BELLES BOUTIQUE | UK BEAUTY & MUMMY BLOG

HIVE ACTIVE AT HOME- LETS GET LIVING

2018-01-14T23:13:00.003+00:00

When we moved into our new home, we decided from the offset that we wanted to have a smart home in the sense of having products installed that would make life somewhat easier; with both convenience and ease.

We decided that Hive was the plan for us and since installing a range of their products, we have been very much impressed with the results and love using the service in and around our home.

With little children, it's important for us to have a homely cosy atmosphere and with our newborn in particular, Hive has helped to make small moments like bath and bedtime that little bit easier and special.

We have a variety of Hive Active plugs, heating and colour changing bulbs around our home; which paired with the Hive app on our phones work a treat.

With the use of the Hive Active plugs, the nursery lamp is turned on from my bed ready for those nightly feeds and changes, our kettle is switched on in the mornings ready for my first coffee of the day and lights are scheduled to turn on and off when we're away from the home for security purposes.

With our British Gas installed Hive Active Heating, we use the Smart Themostat to control the schedule of our heating and to create a boost of warmth throughout the home as and when we need it. I most often find myself using the app before bath times as well as setting off home from a day out, to ensure that we arrive home to warmth as well as again, from bed in the mornings. It's an invaluable product which now, I genuinely don't believe I could be without. The convenience is second to none and I thoroughly enjoy using it.

One of the products that we have in two rooms of our house are the colour changing bulbs; a dimmable cold to warm white one in our bedroom- perfect for creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere for the baby in the evening and a colour changing bulb which we have downstairs- perfect for both playtime for our toddler Harrison and nice for creating a slightly different ambience, particularly at Christmas time when we found we used it a lot.

The final product of our Hive Home range, is the door sensor, which whilst admittedly I was a little unsure of before, I am now thrilled with. I'm alerted on my phone each and every time the door is opened and closed, giving me complete peace of mind when I'm out as well as giving me the very helpful service of switching on the hall lights automatically when I arrive home, which is so helpful in the evenings.

Hive has made little parts of our day so much easier, as well as making moments with my family that little more special and cosy and I'm really excited to extend our plan around the home further in the future.

*This is a sponsored post

TOO GOOD TO GO OUT- DFS PINK VELVET ZINC SOFA

2017-12-05T13:46:00.000+00:00

Writing this post, I'm currently 39 weeks pregnant and in full nesting mode around the entire home. Creating the perfect atmosphere for my baby to come home to has been so important for me, thus has making a cosy and festive space for myself and my toddler Harrison to enjoy together during these last few days of just myself, daddy and the little one himself.

We recently moved into what could quite possibly be our forever home and the first room that we wanted completed was our living room, ready for baby's first Christmas and the first in our new home. I wanted it to be a place with a warm and cosy finish that was calm and inviting- something with comfortable living room furniture that made it #toogoodtogoout.

It's taken a few weeks for me to get it to where I wanted it to be, but with the help of the DFS Cuddler sized Zinc Sofa in Blush Velvet, it is just that. It's my favourite room in our house and even sat on its comfortable cushions right now, I can't quite believe I have a pink sofa!

It's fast become a cosy space where our days are started with a cup of tea, a slice of toast and toys on the floor and where evenings come to an end with candles burning, a soft and warm ambience and blankets draped over us ready to wind down. In fact, nothing quite beats snuggling up with Harrison on the sofa, reading a bed time story with him and talking about our favourite parts of the day. They're the moments to really be cherished.

I'm a firm believer that the most important memories with children are made within the home; it's where they sleep, where height is recorded against against the door frames, where tears fall down their faces over scraped knees and broken toys and hugs are given to make them better.

This evening, five days away from my baby girls due date, Harrison and I set aside a night to "pop some popcorn", watch some Christmas movies and read a new book and it was better than I could have ever imagined. There was no where I would rather be and it was certainly too good to out.

*The DFS Zinc Sofa that features in this post was very kindly gifted to us as part of the too good to go out campaign.

Feel Unique Beauty Diary 2017

2016-12-20T20:23:00.001+00:00

It's now nearing the end of the year, the time of year when new years resolutions begin to tick over in our minds and our 2016 diaries draw to the final pages. For me a new diary is like a new start and I love nothing more than beginning a new one with a clear mind and a pretty new pen.

Feel Unique's 2017 Beauty Calendar is the perfect diary for the beauty obsessed like myself and far from a bog-standard week to view diary it's cute and quirky, beautifully designed and really well put together.

Being organised needn't be a chore with this handy sized diary as each month is packed with important beauty dates, cute quotes, space for both notes and doodles and even monthly Feel Unique discount codes (who doesn't love a discount code?!).

One of my favourite features of the Feel Unique Beauty Diary is the budgeting pages, which broken up between monthly needs and wants allow you the space to jot down your spends whilst keeping an eye on what you have left.

Hidden away on the last page is home to an array of some of the cutest stickers I have ever seen. 'Important', 'Birthday', 'Wax' and 'Brows', 'TOTM', 'Bill Due', 'Holiday' and 'Netflix and Chill' are just a few of the stickers included and I honestly can't wait to begin sticking them throughout the pretty pages and important dates.

It's perfectly girly, really helpful with those important dates (I'm talking Fashion Week and National Lipstick Day) and whilst I'm not sure I'll be making complete use of the Total Gym Sessions sections provided, the rest will go down a treat throughout the entire year of 2017, I'm sure.

The Rose Gold foil spine is an absolute delight to hold in your hand, place on your bookshelf or home in your handbag and available to buy now on Feel Unique, you can treat yourself or the one you love ready for the new year for just £10.50.

