babyurbeautiful

Hooray! Today is the day that one of the most covetable Instagram brands GLOSSIER is now shipping to the UK.

Once upon a time there were certain brands you could only buy abroad unless you fancied adding the cost of a flight to the USA, or ridiculous shipping costs.
Maybe you were savvy enough to be one step ahead and found them on eBay, Depop or the like (but were likely to pay WAY over the odds). I nearly did it myself - but managed to hold back until the launch date today (plus I know the PR!)

Anyway today is the day that Glossier have started shipping their 22 products to the UK after just over two years of serving just the US (they launched in 2014) inspired by what girls want in real life.
Started by Emily Weiss CEO of beauty bible Into The Gloss and her of The Hills fame (she's bloody gorgeous to boot).

Why are we so excited about this launch?

If you don't know about Glossier, you absolutely MUST. We are not paid to say this at all - we just love the ethos of REAL SKIN - which seems to be an anomaly in the world of Instagram (Face Tune, anyone?)

The brand uses the tag line: Skin first. Makeup second.
If your skin is dehydrated, off-key, and just basically having a total bitch fit (man, you should see my profound bags today Tesco would be proud to use them for home delivery purposes) anyway if your skin isn't performing at 70-90 per cent (we're realists here at Babyurbeautiful) then make-up is going to sit HORRENDOUSLY!

The brand was born on social media and has legions of beauty devotees (766k followers on Insta to be exact) who just love the millennial candy pink branding, the bubble-gum pink zip bags the products arrive in (these were selling on Depop for £5 alone!) and catchily named products - I mean seriously 'Cloud Paint' just sounds dreamy, right?

Plus we love that there is no hard sell like 'anti-ageing' formulas or 'eye bag treatments' and its desire to 'democratise the world of beauty' by consulting their fans and readers of the accompanying blog IntoTheGloss.com what they REALLY want.

CEO Emily describes the brand as 'go easy' i.e enjoy making yourself look good and stop picking out flaws with the vision of a 'beauty brand that didn't have to make women feel crap about themselves' -  - perfect for those exhausted mums who are the complete antithesis of the Love Island/Kardashian look.

Anyway here are our top three if you fancy a little splurge today:

Milky Jelly Cleanser, £15 - cleanser for removing the traces of the day



Best for removing all traces of make-up (unless waterproof mascara), this PH-balanced cleanser is  made with five skin conditioners including Pro-Vitamin B5 which is a powerful natural moisturiser,
1/4 of the H20 content is replaced with rosewater - so it's not only nourishing but soothing on the skin.

Priming Moisturiser, £18 - Skin prep and moisturiser in one

How much do you currently pay for your moisturiser?
I often mix it up and can go from £1.99 Astral to a £30 Dermalogica and love both just as much as they inevitably both do the job of keeping my skin hydrated and that's all I'm simply looking for.
This amazing product is a purse-friendly multi-tasker that is light and build able for a dewy canvas ready for your make-up application.
It has a anti-redness complex with a mix of tea and honey extracts to help calm skin; it's pumped full of antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C and E which help protect against external aggressors.
Then one of our favourite ingredients here at Babyurbeautiful: Hyaluronic acid, which helps give skin that mega hydration hit by (it holds 1000 times its own weight in water) by holding onto water in the spaces between the cells of our skin thus keeping it plumped and hydrated.

Cloud Paint, £15 - Blusher



Don't panic by the price point a teeny tiny dab is needed to transform your face from that flushed from within glow.
The pillowy, gel-cream formula is buildable so you wont end up like Aunt Sally NB: google her!
One of the key ingredients is collagen which retains a high amount of water to hydrated and plump your skin with moisture.
Oh, and our favourite hue - the peachy on trend BEAM (pictured).

www.glossier.com

L x

Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation


I bought Max Factor Facefinity Compact foundation on a whim as it was being promoted near the till in Superdrug for £9.99 (I think RRP is £10.99). I am quite into powder foundations at the moment as they are quick to apply and I don’t have a lot – or really any – time to put my face on before leaving the house these days. And this one is a compact with a sponge and mirror so no need for additional brushes.

