For me, a long haul flight is an opportunity to try out and perfect my in-flight beauty regime. Two years ago I was able to step onto a plane without any liquids or creams in my hand luggage, but now it’s a different story as I try and stuff all my essentials into a Muji bag (that is usually left brimming at the seams). As soon as the aircraft has reach a suitable altitude and the seat belt signs are switched off, I am the first person to jump out of my seat and head towards the toilets with this little bag of tricks in-toe.

The first thing I do is remove all my makeup. This may seem unnecessary considering it had been freshly applied a mere few hours before, but for me, I consider a plane like I consider my bed – a makeup free zone. I wouldn’t dare snuggle up in bed for eight hours with a layer of makeup on my skin so similarly to my night-time skincare routine, the first step is to remove the slap. For this I use Bioderma which removes all traces of makeup quickly and easily.

For toners I have two that I use periodically throughout the flight, firstly the Caudalie Beauty Elixr and secondly the REN Tonic Moisture Mist*. To keep breakouts at bay I reach for the Caudalie bottle and I also spritz this after I have faux cleansed. For a more hydrating option I reach for the REN bottle, this is a recent addition to my skincare routine and it is packed full of hyaluronic acid to keep my skin moisturised throughout the flight.

For treatments I use the Origins GinZing Eye Cream to ward off under-eye circles, the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask to ensure my skin is hydrated and plump at the end of the flight and finally the Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm* to keep my lips nourished and give any dry patches some TLC. Just before landing (and to ensure I didn’t give the people at customs a fright with my bare face) I popped on some Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturiser with the Chanel Les Beiges Powder on top to give a natural finish to my skin.

This little routine may seem a tad excessive, but it left my skin feeling soft, revitalised and refreshed at the end of a 10+ hour flight. It also prevented any nasty blemishes or dry patches from popping up and made sure my skin LA ready!

Starting off with an epic brunch at Toast Bakery Cafe on West 3rd Street – a *cough* recommendation from Blair on YouTube ;) After brunch we walked on down to the Grove and did a spot of shopping and celebrity spying, they film Extra here with Mario Lopez and his guest was Ken Jeong from the Hangover franchise. The Grove also has a Sprinkles cupcakes and of course it would be rude not to give them a try, when in Rome and all! We had a Margarita and Milk Chocolate flavour – delicious.

On Saturday we headed to the Hollywood Walk of Fame (after attempting to consume some gigantic pancakes) and then went on over to Warner Brothers Studios. At WB we got to see all the backlots and some sound studios, but not just any sound studios oh no, we got to see the set for Pretty Little Liars, Two and a Half Men and….. Big Bang Theory! The tour was incredible and if you visit LA it is a must see thing. For the next couple of days we have Universal Studios and Santa Monic planned – my feet may be weeping from all the walking but boy is it amazing here =)

Hello from sunny California! Hope you are all doing well :) I haven’t been able to wipe the cheesy grin off my face since I’ve got here. After a long flight and feeling rather zombie like I am now getting into the swing of all things LA and that means hitting the shops. Back in the day when I first started blogging every post seemed to be a haul but thanks to more sensible things like rent, bills and the general cost of living, those splurges have become more of a rarity. That was until this holiday was booked and every spare penny was saved away ready for what can only be called, an epic shop. A shop so epic it even managed to start before I had left the country. Oh yes, the joys of Duty Free. Apologies for the quality of the pictures, my fancy pants camera was left back in the UK to make room for more beauty supplies!

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel – £16.25

Since my love for the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm left something to be desired, I have been on the hunt for an alternative. I want to get back into using a cleanser that removes all my makeup quickly, effectively and without leaving my eyes in a red stinging mess. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this cleanser so now it’s time to put it to the test.