I'm going to be giving away some Feel Unique Vouchers and a couple of these diaries over on my Instagram, so make sure you're following me over there so that you don't miss out!

I'd love to know what you think of this diary, do you love the look of it and will it be taking pride of place within your stationary?

*This is a sponsored post

URBAN DECAY NAKED ULTIMATE BASICS

2016-10-19T19:58:00.001+01:00

The Urban Decay Naked Ultimate Basics is my kind of palette. I've had a couple of eyeshadow palettes really wow me recently and this is for sure one of them.

Home to twelve brand new and exclusive Urban Decay matte shades, it's for me, the perfect go to palette at the minute as it holds both cool and warm tones- including my favourite kind of shade, Extra Bitter, a gorgeous burnt Red that I cannot get enough of.

If I'm honest, I've never been blown away by the original Naked Basics palette, it was nice and compact and I've reached for it on the odd occasion, but it's never been an absolute must have for me, this on the other hand is a delight.

The shades as described by Urban Decay are:

Blow (light nude demi-matte), Nudie (soft pink-nude matte), Commando (light taupe-brown matte), Tempted (pale brown matte), Instinct (medium pink-taupe matte), Lethal (reddish brown matte), Pre-Game (pale yellow matte), Extra Bitter (burnt orange matte), Faith (medium warm brown matte), Lockout (rich neutral brown matte), Magnet (smoky grey matte) and Blackjack (warm black matte).

I've personally always favoured warm tones over cool hues, so naturally I've reached for them more but the fact that this palette features both really impresses me as it gives you the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone with a look if need be.

I also really enjoy the formulation of the matte shadows, often mattes can be really chalky without much colour payoff, but these work well. They're nicely pigmented, they blend well and they last all day which for me is perfect as I have zero time to reapply.

Overall, this palette gets a huge thumbs up for me (that burnt Orange really sold me) and although I do still have a huge soft spot for the original Naked palette, this is by far my favourite and the great news is that it's available to buy everywhere now, costing £38.50 (£3.20 per shadow).

I'd love to know your thoughts, what Naked palette is your favourite?

SHOP THE POST

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-In-Stick

2016-05-24T21:23:00.000+01:00

44 Nude Lavalliere, 47, Beige Blouse, 48 Smoking Plum, 51 Rose Saharienne

I've always been a fan of YSL lipsticks and love adding them to my ever growing collection. All the way from the packaging through to the products formulation and ability wows me and so when I heard of these Oil-In-Stick Rouge Volupté Shine launching, I honestly couldn't wait to try them.

Before trying them, I was so excited to apply them for the beautiful application, shade range and the taste-ahem that the YSL lip products always have and I'm pleased to report back that they're just as good- if not better, than previous products.

The formula of the new lipstick is made up of six oils as well as Pomegranate extract, Macadamia butter and Hyaluronic Acid creating a pleasing, smooth and problem-free application. The swatches above are one sweep of product- they're amazing and the fact that they sit so beautifully on the lips, providing the freshest of tones, shine and comfort as well as moisturising qualities make them a winner for me.

The packaging of the Rouge Voluputé Shines has always been a favourite of mine and always make for a very pretty display. I've spoken about them many a time online and in real life, and thankfully, nothings changed with their exterior. They're the beautifully designed Gold tubes and now with the 12 new launches available to buy, theres a whole 30 shades to choose from!

Available to buy now, in stores and online, YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Oil-In-Stick lipsticks cost £26 each and if like me you're very much into lipsticks, then I truly believe they're worth every penny!

SHOP THE POST

Bobbi Brown Malibu Nudes

2016-05-21T19:50:00.003+01:00

I've recently been sporting a bright Pink lipstick, which nowadays, I must admit is slightly out of character for me. Whilst it hasn't been my go-to shade since well, becoming a mum when I decided that lighter shades are much easier to upkeep throughout the day, Bobbi Browns Malibu Nudes collection wowed me and this duo of products have been reached for very frequently and have received a fair few compliments.

Bobbi Brown Art Sticks (£20.00) are chunky pencils, that can be used as both a liner and a lipstick alike. With what I would describe as a semi matte finish, they're comfortable on the lips and now come in a delightful range of eight bold shades thank you to the Malibu Nudes collection. Punch is a bright Orange Pink, perfect for warmer days and as stand out shade, I've recently loved wearing it as a focus point in my make up.

Malibu Nudes also saw the creation of four blush duos (£29.50) which include Pastel Pink, Tawny, Sand Pink and Plum/French Pink which is swatched above. Inspired by flushed cheeks after a day in the sun, the duo has been created to use both shades together, the darker shade on the apples of your cheeks and the lighter up your cheeks, for a subtle flush of colour.

I normally wouldn't wear Pink cheeks with a Pink lip, but in this case I really like the combination of both of these products.

This collection has been out a little while, but is still available to buy online and at counters in stores such as Selfridges and the like.

SHOP THE POST

Jo Malone Limited Edition Nashi Blossom Cologne

2016-05-11T10:55:00.000+01:00

Jo Malone fragrances are what I deem as special scents. Everything about them, from the store they're sold in to the scent itself is pure luxury and I personally cannot get enough.

Nashi Blossom is the latest Jo Malone fragrance that I have added to my collection and it's one of, if not my favourite that I've tried to date.

The packaging of this cologne is slightly different to the classic look of Jo Malone, and has a very cute and girly look of polka dots which personally, I really like. Stood amongst the other bottles, it stands out perfectly and adds a lovely touch to any dresser.

Citrus notes are my favourite, but sometimes it's hard to find a citrus fragrance that doesn't carry too many strong notes, which can often be overbearing and resemble a spritz of something you would clean your home with.

