N-Trance - Set You Free!

Happy Friday!

If you happened to read last Friday's music offering (from our lass Nina!) you'd have seen that I just wanted a quiet night of chilling (also known as chillin'?).  I decided to exercise the old vocal chords to some laid back tunes whilst I chopped onions for dinner (as you do).  Started off with a couple of ballads from Plan B, the Sugababes and Gladys Knight and the Pips. The tempo gradually seemed to pick as I was browning my mince and frying the onions and garlic. A little later on, whilst the bolognaise was simmering, (the hubby had had a couple of beers due to a hectic work week and needed to let his hair down - obviously not literally) - we somehow ended up on a wave of 90s dance music including Josh Wink - Higher State of Consciousness, Felix - Don't You Want Me and this one...

N-Trance - Set You Free!

Obviously a bit of impromptu shape throwing occurred in the kitchen (as you do!).  My children were completely mortified to see Mum and Dad bobbing about in no uncertain fashion and begged us to resume 'normal parental activity' of serving dinner, no dancing/singing/arm waving allowed.  Clearly these actions should only be restricted to 'young/younger people'! (I did get the impression that they were slightly more embarrassed of Dad than Mum!).

Funny how your kids only see you in a certain light and the notion that you were once young and carefree/less doesn't seem to register! No point telling them that - yes I did actually wear a silver A-line skirt and black lace up boots just like the girl in  the video (with pigtails too just for the record!) - ahh the 90s!!

Right - no dancing planned for tonight - I have a headache plus don't think the kids could take two weeks in a row - bless em!  I'm off to have a cuppa and choc chip muffin together with a couple of paracetamol - go me!  Much more fitting for a mum/older person?!

Will you be throwing any shapes in your kitchen tonight?

Jen x

* I should point out that I'm not actually that old! *

The Skincare Tag!

Bonjour!

I mentioned to Sasha from Ramblings of a Beauty Bird and Natasha from Shot of Beauty that I fancied this tag a long long time ago ... as usual it's taken a while but finally I've sorted it ... The Skincare Tag!

Describe your skincare routine in 5 words
Clean. Hydrate. Replenish. Protect. No-fuss.  Well that's my aim anyway! I don't have masses of time to faff around - either dashing about in the mornings or falling asleep at night-time (sound familiar you mums?) but I do try to make sure I stick to a similar routine as far as possible.

What's your skin type?
Normal/combination - with a typical oily t-zone - prone to open pores, cheeks can be dry/dehydrated (especially in winter) - even sported a bit of eczema a few months ago - so a bit of a mixed bag.


What's your favourite skincare product?
Difficult one! I'm still loving my Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum (I love serums!) - review here.

Top blemish zapper
I seem to get spots when I'm run down and sometimes at the time of the month. I don't actually own a current 'zapper' (best rectify that!) but in the past I've used  Liz Earle's Spot On (which appears to have been discontinued for the moment) - shame!

Face wipes yay or nay?
Nope - used to in my younger days but they don't float my boat any more, I'd rather just use my cleanser and hot cloth- love a hot cloth!

Toner Yay or Nay? Yep - I tried to do without toning for a while to save time and money but my skin didn't seem to like the omission so I returned to the fold mainly for hydration.  Looking to introduce an exfoliating toner into the routine soon.


High end skincare or high end makeup?
I'd go for skincare. I think your skin is worth investing in and if you get the skincare right the make-up bit seems to fall into place.  However, I wouldn't use high end just for the sake of it, find whatever works for you and go with it, whether it's high end, middle ground or high street.

What's the most unusual skincare product you've tried?
Sorry to sound a bit boring but I don't think I've used anything extremely unusual on my skin. I do have some of that snake venom serum, from an old beauty box, unopened though!

You're in a French pharmacy and can only pick one item - what is it?
I am 'Mrs Indecisive' - honestly don't know, probably some sort of radiance/hydration mask?

Tell us your top skincare tip 
Get enough sleep, drink enough fluids and respect your skin!  I do fall down on the first two I must admit but I think age has taught me to treat my skin with a little respect and try to look after it - after all it's the only one I got!

So there you go!  Hope you've enjoyed reading the tag - I've enjoyed everyone else's!


Jen x

Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

This is the latest mascara offering from Bare Minerals - the Bare Minerals Lash Domination Volumizing Mascara.  You may be aware that Debenhams offers a 'Try Something New Guarantee' on selected beauty products. Basically you buy the full size, receive a sample size to try first and if it doesn't work for you return the full-size (unopened) product within 28 days.  You can always have a look at the Debenhams website here to check out the details!

