Beat the heat and humidity and stay cool

Whether you are on holiday or live in a climate that is hot and humid, these  products and tips will come in handy during the day or specially in the evening when you are more likely to wear more make-up.

Make your face an oil-free zone with the best shine-fighting wonder products, writes international make-up artist and my guest blogger Heidi Scarlett King.

"Have you spent the last few weeks fighting shine? With these extremely muggy conditions (we're talking Australian summer here), even the driest of skins can turn into oil slicks! Yes, having an oily complexion is great for anti-ageing in the long term, but in the short term, no one wants their make-up sliding off before it's even lunchtime. The solution? The best anti-shine products below - and they won't make your make-up look cakey, promise!

 

1. M.A.C Matte texture cream, £16

The velvety, creamy texture of this silicone-based primer ensures a perfect application and mattifying finish to your foundation, without looking too powdery. Apply just to the areas of the face you want to keep matte, then add foundation on top. It's great to use lightly in the oil zones for touch-ups instead of powder, as it looks like a second skin.

2. Guerlain Illuminating Matte Powder, £37.50

A newcomer to the opulent Guerlain collection is this incredible invisible setting powder. Until you try it you will not believe just how flawless and transparent it is, making it perfect for all day touch-ups. The imperfection-blurring feature, as well as the decadent packaging, makes this the It-powder of the minute.

3. Studio 10 Prime and Perfect Refining Powder Silk, £28

Cult UK brand Studio 10 are all about multi-tasking, and this compact has your complexion problems covered. On the left of the pack is an incredibly sheer and translucent setting powder, to the right is a stunning powder highlight. With these two forces combined, you can highlight and powder your face in different parts perfectly. Great for on-the-go beauty.

4. By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder, £42

My all time favourite loose powder does everything in one - except look cakey. The hyaluronic acid helps by filling in fine lines and smoothing over pores while mattifying the skin. After foundation, set in areas of the face that need to stay matte by lightly patting with a small sized blush brush.

5. Beautyblender Blotterazzi, £16

What a genius idea - an oil blotting tool for those who don't want any extra product on their face! An ergonomically shaped compact, it works to lift off oil without disturbing make-up, all thanks to the iconic Beautyblender material inside. Great for the natural make-up lovers out there."

Where to buy -

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/

http://www.guerlain.com/uk/en-uk

https://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/studio-10

http://www.harrods.com/product/hyaluronic-hydra-powder/by-terry/000000000003677219?cat1=bc-by-terry&cat2=bc-by-terry-makeup

http://www.beautyblender.co.uk/product/beautyblender_blotterazzi/

Heidi's website http://www.heidiscarlettking.com/


 

Dry January? January Blues? .. looking forward to brighter days

Winter sun

January can be so dull and miserable but I choose for it not to be. The daylight may be limited but as each dawn comes, the days get that little bit longer and it's great to look forward to what's possible in the coming months. 

I actually like seasons and the odd day on the couch by the fire watching a good movie on TV is always welcome.

 
Down here in the south of the country thankfully we have been spared from the cold and rain during the darkest days and only now with the temperatures hovering around zero Celsius does it feel like a real winter. Can't complain as we have had some stunningly beautiful days so far. If I was a pessimist I'd say the worst is still yet to come. Or perhaps that's just the reality ..

Holiday Hound

HQ is in planning mode. As spring approaches the Caribbean beckons again, and another holiday with the girls has just been booked to Ibiza for June! So excited for that one - an island I have never been to will be ticked off the bucket list. Can't wait to plan an adventure that includes the holiday hound too .. he's a big boy now!

So, don't let the January blues bring down February .. appreciate your life while you can - you only have one.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2016

Wow, a year goes by so quickly .. I can hardly keep up! It's been a busy one again with lots of trips revisiting old haunts and discovering new ones.

The Holiday Hound has been a new addition and although he hasn't ventured far from home yet, my wish is that he will get out and about more in 2016. I know he loves the water and any chance he gets he'll just plunge in. I have yet to introduce him to the beach so can't wait to see his reaction when he dives into the sea!

Next year is sure to bring at least another trip to the Caribbean plus the usual jaunts to Milan, Dubai and New York. Ibiza is part of the plan too and the year hasn't even begun yet so I'll be working hard in the day job to make it all happen.

Highlights from 2015 .. 

 


All that's left for me to do is wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the very best for the coming year! Health and happiness high on the list. I'll be back very soon!