I really like this product and want to just say that out of the gate. It goes on smoothly, gives great coverage that you can build up where it’s needed, and the finished outcome is a glowing even complexion.  Above all it takes seconds to apply so I am keeping it by the hallway mirror for quick application before leaving the house.

But the problem I’ve got is that the shades available are quite dark and so I’ve bought two so far that aren’t suitable, at least for my winter skin tone.

I’ve seen about 6 shades of this. Porcelain, Ivory, Natural, Sand, Golden and Toffee. The first one I bought was Natural. There were no Ivory or Porcelain ones left so I just grabbed this one thinking it would be in the right ball park at least. But it turned out to be quite dark. The sort of thing I would use after a two week sunshine holiday to make my face match my body (I am never able to get a good tan on my face, just a bunch of annoying freckles).

But I liked the product so I thought I would save that one for holidays and buy a lighter shade for normal use. I don’t have porcelain skin by any stretch of the imagination, so I bought Ivory. But once I tried this one at home, it is also too dark. In fact it isn’t much different to the Natural one and definitely not what I would describe as Ivory.

So I’m a bit annoyed, mostly with myself! But is everyone so permatanned these days that foundation shades are overall getting darker?  I want to get the Ivory one but I’m reluctant to invest more money in another shade if it's not going to be right. But I do really like this product. Maybe I’ll have to invest in some fake tan instead!

RL x

Judge the results for yourself from my video

The inimitable Steph - Photo Credit: Emily Gray

New year, new me, blah blah blah.



Essentially it's a new day, but that one day spurs us on so much to make a change as it brings in a New Year. It puts us in this general mindset to be proactive (hilariously when you look back the previous years attempts - perhaps a meagre 30 per cent has been achieved).

Since Monday (oh, today), I've been writing lists of TO DO and NEW ME codswallop - although I do think mine is rather achievable.
But in hindsight I could have done it all last year when I got a little lazy and procrastinated, and quite frankly ended up still unable to drive. And fat.

This years include:

Learn to drive

Read more books (got new Kindle)

Gym - tone up

Same old story....

My post today is about my face. I've decided I need to ramp up the skincare routine.
I hit 35 last year, and since having the little man I've really noticed how much the tiredness and exhaustion is taking a toll on my face (and there's only so much strobe cream and highlighter I can slap on).
I've never succumbed to botox or fillers or anything drastic, but my laughter lines tell another story Note to self: stop laughing so much.

I recently updated my make-up skills, and found myself on a course with some lovely ladies and one token guy (who looked bloody great with a cut crease and eyeliner, I tell ya).
Each application we cleansed with an oil and removed all the excess with a micellar cleansing water suitable for very sensitive skin.

I heard about this backstage beauty product years ago (favoured by models and makeup artists alike) when I was a fully fledged beauty editor (if I'm lucky I can muster up about one feature a month now juggling little man, a make-up business and the rest!)

It was developed hundreds of years ago to help Parisians deal with their notoriously harsh water supply - and is known to remove dirt effortlessly with the micelles (more coming up about this shortly) and leave skin glowy and dewy.

I can find 5 person Micellar Water pro's immediately...

1. You don't need to rinse after using
2. It's hypoallergenic
3. No perfume or alcohol so doesn't leave skin sore and red raw
4. Leaves skin soft, not tight and stingy - doesn't smear make-up around the face like wipes do
5. Removes really stubborn mascara/makeup- the cleansing agents lift the dirt away from the skin like a magnet.

