how to be poolside glam

There are a number of no-nos surrounding pool and beach make-up.  Only too aware of the pitfalls we need to avoid and yet… those panda eyes, salt-chapped lips and flaky peeling skin do occur – and, it’s not a good look.

So, as many of us have summer holidays on the horizon, I started my make-up hunt for some poolside winners.  I even went as far as holiday-assimilation by visiting the local pool (fully made-up) and jumping into the shower to test the hero products.  I did, however, draw the line at standing out in the pouring summer rain….

poolside glam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the toe dipper:

Diego Dalla Palma, the Italian make-up artist to the stars, has recently launched Make-up Fixer (£11 www.lookfantastic.com).  A thin film layer fixes all your face without drying out your skin, leaving it soft and able to breathe.

Batiste Tropical dry shampoo (£3.84 www.amazon.co.uk) is an absolute must-pack.  It refreshes even the oiliest, sweatiest hair giving you a fresh, Bardot-esque do at lunch-time.

For an airbrushed flawless finish you need: Young Blood Hi-Definition Hydrating Mineral Perfecting Powder (£32 www.ybskin.co.uk) This powder locks in moisture and controls all that heat-enduced shine.

Those who swim to cool:

Sometimes, when the poolside heat is too intense, a big splash is the only option.  Becca’s beach tint (£20 www.beccacosmetics.com ) is my summer wonder product for lips and cheeks.  Giving them just the right amount of stain and entirely waterproof, add this to your shopping list.

And because the dramatic change in weather abroad can bring out some unfortunate imperfections, Keromask’s camouflage cream (£14.99 for 15ml www.keromask.com) will allow you to emerge from the water looking clear and not spotty. Cunningly, Keromask also offers a £4.99 sample kit in light, medium or dark, so that you can find the right shade for you before you buy.

For Olympic lap training:

In my hunt for the best waterproof eyeliner, I honestly couldn’t choose between Smooch’s liquid eyeliner (£6.95 www.smoochcosmeticsuk.com) and Pixi’s Endless Silky Eye Pen (true teal is my fav colour £9.50 www.asos.com) as they are both soft to apply and dramatic in effect.  And, crucially, they won’t budge lap after lap.

Equally dramatic and stubborn but curiously sweet smelling is Lord & Berry Scuba Mascara £10 www.sallyexpress.com but winning lashes-down in first place is the DreamWeave Lash Extension mascara (£12 www.wrinkleregime.com )  Known by many as ‘eyelash extensions in a tube’ and,as it lasts up to 3 days, it can be worn all weekend long.  This will definitely make it into my Ibizia make-up bag.

And, finally, if the water’s cold, there’s no excuse for any blue lips with ArtDeco’s Magic Fix Lipstick sealer (£15 www.beautybay.com).

Finally, back in the room…

Give your skin a refreshing scrub down with Yes to carrots exfoliating body wash (£10.99 www.feelunique.com) and prep it for the next day’s exposure with Davines Authentics Nourishing Oil (£30.45 140ml For stockist enquiries call:  0203 301 5449).  Drench your hair too in the oil too as it will hydrate and nourish any sun damaged follicles.  Finally, choose one of Models Own vibrant nail polishes (£8 www.boots.com ) and rest assured the colour will not fade in tomorrow’s sun…

W7’s waterproof eyeliner pen

COMPETITION:  Adding smooth and precise eye definition as well as lots of poolside glam is W7’s Waterproof Automatic Felt Tip Eyeliner Pen. It retails online at £3.99 and I have been given 20 for my LifeOfYablon readers.  All you need to do is email emmaparlons@googlemail.com with your name and address.  Competition ends Tuesday 31st July 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

<a href=”http://www.theprizefinder.com” title=”ThePrizeFinder.com – home of competitions and prize winning” target=”_blank”>ThePrizeFinder – UK Competitions</a>

 

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Big applause for Little House

Nick Jones is a brilliant formula man.  Intuitively, he applies his brilliant formula to each of his venues and, as I sit back and sip cocktails at Shoreditch House, Soho House, Dean Street Townhouse, The Electric and now Little House in Mayfair, I really do admire his talent.

cocktails at Little House

The week the smalls broke up for endless weeks of summer fun, my mates gates and I felt we needed a cocktail – or two.  Lady Lala booked us into Little House and we borrowed a husband’s ‘fast car’ and headed into the gentleman’s club heartland of St James.

Little House, Mayfair

Little House is certainly not edgy with its wood paneling, exposed brick walls and handsome leather dining booths.  But it is sophisticated in a traditional way.  After a crazy pillar-to-post kind of day, I only needed a couple of Italian Shrub cocktails (Henricks, berry shrub, lime, Campari £12) to kick start my giggles as we chewed over the 50 Shades obsession currently gripping the country.

