The tweeting bra - sponsored video

There's no denying that smart phones and social media have become a big part of our lives (I know I certainly spend half the day glued to my laptop and phone), but this month Nestle fitness have taken it to a whole new level with their Tweeting bra:

Sounds intriguing right? Well the whole thing is in aid of breast cancer awareness. Nestle fitness have teamed up with Greek celebrity Maria Bakodimou who has been wearing this special bra since 19th November. There's an inbuilt bluetooth unit and everytime she removes the bra, a signal will be sent to the server which promptly tweets and will remind us all to check our breasts.

October may be breast cancer awareness month, but it's important that we don't forget to examine the other 11 months of the year too. Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in the UK, although luckily with early detection and treatment 3 out of 4 people are now surviving beyond 10 years. And as we all know lumps and skin changes can often be the first sign that there's something wrong, making self examinations a key part of early diagnosis.

I must admit, as far as ideas go, it's pretty out there, but with so many of us on Twitter now, it's certainly a novel way of reminding us all to do our monthly checks.

For more information you can visit the website or follow the Tweeting bra Twitter account here. There's the hashtag #Tweetingbra too.

*Post sponsored by Nestle fitness

Love me beauty November 2013

It's crazy to think beauty boxes have been around for 2 years now. They've become such a regular treat and I can't remember a time when I didn't look forward to a surprise parcel every month. Love me beauty have always offered their customers a choice of 3 boxes each month, and I feel like since their rebrand in September they've gone from strength to strength, with the November box being one of their best ones yet:

 Love me beauty November 2013*

Love me beauty November 2013

For my November box I went with menu 1, which contains Absolution le soin purifiant face mask, Models Own hot pink nail varnish, Art deco translucent rosewood hydra lip booster, Mitchell and peach shower wash and Jelly pong pong 2 in 1 bronze shadow/liner. There's a complimentary Lord and berry lipstick too, by way of an apology for any issues with last month's mascara and eyeliner.

I've spoken many a time about how nice it to choose your beauty box, but when it comes to make up and nail varnish it really does make all the difference - I've lost count of the number of times I've not used a product just because it's the wrong colour for me. Make up aside, the other 2 products are well chosen too. Face masks and shower gels will always come in handy and they're well suited to most skin types too.

Overall another well thought out and balanced box from Love me beauty. I can't wait to see what they've got planned for their first Christmas box now.

Are you a beauty box subscriber? What are your favourite products to receive?

The Body Shop 24 days of joy advent calendar

Remember when beauty advent calendars were first introduced in 2011? Fast forward to 2013 and they're now more popular than ever. This year The Body Shop is the latest brand to get on board with their 24 days of joy advent calendar:

The body shop 24 days of joy advent calendar*

 The body shop 24 days of joy advent calendar

 The body shop 24 days of joy advent calendar - Vitamin E night cream

I won't spoil the surprise, but if you are a fan of The Body Shop or know someone who is, then this would be the ultimate beauty treat. Inside you'll find generous travel sizes of 24 of their best selling products, ranging from shower gels and body lotions to lip balm and cheek stains. There are cute little explanations on each day too.

Although more than your usual chocolate advent calendar, at £55 this is still very good value with £80 worth of products inside. And as you can see it's an impressive size too, even requiring hinges and a handle to hold it all together.

As with most beauty advent calendars, this has been incredibly popular so you'll have to be quick if you want to get your hands on one this Christmas. At the time of writing, it's been sold out online, but with a bit of luck there should still be a few available in stores.

Will you be getting a beauty advent calendar this Christmas? What's your favourite Body Shop product?

Current haircare routine

When it comes to haircare I like to chop and change my routine every few months. There's just always something new and exciting on the market and unlike skincare, I don't feel my hair suffers as a result of constantly trying out new products (in fact I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that it's good to switch your shampoo and conditioner every so often). Here's what I'm currently using:

Current haircare routine

Starting with Philip Kingsley body building shampoo and conditioner, both of which have become new favourites. The shampoo foams up well (even with the hard water in Kent) and leaves my hair feeling clean and nourished without stripping it of oils or weighing it down. It's nice and gentle on the scalp too. The conditioner is equally as good, and although light and easy to rinse away, is still moisturising enough to leave the ends of my hair feeling hydrated, soft and smooth. I wouldn't say there's a drastic difference in volume, but it is a gentle cleansing everyday duo and my hair always feels light and bouncy the next day.

