One of the most magical moments this week was with Dior. I was extremely honoured to be invited to an exclusive event hosted by Dior Makeup. It was an opportunity to see their makeup and skincare range up close, and to try some of their Limited Edition products independently.
First, I was introduced to the Dior skincare. Their range is vast and plentiful, more than able to tackle life’s skin problems. The Dior Hydra Life Glow Better is a jelly mask that melts into the skin. It helps revive the skin, to give a dewy, fresh look. Helping the skin look clear and clean. The smell was divine, light and airy.
The Dior Capture Youth Glow Serum was applied next. This allowed for a concentrated blast of pure radiance. A smooth liquid serum to help combat dullness and reveal perfect skin quality.
Once the skin had been prepared for applying makeup, a ‘natural look’ was the goal. I for one was excited about this, as I don’t particularly like the look of full-on makeup, but prefer subtle colours to accentuate my favourite facial features.
These are some of the Dior makeup products that we applied.
Starting with the skin, a Dior Forever Perfect cushion foundation was utilised with a brush, to give a soft dewy finish. It was explained that the foundation can be found in as many as 67 different shades, in both matte and glow finish. This is to allow customers the best match to their skin shade.
Next, the Dior Nude skin Luminizer was brushed lightly over the face to instantly lighten the complexion, giving a subtle sheen and highlighting facial contours.
Gentle, barely there eyebrows were combed and made more bold with an eyebrow pen and lashes were given an injection of ooomph with Diorshow Pump and Volume Mascara.
Finally, the lips - Dior Addict Lip Maximier was added to give an instant, long lasting effect. This is Dior’s No1 backstage lip gloss plumper and a must for any makeup artist. I must say, the look was pretty astonishing, very natural and pretty. A makeup look, that creates a timeless elegance and one that will last throughout the day. I will enjoy re-creating this look again at home.
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity Dior makeup and for the inspirational expertise of your artists.
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Yesterday, I decided to try a completely different type of cake. This one needs no butter..... but an inordinate amount of cream. In fact, my daughter said it was diabetes overload, with the quantity of cream needed. I must admit, the amount was pretty staggering, but this is what gives the cake a beautiful light and fluffy texture.
You will need 3 x 8 inch cake tins. Pre-set the oven to 350F (170C).
Ingredients:
700ml (3 cups) heavy whipping cream.
6 x large eggs.
395g (1&3/4 cups) granulated sugar.
1tsp vanilla extract.
450g (4 cups) self-raising flour, sifted.
1tbsp & 1tsp baking powder.
1tsp salt.
Method:
Pour all of the cream into a bowl and whisk by hand. I know this can be a bit of a pain, as it takes a while to thicken, but what you don't want is for it to be claggy thick, which is what will happen with an electric whisk.... trust me (wink, wink).
Once the cream has thickened slightly, crack three of the eggs in the bowl and whisk ever so gently. Maybe only 15 seconds or so. Then add the other three eggs and repeat the same process. What you are trying to do is to not deflate the cream.
Then, a spoonful at a time, add the sugar. Again being careful not to over mix. Add the vanilla next.
In a separate bowl, sift the flour/baking powder and salt together. Repeat this process twice. This makes it easier for the mixture to incorporate the flour, as it is nice and fine.
Slowly, with a spatula, fold the flour a bit at a time into the mixture, until you cannot see any traces of flour.
Once you are happy with the cake mix, divide into three and spoon into the three lined baking tins.
Bake in the centre of the oven for 30-35 mins.
Check that the cakes are fully baked by inserting a cake tester and ensuring that it comes out clean, with no bits of cake on it.
Frosting:
500ml (2 & 1/4 cups) heavy cream.
180g Philadelphia cheese.
200g icing sugar.
2 tsp vanilla extract.
Place all ingredients into a bowl and with an electric whisk, mix together until thickened and combined.
That simple ;-)
To assemble the cake, allow to cool in the tin for 10 mins and then turn out onto a flat surface. Layer the cakes with the frosting, reserving some for decoration.
I used a Wilton 1M tip to achieve the piped edging.
Decorate the three layered Vanilla White Cake, however you choose. Sprinkles, flowers or candles, if it's a birthday or special occasion.