"Limits exist only in the mind"

Aristotle

#travel #blogger #nolimits #adventure

Barbados - the perfect place to relax and unwind

If I lived in Barbados I would like to think that I would appreciate it as much as I do when I visit. It's always warm with the same temperatures throughout the year so you know exactly what you're going to get - even if it rains! The pace of life there is just how I would like mine to be - relaxed- but not tardy. The locals are friendly and welcoming.  
I like a morning swim before breakfast, reading on the sun lounger, and enjoying an afternoon swim and watching the sun set. Then back to the hotel for a shower and a cocktail or two before dinner .. my idea of a near perfect day. That's what vacations are about .. a break away from normal working life.


Sunset at Payne's Bay

The sunrises give a wonderful morning light and the sunsets are different every day and quite simply beautiful. I never get bored of them. Would I though if I had them every day? I'd like to think I would enjoy every single one. In England we have some stunningly gorgeous days but also a lot of dull grey ones. So when we do see a sunset on those seemingly rare evenings we marvel at the sight of it.



Ready for a morning swim

I have written about Barbados before and also had my friend Nigel's guest posting a few months ago, so if you have been following this blog you will already have a sense of what it's like. You will know that the island is relatively small (you can get around it in a day) and there is lots to see and do if you want. There's also the pale sands of the beaches and the warmth and beauty in the colours of the Caribbean Sea.
Shades of turquoise gradually darkening to indigo blue on the horizon, contrasted with the clear blue sky dotted with occasional white fluffy clouds.

I'm reminiscing while I sit here writing looking out from a 15th floor window as the rain clouds build up in the distance ... sigh.


Lunch at the Beach Club

If you are a foodie like I am, my recommendation is that you book your restaurants well in advance. That way you always get priority seating which is usually on the beach/sea side. If you don't book it doesn't necessarily mean you wont get in but it's definitely worth the effort of a little planning to avoid disappointment. I booked all of mine a few weeks before I went and left one night free at the end of the week just in case we wanted to revisit one or find a completely new one. Most reservations can be made by email except at The Cliff. They require a credit card to secure the booking so you need to phone them directly. Bear in mind that if you do not turn up they will charge you for the full amount - that would be an expensive mistake!

Fortunately, a new restaurant 'The Cliff Beach Club', right next door to The Cliff restaurant, opened back in June and was less than a five minute stroll from our hotel. We walked in at lunchtime on the day and managed to get a reservation for that night - at the owner's table (as we kept being told by the staff)!! It was the best table, set on an upper terrace out of the way of everyone else, so you never know your luck. Their aim is to turn it into a bit of a nightclub after 11pm and they are trialing it with DJ's, singers and bands. I hope it works out .. it's a great venue for it and somewhere to go after dinner.
We enjoyed it there so much we went back for lunch on our last day. It was such a delight sitting at a rail side table with the waves crashing against the cliff edge, the sun twinkling on the ocean, watching the boats sail by and listening to smooth afternoon jazz .. I felt like I'd been transported to the 1930's! It had that retro kind of feel.

The way that I planned out the restaurants was to start off earlyish (i.e. 7ish) to get into the swing of the time difference and build from there. Also a good idea to bear in mind the locations so you know how far you have to go and how long it will take to get there. The first night we opted to stay at the hotel and get a few snacks and drinks from the local supermarket and stock up our fridge. If you already have an idea of what you'll be doing during the day whether it be lazing by the pool or on the beach, or taking a trip somewhere you'll know if you want to make the effort to go out to eat or stay in and relax. Of course the reservations you make can always be cancelled last minute (apart from The Cliff) so nothing is set in stone - you can do what you want.

These are the restaurants we went to this time and the contact details - I'd love you to try them yourself - they were all fantastic. Lone Star is my new favourite .. exceptional service and great food with an extensive wine list.

Cin Cin by the Sea https://www.cincinbythesea.com/contact-us/
Lone Star http://www.thelonestar.com/contact.html
The Cliff http://www.thecliffbarbados.com/CR/Public/Reservations.asp
Tides http://www.tidesbarbados.com/contactUs.php
Sandy Lane (for afternoon tea) http://www.sandylane.com/st-james-private-dining.php
Fish Pot http://www.littlegoodharbourbarbados.com/Contact/
The Cliff Beach Club https://www.itcluxurytravel.co.uk/media-room/blog/2015/june/the-cliff-beach-club-opens-in-barbados#.Vmht6Msnzct

We flew there direct with British Airways from London Gatwick. The return flight was delayed by two and a half hours but they let us know in good time meaning we didn't have to go to the airport and wait around. We were able to enjoy a few more hours by the beach .. win-win all round! 

I can't wait until next time.

What's in my suitcase? Wouldn't you like to know!

