How To: Deal With Puffy Eyes

Tiredness, allergies or even a salty meal can contribute to puffy eyes but as it's New Year's Eve I thought now would be a good time to share my personal routine for avoiding the under-eye luggage effect.

First up, something to cool and soothe the area. My little bottle of Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion lives in the fridge and is reserved solely for puffy-eyed emergencies. I just soak a couple of cotton pads and hold them onto my eyes while the kettle is boiling. It helps to begin reducing redness and swelling, and it's also suitable for contact lens wearers. If you know you're going to need some extra help in the morning it's worth putting your eye cream in the fridge too. I like Alpha H Absolute Eye Complex for these occasions as the gel texture is cooling even at room temperature, but after a few hours chilling next to the orange juice it feels incredibly soothing. It also packs hyaluronic acid to tackle dehydration and help banish fine lines. If you're reading this on New Year's Day, with T-minus 20 minutes until your in-laws arrive, put two teaspoons in the freezer instead. Leave them to chill for a few minutes while you attempt to tidy up, and then gently hold them on your under-eye area before applying eye cream as usual. 

Advice for tired-looking eyes usually involves the word 'radiance', but any kind of sparkle will only highlight puffiness. Instead I opt for a concealer that offers decent coverage without settling into lines or feeling drying. Origins Planscription Anti-Aging concealer* fits the bill perfectly. My shade, Light/Medium 02, has a peachy lean to correct any darkness and the finish is dewy and skin-like without drawing attention to any swollen areas. If you do want a little radiance, try a cream highlighter in the inner corner of the eye, but above the tear duct area where puffiness tends to start. Finally, I add a touch more brightness by lining the waterline with a flesh toned pencil to counteract any remaining redness. Lately I've been using Rimmel's Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl in 005 Nude* which lasts for hours, but UNE's Skin Glow and MAC's Chromographic pencils are also safe bets. Et voila, nobody need ever know about that wild party / all-night essay writing session / bag of chips (delete as appropriate).

I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year's Eve, whatever you're doing, and a fantastic 2013. 

Thank you for all your support in 2012. x

*PR samples

Autumn/Winter Everyday Makeup Routine

It's been a while since I filmed a makeup application video (I wouldn't call the above a tutorial per se, but it was a little more predetermined than a 'get ready with me video' which would likely involve me scrabbling around for products and changing my mind mid-way) and I thought it was about time I actually showed you how I use the products I'm always raving about.

This rendition includes some new products that I'm fairly excited about, so expect some full reviews on here soon. 

NOTD: Estée Lauder Pure Colour 'Pure Red'

I don't wear red polish very often, but when I do I opt for truly classic shades. Estée Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in 'Pure Red'* is just about the most exemplary red I've stumbled across. Released as one of five shades in Estée Lauder's Red Hautes Collection, it's a true pillar box red which leaves the nails looking polished. Lauder's Creative Makeup Director, Tom Pecheux, states there are 'day reds and there are night reds'. Frankly I'm not sure which 'Pure Red' is meant to fall under but it's such an incredibly festive shade, I'll be wearing it throughout the holiday season. The formula is incredible, I didn't need a second coat and it dried rapidly. That said, I found the finish wasn't the shiniest on my nails, so it's best paired with a glossy topcoat for the prettiest outcome. 

Naturally they're not the most purse-friendly of polishes at £14.50, but if you're stuck for Christmas presents I think the beautiful, weighty, ice-cube bottles are a perfect gift for just about anyone. Not that packaging should be priority, but Estée Lauder nail polish bottles are my absolute favourite.

Hydrating Serums

The more the temperature drops, the more I find my self layering up my skincare as well as my jumpers. My main issue, and it's a very common one, is dehydration. Rather than slathering on claggy creams, I tend to reach for lighter hydrating serums that can add a bit of a boost to both dehydrated and dry skin types. So here is a 'Friends'-style overview of five hydrating serums in my skincare arsenal.

The French One Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst Quenching Serum

This is my personal favourite, and I know it is hugely popular with people of all skin types. The milky liquid sinks in incredibly quickly giving skin a blissful 'ahhh' moment without feeling heavy or greasy. Despite the slightly lengthy ingredients list, including silicone and fragrance, my somewhat sensitive skin seems to love this serum and, with regular use, I've found any blemishes I do get tend heal much faster and any marks left behind are much lighter. £29 / 30ml

Aqua, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) fruit water*, Glycerin*, Butylene Glycol*, Ethylhexyl Palmitate*, Polyacrylate crosspolymper-6, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract*, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum (fragrance), Squalane*, Potassiumsorbate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice*, Sodium Benzoate, Xantham Gum, Sorbitan Oleate*, Sodium Carboxymethyl Betaglucan, Citric Acid, Sorbitan Laurate*, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Phytate*, Disodium Acetylclucosamine Phosphate, Myristyl Malate Phosphonic Acid.  * Plant origin

