The Big APPLES!!

We have two biggies approaching us in 2 sleeps ! the Apple IPAD and wait for it ( I know you’ve been waiting a year BUT ) drum roll …. SEX & THE CITY 2 !!
So I hope you managed to get yourself down to Boots and bagged yourself a gorgeous hue, maybe a markerting ploy but hey that’s a Nails Inc polish for less than a tenner!
So in preparations for the biggest night of the year, we will need the following:

A Fabulous dress ( It’s a special occasion, go on get your legs out ladies !)
Mani/Pedi
Lipgloss
Shoes ( of course !)
Cosmopolitan
Your most best mate(s)!

Oh and a packet of handy Kleenex this sequel is bound to bring tears of laughter and woes ( I suspect Mr Big may get up to his ol’ tricks )

So , I don’t often need an excuse to get dressed up, this you must admit it’s a good one !
Dresses ….






( A selection of dresses chosen from www.theoutnet.com & www.my-wardrobe.com )

Shoes Glorious Shoes!

Now brace yourselves ladies now M&S have some fierce jimmy choo inspired shoes – I kid you not and from £29.50 You’ll better get there before anyone else catches on !

I’m more of a lipstick girl then a lipgloss lady however there is a buzz happening with Jemma Kidds make up in particular her ‘Hi Shine Lipgloss’ ;


The APPLE IPAD

I can see the Saturday papers now, tents put up from Midnight Thurs forming a long queue the length of Regent Street.
There seems to be mixed emotions about the IPAD, half find its like a big iphone, and the other half (which I’ve nominated to be president of !) is so enthusiastic and bl**dy excited about the IPAD! The IPAD is the sign of the future !! I imagine I see ‘cue cartoon bubble’ no more burnt laps, no more noisy machine. It’ll be like as easy picking up your subscription vogue… Admittedly the IPAD is not a necessity, it is more of an compliment to your home laptops/PCs/Mac, definitley an Ipod generation invention I will gab on no longer, go on have a look at the wonder that is the IPAD...



OTHE R THINGS TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEK….
If you have nothing plan for you bank holiday weekend there is the Grace Kelly : Icon exhibition on at the V&A (Victoria & Albert) Museum in South Kensington tickets are £6 for Adults £4 Students (when booked online) click here to book tickets.

Reiss has a sample taking place from Weds 26th – Friday 28th from 8am – 8.30pm @
The Music Room, 26 South Molton Lane, London W1K 5AB. – Nearest Tube is Bond Street Station.

I worn you all now it is a jungle in there with very few a full changing space. So be prepared to get your kit off, come loosely clothed with bottle of water at the ready! Sign up to Fashion Confidential for an invitation or try you luck by going to the horse mouth( entry without invitation shouldn’t be a problem ).

Oi Elephant !

I hope you had a fantabulous time this bank hols weekend so much to do, yet such shite London weather to do it in, which for was me was a great a put off! Nonetheless after hibernating all through Saturday with a cheeky glass and a half of vino and the truly indulgent ( no woman alive can say she’s lived without the most divine chocolates ) Her Majesty’s Charbonnel – Rose Champagne Truffles mmmmm…

As I didn’t roll home at an unreasonable hour of Saturday night/Sunday Morning I was up and Adam on Sunday morn so I decided to take a trip to the British Museum.

If you’re still in that Bank Holiday Mood why not visit:

The British Museum which is showing an excellent exhibition which focuses on Nigeria’s

Kingdom of Ife. It has received some rave reviews Guardian give it five stars!

On until Sunday 6^th June – Only 4 weekends away!

You can book tickets through the British Museum site – tickets are £8 or free for members.

http://www.britishmuseumshoponline.org/icat/tickets?__utma=1.517633534.1273008164.1273008164.1273008164.1&__utmb=1.7.10.1273008164&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1273008164.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=british%20museum&__utmv=-&__utmk=139573555

Fancy spending your Sunday Free ?? The Royal Festival Hall in South Bank are giving a very unique, informal concert experience The Live Elevator Music Experience from Saturday 1 May 2010, 10:00am - Sunday 9 May 2010, 23:00pm @ the Royal Festival Lifts ( ‘Lifts’ you ponder ? Well I did say it would be a unique experience !)

