Holding on to summer with this MALIN+GOETZ Dark Rum fragrance

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MALIN+GOETZ are a super stylish New York brand which can be found in nice hotels and restaurants in the States, a little like Aesop hand wash and moisturiser over here in the UK which are always in fancy places.  The company was founded in 2004, by two very chic men called Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz who opened their first store in New York’s Chelsea neighborhood. Their modern apothecary approach to luxury skincare was to provide easy-to-use treatments that are both gentle and effective for both men and women with all skin types and they have everything from hand wash, candles, body products and facial skin care. The packaging, like their stores are clean, minimal and very New York trendy. They look great and the name itself adds class to any bathroom. 

What I love most about the brand is that Matthew and Andrew offer the highest quality products by supporting their fellow local businesses. Every formula is personally created by them in collaboration with trusted chemists local to their operations in New York and they even manufacture their products with other small, family-run businesses in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Brooklyn where the candles are made. 

The signature and best selling Dark Rum fragrance is my latest scent. It’s unusual for me to go for a scent like this as I normally go for fresh feminine floral notes but I’m obsessed with it. Whether you’re a rum fan or not, do not be put off by the name, because like me, when you think of dark rum, they words that come to mind are a moody, sweet and sticky, however, this smells zesty, uplifting and yes sweet, but slightly masculine. Its a sexy perfume and on the right girl or guy, this scent is intoxicating and super hot! The perfume is gender neutral with top notes of zesty bergamot, anise and plum. The Leather, rum and Vanilla add the warm masculine tones and the patchouli, alluring amber and milk base even it out – basically all the surrounding notes evoke all the pleasures and feelings you get when you drink rum. I like mine on a beach with a good sound system playing in the background. 

The fragrance is super strong so you really don’t need to spray much and it lasts for hours and hours. This is a great summer scent and smells completely different on men and women. I will be wearing mine for the rest of the year to keep the summer spirit alive. 

Available from Malin+Goetz £125

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New Organic Skincare company KINN Living

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Theres a super cute organic brand called KINN living which seems to be everywhere at the moment. KINN is a family company, launched in London this year and the founders are a gorgeous mother and daughter duo who decided they wanted to create luxury, design-led, organic and non-toxic products for the family and the home.

All the products are based on their family heritage which has a background in aromatherapy and all the products are eco-friendly, non-toxic and vegan. The packaging is minimal, super chic and looks great in the bathroom. It's also fully recyclable, sustainable, fully-traceable, ethically-sourced and made in Britain which is really fantastic.

I tried out KINN livings products, and here's are a few of my favs:

Body Wash – £14.00

I absolutely love using this body wash. It smells really luxurious, expensive and organic because you can really smell the Ylang Ylang. A small amount foams up amazing considering it contains no parabens and the blend of essential oils and organic ingredients such as ylang ylang, tangerine, lavender, coconut oil, aloe vera extract and chamomile to help repair and moisturise the skin. It doesn't have that oily eco brand feel which is great as it leaves skin feeling fresh and squeaky clean.

Body Lotion – £18.00

The body lotion contains lavender, tangerine, sunflower oil, shea butter, cacao butter and aloe vera leave skin feeling super soft.  It smells the same as the body wash so it's a good way to layer the scent. The moisturiser is hydrating but for those of you who need that additional help would have to add a few drops of the body oil.

Body Oil – £22.00

I only use this body oil occasionally and add a few drops into my moisturiser when my skin is feeling thirsty. Its so delicious and feels like I am really pampering my skin. The aromatic essential oils and organic ingredients – ylang ylang, tangerine, lavender, avocado oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil and grape seed oil makes your skin feel amazing after. It absorbs straight in and doesn't leave your body feeling greasy

Bath Oil – £28.00

As you may have noticed all the products contain a mixture of ylang ylang, lavender, tangerine, avocado oil, sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil and jojoba oil to their products. A few drops of this in your bath will bring the spa at home and soothe and comfort you, leaving you with amazing skin.

For those of you who like eco, stylish and subtle smells, you will love these products. They do home cleaning products too so check them out.

