Beyoncé's Rise

Loath, like or love her, she's pretty incredible and she's launching her third fragrance "Rise" after her first two fragrances Heat and Pulse. 

This is supposed to be a blend of fruit and musk, lots of musk (supposedly "the sexy scent", although when ever I think of musk I think of stale water, if you know what scent that is). 

This time Bey has gone for a gold bottled number and an add that is very hair flipping, sultry looks loaded and covered in gold, as Bey talks about your "rise" to "stir things up". 

The perfume is currently only available at Superdrug online, more than likely to be available in other drug/department stores in the near future if Bey has anything to do with it (which she probably doesn't, not in the UK anyway!)

Here is the advert for her new perfume (no guest appearance from Jay-Zed or Blue Ivy unfortunately)

RHS x

Lush 'Soft Coeur'

I think I became hooked with his product because it had a French word in it. That is a great reason to buy a product and would throw market researchers off course in a matter of seconds. I'm not a great lover of Lush, seeing as everyone I know (myself included) has some skin disorder ranging from mild dry patches so out of control eczema and Lush wouldn't be the place we could find steroid cream. However, for the odd things I can't help myself.

This is a massage bar, which I bought about three weeks ago and have only used twice. I thought it was more like a muscle rub but apparently, according to their website, it is a "Sweetly romantic massage bar with a soft cocoa and honey centre" - and they suggest putting a towel down before use as it can get "messy" - I was simply hoping to use it after an over-extrenuous gym session. Which is what I have used it for, so I'm throwing their instructions out of the window. 

For some reason I managed to pull my hamstrings and glutes in the gym yesterday, which I haven't done in ages and they hurt so much that I couldn't manage a run today in fear I'd need muscle replacement or something. So I reached for "Soft Coeur" when I got out the shower and it literally melts as soon as it enters your hands. Having a huge candle lit and the heating on didn't help its messiness, nevertheless the smell is incredible. It feels like a thick cream that melts into your skin and leaves you silky soft. I got the inner physio in me out with the old thumbs in the muscle technique, which was surprisingly a lot easier without the smell of deep heat or ibuprofen gel. 

So I am feeling a little less sore in the muscle department and very relaxed thanks to honey, cocoa and shea butter ahh. Now just to sleep off these pulled muscles... 

RHS x 

Broody?

I'll just set the scene. 

I'm going out tonight. In precisely an hour, I have just painted my nails (hence the brief pause in getting ready to write this whilst my nails dry), I have gone through approximately 16 different outfits, almost cried to Natalie that, despite going to the gym for 2 hours this evening I still feel like I'm the size of the biggest Indian elephant. Why? no idea (a 3 egg omelette after the gym has clearly made me bloated, need some Activia), I'm listening to Motown (yes, really!) and I have already had two double vodkas (in no way do I endorse binge drinking). But, and its a big but - my hair is silky soft, nevertheless pinned up high in rollers atm, but for that reason I am a very happy lady. Its silky soft because Boots have a 3 for 2 offer on baby products. 

Yes, baby products. If you are over the age of 13 and you haven't yet used baby products out of your baby years, who are you? I'm not talking nappy rash cream (although who doesn't use that famous cream for spots? - see, you do use baby products!) or teething pain gel I'm talking Johnson and Johnson (aka Johnsons') baby oil, baby shampoo, baby conditioner (YES THEY NOW DO CONDITIONER - woop), baby lotion... the list goes on. Its on offer, there is no excuse. 

So I bought some - to be precise: "Johnsons' baby shampoo/ relaxing/ with lavender extract" and "Johnsons' baby conditioner/ no more tangles/ with Camomile" - also "Little Me sensitive body cream" which is "oh so gentle" aw with "Pear, Mallow (YES AS IN MARSH) & Organic Aloe Vera" - is it just me or are babies spoiled? babies are spoiled. These kind of products are for me! 

So I've now used my baby products 3 times and I thought it was definitely worth writing a post about - my hair will barely stay in a clip it is that soft it just annoyingly falls out - it literally feels like your stroking the fluffiest, softest cat - or like a duck feather has fallen out of your pillow and is tickling your nose - that kind of soft - I kid you not. It has made my hair so easy to work it and smells like... lavender and camomile for some odd reason. mmm and my skin does smell a bit like a marshmallow but who is complaining?!

Johnsons' baby stuff - surprisingly amazingly beautiful and there is definitely no more tears


I'm now seeing double,
RHS x

The Sunday Communiqué #1

Mascaras - the good, the bad and the very ugly and overpriced... 

I have an abundance of mascaras - that I have collected over the years - very naughty as mascaras should be thrown out every three months! - but I have gathered together my favourites and some that have left me very disappointed... 