And it didn’t matter that my eyes were squiffy when menu reading was required.  You see, it’s Mr Jones’ winning formula which allows me to ‘already know’ what I’m going to eat.  Monkfish, green tomatoes and fennel (£19) with a side of cauliflower cheese (£4) at any Soho House venue just couldn’t disappoint any hungry girl.

For desert, one of others ordered the Chocolate and Peanut stack (£7) which was as dangerous and thrilling as Christian Grey himself.

We all agreed that Little House has a feeling of faded glamour about it.  The club feels cosy and private and yet not too exclusive.   So back to Mr Jones.  He is reliable and his food is comforting, the service is slick and the atmosphere just the right amount of buzzy. Little House proves his formula still works.

Little House Mayfair, 2 Queen Street, W1.   020 7961 1200

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The 50 Shades effect

Daunt Books Marylebone High Street

Those who don’t read books are currently page-turning into the night.  And, I can see how that is a good thing.  The shocking yet thrilling 2012 best seller (let alone trilogy) 50 Shades of Grey has brought about a reading revolution.  I have read it and, while I can see what the fuss is about, I do not feel the urge to finish the trilogy by the pool this summer.

However, while influenced by the 50 Shades reading addiction, I thought I would share with you three less shocking yet highly enjoyable novels as alternative summer reading material.

The Weekend (Peter Cameron)

I bought this book in Chicago back in 1996 when Little Brother was living there.  The upstate New York tale of three friends who are brought together as they mourn a dear friend is brilliantly written and full of tension.  It is out-of-print over here in the UK but Amazon fixes that.

Ten Trees and a Truffle Dog (Jamie Ivey)

An utterly delightful relocation book written by an old school friend’s banker-turned-novelist husband.  I was up half the night catching up on their adventures as they have made the most idyllic life for themselves in Provence.  Now I’m obsessed with dogs, truffles and seeing my old friend again.

And, finally, taking a trip to my ‘friends’ at Daunt Books (Amazon only fits a certain need), I asked Adam there for his recommendation in this battle against 50 Shades blog post.

The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared (Jonas Jonasson)  is set to be the next bestseller.  Without spoiling the story, Allan Karlsson is reaching the ripe old age and wants to avoid his party.  If this book is half as good as I have heard, it will become the real publishing success story of the year.  And at least it’s well written.


 

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herald another jewel-preneur

Erica Illingworth founder of Molly B

I recently met Erica Illingworth.  I had heard various positive reports of Molly Brown London; simple, pretty and ageless jewellery for little (and not so little) girls.  Children in jewels slightly jars with me (along with nail polish, pieced ears and underage gum chewing) but now that Erica has launched her fine jewellery collection, Molly B Couture, I’m fully engaged.  It is understated in its elegance and just my cup of tea. In fact, The Love Knot collection reminds me of the all the sailing knots I have been surrounded by during my past week on a British beach.

9 ct Gold Love Knot Double Stranded Bracelet £625

The jewellery attraction is even stronger, I find, when we know something of the designer. And I was curious to find out more about the headhunter turned jewellery designer, mother and entrepreneur:

What is your earliest jewel memory?

My grandmother always wore a large pair or pearl stud earrings and whenever I think about her I always picture her wearing them.

How does ambition fit into your family dynamic?

It is hard being a working mother but the thing that always keeps me strong is knowing that my children are well balanced and I know they love and respect me.

Tell us who you would love to wear your Jewellery  The Duchess of Cambridge.

Which of Molly B Couture pieces do you think will be your best seller and why?

I think that the Betty Collection – the lower case diamond alphabet range – is the first of its kind in terms of alphabet jewellery so I imagine this will do pretty well.

Do you switch off at the weekend?

Yes, mostly although if I am under pressure then it is harder. I try to run through my ‘To Do’ list on a Friday afternoon so I know what I need to get on with the following week, I find this helps me stop worrying about things over the weekend.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by enterprise, by people who have the ability to turn an idea into a successful business.

Which is your favourite piece of non-Molly B jewellery?

I love the Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Collection. The vintage gold and white mother of pearl bracelet is my absolute favourite piece.

What advice would you give to someone who was thinking about starting their own business?

Always hire people you think are better than you and bring skills that you don’t have to the table.

Which is your favourite shop in London?

‘One of a Kind’ on Portobello Road. They have this sort of secret little back room filled with vintage designer handbags – heaven.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

I guess holidays. I firmly believe in splashing out on lovely holidays, after all its what we work for all year round.

Who is your hero?

Absolutely my Dad. I completely adore him.

Molly B Couture  www.mollybrownlondon.com

 

 

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