My New Skincare Routine: In Love With Clarins

Hi guys,
I've always been blessed with having pretty youthful looks (in fact, most people would say I was 'baby faced'). But since I turned 30 I have become fairly obsessed with looking after my skin as much as possible, in order to ensure the ravages of time don't strike whilst I'm being distracted by something else! So when Clarins asked if I'd like to sample some of their products, I was genuinely delighted: more fuel to the fire of my new skin care addiction? Yes please! And I have to say, now that I've tried some of their products (particularly the Water Comfort Cleanser with Peach and the famous Beauty Flash Balm) I won't be using anything else!

First up in the cleanser: this product smells incredible, which is an instant win. But it did so much more than that too. It also left my skin feeling fresh and smooth and incredibly soft. I actually look forward to cleansing my skin each morning and even the usually oblivious Mike has mentioned how soft my skin is. This softness is no doubt helped by the Beauty Flash Balm, which is the best moisturiser I have ever used (since I got it my usual Clinique Moisture Surge hasn't had a look in) It makes my skin look smoother, brighter, and it is an incredible base for wearing under make up.

I am yet to try a Clarins skincare product I don't like. The Moisture Replenishing Lip balm is also another essential (replacing my Bert's Bees) and my lips really haven't ever been so soft. I suffer with really chapped lips, so this has been a revelation. The rose oil it contains also smells incredible, and when I'm wearing it I have to stop myself from smacking my lips together!  I also have to give a special mention to the summertime specific products which smell better than any other sun protection lotions I have tried, and don't leave my skin feeling oily at all. Can you tell that I'm completely smitten?

As an extra added bonus, it seems I've picked just the right time to write this post: The Clarins 30% off beauty sale has just started! Result!

Love Tor x

Fabfrocks Reviews; MDM FLow Lipsticks

Hi guys,
When it comes to make up, there are two things I wouldn't be without: mascara and red lipstick. I think if you can put a slick of lipstick on you immediately feel better; even if you don't have time to do anything else! The newest red lipstick in my collection is this one: a shade called 'Self Made 2' by MDMFlow.
MDMFlow is an emerging British beauty brand founded by London College Of Fashion graduate Florence Adepoju. The packaging is inspired by her love of hip hop and the nineties (hence the gold and black, and the cases that look like bullets).

The lipsticks come in six different shades, ranging from this classic red to vibrant shades of orange and purple. All of the MDMFlow lipsticks are made here in the UK (huge plus points for home grown talent supporting local industry) and they're perfectly easy to apply. Here's how the red version looks when I'm wearing it:

If you ignore my slightly gormless look, I think it looks great. It's blue undertones means the shade really compliments my skintone (I suffer with redness in my cheeks, so I tend to avoid warmer shades). I also love it's velvety matt finish: I prefer matt lipsticks and immediately blot away any shininess anyway. All in all, I think this is a lovely lipstick and definitely one I will be using again and again.

The lipsticks are available from THEN AND NOW SHOP for £18 each. Why not buy one for yourself today?

Love Tor x

*I received the lipstick for the purpose of this review 

Make Up: Could this be the best Foundation in the World?

Hi guys,
Since my wedding two years ago (when I dicovered the merits of Chanel make up) I have been loyal to Chanel Perfection Lumiere as my everyday foundation: until now. Whilst I still have a bottle of the Chanel in my make up bag, there is a new foundation I am turning to. It's creamy and easy to apply, it's not too thick but it offers full coverage, and it blends perfectly and evenly into my skin. I bought it as an emergency measure when I went away for the weekend and forgot to take my make up bag - but didn't want to spend a fortune on new Chanel foundation when I had an almost full bottle at home. But now I prefer this one....And it's less than half the price! No. 7's Stay Perfect foundation does exactly what it says on the bottle: It gives a flawless finish and it lasts all day. You can get a bottle for just £14: and because No 7 make up is so frequently on Boot's 3 for 2 offer it quite often works out even cheaper than that, if you have other make up you need/want to buy too. I used to always wear a dusting of powder over my Chanel foundation to set it, but I don't even bother with that since switching to the No 7 one: which makes my make up routine quicker and easier too. It's a win-win. I really have been surprised and impressed by this accidental discovery.