The L'Oreal Classics: L'Oreal has never failed to supply good mascaras, my favourite is Lash Architect in Waterproof but they're stopped selling it. However the second best thing is the Lash Architect 4D in Waterproof - forget your false lashes, with a quick curl this mascara makes your lashes look incredible and they stay all night (invest in a good mascara remover! I use Botanics All Bright Eye Make-up Remover). I was swanning through boots yesterday to go and purchase L'Oreal Telescopic mascara only to realise L'Oreal cosmetics in Boots is two for £14! - So I bought Telescopic and Double Extension Renewal which has a white mascara to lengthen lashes and a black mascara to curl and add definition - I love them both - however they are both more of a day time mascara where as Lash Architect 4D is a night-time heavier long lasting mascara. 

YSL: YSL Shocking is a very good mascara - I need more and was devastated when it ran out - however it is on the pricey side at around £23 in House of Fraser, however it was well worth it and very much acted like the Lash Architect however gave a softer finish. It curls lashes and holds them in place and separates at the same time. 

No.7 Intense Volume: this is my bottom lash mascara - yep, forget Clinique's overpriced bottom lash mascara this one is just as good at adding definition to bottom lashes without making them clogged - it isn't a very good top lash mascara as it just leaves lashes looking thick and limp. 

Seventeen Peep Show: This was bought as a bit of a "Help I just need a good day mascara that isn't expensive" thing - and I have to say at about £5 it is my trusty go-to - I wear it for less extravagant occasions like going to work or days out (so long as it doesn't rain! - there is no waterproof alternative!) 

The Body Shop Super Volume Mascara: aka doesn't do what it says on the tin. I was very disappointed with this mascara as it did add volume but you could barely see your lashes, it didn't curl or lengthen and my lashes stayed very straight. However, with a good curl this mascara is very good for when wearing a smoky eye just to add a bit of definition. 

RHS x

How to: Newspaper nails!

what you will need

This is a great way to make your nails stand out and keep up with the nail-art trend - It was a great hit at Uni!

First start by soaking your nails in warm water to soften the cuticles and make your nails easier to file. Then rub Bio Oil (or Johnsons baby oil) into your cuticles, this will make it easier for you to push them back. Never push back cuticles without them being fully moisturised or softened first. 


File your nails to the shape you want then apply a base coat varnish and allow to dry. I use Boots base and top coats, they come in a set. 

press newspaper onto nail lightly

When dry, paint nails with a nude colour. I use No7 Stay Perfect #170 'So Simple' - two coats. 

The fun part!

Dip nails just into the vodka to coat the whole nail for about eight seconds, then take a small strip of newspaper (the right way up so that each nail is printed the same). Press lightly for 3-5 seconds then gently peel away newspaper - if you press for too long the paper will begin to disintegrate and leave paper stuck to your nail - not a great look! (although most will become clear when you add a top coat) 

When all nails have been sufficiently printed paint on a layer of top coat to seal the ink. The ink smudges easily -great if you want to redo a nail, not so great if you have perfected them! 

I use Elegant Touch Rapid Dry for Nails (Boots) to seal and dry the nails in 60 seconds (only use this for the top coat)

Admire your beautiful nails!

I'm wearing mine out tonight 

 RHS x 

How to: get rid of under-eye dark circles

Yes you did read that right. I used get the WORST black, purply, bruisey eyes. I have tried everything over the years and even turned to my trusty ELLE magazine for extra guidance. 

I have found these products to be especially good: 

oh no! running low on Bio Oil 

I use four products, including getting enough sleep (this doesn't have to mean an early night! - it means a good 9 hours a night), putting down the Cava darling and lowering the salt (bad!) intake. Both alcohol and salt dehydrate your cells (hence the headache after a night out and feeling thirst after a McDonalds - which I hope you're not eating!) making your eyes puffy. 

Firstly, after I have washed, toned and moisturised my skin (I use Clinique 3 step) I use Botanics 'Refreshing Eye Roll On - All Bright'  This is applied using a cold metal ball which is massaged over the eye area to cool it down and reduce puffiness. 

After I have applied my make-up base I use Clinique 'All About Eyes' (I always receive these in the bonus time offers by Clinique- they last ages) with YSL 'Touche Éclait' (which I am now on my 3rd year of using) don't use too much because it will be obvious you're trying to hide your dark circles, also the added Clinique cream will make it thinner but will make it easier to blend. - Always use your ring finger (the one next to your little finger) to blend in make-up around the eye (or use a concealer brush) because the skin is very sensitive and a lot thinner. 

