The Beauty Spot: Garnier Moisture Match

Lately, because of changes in my diet (bikini season is looming), abominably cold weather, and ridiculous amounts of stress, I have noticed a few changes in my skin.  I have been suffering through spots, and dry skin on alternate days which is proving both frustrating and confusing. 

Whilst procrastinating over an unfinished essay and catching up on my favourite blogs, I came across an advert for Garnier's new Moisture Match moisturizer range, offering free samples of tailor-made moisturizers, meant to suit all skin types.

Having never had a problem with my skin before, I'd never thought of a moisturizer. But the Garnier website informed me that moisturizing daily is important for replenishing lost good bits in your skin by way of wind and cold, pollution, stress and dehydration and all sorts. 

Since my skin is both oily and dull at the moment (seriously don't ask me how) I received a sample of 'Shine be Gone' for Oily/Combination skin, 'Protect & Glow' for Normal skin, and 'Wake me up' for Dull skin, after taking the online skin quiz. Try it for yourself here...


I tried 'Wake me up' first, since my skin was looking particularly dry and lackluster that day. It's a gel-like liquid which smells absolutely divine. It applies almost like water and absorbed quickly. My skin felt hydrated but in no way oily, and it felt very light to wear. After application my complexion was noticeably dewy and glowed like I'd had an excellent night's sleep (I had 3 hours). 


'Shine be Gone' was a disappointment in comparison. It didn't absorb very well, and felt heavy and thick all day. For an oil-free moisturizer for oily skin, it felt very greasy too. 

'Protect & Glow' has an SPF of 20 which I'm very impressed by. It also smells divine but does feel a little sticky. After application my skin had a subtle glow and looked really healthy and refreshed. 

I'll definitely be purchasing Garnier's 'Wake me up' and maybe 'Protect & Glow' for summer. Has anyone else tried these moisturizers or any of the others from this range? What did you think?

& Other Stories...

Coat: La Redoute

Scarf: Primark

Bag: Urban Outfitters

Shoes: Urban Outfitters (New York)

Ridiculously Oversized Phone Case: Amazon

After some serious hype surrounding a new shop opening on Argyll Street, I decided to pop in for a quick look before meeting friends for dinner. I was so enchanted by the & Other Stories store, that in wandering round aimlessly ooh-ing aah-ing at everything in sight, that I was almost very late indeed for my dinner engagement. Here are a few pictures I snapped with my phone (since it was an impromptu visit I was regretably sans camera)  

 Who doesn't need Aladdin shoes in their life?! 

There were so many gorgeous pieces, but I will have to save my pennies for a while before I return to purchase. The space is absolutely beautiful - minimal yet stylish and functional, and wonderfully-dressed stylistas swanned around in a communal state of awe, scooping up armfuls of precious finds. I'll be heading back for a canvas portfolio bag, and ostrich-esque aladdin shoes (pictured above) 
To buy, head to the Argyll/Regent Street store or get on to: www.stories.com

Haul

Links...

Smock Dress: New Look

Trousers: H&M

Shoes: New Look

Necklace: H&M

T-Shirt: ASOS

So I've shopped a bit recently. Essay deadlines can do that to a girl. Blame it on too much stress, not enough energy to look after myself properly, and a resultant image crisis stemming from a hope that if I wear new clothes, nobody will notice the suitcases forming under my eyes.

I have harbored an obsession with smock dresses since watching little house on the prairie as child (appreciate) and I am obviously thrilled that they are making an appearance on the high street at the moment. While they might not be the most flattering or alluring shape- especially for bustier types- they are just so easy, and there are obviously ways to get around this. For example, to avoid the circus tent look, I opted for this New Look offering, which is made from a slightly heavier fabric, making it hang a bit better. It also has a slightly lower waist because I picked up a size up, so the skirt reaches out from further below the bust, and at a slimmer point.

Admittedly, these H&M trousers were an impulse buy. As if you couldn't tell from their general garishness. These trousers boast both an obnoxious tile pattern, and a dip dye, and yet I love them. 

These shoes were my first attempt at a ladylike heel. They take some getting used to after subscribing to the mega-platform-stripper-heel school of thought for so long, but I've fallen for them. And over them.

H&M jewellery is a vice of mine. They do a good statement necklace, and I'll be heading back for more very soon...

Lastly, my obscenely oversized flamingo t-shirt from ASOS. In all honesty, it might even be a bit too oversized for me... but in emulating the Man Repeller herself's flamingo penchant, I was powerless to resist.

A 'Roaring 20s' Night Out

Dress: Topshop

Clutch: Next

Shoes: New Look @ ASOS

On Friday night I made my merry way down to Holborn for TimeOut London and Yourvine's 1920s-themed extravaganza, which amalgamated cocktails, casinos, jazz and burlesque. With a backdrop of the beautiful Bloomsbury Ballroom - a beautiful and decadent art deco venue with glamour to spare (which I have now decided to have my wedding reception in - just need a groom!), guests in impressive 20s dress (unfortunately not including me - I didn't get the fancy dress memo) twirled and charleston-ed around to vivacious jazz, and shmoozed over fruit cocktails. 

We were treated to "100 Dollars" of casino cash, with which we could try our luck at Roulette or Blackjack... lacking somewhat in the skill to play Blackjack (card games make me nervous because I can never remember the rules) I opted for Roulette, which as I was informed by a very kind gentleman, simply involves choosing a square to put your chips on. 

I wore my Topshop shift dress -ticking off the cobalt blue trend box- and my New Look shoes... my first real attempt at a ladylike heel. To be fair, it was really nice not to be the 7ft woman for once, and it was quite a luxury to look people in the face as opposed to the top of their heads, but I definitely missed having a platform between me and the treacherously uneven streets of London. 

Yourvine is a website which offers users the opportunity to complete challenges for brands in order to earn rewards. Check it out here. I'd like to thank Yourvine and TimeOut London for being such wonderful hosts, and inviting me to a lovely event.

Outfit

Coat: La Redoute

T-Shirt: ASOS

Jeans: George @ Asda

Shoes: Office

Sunglases: H&M

Today the weather has been a between-seasons mish mash, of icy winds and glorious sunshine, which meant that the only way to prep for this was a ginormous winter coat and equally ginormous sunny-g's. As per usual, I forgot all about Mother's Day until shopping time was severely diminished (I'm not a bad daughter or anything, my Mum's birthday is always so close to it that I forget to buy two lots of presents!), so I've been rushing around trying to figure out what to get, and planning an outfit for an event on Friday. I never really know what to wear to events, I end up just doing my best to guess at the level of formality!

I'm thinking of doing a haul post soon... unfortunately I'm a marketing dream and I've fallen for every email offering discounts and free delivery that has found its sneaky way into my inbox (I'm looking at you ASOS and H&M!), so I've accumulated a few bits and bobs recently.