As a mum, I find my beauty routine NB: non-existant-wipe-my-face-with-his-wipes (or anything I can find) is the easiest way to go before I collapse into bed exhausted. We're just looking for ease to cleanse, right?
But armed with my beauty arsenal of Sainsbury's cotton pads & Garnier Micellar Water. It's actually far easier to remove make-up effectively than with a wipe that I've been lazily using for the past few years and drying the fook out of my skin.



The formula is made out of micelles which are tiny molecules of oil suspended in soft water.
To wit, the micelles are attracted to dirt, and grime (I can think of better things to be attracted to) but it draws out impurities and cleanses skin without drying it out and can replace, dare I say, the laborious routine of cleansing, double cleansing and toning.

Do not get me wrong, a great skincare regimen is mega important, there's never a 'I don't get time' or shortcut when it comes to your skin, but really, as a mum, you just can't be bothered or are too exhausted. Put paid to the problem and don't wear makeup at all, but run the risk in scaring a few people.
With magical micellar, I can safely say that it can save a lot of money in the long run by cutting down on your skincare products (one bottle instead of three different items)

Plus there isn't a makeup artist worth their weight in Chanel lipstick that isn't toting a bottle of this game changer in their make-up kit.

Garnier Miscellar Water, £4.00, Feelunique.com

LN

We all love a quickie, right? So here's a quick round up of mummy essentials that'll see you through the stress of December with a smile and make you glow through the January Blues...

1. Aromatherapy Associates De-stress Body Wash, £25.75 with a free gift www.feelunique.com 



With a unique blend of aromatherapy oils (smattering of ginger, rosemary, eucalyptus, frankincense - very apt for Christmas and many more lovely ingredients) add a generous glug to your sponge, self or bath, which will ensure an instant 'ahhh' over 'arghhh!'

Bring the spa home to the bathroom. Whack the hot water on full, get your Take a Break magazine (sad, I know) and let's all take a deep breath in...and RELAX.

Great for a new mum, yourself or any one that needs some 'me' time - that's going straight in my basket!


2. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm, £24.00, www.kiehls.co.uk




First things first, this little number is not available until January 2016 but I predict a stampede. Perhaps your local Kiehl's store can offer a sample to test it out?
Everyone I introduce to this wintry skin hydrator is hooked.
Despite it being described as 'deep moisture balm' (jumping from the cold air outside to the skin drying central heating is quite simply going to send you skin haywire), the cream is just so light - and a little goes a long way.
It sinks in effortlessly, and doesn't leave skin oily or greasy - it's so great for on the go.
For instance I slapped it on my skin on the train in full view of everyone this morning and I had a nice pinky glow prior to my foundation application.
A good question from my cousin,  Marie, who became equally obsessed, asked was: 'Can I use this in the summer too?'
Boff's at Kiehls - I'm sure you'll say yes - but I don't see why not, if something works for you, trust your instinct.
My lazy summer routine usually consists of my SPF moisturiser mixed in with light foundation (bespoke tinted moisturiser, don't you know?) but I don't see why you couldn't continue using this balm.
The only worry would be that whilst you're slathering on sun cream too - it might just send your skin haywire with all the unctuous creams and the inevitable breakouts may happen.
But my favourite part of this cream is that it has extract of Edelweiss Flower which is known to thrive in high altitudes so it should help strengthen the skin's barrier with the super cold-weather battling ingredient.



3. Clinique Contour & Highlighter Chubby Sticks, £19 each Clinique Chubby Contour Sticks www.boots.com 



The contouring trend shows no signs of abating - and these big guys have been around a little while - if you're late the party, don't worry - just be centre of it!
So some of us love a really dramatic contour *coughs, TOWIE*, but these gorgeous chubby sticks make it easy to find the hollows of your cheeks, apply colour effortlessly and do just that - all while fitting nicely into your clutch bag.
They'll make a great gift from hub, or from you for your girlfriends.
I do find the £19 a little steep, but should imagine there will be some sort of offer on around the festive season - however a small dab, then smoothing over with the fingertips, or softening with a brush, helps the product go a long way.
The highlighter part of this (also £19) is a very soft pearlised hue; think pinky with shots of cool blue through it - it does the job, but isn't the one for you if you want a really dramatic results.
Both of the chubby sticks blend nicely with fingers, or a brush - they're just an all round great purchase for the art of contour and highlighting.