What foundation are you using at the moment? Do you swear by a great brand that you'd definitely recommend?

Love Tor x

Daily Wear: The Perfect Stripey Dress From Joules

Hi guys,
I have written before that on a day to day basis I have a very specific mummy uniform that I tend to wear: simple blouses, pumps, and skinny jeans. I still wear fashion-focused clothes a lot too (mostly at weekends or when I'm going out without the baby) but for running errands, crawling around on the play mat and going to baby groups it's the mummy uniform all the way: I suppose that's one of the bonuses (and downsides) of working from home. However occasionally, I find a compromise dress like this one. It's simple and preppy so it fits in perfectly with my mummy uniform, but it's a little more dressed up and smarter too:
The dress is from Joules (It's the Thurwell heavyweight dress and it costs £49.95). I've teamed it really simply with my new Minna Parrika bunny pumps, black suede tassle bag from Hotter, Missoni sunglasses and black leggings. No fuss, no jewellery. Just an easy to wear outfit that I know is quickly going to be a go-to look for busy weekdays.

The dress is made from a lovely and soft, but really heavy sweatshirt material. The thicker fabric means the dress hangs really well and looks super flattering. It also comes with the added bonus of not needing to be ironed which is a massive plus for me: and there aren't many dresses you can say that about! And I just love my new bunny shoes: I've had them on almost constantly since they arrived. They make every outfit look a little bit happier!

I'm not the only one that's been wearing lovely Joules products this week: you can read Wilbur's review of his new little nipper short suit over on the Fabfrocks and Family blog.

Love Tor x

*I was sent this dress from Joules for the purpose of this review

Fabfrocks reviews: Dainty Doll Make up

Hi guys,
If you're amongst the ranks of the pale and interesting like me, then you're bound to have heard of Dainty Doll make up. I'd heard of the range, designed specifically for lighter skinned gals by Nicola Roberts (the 'ginger one' from Girls Aloud) but had never tried it. Until this weekend when I found the whole range in a discount make up shop in my parents hometown for just £2.99 an item. So I decided it was definitely worth giving it a go! I tried the blusher in shade Hippy Shake. Two lipsticks: Saucy Sailor and In His Kiss. And the concealer pen: these skin products start so palely that I am actually shade 003 on the scale of 001 to 004! So if you are very pale this is definitely a make up range worth trying.

First things first, I love the lipsticks! They feel rich and velvety and are so long lasting. The nude In His Kiss shade is perfect for wearing everyday, whilst the vibrant red Saucy Sailor has blue overtones which is perfect for fairer skins (and has the added bonus of making your teeth look whiter too!) This is one of the best red lipsticks I've tried for a while.
The concealer pen doesn't provide quite as much coverage as I would usually like. I have very dark circles under my eyes so I use a heavy coverage concealer and this one just isn't covering them up! But if you wear very light make up and prefer a more sheer look this would be perfect for you.

And the blusher? I was dubious about a lilac blush, because I usually try to add colour to my face which a much warmer blusher like a dark pink or even a fuchsia . But I surprised myself by loving this blush! It makes my skin look so healthy and works like a highlighter, accentuating my (let's face it, non existent) cheek bones!

Have you tried the Dainty Doll make up range? Or do you have any make up tips for pale gals that you'd like to share?

Love Tor x

Accessories: Helen Rochfort Handbags

Hi guys,
This bag from Helen Rochfort is very aptly called the 'Oz TV' bag. The central image is a vintage print of the ruby slippers from the original Wizard of Oz film: one of my faves! I love this grainy vintage print, which makes me want to wear red shoes and point my toes.

The bag isn't the usual thing I'd carry at all; I'm a soft tan leather satchel kind of gal. This bag by contrast is a hard case with a solid metal frame, shiny silver body, glitter detail and diamante fastener. That description doesn't make it sound very covetable, does it? But it is! I defy anyone to see this bag and not smile:
It's accessories like this that remind you that fashion is supposed to be fun, and we shouldn't take it all too seriously!

