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

Food Review: Marco's New York Italian Kenilworth

Marco Pierre White is one of the biggest names in gastronomy and following an illustrious career in the kitchen, famously handed back his Michelin stars and turned his attention to business.

Following the opening of Marco's New York Italian in Stratford Upon Avon, the newest venue to open it's doors is Marco's New York Italian in Kenilworth.

I was lucky enough to be invited to dine at the restaurant just over a week ago and was excited to see the restaurant and also to visit Kenilworth for the first time.

Not far from Leamington Spa and out in the leafy countryside, Marco's New York Italian is inside the Holiday Inn Kenilworth. With an on site car park it was easy to find and reach and is right in the centre of town. Famous for that stripy chair, the restaurant featured all the usual Marcos touches such as an impressive wine rack and images of the man himself.

The restaurant itself was comfortable and roomy and perfect for groups, couples and families.

After an introduction from the restaurant manager, we sat down to some very glamorous drinks (I had a non alcoholic cocktail on this occasion) and took a look at the menu over a sharing basket of bread and olives (none for me sadly).

Having already dined at Marco's Stratford, I decided that I wanted to try something different to what I had last time. I was able to see an allergens menu first and was very impressed with how clear and easy to use this was. Despite being tempted by the sharing platters, I went for the Baked Field Mushrooms with spinach and blue cheese and a 10oz Rib Eye Steak for mains.

I'm so glad I chose the mushrooms to start as they were divine; thick meaty mushrooms with salty smattering of blue cheese melted just enough on top.

Next, my steak arrived customised to my liking. In an attempt to be good I ordered new potatoes instead of lazy fries and they were just as good as chips I swear! My steak was decent and the garlic tomato was a nice touch as it's always good to eat your vegetables.

Finally, I chose the most amazing dessert, a Melting Chocolate Truffle Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream. I'm sure everyone who saw this cake had some serious food envy because it was divine. Not only was the presentation perfect, but the cake itself was a warm, gooey, melting pot of chocolate goodness. More please!

I had a great time at Marco's New York Italian Kenilworth and think it would make a great place for lunch or dinner in the village. I'd love to go back and explore the castle and I would definitely drop in for coffee and a cake at tea time or dinner in the evening for a special occasion.

*I was invited to dine as a guest of Marco's New York Italian Kenilworth

OOTD: Oversized Denim Shirt and Nikes

I very rarely post on fashion, but I love this outfit so much I had to post it. With the weather as it is, layers are essential, and I love putting on an outfit that feels super comfortable for days off.

Here it is:

Outfit details: Denim Shirt - Topshop // Grey top - New Look // Grey Jeans - Topshop // Trainers - Nike

Events: Selfridges Work It - Beauty Launch

Selfridges are currently hosting a new campaign called Work It. Encouraging people to reclaim their lunch breaks and reavaluate the 9 to 5, there is a whole shcedule of activity taking place in Selfridges Birmingham. From Digbeth Dining Club taking over the terrace space outside Kidswear to the Big Beauty Lunch Breaks, there's a reason to drop by every single day.

A little about the idea behind Work It.

"The way we work is changing. From the death of the '9 to 5' to innovations in technology, we're exploring the shifting work-life landscape with a programme of pioneering talks and workshops, life-enhancing product launches and inspiring beauty experiences."

I was lucky enough to attend the launch of The Big Beauty Lunch Breaks and met with some of Birmingham's beauty bloggers to toast the week long series of makeovers, demonsrations, lessons and more. From YSL Flash Makeovers, to Bobbo Brown's Secrets of on the go make up, I even got to meet the fabulous Vivianan Does Make Up!

Selfridges even generously handed out Pret lunch bags to anyone who participated in a makeover from 14-17th May.

Following a week of beauty themed events, there's also been everything from a CV surgery to a chance to have a professional LinkedIn profile picture taken, as well as a talk from Zoe, the store's Personal Shopper on taking your look from day to night.

There's still time to learn how to make the perfect biryani with itihaas and Hemsley + Hemsley on Sunday from 12-4pm instore at Birmingham Selfridges.

Did you come in store during Work It?

Food Review: Wrapchic Birmingham Bullring

Ever heard of an Indian Burrito? That's the concept behind Wrapchic, labelled The Indian Burrito Company.