Nashi Blossom is a delicate, pretty and fresh scent and with lighter juicy notes of Lemon, fresh notes of Nashi Blossom and a base of White Musk, it's incredibly beautiful and delicately put together.

Lingering throughout the day, I'm hit with different notes throughout the day and I like that. It leaves me feeling refreshed, which is perfect for summer and if you're into zesty fragrances with a floral touch, then this is so for you.

Limited edition, Nashi Blossom is available in 30ml (£44.00) and 100ml (£89.00) and can be purchased online, in store and on Jo Malone counters.

SHOP THE POST

Clarins Sunkissed Summer 2016 Collection

2016-05-03T20:40:00.000+01:00

Every single year, the Clarins Summer collection pleases me to no end and I eagerly await the release of their yearly Limited Edition Bronzing and Blush Compact. It's one of my favourite bronzers which has never let me down.

This year, the collection has a very appropriate Summer name; Sunkissed and it's full of glowing and rich tones which compliment both long Summer days and evenings.

Complete with of course, the Bronzing & Blush Compact (£30.00) which once again has a beautiful embossed design on the product itself, four Limited Edition Waterproof Eyeshadow Shimmering Cream which I adore, a new Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil in the shade Red Berry, another new launch in the form of Clarins Fix' Make-Up Mist and the Double Fix' Mascara which doubles up as a waterproof top coat for lashes and a brow tamer, this collection is just as impressive as previous years and has some products within it that I am so impressed with.

The launch of the new Waterproof Eyeshadow Shimmering Cream Colours in the shades 01 Golden Peach, 02 Golden Sand, 03 Silver Taupe and 04 Copper Brown (£18.00 each) are set to be winners this Summer and I personally cannot get enough of them. I've been using Golden Peach and Golden Sand on rotation for a while now, and used as both a base and as a singular shade, they work beautifully. Gliding onto the eyelids and blending in nicely, these sit on the lids and provide the beautiful shimmer that they promise, illuminating to perfection whilst holding to the lid for a fairly long time. I haven't found that they break up or crease, like some cream shadows do on me and having tested them out in high climates, I can assure you that they are waterproof and dazzle beautifully in the sun.

I'm a huge fan of skin mists and I must admit that I was shocked by Clarins decision to add a mist into their range. I'm not sure why, as they do everything so well, but I just didn't really see it coming. Thankfully, it hasn't disappointed and although it's not a product that I've found myself gravitating towards daily, it does do the job and a great one at that.

Including refreshing skin beneficial ingredients such at Aloe Vera to maintain hydration, Allantoin to soothe and an anti-pollution complex to protect the skin, this is beautifully cooling and a lovely product to have to hand throughout warmer days.

I'm so into brows and so it will come as no surprise that the fact that the Double Fix' Mascara (£20.00) teaming up as both a lash top coat and a brow tamer pleases me endlessly. Unlike most in my collection, this is completely clear. Including Bitter Orange Tree Wax, which helps the product to be waterproof, this product helps to create a waterproof coat to your lashes and brows both over product and on its own, which for the Summer or on your holidays, is amazing.

I've been a fan of the Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oils (£19.00) for a fairly long time now, more than year in fact, and so new shade releases always impress me. This collection sees the launch of Red Berry, which holds a very light Berry tint which is extremely wearable. Of course, the products still the same as the original, which is is the perfect in between of a gloss and a balm and leaves your lips feeling incredibly supple.

The Clarins Sunkissed Collection is available to buy now, what things will you be picking up?

HARRISON LOVES: iCandy Raspberry

2016-02-10T14:10:00.004+00:00

When it comes to picking your child's pushchair or pram, finding something that suits both you and your baby is essential. For me, I have to make sure it ticks a whole array of boxes, fulfilling the needs of both the family and our lifestyle.

Comfort, ease of pushing, ability to fold easily in a rush, style and storage are just a few things that need to meet my criteria and the iCandy Raspberry is just perfect.

Now I must admit, I'd always wanted an iCandy pram, from way before I was even expecting. "Cool" mums that knew of pushed their babies around in their shiny aluminium wheels and I always found myself making a mental note in my broody thoughts that one day, when I was a mum, I'd have an iCandy. It sounds daft, I know- but prams are one of those things to me, and have been since I was a little girl.

The iCandy Raspberry is known as their Urban Stroller, which works perfectly for rushing around the streets, swerving between crowds, jumping onto buses, tubes and taxi's and even hopping up and down curbs.

I've been putting it to the test for a good year now and it's come on many an adventure with us and seen the sites of New York, the bumpy paths of Central Park and even made it's way to Cornwall, on a rainy country staycation where it worked a dream.

Perfectly designed, the Raspberry iCandy is both parent and world facing, allowing you to keep an eye on your little one through their younger days and allowing them to take in the world as they get older. Harrison loves taking in the views from his iCandy, although I do miss having him parent facing, where I would often catch GoPro footage of him on trips out (see here and here).

It's a really lightweight frame which holds an adjustable handle which makes it really easy and comfortable to push. I've pushed prams in the past that have left me feeling like I've had a huge work out, and for a parent that is most likely already knackered- who needs that? The iCandy strolls the streets with ease and folds nice and quickly, which for me is an absolute dealbreaker, especially for use on a city trip like New York, where we were jumping in and out of taxi's.

The base itself has a three-way recline which works in both positions, making it suitable from newborn all the way to toddler. We use it the majority of the time in the upright seating position, although if we're out about and Harrison has a nap, it's really easily moved into the lie back or flat position, which is super handy.