Crane Beach, Barbados

It's that time of year again .. in less than 2 days time I'll be heading off for some early winter sun in Barbados. I can't wait to get on that plane, catch up on some movies I've not had time to see, and arrive safe at the other end - stepping out of the aircraft and into the warm Caribbean sea air. It's a brief encounter initially because customs and immigration is indoors and there is usually a long line of people waiting to get through. After baggage collection you can buy local rum and other goodies at the duty free shop, so a good time to stock up if you're that way inclined.

Barbados has some fabulous places to eat - it's strongly recommended to book ahead with all the good ones if you want to make sure you can get in - so I've reserved most nights in advance. Most good restuarants have a dress code - smart casual, no shorts or flip flops which I quite like although each to his/her own, but there's nothing more offputting than someone sitting in your eyeline not suitably dressed i.e. straight off the beach. There's a time and place for everything. 

With this in mind I like to take a few little dresses (nothing too dressy) with a splash of jewellery .. there's no point taking high heeled shoes as there could be cobbles, decking or even sand to walk on. I like strappy sandals, ballerinas or low wedges. My flip flops are purely for the pool and beach.

During the day it's swimsuits and cover ups. Again there's no point taking too much as you end up wearing pretty much the same few things all the time. I have a few different swimsuits which I alternate. Who would want to wear the exact same thing every day in normal life? It may be useful to take some good walking shoes too just in case there's a day trip involved.

Make up wise, less is more and so my personal kit is as small as I can make it. No need for foundation although I've found it's always worth taking some or tinted moisturiser in a small bottle just in case you need to cover up a blemish, bite or dare I say a little sunburn! I concentrate on my eyes for evening so a bit of my favourite shadow, some eyeliner, khol and mascara and a couple of lip glosses and I'm good to go. Hopefully the healthy natural glow from being outdoors will suffice. I also try to remember to throw in a nail varnish to match my fingers and toenails just in case any chips need patching up. And not to forget that all important sun screen and perhaps some insect repellent just in case.

I never really trust the toiletries at hotels (although some do provide high end brands) so I always take my own. Shampoo, conditioner, hair oil (to stop frizz) and shower gel all dispensed in travel sized containers. Sometimes I treat myself to some duty free Jo Malone body wash and body cream at the airport. A real treat after a day on the beach. My usual cleanser, toner, moisturiser and lip balm come with me too - at the moment I'm using the Indeed brand which I quite like. I don't bother taking a hair dryer - I air dry my hair and restyle with my GHD heat stylers if I have to.

Of course it goes without saying that you need your passport and travel documents, hotel vouchers etc. local currency and I highly recommend a currency card which you load before you go - saves carrying cash and you don't pay exchange fees. Remember to pack chargers for your all your electronic devices - and a universal power adaptor.

Oh, and a hat!

Now you know what's going in my bag .. I hope I haven't forgotten anything!

Paradise awaits ...

I usually don't leave it so long between posts, but I have been busy with the day job so no time to think about my next planned jaunt. In exactly 4 weeks HQ and her pals head off to the beautiful Caribbean warmth and the island of Barbados. This time we will be staying on the West Coast at Beach View.

I can never foresee a time where I tire of this island and it's people, not to mention the amazing food and guaranteed sunshine. I've been proactive and booked all my favorite restaurants in advance, as it can be disappointing if you can't get a reservation when and where you want it.

In the meantime, there may be a couple of day trips on home soil with a week of work at the ATP Tennis finals before I go.

While it's cold and grey outside, I'll be dreaming of the turquoise sea, the gentle breaking of the waves against the shore, the blue skies .... hmmmm pure bliss ... please take me away.

 

New York .. a lot of work and a little play

My make up station

I have just spent almost 3 weeks in New York - working 2 of those weeks in my day job as a make up artist for a television broadcaster at the US Open tennis, and grabbing a little down time for the rest of my stay. This year it was particularly hot and humid for the first 10 days and it was hard to decide what to wear as I'm not used to working in temperatures of 90+ degrees Fahrenheit! I'm usually on holiday in that kind of weather! Lie on a lounger, get hot and plunge into the nearest pool or ocean! Given also that I had a lot of walking to do I had to do it in comfortable, work worthy shoes .. no flip flops allowed on this job! Anything cotton or linen works and trainers/sneakers or rubber soled shoes are the absolute best in my humble opinion. And not to forget a good sunscreen - those UV rays are brutal!

Our 2 main presenters

Each day I had no less than 4 people to make up, sometimes more .. so I would arrive, set up my station and turn on the air con and electrics and nip across the compound for a quick breakfast before returning to start my day. It was always full on .. various locations around the grounds each day ranging from our studio at the end of the practice courts to being court side, by the entrance, fountains or anywhere else that was decided (sometimes last minute) on the day. I opted to track myself on a pedometer and was surprised to see it ranging from between 5,000 and 12,500 steps a day! Some days we didn't see lunch until 3pm so it's definitely not for the feint hearted. 

