Bicester Village Outlet - Mulberry Somerset Purse and YSL Arty Ring

I went to the Cotswolds and did a bit of shopping at Bicester Village. There are heaps of outlets but I only walked into a very select few and bought my first Mulberry.

It's just a small purse. I like ones I can fit in my hand. This is the Somerset zip around purse in chocolate. The leather is pebbled and smells amazing. It was £150, reduced to £105.

And I finally bought a YSL Arty ring. This is a size 6 which fits comfortably on my middle fingers. It was £165, reduced to £110 plus 50% off. I won't say it was a steal because it's basically acrylic and gold plated brass, however £55 is a pretty good deal. There are quite a few Arty rings left in different styles and sizes, even in 4 (no Ovale ones though). 

I found out later that the Arty ring will be discontinued soon so that's why they've gone on sale! Doh :( 

Vaseline Hand And Nail Lotion

Although the label has modernised from the product I used as a teenager, the results are still the same. This hand lotion is the best value and it really works to make hands soft and nails strong. 

You can buy Vaseline Hand and Nail lotion cheaply in the UK. I started using it again a month or so ago and after I got used to the scent (not as nice as how I remembered or different to back home in Oz) I can't bear to be with out it. My nails have actually strengthened so much that I can grow out white crescents and not break.

I could never grow my nails and now look! I like how healthy my nails feel and look so much that I'm not even wearing nail polish anymore. So if you think your nails are brittle, definitely give this a try. It took a week for me to notice a difference to the appearance and strength of my nails. I love it! 

Cat Eye Sunglasses

A new charity shop opened up on my street. Whoopee! I love Saturday mornings in London. 

I went for a stroll today to the shops and bought a dress, scarf and these sunglasses. 

They make a statement don't they? 

Paraffin Wax Pedicure

I just had the best luxe pedicure at La Rafayel On The Left Bank. My beautician was wonderful and paid fine attention to detail. After soaking, filing and scrubbing, my feet were painted with hot liquid wax. It can be too hot for some, but I quite liked the heat and it cools to a tolerable temperature quickly. Once my feet were coated, she covered them with plastic bags and let sit for 10 mins. It feels soothing but looks odd!

Then all she did to remove was rolled the wax off with the bag. The wax, still warm and soft peeled off cleanly. I was really impressed. My feet felt so soft afterwards. 

And the paint job was amazing. Looks like liquid plastic-so smooth and shiny. I was really happy with the results and felt so pampered. Can't wait to have this done again!

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish #453 Magnolia Rose

I bought this polish to see how Chanel polishes faired compared to cheaper brands. There's mainly one thing I like about Chanel polishes and that's their unique timeless colours. And Magnolia Rose is no exception. This colour is very pretty and has a subtle shimmer. You'll need to apply generously as otherwise it will look streaky. 

I'm letting it go on Ebay because it's too similar to this polish already in my collection. 

A Newbie's Guide To The Brazilian/Hollywood Wax

Let me assure you now that it will hurt like hell the first time.

The Brazilian takes everything off except a thin strip at the front. The Hollywood takes it all off.

It helps to take a painkiller or a stiff drink beforehand if your pain threshold is low. But the more often you do it, the pain lessens and eventually with a good waxer, you'll barely  flinch. The trick is to stay as relaxed as possible and take a deep breaths.

Don't worry about being in an unlady-like position. You will be told to spread 'em, pull your bits taut and hold your legs over your head. The professional waxer has seen it and heard it all. (Seeing embarrassed clients and hearing the screams of pain, that is!)

Having said all this, if you can, have it done in the comfort and privacy of your home.

As for the process, start off with hair about 1 cm long. If it's too long, it will make the job even more painful. The waxer will apply some talcum powder for better grip and wax a small area at a time, usually from the top then downwards. It takes about 5-10 mins and when it's over, treat yourself to (perhaps another) stiff drink or treats. You're smooth, soft and survived!

The area will be red and tender for a day or two. This is normal. Good luck!

L'Oreal Refinish Microdermabrasion Kit - The Way To New Skin

I was flicking through photos on Facebook and realised my face has aged over the past few years. I decided my new goal was to improve my skin and take better care of it. 

So just a little about my skin. I have large pores and uneven skin tone. Blackheads and pigmentation-I have alot. Fine wrinkles on my forehead are starting to set in.

A few years ago I was recommended chemical peels, in preparation for a 10 year high school reunion. It hurt like hell, like my face was set on fire and then my skin slowly fell off in sheets. Although I got super smooth clear skin, there's no way I'm not going through that again!

Later I had microdermabrasion done by a beautician. My face was smooth and soft after but I did'nt like the method. They used a machine that sucked on my skin for tension and the nozzle was metal and abrasive like a nail file. It was like sanding my face.

So now I want to give a home treatment of microdermabrasion a go. My girlfriend recommended the L'Oreal Refinish Kit. She says it's the best she's ever used and the moisturiser is apparently amazing. The bad news is that it's discontinued in stores but you can still buy it from Ebay. I bought a kit which came from Belgium and the seller provided English instructions. 

The kit comes in two steps. The first is exfoliation and the cream contains aluminium oxide micro crystals. It's gritty and can feel it on your face. I'd say it's on the uncomfortable/sharp side but I guess it needs to be abrasive to do what it's supposed to. After distributing it evenly, rub it gently in circles for a minute and no more. Then rinse off.

Step 2 is moisturising. This cream contains SPF which is needed after a treatment. It sunk straight into my skin which means it's a good formulation and that the microdermabrasion worked. My skin felt radiant and baby soft.

I got a little redness on my face but that went away after a day. I'd recommend doing this before you go to bed the first time, just to give your skin a chance to recover before going out in public. 

I have new soft skin and my pores are less visible. Extractions are super easy. I'm really impressed with this product. So happy in fact, that I bought another THREE boxes on Ebay. Yup, I'm stockpiling!

The instructions say to use it twice a week. I'll post an update here after a few weeks. Can't wait for things to get even better.