The storage basket beneath the pram is the best that I've personally used. It homes a "secret" storage pod which is perfect to hide away your rain cover or day to day essentials, or if you're anything like me- snacks and cameras!

Available in seven colours, or flavour packs as iCandy call them, it's really easy to change your prams look from time to time, whether to suit your mood or the time of the year.

I have Atlantic and Beetle which I switch between, although I do have my eyes firmly set on the Red for this Summer to brighten things up.

Overall, comfort is key when it comes to picking the perfect stroller for your little one, and honestly, it's clear that iCandy have put a lot of thought into it. From the incredibly soft and padded liners and straps to the front and rear suspension of the wheels, iCandy clearly know what they're doing and have found the perfect balance of safety, comfort and style.

I'd love to know what you think of the iCandy Raspberry and whether you have your eyes firmly set on one for your bundle of joy?

Make sure you check out my YouTube videos, where the iCandy Raspberry is heavily featured as well as my Instagram where I'm always posting #iCandyMoments

Clarins NEW Joli Rouge Lipsticks- 25 shades!

2015-09-01T14:14:00.003+01:00

Clarins are a brand that always impress me, I love their collections as a whole and I think in terms of both skincare and make up, they get their products right every time.

Over the past year, their skincare has particularly impressed me and I can't get enough of a handful of their products, which I'll be sure to update you on shortly.

Now, finding the time to finally put on make up "properly" again, and braving more than a quick dash of lipstick, the new Clarins Joli Rouge came in just at the right time.

I've always been a lipstick kinda girl and Clarins Joli Rouge have always impressed me in terms of formula, colour and wear but taking a bit of a risk in my opinion- why mess with a product that's already excellent? Clarins worked on their already super moisturising lipsticks to make them even more moisturising and create a whole load of new shades, and thankfully, I can vouch- they're brilliant and it was well worth the risk.

With a whooping 25 new shades in the Joli Rouge family, there's a shade to express every mood, make up look and personality.

Ranging from Reds to Nudes, Oranges to Plums and Berries to Pinks, the shades are as followed:

701 Orange Fizz, 705 Soft Berry, 707 Petal Pink, 711 Papaya, 713 Hot Pink

715 Candy Rose, 723 Raspberry, 731 Rose Berry, 732 Grenadine, 737 Spicy Cinnamon

738 Royal Plum, 740 Bright Coral, 741 Red Orange, 742 Joli Rouge, 743 Cherry Red

744 Soft Plum, 745 Pink Praline, 746 Tender Nude, 747 Rosy Nude, 748 Delicious Pink

749 Bubble Gum Pink, 750 Lilac Pink, 751 Tea Rose, 752 Rosewood, 753 Pink Ginger

and breathe.

Swatched above I'm wearing a trusty Pink- 735 Pink Praline and I just love it. Soft and easy to apply, it sits on the lips comfortably for a fair few hours and has the ability to be built up or worn as a light sheen of moisturising colour. With ingredients such as Mango Oil, these are certainly a must have for the colder months in particular and I'm so excited to have a real play around with more of the tones.

Priced at £19.50 each, which of the shades stand out to you?

SHOP THE POST

The Balm Schwing Liner

2015-09-01T13:22:00.001+01:00

I'm really into eyeliner these days, so much so that it's become a part of my daily make up. Whether that has anything to do with the fact that my lining skills are a little better or not, I love it and can't steer too far away from a little line of the lid and feline flick.

With that in mind, I've taken it upon myself to try various liquid and gel liners on the market, and for a thicker more obvious line, this Schwing Black Liner from The Balm is really quite something.

With its felt tip tapered applicator, this is really nice to apply and creates a smooth matte bold line with the Blackest of Black pigment which I love. It's quite wet, which for me personally, leaves little room for mistakes but if you've been lining for a while then I would say this is one for you.

I like to be honest and fair with products, and one thing that I'm not very impressed with, is its lack of waterproof skills. It doesn't dry as well as others I have tried and a couple of evenings when I've become tired and dry eyed, this has smudged across my face leaving me with a over-winged out/smudged like crazy eye like you wouldn't believe. In saying that, does it put me off? Absolutely not. I love its pigmentation, application and bold matte finish, so I'll just learn to cope with its smudging and will hold back any tears or rubs of the eye!

Priced at around the £12.00 mark, you can get your hands on Schwing from ASOS and Feel Unique.

SHOP THE POST

Too Faced Born This Way

2015-07-28T19:45:00.000+01:00

I'm normally quite apprehensive when it comes to trying new foundations, but when I was presented with an array of the new Too Faced Born This Way Foundations, I was actually quite excited and couldn't wait to give them a try.

Oil-free, this foundation claims to diffuse the line between make up and skin, providing an undetectable medium to full coverage. It's said to conceal imperfections whilst leaving the the skin naturally radiant, and with ingredients such as Coconut Water, Alpine Rose and Hyaluronic Acid, your skin is cared for in terms of moisture, elasticity and appearance.

So, what do I think?

I really do like this foundation and love that there's a twelve shades to choose from. The frostiness to the glass bottle makes choosing a shade without pumping and swatching difficult, but I went for Light Beige and I'm actually quite pleased that I did.

On first impressions, I wasn't too keen on how the product applied to the skin. I always use a brush to apply my foundation but I found that it didn't blend as well as I'm used to and took a little bit of working in to really get going and banish the brush lines. Once applied, I really like how it sits and looks on the skin. It certainly isn't undetectable, but I don't mind that. The coverage is nice and buildable and I would go as far as saying it's my ideal coverage level. I personally don't have lots that I necessarily want/need to cover, but I like that look.

