - full review to follow.

Oh - and then there was this little beauty ...

Now - I have to say I'm not a big drinker but I did find that this super-cheap vino from our local French supermarket went down very easily indeed and is - unfortunately a distant memory! Stupidly we only bought the one box. Must make room for more next year!

So ... those are the favourites. Still wishing I was beside that pool  ... however with the  kids back to school this week I'm pretty sure I won't have time to think about holidays, pools, sunshine and the like!

What were your August or holiday favourites?

Jen x

Holiday Barnet...!

Bonjour!

It's that time again ... having to decide what bits and bobs to take on holiday so first up is haircare. We're driving through to France this year so I don't have to stick to stringent baggage allowances etc ... the world's my hair product oyster! (Er don't tell the hubby - he wants me to pack as if we were flying - yeah right!!). I am trying to control myself but my hair is so wayward on holiday that I feel I have to take a little bit of everything. So...this is what I've narrowed it down to...

Percy & Reed Colour & Shine Shampoo - remember the old Glamour offer back in March - well I managed to save these two for holiday - a great size to take away - you can see my full review here.

Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment - this little pot of the original (rather than clear) hair treatment had fallen to the back of a cupboard and been forgotten about (bad isn't it!). I love pre-shampoo treatments - especially on holiday - ideal to slap on late afternoon and let sink in until you shower in the evening.

Ojon wide tooth comb - came in a kit years ago.   Philip Kingsley vented hairbrush - I may throw caution to the wind and let my hair dry naturally (perspiring at the thought!) but if I do decide on a makeshift holiday blow-dry then this will come in useful - it's a good brush for getting hair a bit smoother.

Redken Smooth Lock Shampoo and Conditioner - from a beauty box - may as well use it up.   Bumble and Bumble Gentle Shampoo and Super Rich Conditioner - given to me to try by the kindly assistant at the Bumble and Bumble counter!

Batiste Original Dry Shampoo - found this at the bottom of my haircare stash so it's coming away - can't do without a blast of the stuff now and again and I do find Batiste works well for me - especially if we get up early to travel and no time to faff about washing my hair!

Percy & Reed Volumising No Oil Oil (for fine hair) - another March Glamour freebie - a real dinky size for travel to help smooth ends.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray - my tiny sample of joyfulness! Er... yes this is my current go to product - full review here. I'll use to help with styling as also as a finishing spray.

Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence - yes I caved in and bought this when it was on offer during QVC's latest beauty day - consisted of a full and a travel size. Will be really interested to see if this helps with my usual sun-frazzled lock situation!

And which one of these to take ...

They're both old favourites - the Ojon Damage Reverse Serum is obviously smaller and is super-concentrated but the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil has a UV Filter and my daughter will use it too.

How many hair products do you take away? Are you a complete junkie like me or able to throw caution to the wind and let it all hang loose with just a couple of products?

Jen x

Beauty Day on QVC!!

Bonjour!

It's  Beauty Day on QVC! Loads of special prices and easy pay offers to be had!  Today's Special Value is  the Laura Geller 5 Piece The Magic of Colour Collection. 

Priced at £33.98 (with the option of 2 easy pay instalments) it contains over £100 worth of products...

• 1 x Balance-n-Brighten Foundation (9g; full size) 
• 1 x Waterproof Eye Spackle Neutraliser (2.2ml; full size) 
• 1 x New Baked Flambe Blush (5g; full size)
• 1 x New Baked Eye Shadow (1.8g; full size) 
• 1 x New Color Drenched Lip Gloss (9ml; full size) 
• 1 x Mini double-ended shadow liner brush
• 1 x Mini blusher brush

The Balance n Brighten foundation is an old favourite of mine, so long lasting and easy to apply and I love her  Baked Blushes to bits! Full details of this kit and other offers are over on the QVC website here.

I must admit I am extremely tempted by the sight of this little kit...

The Philip Kingsley Daily Damage Defence Duo. This product is meant to be akin to the iconic Elasticizer - but in a bottle - what could be better! The travel size would be ideal to take on holiday.

Will you be taking advantage of QVC Beauty Day?

Jen x

A Few Rescue Products ...

Bonjour!

These are products that I've used on an off (and re-purchased) for a while now- I find they each really help things along in their own little way ...!

Philip Kingsley Scalp Toner - my scalp is prone to itchy flaky areas at times if I'm stressed, run-down or have over-used certain hair products (I'm always subjecting my scalp to dry shampoo and hair powders). I just apply this cooling toner directly to the area/in the parting and it helps to calm the area down and temporarily stop those pesky flakes.

Simple Derma Intensive Relief Lotion - I usually stock up on this if it's on offer as it's a must-have if my eczema flares up  - the large bottle of lotion lasts for ages!  I also use it after shaving or if my skin is feeling a bit itchy and stressed (usually tops of my arms - no idea why) - it's perfume free and very gentle on the skin - it doesn't sting and stops any soreness developing.