The Scientific One Indeed Labs Hydraluron

Hydraluron is a funny one. I've held off reviewing it as when I first bought it (sidenote: the outer packaging looks a little bit like a pregnancy test which is all kinds of hilarious when you leave it on your desk) I wasn't really blown away. However, this is one you really notice when you stop using it and your skin snaps back to its previously thirsty state. Hyaluronic acid ('the world's purest' according to Indeed Labs), everyone's favourite anionic, nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water onto the surface of the skin, appears high up on the dinky ingredients list and this is about the most concentrated source I've seen. This means it has all the hydrating benefits without the other gunk that can crop up in some serums, making it a good option if you're particularly sensitive. You need seriously minimal amounts and unlike the other serums which can be reapplied, it will start to 'pill' if you apply to much. £24.99 / 30ml

Water, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ahnfeltia Concinna extract, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol

The Illuminating One Wild About Beauty Rose Water Illuminating Serum

Although Wild About Beauty describe this as an 'illuminating and hydrating serum', it's more of a final step product to add a tiny bit more hydration before applying makeup and the onus is more on the illumination. The serum has tiny violet light reflecting particles which blend out to leave a lovely soft focus finish with a boost of radiance rather than glitter. This is a great one to wear alone if you're feeling really minimal or stick on top of your usual skincare routine for an extra smooth base, but it won't replace your moisturiser. £22 / 30ml

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Aluminum Starch Octenysluccinate, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Phenoxyethanol, Annonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alcohol, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Parfum (Fragrance) Mica, Hydroxyethyl, Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Lecithin, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Carnosine, Cassia Angustigolia Seed Polysaccharide, Propanediol, Polysorbate 60, Limonene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Cyclanthera Pedata (Caigua) Fruit Extract, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract.

The Organic One Antipodes Hosanna H₂O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum
One of the few organic hydrating serums I've come across is Antipodes Hosanna, which uses black fern, grape extract and lavender to stimulate collagen synthesis. As you might imagine, that requires longer term use so it doesn't give the instant gratification of hyaluronic acid-containing serums. Instead this serum is very smoothing and plumping which can make the skin feel taut, in a good way, but it doesn't feel as soothing as the milkier formulas so I prefer this one in summer when the water-based, gel liquid feels beautifully cooling and hydrating. Reviewed in full here. £27.99 / 25ml

Lavender augusifolia distilate (lavender flower water)*, cyathea medullaris (mamku black fern) leaf extract, vitis vinifera (Vinanza Grape) grapeseed extract, naticide (natural preservative), caprylic/capric triglyceride, xantham gum, essential oil fragrances of French rose oil and cardamon: Benzyl benzoate+, cinnamyl alcohol+, citral+, citronellol+, d-limonene+, eugenol+, farnesol+, geraniol+, linanool+. * = Certified Organic ingredient; + = Component of essential oil

The Weatherproof One REN Max Moisture Concentrate

This is the heaviest of the bunch and definitely leans more toward moisturising, rather than hydrating making it a great option for drier skin types. I found this serum didn't make such a difference to the hydration levels of my skin, but I have dabbed it over the top of makeup to hydrate drier patches throughout the day. I can imagine Max Moisture Concentrate being a boon underneath moisturiser for weather-chapped skin or for frequent flyers as a first defence against moisture sapping recycled air. £32 / 30ml

Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Oil, Phospholipids, Sorbitan Olivate, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea (Lingonberry) Seed Oil, Betaine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Penoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Parfum (Fragrance) Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Linalool, Limonene, Farnesol.

This post contains PR samples.

Christmas DIY: Chocolate and Hazelnut Biscotti

For my last DIY gift idea this year, I thought I'd share an (edible) recipe that I seem to end up making every year. I've tried a few recipes over the years but the best I've come across is slightly adapted from Smitten Kitchen, an awesome food blog which now has its own book! Biscotti are perfect as presents as most recipes are dairy free, almost fat free and pretty low in sugar as far as baked goods go. They will also keep for 2 weeks or more so are ideal for making ahead. If cocoa and hazelnuts aren't your thing, there are hundreds of variations on the net. But traditional biscotti do not contain butter or oil...so watch out for the impostors!

(Makes 40-60 biscotti depending how thick and at what angle you slice it!)

1 cup whole hazelnuts

2 1/2 cups plain flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder 

1 tablespoon espresso powder 

Pinch of salt 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

3/4 teaspoon baking powder 

4 large eggs 

1 1/3 cups sugar

Preheat oven to 180°C.

Toast hazelnuts on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove the hazelnuts from the oven, wrap in a cotton tea towel and run until most of the skins come away. Set aside. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl (flour, cocoa, espresso powder, salt, baking soda and baking powder) and set aside. Beat the eggs together. Remove two tablespoons of egg mixture into small dish and set aside. Beat sugar into remaining eggs until well combined. Stir in flour mixture to form soft dough. Divide the dough in half and place one portion on a well-floured work surface and pat it into a six-inch square. Scatter half the hazelnuts on the dough and press them into the surface. Roll the dough into a cylinder about 2 inches in diameter and 12 to 15 inches long. Line the baking sheet with baking paper and place the roll of dough on the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining dough. Brush the tops of both rolls with the reserved egg. Place in the oven and bake about 20 minutes, until firm to the touch. Transfer to a cutting board and cut on an angle into slices one-half-inch thick. Return the slices to the baking sheet, laying them on their cut sides, and return them to the oven. Bake another 20 minutes, until they are crisp and dry. Allow to cool completely before storing or serving.