For me personally, I wouldn't use a powder on top of this foundation at fear of it looking too cakey. It's definitely more matte finish than dewy and light, but equally, it leaves my skin looking really healthy which is pretty.

I'm not quite sure how far skincare ingredients can benefit your skin in a foundation, so I can't really comment on those, but I guess if they're included, that can only be a good thing?

I'm really enjoying using this foundation and so I'm really glad I stepped out of my foundation comfort zone.

Too Faced Born This Way will cost £29.00 and will be available to buy in August, at Debenhams.

Clinique Eyes- Chubby Lash, Just Browsing & Pretty Easy Eyeliner

2015-07-28T14:21:00.002+01:00

Clinique have recently been ticking all of my boxes where eyes are concerned and I've been really enjoying using three of their products combined.

Their Chubby Lash mascara, Just Browsing Brow Styler and their Pretty Easy Eyeliner Pen have been three of my top three make up pieces since receiving them and I've found myself reaching for them daily, or at least all of the days that I manage to wear make up.

I personally didn't think that the Chubby Lash Mascara would be something that I would like, as fattening my lashes isn't my main goal when it comes to mascara and I normally would go for something more lengthening, but I'm completely and utterly obsessed.

The brush is in my opinion the perfect size and I find it gets to every lash beautifully, coating them all really well. It's a buildable consistency if you want to create lots of drama, but with results being pretty instantaneous, for the look I like to achieve, it's not necessary to build it up any further, and I wouldn't personally want to risk getting any clumps.

I was shocked to see quite how long my stumpy lashes looked on application and so I've found myself to be pleasantly pleased with the results.

I'm absolutely all about the brows and so when I saw Clinique's new Just Browsing Brush On Styling Mousse, I knew I just had to give one a whirl.

Brows are everything for me when it comes to make up and I find that I've been using this to finish my already filled in brows to create that shape and "undone" look that I love. The tint, whilst really lovely, does just that- it tints and sadly doesn't fill in my brows, which is the look that I personally go for.

For a quick make up ready to dash out of the house, I absolutely would use this to add a little something to my brows, but for now, I'm loving using it as more of a "setting and styling" mousse, for thicker and fuller looking brows.

For me, the Pretty Easy Liquid Eyeliner Pen is where it's at. This Eyeliner is amazing and I've found myself raving about it so many times now. It's the perfect size, pigmentation and Blackest Black finish and I personally cannot get enough.

It's great for getting as close as you can to the lash line to create a fine and delicate line as opposed to anything too thick and over the top, plus it's fine pointed pen shape is the perfect tool for a fine feline flick and applying with such ease makes it a real winner in my opinion.

Along with Clinique's new Skinny Sticks (£15.00) which I'm personally not 100% sold on yet, Just Browsing (£16.00) and the Pretty Easy Eyeliner Pen (£19.00) will be available to buy at the end of this month (31st July), whilst the Chubby Lash is already available in four shades costing £17.50.

What do you think of the look of these products? Do you think you'll be sold like me?

The Balm Nude'Tude Eyeshadow Palette

2015-07-28T13:26:00.001+01:00

A brand that I've really been loving recently is The Balm and of course, one of their stand out products for me was always going to be their Nude Eyeshadow Palette- surprise!

Made up of twelve shades, Nude'Tude is home to both shimmery and matte tones and I must say, I'm a huge fan of them all minus maybe one or two at a big push.

Sassy, Stubborn, Selfish, Sophisticated, Sexy, Serious, Snobby, Stand-offish, Sultry, Seductive, Silly and Sleek are the twelve S's and each of them provide really great pigmentation and colour payoff. I'm not so keen on Sassy and Stubborn, purely down to the fact that they're shades I hardly ever reach for due to the fact of them not doing much for me, but besides that, they're still great quality.

A shade that I'm particularly fond of, is Sexy and I just know that come Winter time, that will be a shadow that will be rocked a lot.

Sultry and Seductive are the two tones that I'm wearing in the in look above, they're both perfectly wearable tones for daytime but can also be jazzed up for something more special of an evening.

The Balm Nude'tude Eyeshadow Palette costs £30.00 as is available to buy at Feel Unique.

SHOP THIS POST

BELLES BOUTIQUE IS BACK

2015-07-20T21:56:00.000+01:00

It's been a while since I last sat down and gave my blog any attention, but I'm pleased to announce, that I'm back.

Being a mum is certainly more demanding than I ever imagined it would be, and in turn, over the first year of parenthood, it left me with minimal time to myself and even less time to even consider blogging.

My blog is my thing and it's what I've loved doing for the past five or so years and so to go from posting daily to barely posting at all has been a genuine struggle and brought me heartache. That might sound extremely dramatic to some as I've equally been in the happiest place in my life, but honestly, not posting as frequently as I had hoped effected me more than I ever thought it would.

Before becoming a mum, I was under no illusion that being a parent would be hard, but I never considered that my blog would have to take a back seat in my life. I am a blogger, and I wanted to blog. To see something that I had put so much effort into building up over the years almost disintegrate in front of my own eyes, well, lets just say it hurt. It took me to a really low place at times as I felt I'd lost a part of me, but now, a year in, I'm finding a little more balance and I'm determined to get Belles Boutique back on track.

Some of you may question why I took to giving YouTube my online attention if blogging was my original passion, and the truth is that because throughout those weeks of Harrison's first year, it was the outlet that I needed. Being a mum is hard, but YouTube allowed me to share my journey and document the most precious moments in my life to a community that I felt "got it". Uploading my real life was and is for pleasure and I get great satisfaction putting together videos of my weeks with Harrison and engaging with an audience, but posting about make up, when I barely had time to shower, wasn't real life for me and it would have felt fake.