Available from KINN Living

Brush up on your makeup application with Real Techniques

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Makeup brushes were one thing I never felt like I needed to invest in. I like my makeup and skincare to require as little effort as possible, with maximum effects, you know, quickly slap it on and look like you have spent hours on it. I know that’s asking for a lot, but I really don’t have an hour to spend on my face every morning before work and when I go out, I am always running late so I spend a round 15 minutes on my makeup, applying half of it on my way to the venue. I do always wonder what I would look like if I spend an hour doing my makeup.  Would I look like Kim Kardashian?  I highly doubt it.

I used to apply makeup with my fingers – my foundation, concealer, eyeshadow and cream blusher. I know some people, especially makeup artists are trying to bring the fingers back, but using tools definitely makes a difference to the final look and application of your makeup. A great brush can make a cheap product look amazing on the skin, and equally the reverse, an expensive blusher or eyeshadow applied with the wrong brush can look cheap and totally wrong.  You cannot create a smokey eye without brushes, it’s impossible, and foundations have a better finish with certain brushes and sponges. The brush quality also helps too, but there are so many on the market right now it’s difficult to find a collection that’s great value for money and delivers. Some of the cheaper brands you can buy in boots are just as good as the super expensive ones in Space NK. I have been trying out a few now and highly recommend one of the industry’s favourite vegan and cruelty free brand, the Real Techniques Multi Tech Collection.


The MultiTech collection from Real Techniques is created with one universal cut in order to provide limitless ways to play with the product and apply the makeup. The tapered point provides detail and the mega base lets you blend. I know that most brushes have this, but the angles on these brushes are amazing and really helps to blend in certain areas like the inner sockets of the eyes, the lash line and cheek bones. The extreme taper has a superior pickup and application of any product and the tip is firm yet flexible enough to blend and apply product in contours of the face.

What’s great about the these brushes is that they come without your standard makeup brush labels, and encourages you to unleash your playful side and create limitless beauty. It’s great for rule breakers like me! Whether you’re using liquids or powders, want a smokey eye or a soft contour, the possibilities are endless with these brushes. The collection comprises of eight pieces suitable across all facial features, seven brushes and one sponge. They have also been deliberately names after their size which ranges from Point XXXS to Point XXXL.  


The full Powder Point XXXL (£18.00) is so soft and the perfect size for the face. The bristles are amazingly soft but aren’t overly fluffy so the firmness holds onto the powder delivering an even and natural effect. The Point L (£16.00) is my blusher brush which is cut to perfection! I absolutely love it! I use it to apply my bronzer as I don’t use blusher and it is the best because it picks up product without leaving any residue so doesn’t waste the product, it holds onto it on the brush and it transfers it onto the cheeks with precision. The point helps to create the contour and the thickest part goes on my cheeks. I only need a few gentle strokes and its done! This brush again is soft but firm. Its my absolute favourite! 

SMALL POINT SET – £30.00


These brushes are amazing. They come in 4 sizes, and metal brush holder and the actual brushed are used for detailed application and precision blending. The smallest one (XXXS) can be used for brow filling, eyeliner, lip liner or smudging. XXS for eyeshadow and blending, XS for concealers and creases and S for highlighter. What’s great about these brushes is their versatility, I would never use this many brushes for my eyes so it’s great that I can use the XXS and XS for highlighting and concealing and 4 brushes for £30 is such great value for money.

POINT MAKEUP SPONGEPOINT MAKEUP SPONGE – £10


I love this little makeup sponge as it’s the perfect size for foundation, and then the point can get into the creases and corners of the face. I have two so I actually use on for blending my highlighter. I love the point on this which creates a perfect angle for my cheekbones. It can be used dry but I prefer to use it wet but submerging it in water and squeeze out the excess with a tissue. It comes with a metallic sponge holder which is so useful for storage.

When it comes to Real Technique brushes, believe the hype, they are all that and really great value for money.  Sam and Nicole Chapman have done such a great job. You can even check out the Real Techniques YouTube for more info.

Thank me later! Jaz x 

Available from Real Techniques, Boots and Superdrug 

For your eyes only – Build your own mascara with Eyeko

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I wrote about the Eyeko Bespoke Mascara two years ago when I visited their lash bar in Harvey Nichols. At the time, it was a total game changer for me because I didn’t realise what my natural eyelashes were like and what I needed to make them better as I was always clueless about mascara and felt it wasn’t as important as my eyeliner. 

A few weeks ago, I went back, but this time to their Selfridges concession and I can confirm that, again, Eyeko saved my eyelashes!

