I heart NYC

Besides the incredible amount of creativity it contains, including this which is a mind blowing must see...

The endlessly inspiring fashion and street art...

The most super fun form of public transport...

And the most enjoyable way ever to spend a weekend, here and here...

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I never fail to uncover some major make-up gems that find their way to the very top of my beauty routine or my set bag and here are a few worth trying out.

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Sensual Skin Enhancer (silly name) from the late, great Kevyn Aucoin is truly the wonder base product I have been searching for,  It is a super creamy multiple product working as a foundation, a blemish concealer and an under eye highlighter providing astounding results.  I find you get the best out of it if you work it into your skin with your fingers, it comes in sixteen shades and is available here in the UK for £36.00 and here in the US for about $56.00.  It's a tiny pot but it goes a very long way and is perfect for a little enhancement as opposed to a full coverage base.

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Doctors Dermalogic Formula - DDF, Ultra lite oil free moisturising dew (long name) is exactly what is says on the label, it's super light but seems to keep my skin hydrated all day and make-up can be applied almost straight after using it. If you have sensitive skin and are searching for a great summer moisturiser give this a go.  Available here for $40.00

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Finally Fresh Cannabis Santal (controversial name, ha!) is absolutely delicious,  it is marketed as a mens fragrance however I found it to be sexy and sultry and seemingly perfect for NYC.  With top notes of Bergamot and Brazilian Orange, heart notes of Cannabis Accord (no it doesn't smell anything like that) and rose and base notes of Chocolate, Vetiver and Vanilla it is simply delicious.

I always find New York City a constant source of inspiration and this time round was certainly no exception.

Going Coconuts

The second, literally, the second someone famous and gorgeous mentions in an interview that all of their  loveliness is down to something affordable, organic and available in your local high street it becomes a phenomenon.  This happened last year with coconut oil.  So I thought I would investigate.

There is seemingly nothing this little jar of oil can't do.  It is one of the healthiest oils to cook with as it is not hydrogenated and it has no cholesterol, hmmm.  It helps weight loss as it increases the rate at which your metabolism works, and to is said to have countless other health benefits including maintaining energy levels, stress reduction and improving organ function. Wow. 

There are endless ways to add this little health buddy into your diet, you can mix a teaspoon of it into your hot drink, sprinkle some on your salad or cereal, spread it on your toast, bake with it or just eat a teaspoon out of the jar. Although I would imagine that last suggestion to be almost impossible.

It also has many external uses, It is said to be an amazing pre shampoo hair treatment. Massaged into your head an hour before washing your hair, it nourishes your scalp and adds shine to your hair.  If your hair is very dry a little worked through the ends once your hair is dry is said to work wonders.  It melts on contact and is a non greasy natural moisturiser for your skin and can even help prevent stretch marks apparently!

Miranda Kerr, yes, this beauty phenomenon is her fault! Insists she eats four tablespoons, yep, tablespoons a day and credits coconut oil for her amazing skin and shiny hair.  Many people weighed in saying four tablespoons is a pretty crazy amount to consume so I don't think that amount is necessary but a little bit in my lunch can't hurt can it?.

Have you tried adding coconut oil to your diet or beauty regime? Have you noticed any benefits?  

Dedication

So, just as I finished my banana chocolate muffin and cappuccino this afternoon, this happened.




Hmmm, way to take the fun out of an afternoon pastry break!

Do your new years resolutions look this impressive?