Serving Indian food in Mexican wraps, Wrapchic first opened in Birmingham in 2012, and now has eight outlets across the UK.

I was invited along to try out this entirely different concept at their Bullring location. Just behind Debenhams the Wrapchic outlet is located on the walkway towards the Pallasades. With plenty of seating and a funky bike decorated in Mexican/Indian style, this place is fun and friendly.

We sat down to try out some of their exciting dishes such as the Wraplette, a mix between an omlette and a wrap and the Wraposa, a toasted bread samosa.

The Wraplette and Wraposa

Whilst my fellow bloggers tucked into Wraps, Burritos and Tacos, I opted for the gluten free alternative, the Bowl.

The idea behind Wraphic is that you choose your outer, then choose your filling, extras (hummus, sour cream, cheese, jalapenos), and add a drink and/or side (nachos, chicken wings, wedges).

Chicken Mughlai Rice Bowl - The Gluten Free Alternative

Choose from a Wrap, Burrito, Taco or Bowl first, then fill with Chicken Mughlai, Chicken Chettinad, Chicken Rajasthani, Fish Malabari, Mutton Madrasi, Mutton Panjabi, Paneer Masala and Soya Amritsari.

As I explained that I was after something that wasn't too spicy, I was recommended the Chicken Mughlai, tikka style chicken in tikka sauce.  Served with a hearty porton of white rice, it also came with grated carrot, onion, red cabbage and cucumber. Despite all this, it still tasted fresh and light as well as very tasty!

Sadly, I couldn't try out the unusual desserts but the banana and black pepper muffic and chocolate chilli cookie looked fantastic.

There are also plenty of drinks to choose from, including a whole host of flavoured lassi from mango to blackberry as well as soft drinks.

Wrapchic is a great place to pick up fresh food fast. Everything we tried was tasty and service was fast and friendly too. This is definitely a recommended pitstop on those busy Saturday shopping days! With thanks to Wrapchic for inviting me to the dinner.

Clinique Smile Event - Chubby Stick in Curvy Candy

Aren't the people at Clinique generous? Last Tuesday Clinique held a Smile event to promote the famous Chubby Stick.

All you had to do was visit their Selfridges Birmingham counter and receive a lip makeover as well as a full sized Chubby Stick in the shade Curvy Candy!

I headed down in the morning and was greeted by the lovely Nicole. Sitting down for a chat, Nicole administered a lip scrub and moisturiser before applying Curvy Candy for me. I also got to sip on tasty a smoothie.

Not only that, but because I was one of the first 100 customers I also received a free bar of Cadbury Dairy Milk and tote bag! Lucky me!

I'm also booked up for a follow up appointment called "For Your Eyes Only", where I'm hoping to find out more about the Chubby Sticks for Eyes.

Did any of you make it down to the event?

Event: Harvey Nichols A Beautiful Mind

Harvey Nichols recently hosted A Beautiful Mind, an Evening of Intelligent Beauty at the Birmingham store.

In the midst of a redevelopment but scheduled for completion in the next few months, the Birmingham team put together a night of beauty workshops from Cloud Nine Hair, Shavata Singh, the eyebrow maestro herself, a Dr. Hauschka expert and Space NK national makeup artists.

As well as serving up glamorous drinks, guests were treated to some thought provoking workshops, my favourite of which came from Shavata Singh.

Shavata Singh

I've been a big fan of Shavata for many years and always wanted to have my eyebrows done by her. Whilst I haven't had the guts to grow out my brows and take the plunge, I was able to hear Shavata speak and impart a few words of wisdom.

Shavata spoke on how eyebrows are affected by your age and profession, and your job has more of an influence than you realise in this area. In addition, she said that it's not about the number of hairs you take away, but where they go from. She also used my favourite adage, which is that eyebrows should be sisters not twins, and revealed that you can tell which hand you write with as the eyebrow on that side will be higher.  Who knew?!

Shavata spoke with such passion and knowledge, it was an absolute treat to be able to hear her talk.

I also had a play on the Nars counter, as my heart seems to beat faster everytime I come near to their fabulous products. I tried on the Palais Royale Lip Pencil and I am officially in love. I really need to start purchasing Nars as I don't own anything from here yet!

I only managed to take a few pictures on the night, but a big thank you to the team at Harvey Nichols for the invitation.