Fortunately, I have now found the perfect balance, well at least I think I have, and I intend on spending at least two days a week whilst Harrison's in nursery focusing on my blog.

I'm most likely going to mix things up a little bit, although Belles Boutique is and will continue to be predominately beauty based.

If you've stuck around, thank you so much. I genuinely appreciate all of your support and I'm so pleased to be back.

Clarins 'Mum and Me Time' at Ragdale Hall Spa

2015-06-16T19:29:00.003+01:00

Life got a little crazy recently and some me time became very necessary and what better way to spend it than with my mum, in the countryside at a spa.

A three-hour-something road trip up the M1 took my mum and I to Ragdale Hall Spa in Leicestershire, and boy did we have a great weekend.

Two days of pure luxury soaking up the fresh country air in our fluffy White gowns meant we had time to relax away from daily stresses and just be. It's often only when you take a moment to breathe in an environment of silence and calm, that you realise just how much you needed that moment to breathe, chill and unwind.

Ragdale Hall is a traditional Victorian building and homes both traditional and modern luxury with state of the art equipment and facilities, current brands and fabulous treatments.

The Thermal Spa which is made up of both an indoor and outdoor heated waterfall pool, a candle pool, a thought zone, a colour flow cave, a volcanic salt bath, a scented room, a rose sauna and a cave experience shower was a favourite of ours and so I'm sure it will come as no surprise when I tell you that we spent the majority of our time in there, switching between facilities.

In between pruning our fingers and toes, we were very kindly treated to a Mum and Me Time Clarins Serenity Facial which was an absolute dream. 40 minutes of treatment which included an in depth skincare consultation and a Clarins gift of an Eau Dynamisante Fragrance, Moisturising Body Lotion and a Clarins Beauty Bag, meant that we had the opportunity to relax even further- so much so that I actually fell asleep mid facial. It was such a nice treat and it was so lovely to be pampered alongside my mum, who following the treatment was floating on cloud nine.

With the added bonus of the clean air and spa facilities, my skin had never looked and felt so clear and I can't wait to continue to use the Clarins products that were recommended for me to use day to day.

Breakfast in bed, an incredible three course buffet lunch and dinner were equally beautiful and going to enjoy them were the only times that we were away from the tranquil settings of the spa. Dressed in our gowns and slippers for mealtime was an extra special treat for us and made the days even more relaxing and I now just wish it was socially acceptable to dine out like that everywhere. I'm a girls girl and love getting dressed up for fancy meals, but in that environment with the calming nature of the trip, dressing gowns were the only way and it was absolutely completely heavenly.

Set in the middle of nowhere, with bunnies hopping into the distant fields, Ragdale Hall is the perfect spa getaway for all ages, shapes and sizes and I for sure can't wait to return.

Whether it's gym classes, swimming, treatments, garden games or spa facilities you're into, there's something for everyone, although having experienced the most gorgeous quality time with my mum, I can't recommend taking your mum along for the Clarins Mum and Me Time Package enough.

I'd love to know if you've been to Ragdale Hall or whether you're interested in visiting. What's your favourite spa treatment?

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

2015-06-05T22:04:00.000+01:00

First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads- where do I start? These are just what I've been on the search for and they have become a very welcomed part of my skincare regime.

I've been a fan of acid exfoliator pads for some time now, but the ones that I've used in the past have all come with pretty hefty price tags. Now on a bit more of a budget, I've been looking for a more purse friendly alternative.

Having researched these a little bit before purchasing, I kind of knew I was onto a winner but nothing quite prepared me for just how good these would be on my skin.

Designed to exfoliate, tone and brighten, these pads contain lactic and glycolic acids which always work absolute wonders for my skin. Alongside Cucumber, Lemon Peel and Licorice Root, this potion of goodness soaked up into pads leaves your skin glowing and smooth and both looking and feeling incredibly clear with my pores noticeably reduced, which is something I personally look for in products.

I would say that these are a lot more on the gentle side than similar pads that I've used, which may be why the price tag isn't as extreme, but they do just as excellent a job and I'm so thrilled with the results.

I sweep these over my face after I cleanse in the evening and I really couldn't recommend them enough.

Available to buy on Feel Unique, First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads are available a pot of 20 (£12.00) and a pot of 60 (£22.00).

SHOP THE POST

Sachajuan Leave In Conditioner

2015-05-28T10:15:00.004+01:00

I've been on the market for a good leave in conditioner for some time now and I've finally found one that ticks all of my boxes.

Well worth the wait, Sachajuan's Leave In Conditioner is the a really lovely lightweight formula that sprayed into your hair after washing it, can be left to just sit and work its magic without the need for rinsing. For someone like me, who doesn't have the time to wait around in the shower like I once did, it's a dream.

Unlike other conditioning products, I apply this all over my hair including on the scalp area, which again, ticks another box. It's oil free which makes for a lovely formulation and I simply cannot get enough. Even the packaging is a simplistic little wonder.

For the majority of my washes, I now tend to leave my hair to air dry and I find this helps it to do so in a much more luxurious way. My hair dries knot free and once dry, it boosts a gorgeous shine and an excellent amount of body.

Available to buy on Feel Unique, this 250ml bottle costs £22.00.

SHOP THE POST

Bobbi Brown Everything- Everything Eyes & Eyewear

2015-05-07T21:59:00.002+01:00

Two posts ago when I spoke about the Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil, I mentioned that I'd been swooning over a few new bits and couldn't wait to share them with you. Well, I was right- I couldn't wait to share them with you and so here we are.