Just like my eyebrows, my eyelashes aren’t the best, they’re long but fine, just like my hair so they always need extra attention.  I don’t like fake lashes, but since discovering the Eyeko Magic Lash Boost two years ago, haven’t looked back.  The lash booster, isn’t for every day though, so it’s been difficult creating the full effect I wanted to achieve on a daily basis.  

When I got the the lash bar, I was asked what I wanted from my eyelashes, but the truth is, I didn’t know what I wanted to achieve, only for them to look better. That’s why the lash expert at the Eyeko Eyeliner and Lash bar are so useful, they’re like your eyelash doctors where you tell them what’s wrong, and they solve your problem.

They take a good look at your lashes and ask you how you would like them to look and then diagnose you with your bespoke brush and mascara formula. The day I went in, my lashes were having a good day and actually looking great, so I thought I would challenge them, but to my dismay, they told me that mine were super long, looked great but needed a boost to make them look fuller.  They also told me that when applying mascara, I miss my inner and outer lashes which aren’t as long so my new mascara will make them even better. I was therefore prescribed with a curved brush which is slim enough to reach those areas, and a formula to thicken.

There are 100’s of possibilities for these bespoke mascara’s so they don’t have names, only numbers so each one really is tailor-made for you. They have so many brushes and formulas its incredible that each one is different and tailor made for you.

They also come in a super cool box which has your initials, and inside, contain a guitar pick which is also an eyelash comb.

And the box has a mirror! 

My mascara

Okay, so the box looks cool, but does the mascara deliver? Well, yes, the mascara itself doesn’t disappoint so don’t worry about it being all style without substance. Eyeko only make products for eyes so they’re real experts and the staff at their counters are really helpful and passionate. My mascara is really black which is great and it makes my eyelashes look really thick, volumous and eye opening. It’s lightweight, doesn’t clump and dries quickly, but not too quickly so you can add layers. The brush is fantastic, the middle of course boosts my centre super long lashes and the tip gets into those inner corners. I love this mascara, its perfect. My only negative feedback is that it’s difficult to remove every trace and I only realised weeks later that the bits I couldn’t remove were fibres in the magic lash boost. In fact, they go all over your sink, but they don’t stain as it’s just fibre and the trick get them off your lashes, is to gently pull them with your fingers and run it under a tap. 


If you fancy being diagnosed with a mascara to boost your eyelash game, head to Selfridges for your diagnosis, you wont regret it. 

£30

 

Raise your Brow Game with Eylure 

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Brows are Big. As in they’re still relevant and physically big too… the Insta Brow, Feather Brow, Brow Lace Wig, Glitter Brow and the microblading trend means we’re still Fleaking Out about Brows!

Dua Lipa, Solange,Gillter Brows, Feather Brow

That’s cool, because when it comes to my eyebrows, there’s always room for improvement as mine are always changing shape and never look like they’re expected on Instagram. 

After a few years of experimenting with gel and powder, I thought I had my brow game on point until I went to a brow workshop with Eylure and their brow expert Sal, Eyebrow King which completely changed everything. We all know your Brow shape is a game changer. It can make or break your face. The perfect arch can make you look younger, cooler, your face more structured, yet a bad Brow can make you look old, stunned, tired. Sal explained the structure of the brow and its proportions according to the shape of your face and finally, which products you should be using – it basically changed my brow life. 

Below is an image of my face which shows the measurements of my eyebrow according to my face. You can use a pencil to define it yourself which should be a line from your inner eye (or outer lip) to the inner eyebrow and no further, the outer edge of eye to end (length) of brow. Your arch should measure up with the centre of your eye. Below is my eyebrow and face which gives a clearer picture.

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I have been experimenting with Eylure products now for a while as they also have so many products such as Brow Stencils, Semi Permanent tints,  Brow Tamer, Contour Sticks and more. Below are my favs –

Brow Pencil

£5.45

Pop this baby in your bag for emergencies. Need a little brow touch up during the day, after work, or after the gym? Then this is the product for you. This Brow pencil is ideal for a firm textured look that will build up colour nicely and naturally.  I use mine in the middle of my brow after brushing out the brow to add more definition. The sharpness of the pencil can create hair like lines which mimic strands. It lasts all day and is so soft and easy to use. It comes 4 different shades – Black, Dark Brown, Mid Brown and Blonde. This pencil will not only condition and nourish but will leave you with amazing looking brows.