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion - I am a big fan of the Aveeno hand cream but found I was getting through one tube too many so I switched to buying this large 200ml tube of moisturising lotion. I keep this downstairs and use it as my hand cream. I find it just as moisturising as a regular hand cream and if anything more soothing/comforting plus the huge tube lasts and lasts.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion -   Great to sweep over tired/puffy eyes in the morning (yep that's me!) to wake em up or if I'm feeling really decadent to use as a compress/eye mask type thing on cotton pads and get back in bed and lie back on a weekend (get me!).  I don't use it as an eye-make-up remover as I wear too much mascara and it's only suitable for removing light eye make-up. Also brilliant during the hay fever season - myself and my son have used this many a time to refresh sore, itchy hay fever eyes.

Nivea Rescue and Care SOS Body Lotion - leaves skin smooth, silky and plumped.  I've found this to be especially soothing on my hands (again? - yes again - my hands get very dry in all seasons!). Really seems to help lock the moisture in and keep it there and so protects skin from drying and cracking. (I found it especially effective when the weather was extra cold - was great to apply before going out to keep hands supple).  Also good on knees, elbow and any extra dry bits really!

So that's my little arsenal of must-haves, there are a few others I favour but didn't want to bombard you with too many at once so I'll save them for another post!

What are your favourite 'Rescue Products' and why?

Jen x

Holiday Haircare!

Bonjour!

Holiday haircare eh? My hair is difficult to manage at the best of times, on holiday it's a nightmare! Remember that episode of 'Friends' when Monica's hair went wild and frizzy on holiday (in Barbados?) - imagine that but with much much less hair!

So here are my holiday haircare products.  There ain't 'a bag' I'm afraid because they'll be split up and chucked into a couple of suitcases!

From left to right (again sort of) -

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner (dry or damaged hair) - I'm a big fan of this shampoo and all three of Liz's conditioners actually.  I suffer from an itchy, flaky scalp on and off and this gentle shampoo really seems to sort it out every time!  It's almost like a detox treatment and just calms everything down, leaves my hair cleansed and soft but still with volume.  I'm taking the dry/damaged conditioner option because I've had my hair coloured recently which always dries it out a tad. 


Lee Stafford Flat Iron Protection Shine Mist - Boots had 3 for 2 on selected travel minis so I got this as one of the 3. I've used it before and really like it, you only seem to need a little and it leaves hair soft and silky (and smells good as well!) .

Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield - last years bottle but plenty left for hols, you only need a tiny bit before blow drying (although I don't blow dry my hair on holiday I just put this on and blast off with the hairdryer) and it helps to 'block' the humidity from frizzing everything up! I'll put a mini blob on after as well just to be on the safe side!

Charles Worthington Front Row Brunette Dry Shampoo - I'm a big fan of dry shampoos for extra texture and volume, so treated myself to this for hols. I try not to wash my hair every single day on holiday so this is great for maybe non beach/pool days( I'm not a 'head submerger' where water's concerned anyway as I wear contacts!). Not used this particular one before so will see how it fares.


John Frieda Full Repair 'Full Body' Shampoo and Conditioner - the rest of the 3 for 2 goodies.  These are meant to 'revive overstyled hair' and 'weightlessly repair' damage from heat and colour. This sounds exactly what my hair needs. I do have colour in my hair and use straighteners, (even on holiday) so my hair's going to need all the help it can get! Let see what happens!


Aussie 3 Minute Miracle 'Colour' Deep Treatment - this is 'for coloured hair in need of love', sounds like my hair. Sachets come in so handy for holiday and take up no space in the suitcase!  

Ojon wide tooth comb - this comes in the pot with the famous Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment which I've used on and off for a while. Useful little compact comb!

A couple of  products to decant -

Philip Kinglsey Elasticiser - I love pre-shampoo treatments and this is one of my faves. Just so easy to pop on dampened hair and just get on with stuff (or sit around in the sun if you're on holiday!) while it does it's work.  I take this every year and put it on in the afternoon so that when I wash my hair in the evening it feels the benefit of the deep conditioning.

Lee Stafford Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray - this stuff is great for beachy waves and texture and you only need a couple of squirts! Using this encourages me to not straighten my hair and just rough it up a bit!

So that's that then.  Just a few bobbles, clips and my trusty old hat to throw in!

Very Old Hat but I love it! 

What are your holiday haircare secrets?

Jen x

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

This iconic pre-shampoo treatment is suitable for all hair types.

Simply dampen hair slightly with water and apply the appropriate amount - I think it's between 1 and 4 pumps - depending on hair type and length etc. I tend to concentrate on mid lengths and ends.  Leave on for the required time - which is said to be between 10 and 20 minutes. For me, the longer it's left on the better - apparently it can also be left in overnight. Then just shampoo and condition as normal.

I have fine, frizzy, highlighted hair and use hair straighteners every other day so obviously suffer from dry, frazzled ends.  This treatment really is the business, it makes such a difference to the condition of my hair, softer, shinier and so much more manageable.

Elasticizer usually retails at around £22.50 for 150ml, so when this came up on QVC  as their beauty pick of the month £55.00 for 1 litre, I didn't hesitate! As you can see from above pic it's a hefty size and will last and last for ages - fantastic value!

Happy hair days girls!