Rose hip oil-best winter skin rejuvenator

Rosehip bioregenerate oil £19 is my moisturiser of choice this winter.
Rose hip oil contains retinol, or vitamin A, and vitamin C. It is also rich in nourishing and hydrating essential fatty acids, including omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. All a dehydrated and tired really skin needs.



BENEFITS OF ROSE HIP OIL TO THE SKIN
Rose hip oil has numerous benefits to the skin. Because of its retinol content, it can help to reduce and prevent wrinkles, to smooth out uneven skin tones and to fade and remove scars from injuries and acne. Rose hip oil is highly nourishing to dry and aging skin. It can alleviate dermatitis and eczema, and relieve skin burns, including sunburns. With its nourishing omega fatty acids, rose hip oil can also rehydrate excessively dry skin. Due to its vitamin C content, rose hip oil has antioxidant properties, and can work to repair and rejuvenate skin cells.
It's a wonderful rejuvenating treatment.

Paiskincare.com

Papaya-berry granola breakfast

This is what I've been having for breakfast lately and I thought I'd share as it's not only super healthy but yummy too!

I've replaced my yogurt with coconut yoghurt (vegan, dairy free) in the past few months and have felt the difference. I get less bloated. Animal protein has always been a frenemy of mine.


All ingredients you need are below. it's so simple it's a no recipe really- just chop, mix and eat:).

Papaya health benefits
Ripe papaya contains nearly a 3 day supply of vitamin C, and a significant amount of vitamins E and A, which are both needed for the proper function of a healthy immune system. It is also rich in anti-oxidants, B vitamins, folic an pantothenic acid, fible and potassium and magnesium. Together these nutrients provide amazing protection against colon cancer.
The papaya-enzyme papain plays a key role in digestive processes involving breaking down tough protein fibers. For this reason, it has been commonly used in its native South America as a digestive support for meat eating.

Science is catching up with the wisdom of traditional healers in South America. Papain can play a significant role in the breakdown of toxins and is a powerful antiseptic, digestive aid, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.

My beauty finds this month

1.Two Faced Natural face palette

2.Proactiv 3 step system

3.Organix Maroccan Argan oil conditioner

4.Organix Brazilian keratin conditioner.

1.Two Faced Natural face Palette

What’s inside…

• Powder Blush - peachy pink colour
• Bronze veil - medium tone
• Crème Blush — creamy rose
• Concealer — creamy concealer for light-to-medium skin tones
• Luminiser — universal cream luminiser
• Brightener — creamy brightener for light-to-medium skin tones

Natural Face (£31) is a wonderful multi-tasker, designed to help create a natural radiant look.

I really adore this palette! I think it is a must-have for medium-skinned girls who are looking to create a natural look with ease. Almost all the products in this palette worked well for me. If the concealer was just a tad darker, every single product would be just perfect!
Price: £31. That is pricey. But, look at how many products are in this kit! I think it is totally worth the price!!!

Blush - This blush is the perfect peachy-pink shade (the swatch above looks more peach, but it really is a pink/peach). It has some subtle shimmer and it looks somewhat luminous on. So pretty! This blush was one of the main reasons that I purchased the palette. I can see how this shade would be flattering on many skin tones.

Bronze Veil — golden bronze bronzer. A nice medium toned bronzer with some very subtle shimmer (shimmer is not really noticeable when it is on). I love that this is a bronzer that wears neutral on me and not orange. Love it! It is subtle and nice!

Crème Blush - This creme blush is a nude/neutral shade. I am excited about this color as I really have no other duplicates in my makeup collection. It works nicely its own or layered with the powder blush for a *super-duper* long lasting blush look. The product is quite creamy and smooth. It blends well. I apply using my fingertips. 

Luminizer: This luminizer is a shimmery champagne-pinky sparkling cream. The shimmer/sparkle is noticeable in this product when it is worn on the skin. I like to use just a touch of this on the tops of my cheekbones. The pan size is small on this one. But, that is fine as you just need the smallest touch of product!

2. Proactiv 3 step system

This is probably the most celebrity endorsed acne treatment in the world. Until recently it was only available online or telephone order but the other day I found out they sell it now at large Boots stores. I haven't tried it yet as I'm using Clearasil exfoliating pads at the moment but I'm sure I will quite soon. I like the fact that the active ingredient in these products is salicylic acid and not benzoyl peroxide which is an awful skin sensitiser.

Salicylic acid is a favourite exfoliant of mine. I recommend you using it even if you don't have acne or blemishes at all. It clarifies, brightens and smoothes the complexion. If used on a regular basis it can actually get rid of superficial lines.I really use it as a wrinkle preventer...
It's really a multi-tasker. One of my favourite products.

Proactiv 3 step system costs £39.99
You can buy it online here 

3.  Organix Maroccan argan oil conditioner - £6.99

4. Organix Brazilian keratin conditioner - £6.99

I have tried all different conditioners from the Organix line but these two are my favorites. They both have such a great fragrance and work awesome. The argan oil one I use when my hair feels dry and the Brazilian keratin when I want a straight and sleek hair. Knowing this they are sulfate and paraben free is also a huge plus. 