Laura Mercier 'Spiced Cider' Second Skin Cheek Colour

Laura Mercier's Second Skin Cheek Colour in 'Spiced Cider' has been on my wish list for quite a few months, due in part to the wonderfully seasonal name and lack of anything remotely similar in my blush collection. So when I was perusing the beauty hall of Peter Jones with Estée (always dangerous) I decided it was about time it came home with me. 

'Spiced Cider' is a beautiful russet rose shade with a smattering of subtle gold shimmer, described by Laura Mercier as 'mid-toned tawny with gold pearl'. Despite the orangey-brown tones, it looks surprisingly natural on the cheeks adding a soft glow and wintery flush to the complexion. If you've not tried Laura Mercier blushes before (I hadn't), the formula is not dissimilar to NARS in its sheerness, but ever so slightly chalkier. Despite the sheer formula, you will want to proceed with caution as I found this had a tendency to go a little patchy unless applied in very light layers with a fluffy brush. It is very buildable however, and I think it would add a beautiful warmth to light and medium skin tones. 

Next on my list? Wild Bouquet! 

£20.50 / 3.6g at Laura Mercier counters and online.

DIY Gift: Animal Push Pins

Another Sunday DIY as promised. I got the Instagram equivalent of a dubious look when I posted a preview of these yesterday, but they honestly look so cute on a pin board and I think I might even prefer them to the pricey Anthropologie version that I was trying to emulate. Although I still want to find a rabbit and walrus to join the collection.

I cut the figures in half using a bread knife but whatever you use please be careful and make sure the blade isn't too flimsy (I don't think a craft knife will cut it here).  If you do give it a go I would love to see a photo via instagram or twitter, it was great to see your renditions of my vanilla chai scrub!

Winter Hand Helpers

When I still lived in the countryside I spent half the winter with my hands plunged in ice cold water trying to defrost pipes so my horse could drink, and I swore by Neutrogena's Norwegian Formula Concentrated hand cream to keep them comfortable. However moving to London a few years seems to have made me a bit soft, as I now require a stash products to keep my hands smooth through the cooler months. 

First and foremost, a creamy hand wash. Much like switching facial skincare to creamier or balmier formulas, it's worth trying something other than a gel hand wash, which can sap moisture from your hands. I picked up Triology's Helping Hand Wash when we moved into our current place a few months ago. It's quite pricey for something used everyday at £13.50 but, with just one bathroom, I wanted something guest-y in there so visitors had something other than a sad looking bar of soap to use. Not only is the packaging beautifully simple, but 100% of the profits go to the Child's i Foundation who help to deal with baby abandonment in Uganda. Back to the forumla, the creamy consistency is effective but gentle on hands and it smells beautiful. Apparently the fragrance comes from 'frankinsecne, rose, lavender and geranium', but I would describe it as lavender-herby-loveliness and without fail everyone who has used it has complimented it. 

My current hand cream of choice is from Pai who make some beautiful organic, vegan products for sensitive skin types. Their Fragonia & Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream comes man-approved (I think he picked up on the chef-y ingredient of Sea Buckthorn) for it's 'non-greasy, non-girl smelling' formula which has done wonders for my boyfriend's kitchen-worn hands. It's not quite heavy duty enough for severe chapping or cracking, but it easily smoothes over dry patches without feeling heavy or slimy. 

Finally I've been religiously applying Burt's Bee's Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme to my cuticles. The main ingredient is sweet almond oil, which I've used alone on my nails in the past, and to be honest this is just a less messy, more expensive version. I haven't felt like this is the most moisturising cuticle treatment in the world, but I've definitely had less hangnails and cracking since using it. 

Are there any hand treatments you swear by in cold weather?

November Favourites

DIY Gift: Vanilla Chai Body Scrub

I thought as well as some gift guides this year I'd also post a couple of DIY gift ideas. First up, a very quick, easy and thrifty (less than £5 for everything) body scrub. For a more seasonal scrub I thought a warming, spicy chai scent would be nice and I promise you this smells incredible. Even if you think you don't like the smell of cardamom, please don't leave them out as they are essential to an authentic chai scent. That said, you can play around with the chai mix as much as you like, maybe add some warming ginger, and if you're feeling really lazy just swap the spices for a few ground up chai teabags! You can also swap the oils for olive oil, but I find these two leave my skin the softest and have the nicest scent too. 

You will need (for 1 half litre jar): 

3 cardamom pods 

3 cloves 

2 tbsp cinnamon 

1 tsp nutmeg 

1 tbsp vanilla extract or the seeds of a vanilla pod 

2 cups brown sugar 

2-4 tbsp coconut oil 

2tbsp sweet almond oil 

A jar (0.5L approx)

You can download the label as a pdf [here] or jpeg [here].