LN

GAWD it's taken me ages to post this - yes I am crap. But you'll forgive me for introducing you to this year's hottest make-up bag must-have.

The stress of going back to work, along with many other factors has left my skin somewhat shite.
My mummy acne is back. I conveniently get it on one cheek, which merely highlights its existance in comparison to the spot-free cheek.

I've been slapping on M.A.C face and body foundation, a very light, lovely, dewy almost tinted moisturiser, with a real watery base - then mixing it with the Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow, £38.50, Wonder Glow and I didn't feel any different, I was just going through the motions - and hoping it'd sort my skin out.

I visited a lovely chum's little ones 2nd birthday and after she quietly asked me if I'd been having 'BO', nope, not smelly pits - BO-tox.

Well, you can imagine I was somewhat taken aback, but also quite flattered she'd thought my skin was worthy of a hushed 'has-she-hasn't she?' moment. It wasn't until then I realised that aside from my MAC staple foundation, the only new factor in my make-up bag was indeed the Wonder Glow.



The instant soft focus beauty flash balm is a multi-tasking product that can be worn under or over your foundation, on its own or mixed in with foundation (which I do).
Had I indulged in a facial - I probably would have the guts to go out bare with the WG alone.

L to R Beach Stick in Ibiza, Magic Cream, Wonder Glow

As it is infused with tint, and has hints of warming gold particles in it it's ultra flattering on all skin tones.
 The soft focus effect blurs imperfections, fine lines (hell, yeah), dull and tired skin is left lustrious, silky and glowing.
With BioNymph Peptide Complex - which is also found in her Magic Cream (another winner but £70 for a pot - eek) Magic Cream the compex helps boost collagen production and improve on the war against wrinkles long-term.

Now if you don't know Charlotte Tilbury, she is make-up artist to ALL the greats, having used her make-up prowess to full capacity creating  oodles of front covers for Vogue. One of her best friends and clients, is the ubiquitous Kate Moss, she even named a NUDE KATE lippy after her, a rich, opaque mid-nude with hints of beige and peach - in equal measure.

The Wonder Glow is a real must-have, it'll be a great addition over lightly tanned skin, great with foundation and just every day for a quick boost. I'm also a huge fan of the Beach Stick in 'Ibiza' which has been used for contouring as well as a nice bronze boost - it is SH-AMAZING!

The Magic Cream hasn't amazed me, mainly for the large price tag and fact it's down to its last few scoops, if anyone begs to differ, please tell us!

L x

Olay Total Effects CC Cream Complexion Corrector

I'm the type of woman that would scare people half to death if I went out without makeup on, or at the very least I would get enquiring looks as if I were ill. I'm pasty, patchy and spot prone.

It's not uncommon for the doorbell to ring and I'm bare faced, or I have to urgently dash to the corner shop. Thank goodness for my Olay CC cream. It looks like foundation but has the texture of my normal Olay moisturiser – it gives a light coverage whilst keeping dry skin at bay, provides SPF protection, anti ageing and over time it evens out skin tone too. You gotta love multi-action products, I don't always have time for the full facial routine.

I also feel like I'm being frugal, (love that feeling) there's no point in 'wasting' my pricier foundation to just nip to the park with my baby for half an hour, especially when this CC cream does the job in just one pump of the bottle.

The cream rubs in easily and gives me the slight glow I need to feel okay about leaving the house – it's not a foundation substitute, but it's great if you're just nipping out, or if you're lucky enough not to have to wear make up everyday.