So Last week Lord Mandelson stated the economy is on the up…. Well the fruits of the rising economy have yet to filter through to my pockets until this time approaches i‘ve been thinking home made skincare. .. Its not only what you eat that one must consider, the numerous chemicals we consume via deodorant sprays, creams, room sprays these all eventually end up in our blood streams. So thus if we can’t trust what is written on the back of a package we can trust what we ourselves make. Its all about the home made remedies!

For me a good cleanser and moisteriser are worth the money that its spent on… to a degree – I haven’t got Crème de le Mer money to spare every month, I’d rather spend it on shoes! My skin hasn’t quite reached that skin maturity. So what remains are face masks & scrubs . Not only economical but quite fun to do!

So as an amateur to essential oils I will therefore concentrate on basic, accessible products and share with you. After all, our time is very precious, I don’t think I’d have the momentum to search the world for special oils such as neroli or what have yous! I Digress …

The Cleopatra Face Mask

for Dry /Sensitive Skins –

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of Honey, 2 teaspoons Milk

Yep thats it ! Do a Cleopatra and bath your dry or sensitive skin with honey and milk

Mix the ingredients into a paste, smooth on to your face using light circular motions onto your gorgeous face and décolletage then leave on for 10 mins relax with cucumber or tea bags (cold of course! ) to de puff and de stress. And rinse with warm water.

Honey is an anti – irritant which makes it an ideal ingredient for sensitive skins, it helps soothes burns and minor grazes. It is also known for its natural moisturising properties as honey retains the water in the skin thus, great way to hydrate, soften and rejuvenate

Honey I Lurve Your Skin face Mask ( I should copyright this shizzle!)

For Oily Skins/ Combinations skins -

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of Oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of Honey ( the purpose of the Honey in this mask is for binding the mixture), 1 teaspoon of Lemon & 2 tablespoons of Yoghurt

As with the Cleopatra mask the ingredients need to be mixed into a paste, please be careful to not make the mixture too runny as we need the mask to stick to our face!

The oatmeal helps to exfoliate, the lemon is especially good in this face mask as it good for treating break outs as lemons are an astringent and the yoghurt helps to cool the skin thus leaving you all refreshed!

Leave masks on for 15-20mins and R.E.L.A.X . then rinse with warm water then splash with cold water to tighten pores.

TIPs:

• Generally masks should be used twice a week
• To be safer than sorry before applying mask to your face please test mixture on the inner of your arm if it becomes itchy STEP AWAY STEP AWAY !!

Please do give feedback (comments) on how the masks have work for you !

SHOP OF THE WEEK;

SANDRO this Parisian haven has had a new standalone store open on South Molton Street (off Bond Street Station) two weeks ago Saturday.

I strolled into this cute boutique welcomed by genuinely charming and sweet Parisian sales associates. The clothes are comfortable, flirty, a cross between a Parisian version of Luella and the Spanish’s high street giant Mango.

Their Spring/Summer collection contains Lovely pieces with beaded shoulder detail on loose fitting tees and versatile day dresses which can be easily transformed for an evening out. Vintage florals are sprinkled throughout safari hues contrasted with fringing and soft leather items to add edginess to the collection. Florals are prominent this season so why not bag yourself a sweet floral dress!

OOOOOOH psst!

As we are in nail chomping anticipation of Sex & City Part 2, to save our manicured nails from a chomping; Nail Inc are in association with Diet Coke and are giving away Limited Edition free Nail inc polish with the purchase of x2 diet cokes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that’s £2 ( and some change) for a full size polish which normally retails £10!

Selected Large Boot stores are participating – I went to the large Boots on Bond Street.

The Nail Polishes are offered in four colours which represent four of the worlds fashion capitals:

Milan (Post box red), New York (Fushia Pink), London (Nude) & Paris (Deep Purple) .

Go now before they run out ;)

Psst psst psst… have a look out for the gorgeous elephants ( as pictured, I spotted quite a few) around Central London , which are raising awareness the worrying endangered Indian Elephants.

BLOG ALERT!!! Tis the season for spring cleaning

There was a serious buzz in the air this weekend. I think everyone has been in intense anticipation of the sun to smile on London, finally we've been given the chance to smile back. Spitafields impregnated with exotic smells, creative vibes and a mix bag of our fellow man.