The final presentation

It was fortuitous we finished on time most days - apart from the last day .. the men's finals - the rain decided to make an unexpected appearance and delayed the start of the match for 3 hours. Our anticipated reasonably early departure turned into a rushing-for-the-last-bus-at-midnight run but at least we didn't have to stay on and work an extra day.

It was so good to sleep in the day after we finished .. no more early alarm calls, no rushing for the bus. Just rest and recreation for the next 4 days for me. I had no real plans other than to move from my hotel to stay uptown with my best friends. 

Hudson River

We spent the first day visiting their family upstate New York on the Hudson River, about an hour's drive north of the city. It was such a beautiful afternoon and evening and being by the river was a great way to come down from the 2 grueling weeks of work. Great views, great food and great company .. what more can you ask for? The simple things in life are invariably the best.

I can't say I did anything too exciting over the next few days .. a little walking, a little shopping and eating in the East Village, a movie and hanging out with friends. It was just so good to relax and recoup in readiness for going home and going back to work again.

New York, I absolutely love you and it's always sad to leave but I also love going home .. See you next time - I will be back!!

There's a lot of green in NY

The street steam vents

Sunset and the new moon

HQ flew World Traveller Plus with British Airways and stayed at the Kimberley Hotel in midtown Manhattan.

Recommended restaurants include Hillstone E53rd and 3rd, Quality Italian W57th Street and B4 235 E4th Street, East Village.

Shopping and eating out in Milano

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

If you follow my blog you will already know that I go to Milan the second to last weekend in August every year. It has now become almost a tradition as my friend and I have been going since the year 2000 without fail. 
The primary reason for going is to shop the upcoming winter collections but also to enjoy girl time - good food, wine and of course, the good weather is usually a given! The most noticeable thing is that everyone now speaks English which wasn't the case 15 years ago. Some of the shop assistants also speak Arabic, Chinese and Russian as the tourism has increased substantially from those regions.

As each year passes we have come to the conclusion that the only things worth buying as far as good value goes, are Italian brands as they can be

Window display Prada

considerably cheaper than the UK and most definitely the USA which hikes up the prices by more than double. Most cities around the globe are pretty similar when it comes to big name brands and although there are slight variations in collections, you may as well shop for them at home. Of course there are always independent boutiques which are worth browsing and for finding something unusual and stylish. With the Euro being weak right now, the exchange from Stirling gave us considerable savings from the prices quoted for the same items in England. And we're not talking a few pounds but up to £150 on a coat that I purchased. A bargain indeed!

Boutique in Brera

In my humble opinion, the collections this year were not that exciting .. they were a mishmash of slight variations from last year to a kaleidoscope of clashing colours with '70s undertones - great if you're 18-25. No clear direction that I could see and some of my favourite shops had nothing that I wanted. I like quirky and different but as you get older you have to be careful not to look too eccentric (unless you want to) and if you're young enough you can literally get away with almost anything. Having said that, I did find a few great pieces and I know that I am unlikely to see them on anyone else in London - I don't think I will look like a mad woman either! Happy HQ!

Half a club sandwich for lunch at Park Hyatt

Eating out is always a joy in Italy. Most restaurants give you a complimentary apéritif of Prosecco while you peruse the menu and wine list. We were able to eat al fresco on Friday and Saturday for both lunch and dinner thankfully, as by Sunday the weather had turned, starting off cloudy with drizzle, to showers all day, so we opted for an indoor lunch before we headed for home. 

Cobbled streets

Saturday night we ate in the Brera district ..at a restaurant we had been to before Osteria di Brera. The tables outside are very close together so be prepared to share your conversation with your neighbour if need be! The food was delicious and very reasonably priced although the service was a little lax.  

After dinner we strolled back to the hotel in the warm night air .. digesting our food, passing the tarot card readers and window shopping all the little stores along the way. Milan is quiet in the evenings .. not much traffic and just the sound of people walking along the cobbled streets chatting. 
To be fair, August is relatively quiet anyway as a lot of the locals are away on vacation for the whole month. It used to be that there weren't many shops and restaurants open but all that has changed. Even the department store La Rinascente stayed open till midnight on Friday and shops are open on Sundays now too!

I also love buying food in Italy - olives, oil, Italian marmalade and biscotti. The supermarket in the city centre has now closed so the nearest place to shop is the 7th floor at La Rinascente, and the lower ground floor at Excelsior - both stores are nearby the Duomo.