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner – £20.80

Along with wanting to get a cleanser that replaces my micellar water and eyemakeup remover, I also want to move away from manual exfoliators. I already have the Alpha H Liquid Gold in my skincare routine but wanted something slightly less abrasive to use on the days inbetween. I tried this last night and even though it contains alcohol it didn’t dry out my skin but worked at removing any grime that had built up on my skin from the long haul flight.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch Primer – £21.65

This item has also been on my wish-list for some time. Don’t get me wrong I adore my Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer but when you hear the beauty community rave about something else, your spider senses tingle and you instantly want to see what all the fuss is about. This is a pricey little number and you only get a tiny pot, but I was advised that if you pat (not rub) this onto your skin or mix it in with your foundation, it works wonders.

Clarins After Sun Moisturiser Self Tanning – £15

Another item I’ve been wanting to try for a while but have been saving for a holiday so I can use the excuse to purchase it. I’m not sure how many ‘pool days’ there will be on this trip so figured picking up an after sun that will also work at enhancing your tan would be a wise choice.

Diorskin Nude BB Cream SPF 10 – £26.10

I blame Lisa Eldridge. This was not on my shopping list nor was it a planned purchase, but when I saw it in Duty Free I found myself saying ‘one of those please’ before my brain has even engaged and I realised what I was doing. Oh well another BB Cream couldn’t hurt :P

I’d like to be able to say that my epic shop stopped at that point but we somehow managed to end up in the Beverly Centre at Sephora at 8pm on our first night! What can I say, it’s opposite our hotel so would be rude not to ;)

Gellux Manicure – £17

When it comes to nails and nail art especially, I am a complete noob. Some people struggle with applying eye shadow, others find it tricky to use an eyeliner, but for me it is my nails. I look on in awe at the intricate and beautiful designs that people can create on their nails and always have that slight pang of jealously in the knowledge that I would never be able to create the same myself. For me, the most extravagant I have been with my nails is creating a glitter accent – oh yeah I am living on the edge over here! Luckily for me I have found an incredible nail technician in Dorset who is able to do such a thing.

Initially I had just booked an appointment to get a Shellac/Gellux manicure and pedicure. I have had a Shellac manicure a handful of times and it is always something I get done before I head away, the ability to have a chip free manicure for 2+ weeks is something I can not resist! Me being the complete nail noob that I am had no idea that you could create nail art with gel hybrid polishes. Oh how wrong I was. When I was presented with a nail wheel of polka dots, chevrons and floral designs I was quickly corrected. My plan of a soft pink colour for my nails and toes was instantly replaced by the idea of glitter and nail art. After much deliberation and looking like a bit of a nutter trying to decide what to choose, I opted for a polka dot nail and glitter pedicure.

For the manicure I got the above blue shade with white polka dots, both in the Shellac polish meaning the design will stay in place whilst I am pacing the streets of the States trying to buy up my wish list. For my toes I got the most stunning green glitter colour, it is pretty bright but perfect for a holiday. I would pop a photo up but I’m not sure whether my feet should be a feature on the blog! However, you can see a sneak snap of it over on my last MWIP here. If you are in the Dorset area I highly recommend Chelsea and my mind is already working in overdrive trying to plan my next manicure.

Also this will be my last blog post for a few days – hopefully it won’t be too long until I can update you guys again! 

MAC Paint in Bare Canvas – £14.50

Rewind five years and you would have seen a University student that was eye-shadow obsessed. Back in the day I was a full blown bright coloured lover and couldn’t get enough of slapping some onto my eyelids. At University the socials and nights out were less about the dancing and more about the makeup. Getting ready for me was the best part about the evening and I used to love sitting in-front of my mirror and conjuring up different looks to wear. Not only was I an eye-shadow fiend, I was also the queen of all things bright and bold. Whether it be a bright pink dress, royal blue tights or even yellow shadow on my lids, nothing was too bold or too bright for me. Since those days I regret to say I’ve become old and boring aka a neutral lover :P but I still love to look back on old photos to see the looks that I would brave in the outside World.