The first signs of summer is introduced with Spitalfields East End film festival, which runs from 22nd - 30th april, unfortunately I just stumbled across this today. If your weekend consisted of spring cleaning, take your bit's and bobs over to the recession friendly Give & Take Party from Monday 26th - Wednesday 28th April.

Give between 4-6pm.

Take from 6-7pm

DAY 1 - FILM

dvds, videos, books etc ...

DAY 2 - ART & DESIGN

Prints, photo's, paintings ...

DAY 3 FREESTYLE

Anything kitsch and fabulous

As the saying goes one man's fruit is another man's poison...

Check out the website for more details of events;

www.eastendfilmfestival.com

Another Date for your diary ...

Wednesday 28th April REISS will be having a summer party for their new season's clothing - sign up to Fashion Confidential for an invite and an extra 10% off as well as other fashion goodies!

;0)

Mirror Mirror on the Wall who is the fairest of them all? Mirror’s reply “Not you with all those spots!”

After writing my very first Blog I’m so glad to have received much positive feedback thank you followers ! I hope my foundation tips have been a benefit . Remember never feel obligated by the beauty consultants who are generally on commission, to buy a foundation just because they’ve taken the time out of their busy day to do their job! Do test out new foundations mid morning/early afternoon, ask the consultant to slather on the foundation on to your gorgeous skin. Wear it for the day and then you’ll know if it’ll be your besie mate for the season (foundation’s should last for approx 3 months).

Onto the next…I’m lucky enough to not generally have problematic skin, however my skin for the last few months seems to have been going through the wars?!! The following is not for the squeamish… but I have been having horribly large, throbbing spots most likely due to not taking off the days' make-up before bed, late nights, SOME wine drinking and so on so forth …. After bucking myself up and getting my routine in to gear, for the last few months I have gone through a few cleanser’s. In my heart of hearts I believe the core to true skin beauty is keeping up a really good cleansing routine ( as well as lots of water, annoyingly for my blaader this cliche is true), then one can think about a good moisturiser.

We all have different skin types – dry, sensitive, oily, or combination. Mine is the latter, combination skin – if you're not sure which skin type you are the best thing to do is use a cleanser for ‘normal’ skins type and then after a few weeks , you’ll discover whether you tend to get oily or dryer skin…

Combination skin types tend to be oily in the t-zone - that is your forehead and along your nose, and you may have dry patches on your cheeks.

With my skin I definitely have an oily t-zone, the remaining area tends to be normal i.e. no major concerns .

Right where was I … Cleansers ! OK so I always use my fail safe Clarins or Liz Earle cleansers, in particular Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish ( at the time of writing Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish won a Beauty industry award for best classic product !) is competitively priced £10.25 for a 100ml bottle it contains all natural ingredients (no perfumes for those of you with sensitive skin, so in theory shouldn't react badly to skin !?? ) and smells gorgeous , this cleanser is to be used with a muslin cloth. At the end of a hard long day once you have plonked yourself in a hot steamy radox or sanctuary induced bath, using Liz Earle cleanser to rid your skin of the days grime is delicious! The muslin cloth allows for a deep cleanse, the process of breathing in the naturals oils from the cleanser is sooooo relaxing as a result de-stressing = help prevents wrinkle! ( stress lines = wrinkles!).

BUT what has been a small miracle in my life recently is NUDE cleanser A .M. A. Z. I. N. G my skin has really cleared up.

http://www.beautyexpert.co.uk/Nude-Cleansing-Facial-Oil-100ml-PRODNUCP8/

I have been using the Nude cleansing facial oil, I am a fan!! It is convenient to use - sometimes the process of the Liz Earle cleanser with the muslin cloth can be a bit of a chore. They say (not sure who ‘they’ is I will find out probably the many skincare consultants I’ve spoken to over the years) using oils on oily skins is effective because the skin stops producing extra oils… Basically the cleanser is a facial oil which you massage on the skin – don’t forget to use circular movements for deep penetration, but please no over zealous cleansing, that just ends up making your skin more sensitive and eventually strips the skin of its natural oils. I find using a facial oil during the winter months particulaly more comforting, because of harsh cold weather and extra heating used, your skin tends to be dryer than usual and needs more hydration.

