My Love List

So it's been a while since I posted a Love List, but this month
so many new things have come onto my radar, a couple of
which are skin care related.
I am always being asked what I use on my skin. I am 50+ I would say 85%
of it is genetic.  However I do love buying skincare and this amazing
brand came into my sights this month.

The brand is called The Ordinary and is a Canadian brand which comes
under the umbrella of The Abnormal Beauty Company. This company brings you
clinical, cutting edge beauty formulations. BUT the reason The Ordinary is
"out of the ordinary" for me is the price. The products are unbelievably good value 
with nothing costing more than £20/$15.
But here's the best bit.  The products are comparable to some of the ranges sold at
Dermatologist and skin clinics and used for specific skin care treatments.
They also have fabulous guides on their website to explain how you
use each product.

I am currently using from their range:
i) Vitamin C cream
ii) Retinol serum
iii) Hyaluronic Acid +B5

Below is a video of Hello Magazine's Beauty Editor
interviewing the founder of this company.

https://youtu.be/gHuQyVeL3QE

Next up is a new app I came across called Happy Not Perfect.
I am a Neuroscience geek and so anything I find related
to Neuroscience I am on. This app was created by Neuroscientists
to give the mind a daily workout and is based on 40 years of research.
You can do the mindfulness routine anywhere; on the way to work, during
the day and in the evenings.
I have just started using the app but am loving it so far. I do try and meditate
but sometimes I just can't switch off the monkey mind. So on those days
this works beautifully for me.
It's worth giving it a go!

OK next up is a fiction book. Now I rarely read fiction as I have so
many biz books and memoirs to read and piling up in my office (so
much so they are an accident waiting to happen). 

However, during the Summer months I allow myself to relax with some 
fiction and I decided to choose a  Jodi Picoult book because 
I know it will leave me still thinking about it long after the last page is finished.
Well this is another page-turner but so, so sad.
It's about prejudice and power; it is about that which
divides and unites us.
It is about opening our eyes or turning the other way.
I think this book will stay in your mind for a very long time.
Read it!!!

Ok back to skincare.
So even though I have dark skin I still use a factor 50+ on my face 
every day, (a habit that started when living in Spain) but especially 
as I now use a Retinol product.

La Roche-Posay is one of my fave brands which I was first introduced to 
when living in Spain. This is a French brand that you can buy in 
any supermarket/chemist when in the Med.
What I love about this particular cream is it is a factor 50+but
SO light; it just sinks straight into the skin so you can put make-up
on over it. I keep mine in the fridge and so it is also lovely and cooling
when you I put it on. Actually I keep most of my skincare products in 
the fridge in the Summer and it just leaves you feeling so refreshed when
the heat is on.

Finally I've been loving my new chunky statement rings.
Whenever I wear them I get stopped by shop assistants and 
strangers asking me about these. Why I think they stand out is because
the stone sits horizontally across the finger.
Go here to see more images of the ring on.

I am offering free shipping to my blog readers on these beauties.
So if you would like the checkout code just
click the link below:
http://bit.ly/FS-4U

That's it Lovelies. 
I am going to cool off now as the heatwave continues here in the UK.
Not really enjoying it so planning my escape.
Wishing you a continued lovely Summer.

xxx

5 Spanish Brands For Summer You Have Probably Never Heard Of.

When I lived in Spain I could never get over how cool and fresh

Spanish women looked even in 45ºc heat.

One thing I learned was they have some fab Spanish designers.

Spain has always been behind France and Italy (very much the poor relation)

when it came to fashion.

However with the surge of brands like Loewe, Manolo Blahnik and all that stylish

Queen Letizia does for Spanish brands, that is now all changing.

Spain's fashion tends to be strongly influenced by the sea; the Mediterranean has a powerful

influence on everything they do from design, colour and food. And of course the weather plays a huge part in that also.

So I thought I would bring you some of the Spanish fashion labels

you may never have heard of, but which will keep you cool in the heat.

First up is Manebi:

These espadrilles are designed in Italy but made by Spanish craftsman in

La Rioja.

If espadrilles always evoke the feeling of Summer for you, then this is the 

place to head. There is everything from sneaker type espadrilles to the more

glamorous heels for those balmy summer nights.

I am in love with these blush espadrilles below.

OK, the next brand is called Formenteraguamarna

Dolores Luque initially launched a blog whilst missing her home in

Formentera in the Canary Islands when working for a bank in Mallorca.

As her following grew so a seed was born for her online boutique.

This is now a one-stop-shop for things holiday/beachy: espadrilles,

kaftans, bags and baskets. Everything you would need for a beachy holiday.

Next up is a brand called Massob.

This is where you go for boho-chic; peasant-style blouses and dresses with

colour palettes all inspired by the Med.

Up next is a gorgeous brand called About Arrianne

This is a label born in Barcelona and which produces

the most beautiful shoes using Spanish techniques.

The colours remind me of luscious ice-cream or gelato

(altho' gelato is Italian and this brand is Spanish, but what's a gelato
between friends ;-)

Finally, the last brand is another Catalunian company

called The Bodysuit of Barcelona

Let me tell you these bodysuits are SO comfy and lush.

This company has reinvented the stretchy bodysuit.

No tucking in required ;-)

They come in the most gorgeous shades and styles.

 I promise no other bodysuit will ever feel the same again.

So there you have it. Some of my favourite Spanish brands that

I called on when living in Spain. And if where you are is anywhere like

the UK, which is in the midst of a steamy heatwave, then check these brands out.

That's it lovely ladies.

Enjoy the Summer where ever you may be

xxx