Happy baking, everyone. Enjoy the long holiday weekend. Love, Sarah Xxx
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Miracle Hydrating Mist® could be considered as a future cult classic. It is the ultimate skincare multitasker: hydrating, moisturising and refreshing.
As a lover of skin products, especially moisturisers, I was excited to see if this product lived up to it's Eight Hour® name. I was not disappointed. This super fine facial mist is gorgeous. You need to hold it 6-8 inches from your face, close your eyes and spray. You will be transported to foreign lands with it's delicate, fragrant scent of Lemon Water, Rose and Bergamot. It adds a natural, healthy glow to the skin. I was a little reluctant to try it at first as I don't like greasy products on my skin, but this was ultra-fine and refreshing and soaked into the skin, leaving it feeling soothed and healthy looking.
This Miracle Hydrating Mist is an extention to the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® franchise. It purports to last up to eight hours and it most certainly does.
It has a superblend of: acai, goji, mangosteen, pomegranate and coffee seed extracts. The incorporation of aloe juice also provides moisturising and soothing benefits, as it helps to soothe irritated skin.
The size available is very portable, allowing for use any time of the day. The product is also sized to meet TSA requirements, which means you can take it with you on your travels. Ideal for hydration during long haul flights.
The size is 100ml and costs £21. I can totally see this becoming a future classic. Refresh, set, go......
Love Sarah X
The last few weeks have been a little bit overwhelming; feeling out of sorts and full of cold. Fed up of feeling sorry for myself, I ventured to the new Patisserie Valerie, to pick up a little treat to cheer myself up.
As you can imagine, the biggest problem I had was choice. I knew that I wanted something to take away, rather than sit in the cafe, which looked very pretty.
Upon entering Patisserie Valerie I walked to the counter to peruse their delicious looking cakes. Whilst pondering my choices, a lady behind the counter approached me asking what I would like. I explained my dilemma and she very pleasantly talked me through the delights of each cake and tart to me. I decided on the Tarte au fraises. It looked delicious. The lovely lady asked if I would like it boxed with a pretty ribbon, of course I said yes, with a big smile. She then asked if I had every tried the tarte before, to which I replied, 'No' and she suggested that upon my return I should let her know what my thoughts were. Truthfully, just the mere look of it was enough.
On a day when I wasn't feeling too great, the lady in Patisserie Valerie helped me to feel much better. I will return to let her know how it was.... delicious by the way.... and maybe sample another cake or gateaux. For now, I am just grateful for the unexpected, pleasant encounter that I experienced that day. It cheered me up no end..... and so did the tarte.
I would highly recommend that if you were in the area, you should check it out. I hope to return soon with my girlfriends for a little afternoon tea and sample some more delights.
Love Sarah XOXO
Treating yourself or a loved one to a relaxing night in? Valentines Day is just around the corner and whether you are enjoying it solo or with a loved one, you deserve to be pampered. This year for the first time ever I bought some Lush products.
The first gorgeous product I bought was the limited addition, lip scrub.... The Kiss. This was specifically made for Valentines Day. It is beautiful, bright and pink, very Valentines. I'm not sure about you, but during the winter months my lips become very dry and rough. In other words, not very kissable; which is not a good thing, especially on Valentines Day.
Yesterday, I scrubbed my lips with The Kiss and let me tell you they instantly became soft and smooth. Some of the ingredients in this scrub contain: Sea Salt, Organic Cocoa Butter and Caster Sugar. You pop a little on your finger and rub your lips. It's ok to lick the excess off too, as it tastes good, like edible sugar candy. It polishes your lips to perfection and I'm sure mine looked more plump afterwards. The sequinned red hearts give the scrub a lovely whimsical feel.
Whilst in Lush I also treat myself to a Cupid Bath Bomb. 'Cupid draw back your bow and let your arrow flow....' This incredible smelling heart will have you and your loved one basking in a relaxing bath in no time. The bath bomb is beautiful to look at and as it dissolves it leaves a shimmering frothy shade of pink.
It's very moisturising and the fragrance of rose petals, raspberry juice and bergamot oil is very subtle. It will leave your skin super soft and ready for any cuddles you might receive later.
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