When you spend the time to layer on the shadows, blend in the crease and highlight under your brow bone, you need to start off with a good base. Whether I was opting for a bold or glittery look there has only ever been one eyeshadow base that I could depend upon, and that is the MAC Paint in Bare Canvas. I have put a fair few other brands to the test but nothing compares and nothing holds up to the same lasting power. Inside this little tube is literally a paint that I pop on to my lids using my ring finger. Blended out this has a powder finish that will stop any shadows from fading or creasing.

I use the colour Bare Canvas as I find it to be the best base shade that not only helps to make shadows more vibrant, it also masks any redness or uneven colour on my lids. You need the smallest amount and these little tubes literally last a lifetime, the proof is in the fact that I have been using them since I was about 19 and this is my second one. Whether I am going back to my University days and putting together a bold eye or even just wanting my neutral smokey option to stay in place, I know I can count on this eyeshadow base treasure.

Headmasters*

The only problem with changing the colour of your hair is the upkeep. Before I went blonde I used to be the subtle highlights kinda gal that would get the colour hidden under my top layer. This little trick meant that I could go longer between salon trips as the regrowth would be hidden and it meant that my purse strings could breathe a sigh of relief. Another time a change in colour becomes an issue is just before a holiday. I got my last colour done about 6 weeks ago (which you can read all about here). Although my hair wasn’t in drastic condition, it needed some TLC and attention paying to it before I jetted away.

Instead of going for my usual ‘more blonde please’ I opted for one the services that Headmasters offer, the Winter Blonde. This is a treatment where dull and lacklustre blondes are brought back to a brighter future. I was concerned that spending time in the sunshine would cause my blonde to become brassy so I opted for the Winter Blonde treatment to tone down the colour of my tresses, don’t worry nothing drastic like going back to brown not just yet anyway ;) but it means that the slices of blonde stand out more against a slightly deeper base. With the Winter Blonde initially a toner is put on all over your locks and washed away. Afterwards the highlights are added and my hairdresser Siobhan (who knew more of us existed?!) placed brighter sections throughout the front of my hair.

I love the finished colour and the more natural shade of blonde it is. No doubt the California sunshine will be up to some trickery and lighten my hair, but at least now I can ensure I won’t come back looking like Marilyn Monroe, though that wouldn’t be such a bad thing!

Excuse the last photo – this is what happens after taking far too many self photos and finding out your friend is on their way and you need to hurry the eff up!

*pr visit

1. My favourite thing about the weather getting warmer – having tuna on the BBQ
2. This week I have been swooning over this amazing Chanel powder – I raved all about it over here
3. I have also been putting the new release from Rimmel to the test – blog review about the polish can be found here
4. Every year the company I work for have hero awards where you can nominate people who have excelled throughout the year – low and behold little old me won in the newcomer category!
5. Apologies for the foot shot but I just had to share my holiday shellac – polka dots on my nails and glitter on my toes all in a shellac polish to last the time of my holiday. So happy with the finished results and can’t wait to get my tootsies on the beach!
6. Totally not stalking my flight at all…TOO EXCITED

Hope you have all had a brilliant week =)

Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Polish in 500 Peppermint – £4.49

The other week when I was working up in London I managed to arrive 10 minutes early which ends up in one thing and one thing only – a sneak around Boots. Being based out of London I don’t get the chance to peruse beauty hauls like I used to. Having a spare moment to simply walk around the beauty departments to see whats new is something I would look forward to and plan into my day, but now sadly those chances are far and few between. On this rare occasion I darted into Boots on Oxford Street and immediately eyed up the new nail varnish launch from Rimmel. Their Salon Pro Range apparently gives you up to 10 days chip resistant colour with a gel like finish. The polish themselves contain Lycra and sound pretty similar to the Barry M Gellish Polishes.