Brow Pomade

£8.95

I love this Brow Pomade in Medium Brown.  It’s a creamy, long-lasting brow colour that provides colour, sculpting and shading for the brows. I apply it using the Brush & Wand Duo following the shape of the brows and use the flat end of the brush to fill my eyebrows in. The pomade is very pigmented so go easy on the cream and build your brow up slowly for a natural look. Once its applied, brush the pomade out with the wand which makes the colour less intense and dense. Once the pomade is on and brushed out I add the liner above. The great thing about this pomade is that if you make mistakes it rubs out easily with a sponge or pads without smudging. I actually do that on most days and it has never stained. The colour stays put all day, even on super hot summer days due to it being humidity and waterproof. Available in Dark Brown, Mid Brown and Blonde this is a one-stop product for beautifully full brows

Brow Palette

£9.95

For those of you gifted with thick brows, this is the product for you. It’s less precise than the other products above and the finish is softer and more natural as the brush is thicker and you will be using powder. The palette consists of a wax, dark powder and light powder to highlight. At first I found this difficult to use as I do need to fill my eyebrows in and so used to using the pomade however with practice I have gotten used to it. The wax comes on easily, it doesn’t move or feel greasy and wet allowing the powder to stick and leave a soft and highly pigmented finish. It’s less pointy than the other two so great for defining already thick eyebrows. 

Available from Eylure, Boots and Superdrug

 

Is the beauty industry becoming Woke? Lancôme launch Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation in 40 Colours & #myshademypower Campaign

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Is the beauty industry becoming Woke?

As a woman of colour, beauty has always been extremely important in my life and I know that so many other people share my experiences. There are so many layers to this relationship which I will not go into in this post, however, I will talk about the current movement we are seeing in the beauty world towards diversity.

When it comes to beauty, it’s tough being a woman, but believe me, being a WOC is next level! Because our hair and skin are different to the ‘norm’, it has always been difficult for us to buy certain products such as darker shades of foundation, so we feel that we are not represented. Apart from known brands like MAC, Bobbi Brown and NARS no one else, until recently, has really catererd for the needs of women with darker skin.

Inclusivity 

However, thanks to social media, we are starting to see a shift from the traditional ‘western’ beauty standards which has always been the norm, towards inclusivity.  I’m talking about diversity on all levels from skin colour, hair, body positivity and gender. Brands and celebrities are being called out on cultural appropriation and inapropriate labelling. Last week a beauty brand called one of its products spastic and this week a high street retailer labelled white skin as normal and the internet was not happy. It is therefore very clear there is a movemnt taking place.

Beauty trends like big brows, full lips, contouring and highlighting is seen on women of all colours and even on men. Unlike fashion, it seems that the beauty world has accepted diversity so much faster and we now have darker foundations available and also see women of colour in ad campaigns such as Charlotte Tilbury and Lancôme.

Lancôme’s vision of beauty is that ‘beauty is not dictated’ and celebrate diversity, freedom and expression for all women. Their latest campaign My Shade My Power features 40 incredible women from the UK and Ireland who are fantastic role models. The women are from all ages and backgrounds ranging from scientists, businesswomen, dancers, and sportswomen – everyone from Gurinda Chadha to Julie Adenuga. The Campaign (top) is to launch the Lancome Teinte Idole Ultra Wear which comprises of 40 shades. All 40 women are wearing a different colour making up the 40 shades and on the website you hear their story.  It’s very powerful and such a fantastic idea to help represent those who wouldn’t normally feel like they are being included.

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The foundation colours suit all skin tones from the lightest to the darkest shades including yellow, warm and cool undertones..  L’Oreal’s chemist Balanda Atis created the broad palette by discovering of an ultramarine blue pigment which offers deep pure colour in darker foundations. They decided to create such a large range as they found that 45% of women couldn’t find a shade that suits them.

So, does the foundation deliver?

If you are thinking of buying this foundation I would first of all recommend going to your local Lancôme counter for a consultation. There are so many colours and it can become confusing. The foundation is darker than it looks on the bottle so test it on your skin first. I was convinced I was 6 as that was the sort of colour I normally buy, but when I tried it on my skin it was too dark. Then, I tried 7 which is more yellow but too dark.  I finally did my research by going on the website and went back to the counter to try a new colour out. I argued slightly with the consultant as I couldn’t belive I would be shade 501 but it is a perfect match.