After I have taken off all of my make-up (use a hydrating cleanser and moisturiser) I use a very generous amount of Bio Oil - yes really, not just amazing for stretch marks and scars it is also clinically proven to even skin tone - including reducing the look of dark circles - its great to apply at night because it can be a little too oily under make-up or for in the day. 

Ok, I lied I use 5 products but the fifth I only use for special occasions or when my eyes are in desperate need of some TLC - Boots 'Cooling Eye Mask' which is great for using before you apply make-up for a night out or the morning after a night out when eyes are especially tired and need a pick me up. 

And of course, do not forget the power of cucumber for amazing hydration (they are like 99.674% which is why they taste not very nice but are so good for your eyes! - hence why beauticians still use them as part of your facial) - Cucumber can be used instead of the Boots mask - they virtually do the same job. 

A cold tea bag on each eye is also very soothing and hydrating!

bye dark circles! 

RHS x

My top 5 summer beauty buys

Summer is still here! And I'm yet to go away! 

Here's the products I'll be packing...

Piz Buin Tan and Protect Accelerating Oil 

This oil is incredible. Not only does it look like you've been dunked into a greasy chip pan (I did go ott on the application one day) but it also makes the whole cast of Geordie Shore green with envy!

It can also be used to give your legs extra sheen on a night out! - several benefits, always a bonus. 

Really, its that good. I used SPF 6 but they do make it in SPF 15! (please don't burn!) 

Its currently BUY ONE GET ONE FREE AT BOOTS!

Avene Thermale Spring Water

I first disovered this on one of my many summer holidays to France. 

Our French friends were raving over it, so I bought some in France 3 years ago and have used it ever since!

Its great for sensitive skin - great for any red patches after sunbathing! 

It balances the skin's pH and leaves a soft complexion. 

It can be used for everything and everything: after the gym to cool you down (really does work!), or on the beach, after shaving, after beauty regimes such as waxing. 

Its currently £10 at boots but Escentual are selling the 300ml bottle (lasts all year!) for £9, there are also smaller sizes handy for hand luggage! 

Piz Buin Aftersun Tan Intensifier 

(have you noticed I'm a bit of a Piz Buin lover - they have the best sun products I've ever used) 

So, if you still don't have the Geordie Shore cast running after you with jealousy - this will make them run!

Its not a fake tan but it has ingredients (including Vitamin E - to soothe any sun stresses on the skin) to promote your natural tanning ability - so the next day you're ready to bronze again! 

Its also great after you have left your holiday, or the summer is over because your tan lasts a lot longer due to the 24hr Hydration which is essential to prolonging your tan! 

Its better than half price at Superdrug at £5.24

Wella SP Sun UV Protection Spray

You've landed in Bora Bora, or Faliraki, where ever, with your new head of highlights and after a day in the sun your hair is dry and faded.

You need to protect your hair aswell!

I don't colour my hair but I always use this when I go abroad - the Suns rays are a lot more powerful in Europe and Northern-Southern Africa so this spray is an essential! 

I have also found the spray is good for swimming as well - it stops the chlorine from drying and hardening your hair 

Smells AMAZING also! - great if you're sweating off your Piz Buin - nice. 

It isn't greasy so won't make your bouffant look diabolical - in fact its like a shine enhancing hairspray - another 2in1 - I know, I'm incredible. 

Its curently £10.76 at Beauty Bay.com with free delivery! 

Honey, Marc Jacobs

Ahh the difficulty in choosing a Summer fragrance - I've found it - and I found it only yesterday when a free sample came in this months Elle magazine subscription - An amazing moment 

I've never really been a fan of MJ's perfumes over the years - but this one is a BEAUTY, obviously MJ's are never cheap but they are SO worth it - I'll be first in line for mine over the weekend! 

The only thing I know about top and middle and bottom notes are that on a Piano - nevertheless 'The Fragrance Shop' says it has:

1.  Top notes of pear, mandarin and orange
2. Heart notes (what?!) of orange blossom (if you know what that is), peach and honey suckle (aw) 
3. Base notes (dubstep?) of honey and vanilla

AHA! - the base notes, thats what I could smell, it isn't particularly floral (hence most of the notes being fruit!) but its sweet but not sickly - it will be easy to wear by the pool (if you must waste it by swimming!) and of an evening!

Its got a golden sparkle about it

50ml at The Fragrance Shop is £49.50 (50p less than RRP - bargain...) you do get a free make up bag!

100ml = £67.50

50ml at Life and Looks is £41! (no make-up bag... sigh) 

Pricey but I don't care - I love it (hmm, I should make that into a song) 

-

Ahh, summer - now you can enjoy it with my best buys!

Happy Shopping! - please feel free to share any of your favourite summer buys (Tweet me  @RuthHannahSmith)

Love

RHS x