So...I bought the full size Lash Domination mascara and received a sample to try...been using it for a few weeks now...

The mascara boasts 10 benefits as below...

And here's my little sample - with full size brush inside to try...

The brush is a rubber/plastic one with a twist to it - literally - (called 'Protwist180') which is meant to curve around and coat the lashes from all angles...looks like a weapon of torture doesn't it - just joking! ;)

I'm in a bit of a quandary about this one! The brush looks pretty fierce but is quite comfortable to use once you get the hang of the twisty vibe.  The formula is a thick and creamy consistency and an intense black pigment (intense black is good in my opinion). I've found you need to practise with the brush - it has to be really well scraped of excess mascara - otherwise it ends up everywhere and clumps.  A lot of wiggling has to take place for me to get the desired effect and a comb through with my lash comb at times. I have also experienced a bit of light smudging on my lower lids when I've worn it on my bottom lashes - it wipes away easily enough but I have to remember to check! On the upside you can build up quite a dramatic effect once on if you don't mind  a bit of clumpage, gives the impression of thicker lashes (my lashes are really fine), a good amount of length, holds the curl up, isn't crispy or drying on the lashes and lasts all day without flaking until removed, which isn't too difficult with a decent eye make-up remover.  It's definitely become easier to handle now that it's been opened and dried up for a while.  It's just that I'm not sure I should pay £16.00 a pop when there are cheaper mascaras that may well do as good a job ... or would they...?

Here it is in on with a couple of coats ...

If I had to choose between this mascara and another well known and loved (by many) premium mascara with a spiky brush (you know the one) - then this would be my preferred choice.  As I say - it's good with a little time and patience but not sure it's the one to beat all ones! Is it just me - am I being too picky? Have you tried the Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara?

Jen x

Nina Simone - Love Me or Leave Me

Bonjour...

Been a long long week and at the end of a long long week sometimes you want to let your hair down, go out and get wasted (depending on your age/income/level of fatigue - in no particular order!).  Sometimes though you just want to lose yourself in something mellow but powerful (whether or not you're wasted!) - sometimes nothing else hits the spot quite like a bit of our Nina....!

Nina Simone - Love Me or Leave Me

This is my absolute favourite version of this age-old tune. I love the variations on the basic melody and the swinging jazz vibe with the 'Bach' style solo played by Nina herself in the middle of the song - a fascinating combination ...!

I'm sat looking at the piano thinking I should really get into playing again - you could totally lose yourself in the thing! Not that I could ever play it that well or even consider singing and playing together - far too difficult! (I'll stick to singing!) And if I ever got to sing this tune on a gig - well this would be the style I'd choose - with a few of my own nuances thrown in of course!

What style of music do you fancy losing yourself in this weekend?

Jen x

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil - Review

Bonjour!

I received these travel size bottles of DHC Deep Cleansing Oil in two separate beauty boxes a while ago. DHC are said to be 'Japan's No.1 online skincare company' so I was interested to see how the Deep Cleansing Oil would fare and decided to take one bottle on holiday as my evening cleanser.

It includes vitamin E, olive oil and rosemary leaf oil and is said to be suitable for all skin types. There is no fragrance as such and it just smells a little of olive oil to be honest!  I apply directly to my face and massage in - it slips over the skin, as you would expect and then emulsifies with a little water. I just use my muslin cloth (of which I own so many they are threatening to take over the house!) to wipe everything off or you could flannel/rinse off with water if that's your thing.  I've also double cleansed with it if I've been wearing extra make-up but not used it over the eye area as it's apparently not suitable for this.

I never thought anything could live up to my Moringa Balm, however I was surprised and impressed at how well this cleansing oil performs.  It removes every scrap of make-up (and sunscreen!) effectively and there is no oily or greasy residue to contend with.  My skin is normal(ish)/combination - sometimes prone to dehydration and eczema and it hasn't caused any breakouts, extra oiliness on the t-zone or brought out any sensitivity. It's fuss free, effective deep cleansing and gives me the desired results - end of!

It comes in various sizes with the largest - 200ml costing between £16-21. I'll definitely be re-purchasing a larger size - I've been using the little 30ml bottle above since the start of August every night and as you can see there is still some left over a month later - the larger bottle should last ages. You can check out full info on the DHC website here.

Have you tried out the DHC Cleansing Oil or any cleansing oil for that matter? Which is your favourite?

Jen x