Last week I was given the opportunity to have breakfast with the Bobbi Brown and I can't explain to you how incredible an opportunity it was. Hearing her story first hand was so inspiring and listening to her talk through her passion and her products was dreamy.

As well as excellent make up, Bobbi Brown is a best-selling author and the newest book in her collection is Bobbi Brown Everything Eyes. To compliment her eye makeup collection, she launched this book to teach you everything you need to know to create stand out eyes. The book covers everything you need to know and last weekend, I had a lovely time with a cup of tea in the bath, reading up on how to perfect the smoky eye.

Of course being all about eyes and representing those that wear glasses beautifully, to compliment the lessons that are available at counters which teach you about makeup behind glasses, Bobbi's newest launch is spectacular (see what I did there?)- Bobbi Brown Eyewear.

With both sunglasses and optical glasses in the range, there's absolutely something for everyone and since I've been researching further into the collection, I've absolutely fallen for The Taylor and The Anna and quite frankly need them in my life- swoon. These have been launched a while in the US but here in the UK, they're now available to buy in Liberty.

Bobbi's Hydrating Eye Cream is a product that I've been using for some time now, however I've never blogged about it. Not a day goes by where I don't apply this- mainly because it's a dream to use underneath concealer and I need concealer. It's so gentle and keeps my under eyes hydrated and smooth and keeps them from creasing when I apply my corrector and concealer duo. It's formulated with Avocado and Jojoba Oils, Squalane and Glycerin as well as Vitamins A, C and E and whilst I won't pretend to know the scientific stuff- together they do an excellent job.

The infamous Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges are a lovely product and the shade Powder Pink is everything I've needed recently. Inspired from a moment that Bobbi saw her grandma applying her lipstick to her cheeks, Pot Rouges have been designed to be a multipurpose product to add a flush to your cheeks and a stain to your lips and I personally can't get enough. They're the perfect product to see you through your day and great to just keep in your handbag incase you need a little touch up.

I'm a huge fan of the skincare range and Bobbi actually admitted that she sometimes thinks she loves it more than the make up, but surprisingly I'd never tried the Vitamin Enriched Face Base. Since getting my hands on it last week, I've reached for it on all of my make up days and it really is very lovely to use. It's a mixture of both a moisturiser and a primer and it feels incredible on the skin. It's oil-free so it doesn't feel greasy how I imagined it would when I saw that it included Shea Butter in the ingredients and it sits on the skin and underneath make up really well, whilst giving off a lovely fragrance.

I've mentioned Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadows a few times in the past and Golden Bronze is now up there with my favourites. That probably comes as no surprise- it's stunningly pigmented, compliments my Blue eyes and as described, like the other shades, it's super long wearing. I always reach for these went I want a pretty eye with no effort as they apply in a stroke and blend out beautifully, with a finger or a brush.

Two lip products that I'm really pleased to add to my collection are Bobbi's Art Stick in Harlow Red which again, can be used both on the lips and cheeks and another Creamy Matte Lip Colour in the shade Jenna- a perfectly pigmented Orange Red which is perfect for Summer. Bobbi does eyes and lips so well and I rarely use a product from the collections that I don't love.

Finally, in my little Bobbi Brown round up, is the Full Coverage Face Brush. Again, I've spoken about my love for Bobbi Brown brushes before- they really are incredible. They apply make up to perfection, wash beautifully and are such good quality that they stay perfect. This brush that has been designed for powder formulas and homes tightly packed bristles that pick up just the right amount of product for a soft application, ultra polished "HD" finish.

All of these products are available now and although the glasses aren't as readily available, you can quite easily get hold of Everything Eye's and pick up all of the make up and skincare online and at Bobbi stores and counters.

SHOP THE POST

Clarins Aquatic Treasures

2015-05-06T07:00:00.000+01:00

This month Clarins are launching their Summer make up collection which is always a winner for me.

There's something about Clarins that just get it so right when it comes to Summertime and this year, once again, is certainly no exception.

They tend to follow along the same lines as previous years, but why not when they're always huge hits? Yes, we all love new launches, and that will never change, but the saying "if it ain't broken don't fix it" certainly comes to mind when it comes to Clarins Summer- in particular their Bronzing compacts.

Always perfectly embossed in the huge circular pan, Clarins bronzers are one of my favourites and always last so long. This year, inspired by marine life, the embossed Aquatic Treasures Summer Bronzing Compact (£30.00) is home to four matte Bronzing shades ranging from the lightest Beige tone to a true Terracotta. Simply put, it's absolutely stunning- maybe too stunning to use in fact (although don't worry- I will!).

Part of the collection is made up of Clarins new limited edition Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Bases in two shades; 04 Apricot and 05 Golden Bronze (£26.00). These can be used alone, or how I personally prefer to use them, mixed with foundation to create a more glowy, radiant base.

Finally, in two shades, 01 Aquatic Rose and 03 Aquatic Grey, are two limited edition Ombre Iriescentes (£19.00), which are incredibly pretty cream to powder eye shadows. These are made up of a long lasting and really easy to apply formula which I really enjoy using. As much as I love applying shadows with a brush, in the Summertime, there's something about keeping your make up natural and applying with fingers, and with these being so quick and easy, they're perfect applied like that, for my quick mummy make up looks.

Launching this month, the collection will as always be limited edition, but if you are after any of these delights, you can pick them up at Clarins counters in the likes of John Lewis and House of Fraser.

Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil

2015-05-05T15:41:00.000+01:00

You all know how much I love Bobbi Brown, in fact I've spent this morning swooning over some new products which I can't wait to share with you, but before I pump my last bit of product out of the bottle this evening, I thought it was about time I share my love of Bobbi Brown's Soothing Cleansing Oil with you.

