Hello Monday

It always rolls around too fast doesn't it! But hey, it's here, and we have to make the most of it!

How was your weekend? We had a nice relaxing time which included a first birthday party and a long lunch and catch up with a friend yesterday. We've also been viewing houses and plotting the futures for our businesses...very day-dreamy I admit, but if you don't dream, you don't get, right?!

I've also been thinking about summer... we haven't taken a holiday in the sun for three years and I'm not sure if we will get to this year either but I'll continue to dream about sweet summery dresses and sunglasses such as these from ASOS...aren't they pretty. Oh to feel the sun on my face like this lucky model....Come on Spring, let's be havin' ya!

The winners of The Friday Freebie are A Certain Vintage and Ciara H....email me your postal addresses please!

In Defence of Your Skin - The Friday Freebie

So you know the feeling in winter when you're skin is feeling a bit de-hydrated and weathered so you load on a thicker moisturiser to nourish it? Only to find that your makeup won't stick and when you get indoors into a centrally heated environment you start to 'glow' exessively due to the barrier of cream. The other extreme is when it is warm and you want something lightweight yet are concerned about getting enough moisture as well as a decent level of SPF. I have found that I have been layering products in the summer time in order to address my skin's needs and end up 'glowing' again! But don't even mention the disaster that would be your skin if you didn't protective products at all.

So what to do? What to use? It all gets a bit confusing...

Well, the clever clogs (and dermatologists) over at Neutrogena have sorted it. They have just launched their Multi-Defence line which is their first daily moisturiser that protects against sun damage, pollution, cold, heat and wind. Wow! What a claim, can one bottle of lotion really do all this?

It seems yes. They worked with eminent dermatologist, Dr Susan Mayou from the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group, whom I quizzed at the launch, and she was very excited about the breakthrough technology that Neutrogena have harnessed to develop this range. They call it PROT-AOX which is a blend of highly performing ingredients including Moringa seed, Brazilian Green Tea and vitamins C and E. This particular cocktail protects the skin from environmental aggressors and improves the skin's own resistance. They include a spectrum of UVA and UVB filters as well as being able to protect against ozone, cigarette smoke (shame on you!) heat and humidity. So it works to defend you against all these skin enemies in one bottle, but how does it feel I hear you cry!

I divided my haul between three people, myself included, all of us with different skin types and the results were a unanimous positive from us all. I road-tested the wipes and the moisturiser for all skin types which has an SPF of 25. This high level of protection at under €10 is amazing so for that alone I give it a huge thumbs up, but mainly, I loved the texture. It's light, my skin felt smooth and my makeup sits perfectly on top. In fact, people commented on how well my skin looked when I started wearing it.

My tester with oily skin used the Gentle Purifying Scrub and the moisturiser for normal and combination skin. The result? Happy skin!

Ivan tested the one for dry and sensitive at my request as I wanted to see how it would fare in warm environments (he's a chef - it gets hot!) and he was impressed - no oily residue or sticky feeling.

So there you go, my verdict is that Neutrogena have worked hard to develop this range which really performs and protects. It's your skin's own bodyguard and with each product at under €10, I'm in...hook, line and sinker.

Here's the best bit - Neutrogena have some goodies to give away to two of you!

Leave a comment below and I'll announce the winners on Monday...

The Dream Kitchen

Myself and Ivan (aka The Resident Chef) have just set up a new foodie business called The Dalkey Food Company where he will be making his range of beautiful artisan soups and supplying them to cafes and stores. We're also planning to teach cookery classes to people who would like more kitchen confidence. Well, he'll be teaching - I am the hostess and the event stylist!

As we're planning on teaching small groups in our own home, we are looking to move to a new house with a fantastic kitchen. The one above is pretty much ideal and we're both currently swooning over it, the downside is that it's in the US! So as soon as we find a cool kitchen with house attached we'll be good to go!

(pic via apartment 34)

Lipstick Line Up

Makeup guru and queen of the New York uber-groomed look, Bobbi Brown has re-formulated and re-launched her lipstick line and I had the pleasure of playing with them yesterday at their Spring launch (so many pretty things, coming your way!)

The difference in the formula is that they now consist of pigments mixed in a clear, emollient base...this means that the colours are true to what you see in the tube and they are rich, creamy, long-lasting and completely gorgeous. Shade-wise we're spoiled for choice but I really fell for the Cosmic Raspberry shade.

I'm a lipstick fan, always have been, so I'm thrilled to see how people are embracing it again. It's just so glamorous; there's no escaping it!

The Joy of Converse

I know they're nothing new, but I can't wait to get in to my Converse again once the weather warms up a little. I have them in both the boot and the shoe and this Spring I am also contemplating getting the metallic leather ones and the yellow ones!

They are up there with Levi 501's, breton tops, trench coats and LBD's in the classics gallery and I love 'em...

A Classic Bronzer

Terracotta by Guerlain. It's been around for donkeys..for a reason. People keep buying into it because it keeps making them look good. I love the proper matte one and use it for contouring under my cheekbones (with a small flat eyeshadow brush actually - better for precision)

Now, it's called a moisturising bronzing powder but moisturising it ain't. That's because it's a powder, and they ain't moist by nature, but let's overlook that slightly odd claim and give credit where it's due.

Used on the high points of the face with a light touch, it's a great bronzer and that, is that.

4 Eyes

Due to a chronic clumsy episode the other day, I lost my glasses. I am currently wearing an old pair that look ridiculous and I can't see out of, so am therefore bashing into things like a fool.

So I went spec shopping earlier but of course couldn't make a decision so left, totally confused. These three have made the short list, what do you think? The new design Ray Ban wayfarers above...

These D&G ones which are more straight and more like my old ones...

Or these retro style Ray Bans? I can't make up my mind about whether I love or hate these Mad Men-esque frames but they would be cute with breton tops and capri style pants in Spring...

Indecisive? Moi?

Help, my lovely readers, what do you think?