Is that... Spring?

I went for a walk with my friend George the other day and there was something in the air... a smell (no, not George), a feeling.  For a while I struggled to put my finger on it but then it was there. It was spring. Now I know that cold weather is once again hitting the country this week and that if you’re anything like me the very thought of going out without scarf, gloves and coat will send a shiver down your spine, but I promise you, we’re almost there.

                As always, the shops have helpfully pre-empted the great transition to spring attire and the rails are already bursting with floral prints and enough nautical stripes to deck out the British Navy. Bekki and I ventured into Topshop the other day and she squealed with delight with the realisation that swimwear, the harbinger of summer, was once again in stock!

                The problem of is that in the middle of February such items are somewhat impractical and, as much as I appreciate frivolity in fashion, I also appreciate warmth. Yes that flowing  jump-suit would look fantastic with a pair of wedges on the Rivera but the only beach trip I’ve got planned is to the Gower and the Welsh winds can be very unforgiving. 

                Nevertheless all is not doom and gloom! There is one way you can nudge in spring (without achieving mild hypothermia in the process) and that is with your make up. Here is a little run down of the trends as seen on the 2011 spring catwalks to get you started...

1. Seventies Glow- Yes natural/ neutral is here again but as many seasons have taught us this is not necessarily any less work! Either go matte, with black mascara and a slick of nude lip-gloss or more dewy and sun kissed, with a lighter weight foundation and dab of highlighter.

2. Post-box Pout- If the plethora of recent awards shows has taught us anything, it’s that red lips are here to stay. Jessica Alba and Julianne Moore both sported perfectly painted lips, executing the trend with aplomb. Keep any smudgy rock-star leanings in check- It may be easier but the spring look requires pin point precision and brighter hues.

3. Chalky Neons- We may have seen bright eye-shadows before but this time they have a distinctly chalky finish, making them (fingers-crossed) far more wearable. The subtlety seems to be in keeping the rest of your make-up very minimal. Orange is the big colour but if that is a bit scary then there are also plenty of eye-catching aqua hues around.

4. Gilded Lady- Nothing looks better with a tan than a bit of gold (there’s a reason why ‘ethnic’ sees a revival practically every summer). Get a chunky gold eye crayon for extra intense colour or, if you’re feeling brave, give gilded lips a go.

5. Extreme Eyes- This spring provides a great excuse to get creative with your eyes. Think big, bold and bright and don’t limit eye-shadow to above the eye. Instead try a line just below the lower lash line to create an attention-grabbing look. If this is a bit too much, add variation and shape to the eye by applying a lighter, metallic shade to the inner corner.

So there you have it, a sample guide to the spring trends. Now I’m not suggesting you all charge boldly forth, gilded to the brows with lips to stop traffic, (a winter coat plus neon eye-shadow may well equal some odd glances) but keep these ideas in mind. Role them round your mouth a bit, maybe experiment in the safe confines of your bedroom. Start by using a bit of gold, a little highlighter and a touch of tangerine on a night out. Then, before you know it, spring will be here and your inner Seventies siren will be prepped and ready to be released!

Moisturisers for the Masses

Unfortunately moisturising in a student house is rarely fun. At the moment I follow a familiar morning routine which consists of struggling out of bed, tip-toeing across the cold lino and shivering whilst I wait for the shower to warm up. There is a brief respite whilst I scorch myself back into being but eventually I have to get out, tip-toe back to my room and shiver a bit more whilst I briskly rub moisturiser all over my body. The scenario often leaves me questioning why I bother. After all, if moisturising merely prolongs the time that my skin is exposed to the biting cold of our student house, why do it?

                Well, like many things I do, I suspect it has something to do with maternal indoctrination. When I was little I watched my mum perform the task as part of her morning routine and willingly rehearsed the same ritual myself. Although I no longer wish to emulate my mother (thank god as she has now extended her routine to include a spot of naked pilates), I still feel a twang of guilt if I don’t moisturise. Irritating as this might be, really I am thankful. It may be awful for a few moments to stand in the cold, shivering, but moisturise in the morning and you will be soft and delicately scented all day.

                Yet what scent to choose? Like perfumes, moisturisers are a matter of personal preference. Personally I’m a massive fan of Palmer’s cocoa butter but I understand that this is somewhat potent and not everyone shares my enthusiasm. I was temporarily put off it last year when a friend entered our kitchen and commented that he could smell chocolate. Rather sheepishly I was forced to admit that he was actually smelling me... from the other side of the room. Since then I have tried to tone down my love but I suspect I still have a slight propensity to smell like a baked good.  Just as there are many smells, there are also many textures. Fi and I agree that thicker is better (especially when you want intensive moisturiser post shaving) but these can take a while to sink in so if you’re always late for lectures I’d advise going for a thinner one.  

                There are a huge number of moisturisers out there and a lot of them are very reasonably priced so shop around. Although we were collectively repulsed by some of those we tested, quite a few of them got mixed reactions so taste does have a lot to do with this. Happy Shopping!

Dewberry Mure Sauvage body lotion- £3.99 The Body Shop

I had high expectations from The Body Shop but this was ghastly. The consistency was very watery and the smell was overpoweringly fruity. Bekki actually recoiled in horror when forced to take a sniff.  The product may be animal friendly but humans should beware. 0/5




Coconut and shea butter body lotion- £1.49 Superdrug
This was cheap but unfortunately you could tell. Admittedly it was at a slight disadvantage as the smell reminded us all of Malibu (a chief component in the punch we’d drunk the previous night) and so revived rather unpleasant memories for our stomachs. Still, as a state of hangover is not uncommon amongst the student population, a moisturiser reminiscent of an alcoholic beverage is never going to be good idea. 1.5/5

 

Essentials body lotion (for dry skin)- £1.62 Boots

Now reactions varied for this one. Whereas I was not a fan at all, Fi and Bekki actually quite liked it. Granted it had a good thick consistency, but I also felt it was quite oily so probably wouldn’t be that easily absorbed (unless you have excessively thirsty skin). The smell was also very controversial as it reminded us all of babies and in particular babies’ bottoms. Whereas Bekki didn’t feel this was a problem, I would resist smelling like a juvenile’s rear. 3/5

Happy Time body lotion- £3.56 Nivea

 Again, this was very controversial. Fi and Nims found the smell too sweet, and slightly fake-tan-like but Bekki and Grace both ranked it highly.  It definitely smelt summery and had a middling consistency; not too runny but not quite thick enough for my liking. I’d say this would be popular with quite a few people so if you’re browsing definitely give it a go. 3.5/5

Botanics Moisturising Body Balm with ginseng and cocoa butter- £3.17 Boots

 Along with my enthusiasm for moisturising, I have also inherited from my mother a taste for natural products so the active plant extracts in this one immediately appealed to me. The consistency was also satisfyingly thick and I really liked the smell as well. Nevertheless I should mention that Bekki and Grace both thought it smelt like something you’d hook on a toilet rim, so maybe not one for everybody. 4/5