At the end of the day If you have a cleanser that works for you at the mo’ as the saying goes ‘if its not broke don’t fix it’, however they say ( I know ‘they’ again!) once skin gets use to using a product the product then stops working – first I thought this was a marketing ploy to get me to buy more products but the proof is in the pudding ! Since I’ve changed to Nude … nuff said.

So I went to Ellis Faas, really excited about the whole process of looking not unlike a fashion model .... I approached the concession cooley and calm with an expression of "oooh i've never seen this make-up before". Straight away I was offered a mini makeover. I'm one for surprises, lurve them! Therefore I promised myself I wouldn't peek until the makeover was finished... so the great unveil and I f**8kin looked like a ghost!! The shade of foundation she used was allll wrong, in fact all the shades except for the black mascara and black eyeliner was wrong ( EVEN the way she applied the eyeliner was shite!)! Mate if I didn't know how to apply make up I would've been put off for life !! So alas I have to go back when miss 'who genuinely seem impressed with what she done' is not there, so as so to break her career heart.

Note to you/reminder to myself ; If you don't like the 'look' (i.e., make up) of the consultant then sure as hizzy s/he ain't going to make you look preetty! Apologies people this section shall be continued ....

So to fashion...........

So as this funny weather - London spring, (hot yet freezing in the shade) is approaching i've been thinking about my attire for work, as I work in fashion i'm lucky to be able to wear pretty much what I want so long as its fashion savvy...

SHOP OF THE WEEK GOES TOO..... COS

Whilst on the way to test out Ellis Faas, I popped into a few shops as I usually do... I popped to COS, love this store, reasonable prices for high quality, amazing designs the pics are what i tried on and fell in love with;

The black tee jumpsuit - now finally people are slowly but surely warming to the idea of jumpsuits not just for evenings out... The highstreet are heeding to this! This jumpsuit is perfect Monday attire you know when you just wanna put on something comfortable like, your duvet.... however Monday's in the office are Very busy for me and to get me into work mode and prepare me for the week - one of the motto's I use for myself is that 'I start as I mean to go on', therefore - I want progression, to be professional, assertive and efficient... i partly express this through my clothes.

This jumpsuit, is so comfortable - Its a big t-shirt, how can it not be!! Now, I try to stay away from black but this item was too hard to resist. The thin belt is a leather like strap, the t-shirt part of the jumpsuit has a pocket detail using the same material. I think this retails for £59.

The orange ensemble burnt orange is one of my favourite clothing colours, it really puts me in a summer mood, this colour looks does look great against darker skin tones - otherwise St Tropez tanning lotion I have seen does wonders !

In the picture I am wearing a full skirt, which has double layers which makes it ideal for current weather and a perfect length for the office. Its high waisted, ideal for hiding bulging tums... just gorgeous and light to wear.

I am also wearing a vest top. And the most comfortable khaki coloured blazer which has a double breasted button detail, I think brings a nice twist the conventional black or grey blazer.

Military Khaki dress - Then I try on the silk like -military inspired low cowl neck, sleeveless dress with large pockets which sit on the hips. Another easy wearing item that also feels amazing as its made out of a silk like material. however its a dress that would not be forgiving for those with large hips as the pockets would draw attention to that area...

BUT yeh have a look in COS for your spring/summer work wardrobe !

Ciao Ciao for now

;0 )

Beauty is in the eye of the spender!

Hello All !

My name is R... , Ya'll can call me Rubi ;0)

I'm a 26 year old British African chic based in London. I'm interested in all thing gorgeous, open minded and enlightening. My blogs will mainly be concerned with fashion, beauty and some lifestyle.

I work in the fashion industry and have worked as a skin and make up consultant. I confess I haven't worked in skincare and make-up for a few years. So why you may ask is she trying to advise me about make up and skin care ! Well beauty and skincare has been a passion of mine, however fashion will always be my 1st love.

So what else qualifies me ?? Well I have been stopped in street and even followed! Where a black women in need has asked where did you get that outfit from??? Who does your hair ??? What foundation do you use?? I once had a long ass conversation with a woman on the tube about what foundation and skincare she should use!! I know!! Not only this I often see things I fall in love with and more time I see it featured in magazines a week or two later ! So thus I think I should finally share.

So here we go...

