United Kingdom
I am a London – based freelance beauty and lifestyle writer and editor.
A journalist since 2008, I have worked independently since 2010 – focusing on a wide variety of sectors, including beauty, food and lifestyle.
When I’m not working, you will find me reading classic novels, editing scripts and having heated discussions about football.
BEAUTY & SKINCARE
Ever since I attended the launch of this Silk'n Tightra launch late last year; I've seen a lot of ads on social media offering treatments for vaginal tightening and other intimate health issues. Aside from the obvious financial cost - such treatments are not cheap, there's also the added pressure of such treatments feeling uncomfortable, especially since you'll have to go into a clinic.
Clear skin is what we all want and to be fair, there are many ways of getting it. There are clear skin products on the market that promise radiant and clear skin overnight.
Experts have long advised that skincare regimen should change with the seasons so now that we're deep into winter, a skincare update is due. This time of year, there's a drop in humidity which makes skin dry; add in dry heat from central heating and dry, flaky skin emerges.
It's been a while since I got my hands on makeup that I thought was pure fun. The new Kiko Milano Pop Revolution pieces I got my hands on, evoked that feeling for me. The colourful collection brought out my need to experiment and have fun.
We are currently deep in the throes of winter but that doesn't mean your skin has to be pale and devoid of a healthy summer glow. Why wait for summer, when there are great skincare products that will give you a gorgeous summer tan and glow right now.
If you've never heard of Nakin Skincare, don't worry it's new, and now you have. It's a natural anti-ageing skincare brand from right here in the UK that uses active plant ingredients to help you keep wrinkles at bay and slow down the skin ageing process.
Did you know Hotel Chocolat had a beauty range called RABOT 1745 BEAUTY? I didn't until recently. It turns out RABOT 1745 BEAUTY has been around for a while as the main skincare brand used in Hotel Chocolat resorts around the world. And finally, it's available to buy here in the UK.
As a skincare junkie, I'm usually ingredient driven in the products I want to try. Thanks to the name 'MoistureTrip, GlamGlow's MoistureTrip was on my radar long before it launched. Considering the importance of hydration to skin, I'm always interested in the latest advances in ways to hydrate for a youthful and plump skin.
The just ended London Beauty Week impressed on me how big a role London plays in the huge UK beauty industry. At least two beauty brands launch every week in London. Case in point is this new range by Skin Academy called Zero. As the name implies, it's zero in fragrances, preservatives, parabens and SLES or SLS.
I had heard a lot about Icelandic skincare brand, BIOEFFECT - all good things of course, like how it uses fewer ingredients in its products compared to other skincare brands. That their products are hypoallergenic and parabens free and more importantly, highly effective.
Lifestyle
Autumn is synonymous with cosy nights in with friends and family but the months stretch on and staying in does get boring. Which makes it essential to have someplace to escape to that is as homey and cosy as staying in.
I'm obsessed with supplements because I want to be healthy, although I'm not all that consistent when it comes to taking them. But my point is, I know how important they are so I'm always open to learning about new supplements and how they help make us healthier.
Vitamin C is one of my favourite Vitamins to talk about not just because it's considered an essential vitamin, meaning it can't be produced by the body. Apart from being important for our health, it also has many skincare and beauty benefits.
Wine and cheese I get, because it's traditional. I've been to so many tastings where the two are the main fixtures but on a rainy Tuesday evening by the Thames, I learned how well brandy and cheese pairs together too. It's the first time anyone has tried to pair brandy and cheese.
Eliza Delite. ©Lipstick Ink (Image source: londonburlesquefest.com) The vintage glamour of the burlesque scene has seduced the nation and it looks like this new golden era will endure for many more years to come. Burlesque is nothing new and dates all the way back to ancient Greece.
Prohibition Nights in London
Salon Du Chocolat Catwalk Show Photos: Chocolate week is over and with it London's first ever Salon Du Chocolat catwalk walk show. I must admit that although I enjoyed myself immensely, I'm not sad it's over. Goes to show even chocolate lovers can sometimes get sick of the sight of chocolate.
Image source: Twinwood Festival 2012 (www.twinwoodevents.com) Vintage festivals have always been a cool alternative to thumping music in a field and camping so why spend the day in a field when you can have retro makeovers, exchange cool fashion and buy collector's items. When: 10 May - 29 September 2013 Where: Southbank Centre Only in its second year, this summer long festival is a celebration of burlesque, cabaret, comedy, magic, circus and the best vaudeville acts from around the world.
Baby Shower Invitation £49.85 from Anista Designs (source: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/anistadesigns) These vintage inspired invitation booklets are unique, colourful and perfect for special occasions. £15 from The Vintage Drawer This baby shower invitation set has a very unique design and is a definite conversation starter.
FOOD
I had heard great things about Ping Pong so I wanted to kill two birds with one stone - visit Ping Pong and check out the London Designer Outlet, all for the first time. With seven restaurants already opened around London, I had high expectations of the newly opened Ping Pong restaurant and I wasn't disappointed.
The one question I kept mauling over as I travelled almost 3 hours to get to Reach Bar and Kitchen was, why would anyone come all this way to visit a pub? Well, the answer is surprisingly good food!
A Review of Parlour, Canary Wharf.
More than just a cooking class: Last night was my fourth visit to Thai restaurant Mango Tree and the experience gets better with each visit. This latest visit was for a Thai cooking masterclass taught by celebrity chef Ian Pengelley.
New Japanese cooking school opens in the capital.
Bridal Flower Crown, £25 from Paradise Shore (www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ParadiseShore) No wedding is complete without a dramatic bridal headpiece to make the bride stand out. Whether you love authentic vintage or vintage inspired hair pieces, here are ten bridal hair accessories to help you make a statement on your big day.
TRAVEL
Valentine’s Day travel: romantic hotels
HEALTH & FITNESS
It's that time of year again when New Year resolutions surrounding weight loss and leading a healthier lifestyle comes to the fore. As someone who is 'allergic' to gym memberships, I thought it appropriate to offer an alternative for those looking to get fitter from home.
Mushroom diet for weight loss.