Clarins Beauty Discovery Evening at Selfridges Birmingham

Shhh, here's a secret. Not many people know that Selfridges Birmingham Beauty Hall has rooms for beauty therapy treatments. Discreetly tucked away in the corner between Dior and Chanel, the Clarins Spa offers luxurious treatments right in the middle of the Bullring.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a Beauty Discovery Evening at the Clarins Spa. Arriving at the counter, I was taken over to the Spa reception where I was welcomed by Trudie. Walking over to the rooms there is an area for relaxation with seats and magazines.

In the treatment room itself is a very comfortable spa bed, a beautiful lighted mirror and even a wardrobe for your clothes! So often there's no room for your belongings so it was great to see the space had been so thoughtfully designed.

Trudie analysed my skin before the treatment (dehydrated and congested) and then asked me what results I was looking for (glowing, clear).

She then explained that I was about to enjoy a 15 minute version of the Clarins Tri Enzyme facial using many products that are salon only and not available to purchase elsewhere. The treatment included a mask and even a hand and arm massage.

The treatment itself was more than relaxing, with ambient music and low lighting. Not just that, but the products were expertly applied with a light touch and the arm and hand massage was just wonderful.

Trudie afterwards explained what products were used including the Double Serum and Lotus Face Treatment Oil.

The Clarins Tri Enzyme Facial was pure bliss and I can't wait to go back for the full hour and 25 minute treatment. It was so relaxing and the combination of facial and massage was an indulgence that we could all do with making time for.

I then went back the following week for the mini makeover as we had ran out of time and I got to try some Clarins products. After I mentioned that I thought that Clarins was all about subtle, natural amke up, Amy showed me that this isn't the case! I was under the impression that Clarins make up came only in neutral pink and beige tones, so Amy showed me how to use Clarins products to get a full makeup look.

Using Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base in Champagne first to illuminate the skin, Amy then used True Radiance Foundation in 107 with SPF15 all over to even and illuminate. The Everlasting Compact Foundation in 107 was then used to set my foundation although this can be used on it's own as a full coverage powder. Then, we used three Ombre Minerale Eyeshadows in Nude, Tea Rose and Auburn around the eye to achieve a light smoky eye look that I loved! I am yet to find a black smoky eye look that suits me but I loved this subtle yet sexy take on the look. This was finished off with the Truly Waterproof Mascara.

The Golden Rose Eye Shadow was then used as a highlighter (genius) and a beautiful compact called Blush Prodige in Sunset Coral was used on the cheeks.

To finish, the Lip Definer in 01 Day was used all over the lip and Rouge Eclat Lipstick in Sweet Rose on top. The Lipstick in particular really impressed me for it's hydrating, non sticky finish.

I couldn't believe the finished look! A million miles away from the pink and pretty look I thought I was getting, I'm so glad that Amy introduced me to some of the beautiful products such as the Blush Prodige compact and challenged my perceptions of the brand. The finished look was very sexy and smoky so thank you to Trudie and Amy for looking after me!

*I was invited to try out the above as a guest of Selfridges

Bullring Birmingham #bullringbloggers Event

The Bullring Birmingham is home to so many great shops and brands, so the lovely folk at Bullring invited myself and a host of other Birmingham bloggers along to an event recently to showcase just some of the fabulous beauty and fashion brands on offer.

Hosted in the management suite, I came straight from work and dived into the refeshments table to give me some energy before checking out brands such as Kiehls, RMK, Clarins, Urban Decay and Umberto Giannini.

The drinks were served up in adorable mini milkbottles with pink and white paper straws, and Millie's Cookies even created a special cookie cake for the night emblazoned with #bullringbloggers. Later on in the evening, we were also treated to Nandos and Wagamamas treats (can you tell I'm a foodie?) but I digress!

We were welcomed to the event and then heard a fashion presentation from Karen Millen and had a talk on the new Umberto Giannini Curl Friends range from Umberto's PR manager.

Then, we were left to our own devices! I tried out some products from Giorgio Armani including the Blushing Fabric in two shades, one, a beautiful gold highlighting shade and another that gave a lovely natural flush to cheeks. I also tried out the Luminous Silk Foundation which was super light on skin.

RMK introduced us to their beautiful skincare range, including the Cleansing Balm and we learnt about the brand and its popularity in the Far East.

I also got to try out some beautiful products from Urban Decay and was super impressed with the Strip Palette! I loved how glowing this set made me look and it's definitely on the shopping list.

Next, I had a chat with the lovely Nicki from Kiehls (hope I've spelt that right!) and went through some of their new products as well as classics such as the Creme De Corps, then the girls at Clarins went through their pretty Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector collection of plant therapy infused balms.

We also took a look of some of Shu Uemura's iconic products including the super softening cleansing oils and colour pop make up.

Here's a snap of my fabulous curls courtesy of Umberto Giannini - I just wish I could have my hair done like this every day!

NutellaTasha, The Style Floozie and me!

Last of all, we had a lovely surprise waiting for us in our goody bags - a personalised Tatty Devine necklace! This was such a lovely gesture and I adore my necklace so thank you so much!

Big thanks to everyone at Bullring for organising the event :)

Mammoth Empties Part 5: Hands, teeth and everything else

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream – I’ve been using this for years and it was my favourite, until I tried Kiehls. That said, I’d still happily use this as it’s so good at keeping hands soft.

Kiehls’ Ultimate Strength Hand Salve – Already on my birthday list, please santa?! All time favourite hand cream.

Per Una Originale 10ml – My favourite non designer perfume ever, I’ve already got a huge stash of this but 10ml is way too small.

Tails Cosmopolitan* - Not a beauty related item but I had to include it as I got this in my goody bag at the #BrumBloggerMeet (link to post). 

Colgate Sensitive Multi Protection – I have such sensitive teeth and I;ve tried everything under the sun to help. Can’t say this is a miracle worker but we can but try.

Colgate Sensitive Pro Relief – Better than the Sensitive Multi Protection one! I’ve got 4 mini tubes as you can see of this because I’m always getting them when I go to the dentist, for free! Can’t say fairer than that.

Colgate Total – It’s toothpaste, enough said.

And my toothbrush haha! Wisdom, although I’m really not fussy.