Once or twice a week, I like to deep condition the ends with Organic Surge 2 minute moisture mask. Since using this, I've noticed a real difference in the texture of my hair. It's no longer as dry, feels much smoother and is easier to brush through. Formula wise, it's no thicker than an everyday conditioner, which is great as it doesn't weigh down my fine hair, and I don't have to stand around for ages waiting for the hair mask to rinse out.

Once my hair is about 80% dry, I like to add a few drops of nourishing hair oil. I'm currently switching between Ojon rare blend oil and L'oreal elvive extraordinary oil. The L'oreal one feels more silicone based, but both help to tame the ends and make it more manageable in between washes.

Finally for those in between days there's my trusty can of Batiste dry shampoo. I'm currently using the new Oriental version, which is lightly scented with notes of apple, wild berry, grape, jasmine, coconut and sandalwood. Because it's a white powder, it takes a few minutes to rub in, however once it does it helps to soak up any grease and leaves my hair looking fresher and more voluminous. Colour wise, I still love the Brunette version, but in terms of scent, this is probably my favourite one so far.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your haircare essentials?

Weekend wishlist

I'm not sure if its the change of season, the fact that there are so many nice Christmas gift sets or that payday is just around the corner, but I can't seem to stop shopping at the moment. Which is why despite the fact that my last trip was only a week ago, I'm managed to build up an extensive wishlist already:

1. After a little phase of not painting my nails, I've become obsessed with nail varnish again. This cute little Essie festive fingertips box contains 3 of their bestselling shades, plus a festive gold glitter and calligraphy nail wraps. Perfect for those indecisive days.

2. Ok so totally jumping on the bandwagon with Hourglass ambient lighting palette, but having heard so many good reviews, I really want to try this out for myself. Said to blur, colour correct and highlight, this sounds like an absolute must have, and what the party season coming up I could certainly do with a good complexion enhancer.

3. Forget chocolate, this year it's all about beauty advent calendars. Yankee candle advent calendar features 25 different tealights (including 6 of their new seasonal scents). Perfect for someone like me, who's relatively new to the brand but keen to try out more scents. 

4. I've been after a new wrist watch for quite some time now. Whilst I liked the idea of a Michael Kors the boyfriend style was unfortunately too big for me. I came across this whilst browsing Littlewood's range of jewellery and watches and like that it's in a similar style, but much slimmer and better suited to my small wrists.

5. Since buying my Primark plimsolls, I've been wearing them non stop. And now that I'm used to the style, I'm totally lusting after a pair of Converses. This particular design comes in my favourite burgandy colour too.

6. Finally I'm in desperate need of a new winter coat. Having browsed Littlewood's range of coats, I've narrowed down to these 3 options. Trench coats will always be a classic, whereas the duffle coat looks super warm and cosy. I love the girlyness and design of the third coat too. Which one would you pick?

Have you brought an advent calendar yet? What's on your weekend wishlist?

*In collaboration with Littewoods

Winter accessories and shoe haul

I must have been subconsciously preparing for the cold weather, because without realising I've picked up quite a few Winter bits and bobs over the last few weeks. And seeing as it's been a while since my last haul, I thought I'd do a bit of a collective post today:

Dorothy perkins statement necklace

Dorothy perkins statement necklace

 Dorothy perkins statement necklace

 Starting with these 3 statement necklaces from Dorothy Perkins. During the winter, I pretty 

much live in jumpers and jeans, so thought these would be a good way to jazz up an 

everyday outfit and make it a bit more interesting.

New look handbag

 I've been on the lookout for a new handbag for ages. This caught my eye in New Look 

and I love the gold buckle and zip detailing. I prefer to carry handbags on my shoulder

so usually go for one with a slightly longer handle, however this comes with a detachable 

shoulder strap too, which perfect as it allows me to keep my hands nice and free during the day.

