Treat yo self!
I live by this mantra.
I get out of bed, I deserve a treat. Change out of pyjamas at the weekend, treat. ‘Insert any day of the week’, most definitely time to treat yourself!
With that in mind, I decided what better way to fully embody this statement then to attend the launch party of Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar event; Festival of Beauty!
HN Beauty Bazaar throw amazing events, from makeup lessons by professional MUAs to pamper sessions and cocktail master classes. Festival of Beauty promised that much needed beauty fix with a serious summer vibe, and boy did they deliver. Three days of bronzed makeup, festival hair and glowing skincare with some wine tasting thrown in too!
I was first greeted at the door with a mini programme and a yummy cocktail to sip as shimmied round the store to the DJ music. An eager look at my programme informed me of the evenings offerings, ranging from masterclasses, skincare advice, manicures and more.
After a long day at work, I needed something to help me relax and with that I headed straight to natural skincare specialists ESPA for a complimentary hand and arm massage. Like a lot of people, I am guilty of thorough facial skincare but tend to neglect my body, except for a quick wash with shower gel and the occasional moisturise. ESPA are well aware of this and have created three easy to use body salt scrubs to suit your needs; relaxing, detoxifying and reinvigorating. All three scrubs not only exfoliate but the nourishing oils leave your skin soft and hydrated.
I chose relaxing salt scrub with a deeply calming scent of lavender and bay. After a little mix to blend the oils and salt, the ESPA expert applied the scrub to both arms and massaged into my skin, focusing on areas with dry and poor circulation. Finishing with a delightfully hot towel to brush off any salt, I was left with smooth supple skin and I could finally feel myself starting to unwind. These natural salt scrubs would be excellent for a pamper evening during a long hot soak in the bath, and with ESPA’s sophisticated packaging, you will feel like you are in a real spa!
A small pitstop at the wine section to try Harvey Nichols rouge (very tasty), and I was on to Benefit to learn the perfect summer contour. I am a huge fan of Benefit’s award winning bronzing powder. Find me a person who says they don’t like hoola and I will still think they are lying because it is just not possible. Now those clever Benebabes have released dew the hoola, same soft-matte bronzer but liquid version. Apply small dabs along the border of your hairline, under your cheekbones and jawline, then blend, blend, blend! You can also dot on the sides of your nose to achieve a slimming effect.
The thing that makes Benefit’s hoola range so perfect for contouring, is the complete absence of shimmer. This really gives a natural sun-kissed appearance, while adding depth and definition to your facial features.
My trip to Beauty Bazaar would not be complete without a visit to my favourite skincare brand Rodial.
Prepped with my new hoola contour knowledge, I was ready to highlight my new found cheekbone and achieve that golden glow. Rodial expert Faye, not only knows her stuff regarding their luxury skincare range, but she is a pro with their Instaglam Glow. Whilst applying this luminescent complexion enhancer to the heights of my cheeks, she explained the trick is to enhance those areas where the sun would naturally touch your skin. Whether that be your cheekbone, or under the brow bone, but also a dab on your cupids bow to help define your lips for a luscious pout. My now radiant cheekbone was then set with sweep of instaglam compact deluxe illuminating powder.
The instaglam glow pen is really easy to use and can be added directly or, as Faye recommended, to the back of your hand to allow more control on how much to apply to your face. It is a must purchase and as part of the beauty event this meant I received some fab freebies of Rodial’s popular skincare products (no sachets here) and a raffle ticket to receive a guaranteed gift, in which I snapped up a benefit goodie bag!
Finally to go with my prepped skin, contour skills and highlighter expertise, my summer beauty look was completed with a complimentary gold shimmer temporary tattoo to match my festival fishtail braids.
What festive fun!