Now isn't it time we saw more luxury products specifically on the market for black and Asian skins ? I'm not just talking about the likes of big brands such as Bobbi Brown or Mac whose cosmetics that in addition to their vast range of products also happen to cater for black and Asian skins ... I'm taking about our own concessions, with products in lovely packaging that we can't wait to have displayed in our bathroom cabinets or dressing tables... NOT hair oils or body creams in supermarket style cooking oil bottle's! Granted the well established Fashion Fair is still going strong but I can never go near that make-up brand for the fact that I associate it as 'Mum's' or 'Aunty's' make up ...I just can't do it too myself!

As a woman who works in the fashion industry my occupation is with and always will be with the newest, stylish (not trendy, i'm far from fashion slave!) and innovation. We salute Iman who did stand the test of time ( as far as 'black' cosmetic brands go) but unfortunately not her products. Sadly they were bad quality - eyeshadows that crumbled in an insatnt and cream to powder compacts which had a very weird consistency. Granted her products are still in places such as the can't live without 'Pak Cosmetics'... However don't you think that’s telling ? Luxury department stores were willing to support Iman - an incredible supermodel married to the legend that is David Bowie, they were all over it! But alas now no prestigious high luxury company has the confidence to promote it in Central London, I still have hope Iman!

However thanks to the newly on the market cosmetic range designed for Black and Asian skins K by Beverley Knight ( 'What the singer' you say 'Yes' i say) http://www.kbybeverleyknightcosmetics.com/ has revived the market and has now become the catalyst, finally. If you didn't already know she has a concession in Selfridges which launched in mid September 09'.

In a nation obsessed with brand name and reputation, it maybe hard for 'Josephine Bloggs' to go out on a limb and spend her hard earned GBP's just to support her own? At the end of the day Josephine will be wearing this shizzle on her face, as much as the saying goes 'Never judge a book by its cover' society today has turned that saying on its head. I must say walking around the buzziness of Selfridges department store enticed by Bobbi Brown's already developed cosmetics range and now, Nar's has finally pricked up its ears and has extended their foundations for Black and Asian complexions .... K products do seem to be on a par, but maybe slightly below in terms of quality of product. I imagine the support behind this brand is not akin to large co-operations such as L'oreal or Estee Lauder's global bustin prominence. PLEASE don't get me wrong, to a fault I have the highest of standards and a laser eye for detail in terms of aesthetics. On that particular day I was interested in foundations, K's foundations are definitely up there with the best ( I only said 'slightly' before!) and in my opinion good value for money.

So this for this week the focus is on foundations. As a spoilt beauty junkie with dark choc complexion my recommendation for foundations are the following ( in this order):

Becca - Highly recommend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This range is expensive, but gives your skin such a gorgeous glow - as summer is approaching invest in their tinted moisturiser, it gives just enough coverage and lets you skin breathe under the summer sun.

Becca is a brand that has been around a few years yet I seem to be the only one who knows about them sssssh keep it between us...

( can be found in Fenwicks - Bond Street or standalone store in Brompton Square which also provides makeup classes otherwise check out website http://www.beccacosmetics.com/)

Bobbi Brown - a definite staple in my make-up bag

Located Everywhere!- specifically Selfridges London, John Lewis - Oxford Street again checkout their website for nearest concession www.bobbibrown.co.uk

Nars www.narscosmetics.co.uk

K by Beverly Knight http://www.kbybeverleyknightcosmetics.com/

Mac

I'm not the greatest fan of Mac foundations, for me it tends to just sit on the skin, however a lot of people use it it doesn't look all bad on a night out http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/.

Clinique - www.clinique.co.uk

I'm nearing to the end of my first blog I hope you've found it a pleasure to read and will be coming back for more ! It'll be a weekly thang ...

But oh yes, before I go... the girls and I came across a new make up range by Ellis Faas, an influential Make -up artist who has been cited by Vogue Paris (no less) as the most influential Make up artist of her time, with bag caring, space saving and super user friendly make up products - no messy or sticky fingers absolutely tube proof ! Her range is exclusive to tudor style Liberty's ( off Argyle street in the west end). I'll be checking out her range so you don't have to ! If it suits my choc dark complexion is it more than plausible it'll work with yours... Watch out for next weeks blog ;0)

Ciao Ciao for now x