New Look tan suede boots

During the winter, I love wearing ankle boots so couldn't resist this suede pair from New look. 

The heel adds a bit of height without being too uncomfortable and the tan colour goes perfectly

 with my favourite dark denim jeans.

Primark plimsolls

For casual walks/trips to the supermarkets you can't beat a pair of Primark 

plimsolls. And at less than a fiver, they're a serious bargain too.

Primark super cosy tights

Finally it wouldn't be a winter haul without some of these Primark super cosy tights. 

If you haven't tried them yet they're fleece lined so really warm and cosy, and basically

 a must have during the cold winter months.

Have you brought anything nice recently? What are your winter essentials?

Soap and glory girl-o-whirl, Boots star gift of the week

Just a quick heads up that Soap and Glory girl-o-whirl will be Boots star offer of the week on Friday:

Soap and glory girl-o-whirl

I know in the past Soap and glory gift sets have been incredibly popular, and I myself have been known to wake up early just so I can get to the shops before they all sell out! This year though, rather than the usual bath and body gift set, they've gone for the Girl-o-whirl make up set instead.

Inside the make up pouch you'll find:

6 Lidstuff eyeshadows

6 Super-colour fabulipstick shades

Their best selling Thick & fast super volume mascara

Sexy mother pucker gloss stick in Nudist

Glow all out instant luminising face powser

Solar powder multi-shade shimmering bronzer

Plus an eyeshadow, lip and blush brush, complete with a inside mirror on the case

RRP £40, but for one week only, it'll be on sale for the special price just £19!

(available instore and online at Boots.com)

Are you a fan of Soap and glory make up? Will you be stocking up on this gift set?

Clinique superprimer face primers

Just before I left for New York (blog post coming soon) Clinique launched a new range of superprimer face primers. Normally after moisturising, I would go straight onto BB cream/foundation, however on holiday I needed my make up to look flawless for longer, making it the ideal opportunity to test these primers out:

 Clinique superprimer face primers*

All together there are 6 primers, five of which are designed to colour correct and one which is non tinted. Shown above are 2 of the colour correcting super primers, both of which have the same silicone based mousse texture. The universival face primer on the other hand is more of a light fluid and is ideal for those with drier skin.

As I have combination skin, I personally prefer the Clinique colour corrects primers. The peach one helps with dullness whilst the lavender helps to perk up sallow skin (2 of my most common complaints). A little bit goes a long way with these primers, and small pea sized blob is enough to glide over any pores, giving my skin a silky smooth mattified finish.

Previously I'd always thought primers were an unnecessary additional step, however after giving these a try, I'm now fully converted. I still need to repowder if I'm going out in the evenings, but compared to without a primer, it's certainly blurred out any imperfections, mattified my skin and gave it that freshly applied make up look for longer.

Have you tried the new Clinique superprimers? What are your top tips for flawless skin?

Glossybox November 2013

I love a good beauty box, which is why on Friday it was such a lovely surprise to find the new November Glossybox waiting for me upon my arrival back home:

 Glossybox November 2013*

Glossybox November 2013

Glossybox November 2013:

Elegant touch rapid dry for nails

Vichy idealia face cream and serum x2

Yves rocher cocoa and orange hand cream

Agese oils face glow

Emite make up eyeshadow in Dams

Since the last Glossybox, they've had a bit of a make over, and I have to say I'm really liking the new mini magazine. I rarely buy magazines anymore so it was nice to have something glossy to read over a nice cup of tea. Alongside brand interviews and expert Q&As, there were also features on Christmas shopping and berry lipsticks, both of which were perfect for this time of year.

Product wise, I was immediately won over by the Elegant touch rapid dry nail spray. I always find drying my nails such a chore so I'm really excited to see if this helps to speed along the process. The Yves Rocher hand cream is lovely too. It smells exactly like Terry's chocolate oranges, although luckily for my waistline the scent doesn't linger around for too long.