The foundation itself is super nice and easy to use. I applied it with the All Foundation Brush (£29) which is a synthetic bristled brush to provide seamless blending across the skin curves, for an instantly flawless finish. I normally use a sponge but I really enjoyed using this brush, it’s really firm yet soft and it buffs the foundation onto the face really quickly.  I think I will use this forever now as I love the finish.

I only needed a tiny amount of foundation for this full coverage look. It glides onto skin and is completely weightless and comforting. It makes my skin look perfect and radiant. The coverage is heavier than my current foundation, yet I used less of this for the same effect. If you like a heavy coverage you can build it up but I promise you, I doubt you will need it. The foundation doesn’t move or cake at all throughout the day. It even looked good after a days work and after a workout.

The foundation contains an Eternal Soft Polymer which allows an increased comfort level with ultra‑long wear. The NAI pigments are specially coated pigments to maintain consistent pH levels with the skin so makeup stays in place all day and doesn’t transfer onto your hands or clothes. The Perlite and Silica in the foundation are used to effectively absorb oils without drying the skin out. I would however, finish with Powder to set the foundation.

Before applying the foundation, I used the La Base Pro Hydra Glow Primer (£28.50) is my favourite kind of primer because it gives you a gorgeous dewy look as opposed to a matt finish primers are normally associated with. This primer is infused with 14 intensive skin caring actives including my favourite, Rose essence and two types of pearls which instantly refreshes the skin and revives the complexion with an awakened morning glow. I love it and it smells amazing!

Me this morning with my 501 foundation


I highly recommend this foundation. I am so pleased that Lancôme have been so great in promoting inclusively and celebrating diversity and the actual product is excellent too. Lets hope all of the other brands follow suit because let’s face it, excluding such a large population of people who spend so much more on beauty products means companies are massively missing out and in my opinion less progressive.   

Available in 40 Shade from Lancome and Department Stores such as Selfridges, House of Fraser and Debenhams.

£31.50

Beyonce’s Hair Colourist Rita Hazan launches hair care collection!

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I am crazy in love with Rita Hazan, hair colourist to Beyonce, the Kardashians, Katy Perry, JLo and so many more amazing women. Famous for her risk taking and the iconic looks she has created from Katy Perry’s pastels to Beyonce’s colour, it is clear, Rita is a genius.

I had the chance to meet Rita earlier this year at the launch of her new products and had a really long chat about my colour damaged hair and of course makeup. She’s a very cool New Yorker with great hair – a total boss and so inspiring. Her products definitely reflect her whole aesthetic as her own hair is coloured and she has a really deep understanding of what women need. 

Here’s us twinning:

I know what you’re thinking, another celeb artists launching a brand, but seriosuly this one totally lives up to expectation.

My hair is bleached AF! Recently I had it cut and coloured and thought it was looking and feeling great, until I used the True Colour Revolution Shampoo and Conditioner. After using these products, my hair felt like real hair again. I couldn’t believe it. It felt heavy, thick, shiny, soft, smooth and alive! Anyone with bleached hair will know what I mean. Coloured hair feels like hollow straw. After using these products it felt incredible. I actually noticed immediately after shampooing because even my wet hair felt saturated and smooth.

The True Color Revolution Shampoo (£21) is specially designed for color treated hair as the rich-lathering shampoo gently yet effectively protects hues. Infused with botanical surfactants, it cleans and removes build up without stripping color. The Rice proteins and Moringa Seed Extract leave hair squeaky clean and nourished. There is no build-up, so hair feels weightless and silky. 

The True Color Revolution conditioner (£21) is Infused with Japanese Camelia Oil to leave strands feeling silky and manageable. Rita’s fade-­defying complex protects color from UV, environment and heat tools, preventing breakage while providing lustrous sheen.

Also what’s amazing is that these products are Sulphate, Sodium Chloride & Paraben Free. The packaging on these products is amazing and it smells expensive. You only need a tiny amount so a little goes a long way. 

The other products are from the collection are, root concealer touch up stick and spray, a Triple Treat Split End Therapy. Check them out…. and let’s face it, it’s the closest we’re ever going to get to Queen Bey’s glam team. Enjoy x 

 Available from Selfridges