This product was something that I must admit, took a back seat in my skin care collection for some time. It never really appealed to me, but after having a Bobbi lesson at a counter, where the make up artist used this to remove my make up, I knew I had to move it to the front and give it the attention it needed.

Oil's often scare people, I know they did me in the past, but honestly, I don't think you can beat a good oil on your skin and the right ones are great are everyone. This Soothing Cleansing Oil, boasts ingredients such as Jasmine Flower Extract, Kukui Nut and Joboba Oil and works to break down makeup just beautifully.

It glides onto the skin so nicely and in no time at all, melts away everything to a clear base like magic. Although out of habit I use this as purely a make up remover and then often go in for a second cleanse, I do think that I could probably go without the second step as this oil really does leave my skin feeling and looking so good.

Melting away both eye make up and face make up so incredibly nicely and leaving the skin feeling dreamy, this is an absolute must have for me I highly recommend it.

Available to buy online and at Bobbi stores and counters in the likes of Selfridges and John Lewis, costing £31.00 for 200ml of product, this is definitely something to consider if you're after a cleansing treat.

SHOP THE POST

Benefit Do The Hoola

2015-04-20T07:00:00.000+01:00

I've been doing the Hoola pretty much since I started bronzing, which lets face it, was a long time ago. Of course, my style of bronzing has changed somewhat, and it's less "all over Tango applied in the school toilets" and more of a chisled contour now, but Hoola has seen me through my make up years and so it will forever have a fond place in my heart.

Last week, on QVC, Benefit launched the Do The Hoola kit which includes Benefits first ever liquid Hoola- Dew The Hoola, which is a lovely and sheer product and blends beautifully, but what I love most, is that it's still completely matte, which is what I love most about Hoola.

The kit includes an Ultra Plush gloss in the shade Hoola, a They're Real Mascara, a teeny tiny Hoola bronzer which I think is super adorable, Dew The Hoola and a Benebalm which are all very popular products, so if you haven't tried any of them or if you're quite simply a fan and want to get your hands on the cute miniatures, then this is well worth a buy.

Available exclusive to QVC, Do The Hoola costs £25.50.

Do you do the Hoola? What's your favourite Benefit products?

Neom Real Luxury Bath Foam

2015-04-18T20:17:00.001+01:00

Since becoming a mum, when I have the opportunity to experience any kind of down time, I'm all about relaxation.

When it comes to candles, bath foams and the like, I honestly can't get enough of luxurious scents and can now fully appreciate the goodness of essential oils.

Although I must admit, any bath is a good bath nowadays, with the addition of this Neom Organics Real Luxury Bath Foam, words can't quite describe how incredible a bath time I have.

"Scent to make you feel good" is the perfect description of this product and I find it's an essential product to create a moment of zen and leaves me feeling incredibly calm, relaxed and stress-free.

Lavender, Jasmine and Brazillian Rosewood are the fragrance notes carried through the product, which together create a spa like soothing blend of luxury and if you're like me and look forward to a single moment of relaxation or if you're into luxurious products as a day to day thing, then I honestly can't recommend this enough.

Costing £22.00 for 200ml of product, this definitely costs more than the standard bubbles, but for the way it makes you feel, it's more than worth it in my opinion.

I'm off for a long soak, but I'd love to know whether you've tried this and what relaxing products you love.

SHOP THE POST

BOBBI BROWN NEW LIP COLOUR SHADES

2015-04-17T12:01:00.002+01:00

As a huge fan of Bobbi Brown, you'll only ever catch me praising their launches and needless to say, with new shades launched into their lipstick line, I'm a happy girl.

In response to requests from make up artists around the world, Bobbi Brown have introduced more shades into their Creamy Lip Colour, Creamy Matte Lip Colours and Sheer Lip Colour lines.

With 29 new shades over the three different formulas, there's for sure a shade to suit every skin tone, style and occasion and with the four that I have tried being absolutely dreamy, I have a very good feeling about the other 25 and can't wait to try a few next time I visit a counter.

Pale Beach 25 (Creamy Matte Lip Colour), Shell 26 (Sheer Lip Colour), Mandarin 28 3(Creamy Lip Colour) and Pink Flush 31 (Sheer Lip Colour) are equally beautiful but I am particularly blown away by Shell, which is a Peachy tone and already in the few weeks that I've owned it, it's become a make up bag essential.

Available now, the new shades will cost the normal price of £19.50 each and can be purchased at Bobbi Brown stores and counters in the likes of Selfridges and John Lewis.

SHOP THE POST

Selfridges Agender Beauty Box

2015-04-09T18:26:00.002+01:00

When a store like Selfridges puts together a beauty box, you can be pretty damn sure that what's going to be inside that box will be special.

Today, Selfridges launched a limited edition beauty box to fall alongside their current Agender campaign, which challenges boundaries and celebrates genderless fashion. Pieces such as trench coats and skate shoes- two things that I love, fall within their fashion campaign and inside the beauty box is as follows.

NARS Mini Eye Liner

Illamasqua Black Mascara

Verso Face Cream

Lancaster Tan Maximiser

Kiehl's Ultra-Facial Cleanser

Konjac Sponge

Demologica Conditioning Body Wash

OPI- Tickle My Francy

OCC Lip Tar- Hollywood

Before the price even comes into the equation, what we have here is nine of Selfridges favourite beauty products and personally, seven products that I am particularly so happy to have opened the box to.

With a combined value of £108, the Agender Beauty Box costs just £30 and if you're interested in getting one for yourself, you can sign up on the Selfridges website to be the first to know when it lands.