Is doing makeup on the tube really a taboo?

I've seen a debate doing the rounds recently about whether or not women should do their make-up on the tube. Dubbed the "tube taboo", many commuters complain about women applying their make-up while on the go. But why? Well - some say that it is an "intimate" experience and should be kept behind closed doors, some say it is unhygienic, while others think that women are lying to the world by stepping out of the door looking bare-faced and worse for wear then emerging off the train a whole new woman.

Personally, I don't see an issue with it at all. We have enough to do in the mornings so why not save an extra ten minutes and put that commuting time to good use rather than stare into our i-Phones! I actually find it quite fascinating watching women do their makeup on the tube and I can't help but be nosey and marvel over what's in their makeup bags. Generally I don't see disapproving looks from other commuters - although I did once see a woman do an entire contouring face routine on the tube and some men looked incredibly confused by what she was doing when she was still in the pre-blend phase! Saying this, I generally opt to do my makeup at home because it has become part of my daily routine

You may have seen that Stylist Magazine is also supporting commuter makeup application and recently published this article with their tips and tricks!

Generally I usually prefer to do my makeup at home in the mornings because it has become part of my daily routine, however, I always like to keep a few spare products in my handbag for any touch-ups should I suddenly have any last minute plans after work. Here are my top tips and products for make up on the go:

Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate

Ah isn't it just perfect when you get a nice, sunny colouring book and brand new colouring pencils then buy a new skincare product that matches them wonderfully in photos?! If this bright little bottle doesn't cheer you up I don't know what will.

If you're familiar with Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (it is one of my favourite skincare products and recently featured on my evening skincare routine here) this is pretty much the same thing - but for daytime!

I generally stick to using facial oils in the evening and wouldn't usually wear one in the day as I worry it may be too heavy, but the Winter being particularly harsh on my skin and drying it out no end I have tried using this both as a serum underneath my moisturiser, and replacing it instead of my moisturiser, and my skin has lapped it up!

This amazing oil contains Ginger Root, Sunflower and Tamanu, to help skin feel fresh and look energized morning to night. It costs £37 for 50ml but a little goes a long way and a bottle will last you months so it is definitely worth it! I am in love with this product and use it daily.

Have you tried anything from Kiehl's before? What are your favourite serums?

Glamour Beauty Festival

Hi guys! On Sunday I went along to Glamour Magazine's Beauty Festival at the Saatchi Gallery in West London. The event was held over the weekend of 12th and 13th March and was packed full of free treatments, talks from guest speakers and shopping areas for top beauty brands,

It was a beautifully sunny day but before I set off it was essential to stop off at my local cafe, Perfect Blend in Streatham, for breakfast!

The event was spread over three floors - ground floor was all about hair and makeup where Redken, GHD and OGX were on hand to style and braid hair. Laura Mercier, Illamasqua and Nars  were also offering foundation fittings, statement eye makeovers, blush & bronzer masterclasses and there was a Benefit Brow Bar too. I had my hair curled by a lovely stylist at GHD!

The first floor was the skincare zone where Liz Earle, Elizabeth Arden, Balance Me and Garnier were offering free facials and skin scanning. Garnier was also promoting its new Moisture Bomb range. Finally the second floor was the Nail Zone where Sally Hansen were doing nail rehab treatments, OPI were doing fun nail art and Rimmel were offering manicures with their new Super Gel polish range.

You could also have a makeover with Lancome, who were promoting their new Juicy Shaker lip gloss then star in your own Glamour Cover Shoot and print out your own Glamour front page! There were also talks on the day from YouTubers Jim Chapman, Fleur De Force and Estee Lalonde and Glamour's Beauty Director, Alessandra Steinherr, hairdresser Sam McKnight, Rita Ora, model Neelam Gill, male supermodel David Gandy and celebrity make-up artist Lisa Eldridge. I didn't go along to any talks as I having too much fun wandering around all the stands but they all looked really interesting!

Best of all we got to take home the most generous goodie bags ever worth £106! I'm so excited to try all these amazing products especially the new Garnier Moisture Bomb moisturiser, Balance Me serum and Benefit Roller Lash as I have never tried these before. I am already a huge fan of Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish so am glad to see that in there!

You've heard of dry shampoo...but what about dry conditioner?

I'm not sure when exactly I discovered dry shampoo but I'm pretty sure I haven't been without since and always make sure I have a can to hand. More often than not I would much rather have an extra half hour in bed than get up early and wash my hair - thank goodness someone invented products that allow us to be lazy without having to walk around with greasy hair all day!

I recently came across the new Amika hair range - which has been created exclusively for Salon Services stores. Their Obliphica range is derived from Sea Buckthorn Berry, which is rich in antioxidants, and promotes healthy hair using the superfruit's unique properties.

There are 17 products in the range, which cost between £1.49 and £19.99 - so it is pretty reasonable. I tried out the Perk Up Dry Shampoo and Silken Up Dry Conditioner (both £8.99).  I loved the smell of the dry shampoo but sadly it didn't live up to expectations...I tried it on an 'in between wash' day and didn't see it make much of a difference to my greasy, limp locks. I find that Batiste Dry Shampoo almost blasts grease away and instantly livens up hair but this didn't have the same effect. I will be sticking to Batiste in future!

I was surprisingly pleased with the Dry Conditioner though! As well as it smelling divine, I used a tiny mist in the ends of my hair and it softened any frizz and flyaways. I usually use oil in the ends of my hair but it can often weigh it down - this is a great, light alternative!

Have you tried anything from the Amika hair range?

Free Fitness in London

Living in London it's likely you will end up paying double for pretty much everything - so why fork out on a gym membership when there are so many free classes and training sessions to get involved in!

Redken Diamond Oil Glow Dry Style Enhancing Oil

Hair oil or perfume bottle? Redken's Glow Dry Diamond Oil is so pretty I love displaying it on my drawers as a decoration, plus it does wonders for my hair!

I was lucky enough to receive Diamond Oil in a goody bag at the recent Rush Masterclass Event and could not wait to try it. It is designed as a styling oil so is ultra-lightweight and responds to heat, helping to reduce the time it takes to dry your hair when applied to damp hair!

This keeps my hair silky smooth and, used as a finishing oil, it adds extra shine!

Available from RUSH Salons or online.

February Favourites

Hello and happy March! It seems like just yesterday I was sat in my Christmas jumper eating endless amounts of turkey and chocolates, and now Spring is here (supposedly)! I have enjoyed trying out some new beauty products during February, as well as returning to some firm favourites. Here are some of the products I loved using last month...