The only point to consider is that it's a little greasy; I've got spot prone skin so to avoid blocking my pores I tend to only use it a couple of times per week (or when the postman knocks on my door).

Available at stores nationwide, RRP 14.99 for 50ml.

Relax me - skin is dry, summer is ending and it's almost back to work time after a lovely year of maternity leave - are you like me? Are you in need of a product that fills your senses so bad you forget everything and just want to breathe it in? 

I've got it - well I found it, shall I say! Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate retailing at £40.50 for 28ml

I've recently started swimming with my 5-month old. He absolutely loves it.

But leaving the house is double the stress, as not only does he need a swim nappy, one over the top, a towel, normal nappy yadda yadda...then there's the big problem of ME.

Now us mums claim to be 'low maintenance', but let's not lie we strive to look good. Any woman does.

But now being mothers we feel the need to present ourselves as 'groomed' rather than wild banshee-I've-been-up-all-night. And we like to give the impression our children sleep well - (no idea why people feel the need to do this) if 'well' means 2 hours of dummy ping pong - so be it.

There's no competition as such, but what small amount of normality/sanity we manage to withhold we exude that in the form of appearing collected and calm -thus groomed.

I inspected myself this morning, the angry red spot I'd been sporting for the last week had softened, my lashes looked glossy and black and I radiated a little tan (thanks He:Shi).

'Hmm, not bad', I said to the mirror. If I can give the impression I'm aceing this motherhood shiz - we'll roll with that. So off we toddled to our Mini Swimmers  session: www.miniswimming.co.uk

So, first rule of swimming:

If you have a very active lad like mine his arms and legs will be flailing everywhere, so inevitably your hair will get soaked.

Tie it up into a trendy top knot. One point for practicality, one point for trendiness.

Try invisibobble an new innovative hair creation, even hotty Victoria's Secret model, Candice Swanepoel has a permanent invisi-bob on her wrist.

Second rule:

If you insist on wearing mascara, ensure it's waterproof. Every week I end up with panda eyes, I could stand in for Alice Cooper by the end of the 30 min session. Having Beauty Ed status when I'm not being a mummy - I should be highly embarrassed.

I love Max Factor Masterpiece Waterproof mascara, £9.99 for swooping lashes & no streaks.

Third rule:

If you're having a bad skin day, and it's making you feel poop, there's no reason why you can't wear something to conceal it. Don't bother with thick, cakey concealer. Why not try a nice, light tinted moisturiser, or your foundation mixed with your favourite moisturiser.

Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Foundation, £8.99 isn't waterproof but it's hard wearing and will stay put, it's also non comedogenic which means it doesn't aggravate spots.

Origins Vita-Zing, £28, is light and airy, and it's efficacy at boosting an exhausted, pallid skintone is second to none. It evens out patchy skin tones and goes from moisturising cream to tint on contact with your skin.

LN xx

Having spent this time last year in Thailand *sobs*, I'll never forget the homeland smell of Jasmine...for all the wrong reasons.

I was one of the (un)lucky mothers-to-be who experienced an overwhelming sense of smell, to the point I wanted to knock out colleagues (this was a given anyway, wasn't sure if it was hormones or the perfume issue).

Superdrug My Little Star New Mum Nipple Cream 
99p for 75ml
from www.superdrug.com

An absolute bargain price, this Superdrug My Little Star New Mum Nipple cream is designed to keep your nipples moisturised, soft and protected if you are breast feeding, I've personally been combo-feeding.
Containing lanolin from sheep, which is the main ingredient in most nipple creams due to its extreme moisturising properties and it's very natural. You can therefore apply it and then feed later without washing off as no fear of poisoning bubba.

There's no point blogging if you're going to coo over everything. There's a lot of tripe out there, and why would you say something is great if it clearly isn't. I certainly wouldn't.

I thought for a little treat to myself I'd have some semi-perm lashes applied. But in the early hours of the morning in my sleep deprived state I breastfed and pulled them out one by one.