It isn't a big bag, so I couldn't carry it every day: you wouldn't fit more than your phone, purse and some make up in it. But I have a couple of weddings coming up this summer that I will be taking this to (and teaming it with red shoes, obviously!) and if I were ever to leave the house in the evening again - a girl can dream - then this would be the perfect bag for that too.

This particular bag comes in at £65, and if you love it too, you can bag your own here. Oz not your thing? There are also bags inspired by Willy Wonka, Unicorns, and even Fish and Chips!

What do you think of my new handbag? Is it the kind of thing you'd carry, or are you yet to be convinced?

Love Tor xx

* I received a handbag for the purpose of this review.

Fabfrocks reviews: Cosmetics A La Carte Stay-put Intense eyeliner

Hi guys,
It's been a while since I've done a make-up review. That probably has a lot to do with the fact that motherhood means I don't have much time for a make up routine, and frankly, close ups of my face just aren't a good idea! But when I tried the Cosmetics A La Carte stay-put eyeliner, I liked it so much I knew I would have to share it with you by writing a little review.
Firstly the most important thing to say is that it does exactly what it says: it stays put! Unlike a kohl liner which tends to smudge or a liquid liner which tends to flake, this one looks as good in the evening as it does when you put it on in the morning. And it doesn't move!

Secondly, it's really easy to apply. Anyone could do it: steady hand or not!! The no-fuss, mistake-proof application lies with the easy-to-control tip applicator which paints on evenly in one steady stroke. It's kind of like using a felt tip pen, but on your eyes.
The eyeliner is a little pricey at £25. But because it stays on all day (meaning you wont have to reapply at 5pm) I think a little bit will go a long way, making the price well worth it. You can buy the eyeliner here.

Whilst I'm on the subject, here are some other make-up observations and recommendations from the past months:
- Essie's black nail varnish (shade name: liquorice) is a God send, and my new favourite. It's opaque and glossy with just one coat, it dries really quickly, and it doesn't have a really overpowering smell, all meaning I can use it around the baby and get my nails painted and dry in minutes!
- I've had my last three brow waxes at the Benefit brow bar, and I couldn't recommend it enough: a fast efficient service I can have mid-shopping trip. My eyebrow shape is better than it's been for a long time, and I think it's made my face look younger (fingers crossed!)
- I know everyone probably already knows this, but Bert's Bees lip balm is just delicious. Soft and melty and perfect for sore lips. I wear the tinted version when I don't have time to put my make up on, and it makes me look and feel a little more put-together.

Do you have any make-up tips or new products you'd like to share? And have you tried the Cosmetics A La Carte eyeliner? If so, I'd really love to hear what you thought of it, and if you liked it as much as me.

Love Tor x

* I received an eyeliner from Cosmetics A La Carte for the purpose of this review

Fabfrocks reviews: Groupon (and a new haircut)

Hi guys,
I'm signed up to a small army of daily deals websites. And I've written before now about my experiences with beauty treatments brought from Wahanda and similar dedicated beauty voucher sites. But I had never bought a beauty voucher (or any other voucher in fact) from Groupon before. Until now. And I have to say, it was a remarkably easy experience.

My voucher was for a half head of highlights, cut, and blowdry at Pasha in Norwich. (Until recently I didn't even know deals sites existed outside of London, and now I'm obsessed!) I bought my voucher just over 3 weeks ago, and it arrived that same day, so obviously I immediately called the salon and was surprised to get the appointment day and time I wanted straight away. I was half expecting to receive inferior service because I was paying with a voucher, rather than cash. But this really wasn't the case: as shown by the 3.5 hours I spent in the salon receiving my very precise cut and colour!


Ah yes! The obligatory gurning self-portrait....real pretty!

So what did I have done? Sadly I have no outrageous new hairstyle to show you guys: no mullets or pink tips here (as an aside, I was sorely disappointed by how long they lasted!) Nope. I had what I would refer to as 'the usual': light blonde highlights, and a long straight blunt cut. But I'm really pleased with how it looks: and frankly, because of the voucher, it was a huge bargain! If I can keep finding bargain deals like that, then the root-y period I go through between colours could become a thing of the past....

Sign up for your local Groupon daily deals email here.

Love Tor xx

*I received a voucher from Groupon to enable me to write this review.