I picked up the colour 500 Peppermint as you know me, I can not seem to resist a minty green offering. I had low expectations of this polish but wanted to put it to the test to see if it really could live up to its claim of 10 days chip resistance, and also to see what the formula is like. When first applying this polish I was impressed by the super thick brush you get with it. This not only makes application quick and easy, it also means that you need to apply fewer coats. The first coat was fairly streaky but after the second you are left with an opaque finish. I used a base coat and top coat with this (like I do with any polish) and the finish I found to be lovely. It wasn’t super thick or gloppy and I the colour is really vibrant. Debatable whether it is a gel shine finish, but I am happy with how my nails look.

The top photo of my nails was taken the morning after I applied the polish and the second picture was taken after 4 days wear. As you can see it doesn’t really live up to it’s 10 day claim but I am super impressed with the finish and longevity of this polish. Congrats Rimmel this is a winner for me!

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder SPF 15 – £38

Forgive me bank balance as I have sinned. Why is that when I’m saving for an impending holiday it suddenly unearths the need to spend money? The amount of new things that I have deemed ‘necessary’ purchases just because I am going away is rather mad, even by my count. For one of those once in a lifetime trips that is only happening thanks to many a saved up air miles, it’s hard not to get a little over excited. New camera, bag, wallet even, all necessary right? If that isn’t enough I’ve even managed to extended my pre-holiday shop to beauty items – at least it means my wish list can breathe a sight of relief for once.

One of those things that I have got over excited for is the new Chanel Les Beiges Powder. Thanks to every blogger raving over this recent Chanel release, and House of Fraser emailing through a £5 off voucher, I did what every beauty lover would do and calmly walked into the beauty hall, made my way to the Chanel counter, closed my eyes and proudly said ‘that one please’. My argument (like I needed one) was that my MAC MSF was on it’s last legs and the SPF 15 and PA++ packed away inside this Chanel offering is ‘just what I needed’ when I am away. Throughout Winter you would have thought me and powder had a turbulent break up as I didn’t go near the stuff. I embraced my natural glow and thought my previous love affair with powders would be one from my past. However, the formulations of powders have changed and thanks to the warmer weather my ‘glow’ needs toning down just a tad.

This Chanel powder is aimed at imparting a radiance boosting glow to the skin – gone are the days of cakey and heavy powder, instead they help to set your makeup whilst shielding your skin from environmental pollutants. Not only does this make your face look flawless, it also smells utterly divine. I got shade No10 as I didn’t want it to add any colour to my skin and it  is a perfect match. In the above photo I am wearing the powder on the right – it’s hard to tell from a quick 7am snap but you can see that where the powder is applied, my skin just looks flawless. Lines are vanished, my skin looks more even and redness in my cheek is less prominent. From just a light dusting I can see a noticeable difference, all whilst letting my skin breath. It looks like the love affair with powders is back on the cards!

Origins Super Spot Remover – £13

Welcome to another review that has been long over due on AGAABB (still debating whether that acronym of my blog works!) When I was a young teenager with a spring in my step and little to no understanding of skincare, I pretty much relied on my Mum or shop assistants to guide me in the right direction. I started off in the World of Dermalogica but that quickly became too pricey for my £20 Saturday job at the local pet shop. I wanted to still take care of my skin, as my Mum always in-forced the mantra if you’re going to wear makeup you have to learn how to take it off, so I then turned to the trusty brand Origins. My staple products were the Checks and Balances Cleanser, Zero Oil Toner and Zero Oil Mattifier (my quest for matte skin started young!) These worked a treat for my teenage skin but understandably the hormonal spots began to rise and I needed something a bit more potent added into my routine.

Under recommendation of the sales assistant I picked up my very first bottle of the Super Spot Remover. Packed full of Salicylic Acid that gives a little sting once applied, it works away at calming down the spot and reducing redness. Now it doesn’t remove the spot instantly overnight, but having tried a number of ‘spot busting’ products this is the only one that helps to reduce the size of the spot and help it to clear quicker. Following on from my very first purchase of this magical bottle I’ve been through about 3 of them. You need the smallest amount that I apply with a cotton wool bud and no matter what the type of spot has surfaced on my skin, I can count on this to help it vanish.