Also included were some Vichy skincare samples, a little vial of Agese face oil and a black Emite make up eyeshadow. In all honesty I probably won't get much use out of the eyeshadow (black isn't really my colour), but I thought the skincare samples were a good idea. With skincare I always like to try before I buy and I thought both products were well suited for winter. Plus they're generous samples too, so you can really get an idea of how it works on your skin before investing in the full sized version.

RRP £10 plus £2.95 P+P. Click here for more information or to sign up for your own Glossybox.

Are you a Glossybox subscriber? What did you get this month?

Dove giveaway winner

A big thank you to everyone who entered my Dove giveaway. The response was absolutely amazing and it was great to see that so many of you are big fans of the brand too. So without further ado, it's time to announce the winner:

And the winner is Jen (Kitsch n sync)

Well done Jen! An email will be making it's way to your inbox very soon. If you could reply with your details I'll get your prize sorted out asap!

Thanks again to everyone who entered and look out for another giveaway very soon!

October favourites

These days, as soon as the weather starts to gets cold, my skin becomes more dehydrated and dry. Which is why in October I really focused on using quality products in order to inject as much moisture as I could back into the skin:

October favourites

Starting off with this Ren no 1 purity cleansing balm, which contains sweet almond oil, shea butter and chamomile oil. It's got rose extracts too, which gives it's signature light floral scent. Because it's so thick, it needs to be warmed up first before applying, but once it does it feels very luxurious on the skin. It's an emulsifying balm, so washes off easily once in contact with water. Most importantly, it leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished. I would recommend going for the tub version though, as it can be quite difficult to squeeze out at times.

Another new addtion is Heal gel intensive. This was originally created for post surgical patients, but it works well on dry patches too, something which I have been taking full advantage of. What with harsh winds and runny noses, my skin can become quite irritated during the winter, but using this has really helped to soothe the area and prevent any further irritation. It's good for fading acne scars too.

Make up wise I've been loving Soap and gloy sexy mother pucker 3D gloss stick in Bashful. Like the original gloss sticks, these have the texture of a lipbalm, the finish of a lip gloss and the pigmentation of a sheer lipstick. Perfect for those low maintence days when I want something that's quick and easy, yet still girly and pink on the lips.

This month, I've been moisturizing my hands more regularly too. At night I'm still using The Body Shop hemp hand cream, but during the day it's all about La maison de senteurs fleur d'orangies hand cream. My main reason for liking this is because it's quick absorbing, but still hydrating enough to keep any dry patches at bay. Plus anything citrus scented always get a big thumbs up from me.

Finally I've been obsessed with Neom real luxury organic room mist. Granted it's not the cheapest of room sprays but as always with Neom you get what you pay for, and it just adds the most amazing smell to any room. Plus it's nice to treat yourself every now and again!

Have you tried any of these products? What were your October favourites?

October empties/project bathroom update

I'm not sure how, but October seems to have come and gone in the blink of an eye! Can you believe there's now only 51 days till Christmas?! For the last few months, my bathroom shelves have become increasingly cluttered, so during October I made a real effort to finish as many products as possible:

October empties:

Batiste dark and deep brown dry shampoo

Concoction black pepper + citrus shampoo

Ojon dry recovery intensive hydrating 2 minute hair mask

Seascape refresh hand & nail cream

La roche posay cleansing body cream-gel

Lush love lettuce face mask

Trilogy rosehip oil

Bumble and bumble sunday shampoo

Estee Lauder intensive smoothing hand creme

Ren hydra calm global protection day cream

Batiste original dry shampoo

In total, I managed to get through 11 products last month. Rather unintentionally nearly half the empties were haircare products. As you may know Batiste dry shampoo is a must have for me and I seem to get through at least one can a month. Bumble and bumble sunday shampoo was a real favourite too, and of all the products that I've finished, this was the one I most sad about.

Haircare aside, I seemed to have worked my way through several tubes of hand cream and face moisturisers. Not surprisingly really given how cold it's suddenly become in the UK. Special mentions go to the Estee Lauder hand cream and Trilogy face oil, both of which were super moisturising and perfect for this time of year.

How did you get on this month? What were your favourites?