Looking forward, maybe next year the collections will be a bit more exciting - although it's good for the budget when it's not.

They love a dog in Italy

Italian brands that we like - 
Max & Co  
Marella  
Max Mara
Penny Black
iBlues
Liu Jo 
Pinko

HQ flew from London City Airport to Linate, Milano via Alitalia

Dealing with your hair in the summer .. tips from top London stylist Conor J Kelly

Summer is almost over in the Northern hemisphere but these tips from top London stylist Conor J Kelly are great for now and any holiday you may take during the winter.. and of course for those of you south of the equator!

The sun can damage your hair just as it does your skin. If you add salt water and chlorine to the equation, hair that started out as shiny and easy to manage at the beginning of your holiday can quickly begin to look and feel fried. The damage can be more obvious if your hair is colour-treated but even if it’s not, UV rays can dry it out and cause the dreaded frizz.

Fear not, help is at hand.

Start summer with a trim. You'll get rid of split ends and refresh your style. You might need a mid-season cut too.

Shield your hair from the sun. Make a daily habit of applying a hair care product that contains UV filters (these can be in spray, gel, or cream formulas). These products protect hair from sun damage and help keep colour-processed hair from fading. If you intend to spend lots of time outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat. Not only will it keep your hair from getting scorched, it will also protect your scalp and ears, areas that we often forget when applying sunscreen.

Saturate hair before taking a dip. If your hair is drenched with clean water or leave-in conditioner, it won't absorb as much salt water or pool chemicals.  It's also a good idea to try to rinse your hair after a swim. If there isn't a shower nearby, keep a spray bottle filled with fresh water.

Switch to a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. You may be washing your hair more frequently to deal with summer's sweat and grime. If you are using a clarifying, or anti-residue shampoo once a week to clear away product build-up and chemicals, be sure to follow with a deep-conditioning treatment.

Skip the hot tools. At least once or twice a week give your hair a break from blow dryers, straighteners and curling irons.

Outwit frizz. Hair that's healthy and well-maintained is your best defence against frizz. Along with regular trims and conditioning, a drop or two of an anti-frizz oil or serum can help smooth hair and add shine. When the air is humid frizz is going to happen. Don't waste your summer trying to fight frizz. Instead, find an easy go-to hairdo like a slick pony, high bun, or side braid for those high-humidity days.

If you would like advice about which products would best suit you, please ask. At the salon I use KMS California which is an extensive range with products to suit all hair types and situations.

To make an appointment with Conor http://www.conorjkelly.com/appointments/

Being a tourist in my home town and summer update ..

pink prosecco

Now that August is upon us, the days are getting noticeably shorter and darkness now falls by 9pm .. those hazy days of summer seem few and far between again this year. Granted we have had some beautiful days and a couple of scorchers but mingled in with some not-so-warm days and smatterings of precipitation - so our memories play tricks on us as we recall the perfect summers of our childhood. 

In two weeks time HQ will be in Milan, Italy again .. the annual girl's weekend for new season's clothes shopping has come around again so swiftly, there's barely been time to think about it! However, we are pretty organised when it comes to booking flight and hotels so that was sorted out months ago and the only funds we need take with us are purely for our entertainment and shopping! Yay can't wait!

Yesterday my friend and I played tourist in London and went to the National Portrait Gallery to see the Audrey Hepburn exhibition Portraits of an Icon. We got a bus to Covent Garden and wandered through the market (something I haven't done in ages) and it was remarkably quiet which for me made it all the more enjoyable. We browsed a few shops and made our way to the gallery which is a short walk away in Trafalgar Square. The exhibition was relatively small but fabulous and if you like Audrey Hepburn then you really must try to get to see it. I have many books about her so I opted for a fridge magnet as my memento of the day! 

After a light lunch we walked to Embankment pier and picked up the Thames Clipper commuter boat and travelled on the river towards Greenwich taking in the iconic landmarks of London. I have to say I never tire of the view and there always seems to be more to see every time I take that trip. 

HMS President

Moored along the Victoria Embankment is the WWI ship HMS President which serves now as a bar/restaurant/conference centre. In July of last year a German artist Tobias Rehberger was commissioned to cover the ship entirely in dazzle camouflage design. The idea was originally used during WW1 as a way of distorting the appearance of the ship to make it hard for the enemy to target it accurately. An ingenious idea! I knew nothing of this before I'd seen this with my own eyes! You never know what you might learn day to day!

We had a lovely day out and have decided that we are going to try to do a culture day at least once a month .. there are so many galleries and exhibitions in town, it would seem rude not to!


#Hepburn #blogger #dazzleship