 I usually wash my hair with my lemon shampoo from Avalon organics as soon as I get in the shower, then put one of the conditioners, depending on what my hair needs that day and leave it on for the length of my shower. When I finally rinse it out my hair would feel so silky and smooth. I definitely recommend both there conditioners to people with a medium to very dehydrated hair. 

For more info visit Organixhair.com

You can buy it from any Boots store, Holland and Barrett or online here

You can buy from any Boots, Holland and Barrett or online here

London Spa Girl x

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 hour wear. Best foundation so far.

One product I use every single day without fail, but rarely write about, is foundation.
It's shame since I almost never leave the house without wearing any.

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 hour wear is my new favourite foundation.I have to give this product 5 stars. Not only is it sweat/transfer/water resistant, but it's also paraben and cruelty free, which is important to me.  The instance I tried the Smashbox Studio Skin on, I LOVED IT! Great satin finish, very natural finish..

I have tried many different foundations. Anywhere from drug stores, department stores, and specialty makeup stores. This is the best foundation I've ever used.

It also truly does last for 15 hours. The coverage is excellent, and it controls shine all day with little or no powder touch-ups. It looks freshly applied throughout the day, and never looks caked on. The color does not fade, skin remains hydrated, and the coverage hides imperfections. It's easy to apply, and blends effortlessly. It stands up to heat, sweat, and humidity. I have finally found the perfect foundation!

The price for this is £27.50, which is expensive but comparable with the likes of Estee Lauder and Lancome.  I'll pay anything up to about £30 for a good one - after all, I'll be wearing it on my face for 60 hours a week, minimum!  


I bought mine from Boots on London's Kensington High street but I'm not sure if all Boots stores sell it.

Visit Smashbox for more info

2.4 shade

London spa girl x

Hourglass Film Noir. Best mascara. Ever.

I was given  a sample of this mascara and when I tried it on I was blown away by how smooth the formula is!  People sometimes ask if I have fake lashes on. It lasts all day and is semi-waterproof. It doesn't come off when crying but does come off easily when washing your face. It also has a wonderful shine to it so when you wear only one coat it really just looks like an enhanced version of natural lashes! It also holds curl very very well!

This mascara is everything I could ask for. It lengthens,  thickens and defines w/o clumping, smudging or flaking. The tube lasts forever without drying out like some of those other popular brands.

Best mascara. Ever

You can buy it from Liberty online here
or Space NK here
Price: £25

Make-up free

Fake lash effect. No smudging, clumping or flaking. Guaranteed!

London Spa Girl  x

Mari Vanna

Russian home cooked food in Knightsbridge


Russian cuisine, generally, is not the most sophisticated or exciting. Authenticity also means that a few dishes might taste a little one-or-two-dimensional. It also exploits only a limited range of ingredients, and accordingly, it might not be to everybody’s taste..
I personally love it.

We went on a Tuesday. The restaurant was packed. It's a really popular spot. We started with a selection of complimentary rye bread – plain, seeded, herb. It was wonderful. I also loved my traditional Russian salad – just carefully dressed with creamy mayo. The texture – carrot, potato, peas and pickles – came alive in my mouth. Proper comfort food...

The next starter impressively showed the closeness of Russia to the Middle East. An Aubergine Caviar , again served with gorgeous toasted brown bread, was just another version of babaganoush. Very nice..

I fell hard for Mari Vanna’s Blinis with salmon. These were not traditional blinis...They looked and tasted exactly like crepes. Served with sour cream, subtly smoked salmon and freshly grated horseradish, I could have eaten a whole bunch of them.

We admittedly overdid it a bit with the starters and therefore didn't order any main courses.
We paid about £150 for food only, excluding the wine. It's a bit pricey for a meal based on starters I admit. I was not sure the price tag justified the food we had...Obviously this restaurant is aimed at wealthy expatriate Russians based in London.
I would go back at some point as I was really intrigued by the main courses and the afternoon tea menu but I definitely won't be a regular.


116 Knightsbridge
Wellington Court
London
SW1X 7PJ
Tel. 020 7225 3122, 020 31595390
www.marivanna.co.uk



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Split pea soup with pancetta and avocado

For me split pea soup is the ultimate autumn comfort meal.
Today it is overcast and cold so split pea soup is definitely on the menu. I love the idea of pancetta and avocado slices in my soup as it adds somewhat of a glamour to this simple recipe.
J must have been in a soup mood too, because he’s been bugging me to make a pea soup for a few weeks already.


Ingredients:
500gr organic split peas
Fresh organic spinach
Smoked streaky pancetta
A whole ripe avocado
Fresh mint
Salt
Black pepper

Split peas don't have to be soaked before cooking which makes thing very easy.
Simmer the peas in a large sauce pan until tender.
Blend the boiled peas and add a couple handfuls of fresh spinach and a pinch if fresh mint. Blend until spinach and mint are incorporated.
I like spinach in my pea soup. It gives it a gorgeous dark green colour.

Line the pancetta in a roast dish and roast till golden brown and crispy. Add the pancetta and sliced avocado on top of the soup.

And that's all folks!
It's that simple.
Have a look at the pictures below:

London Spa Girl x