Drunk Elephant UK Launch & Brand low-down

30 September 2018

Drunk Elephant UK Launch
It’s here!  Drunk Elephant is finally launching in the UK. Maybe you don’t know who Drunk Elephant is, but that’s fine as I’m here to give you the low-down on the brand.

Drunk Elephant is the brainchild of Tiffany Masterson. Launching in 2014, and sparking a brand-new category of skincare that she calls clean-clinical. Not only is Drunk Elephant an incredibly effective skincare line, the brand is committed to using only ingredients that either directly benefit the skin’s health or support the integrity and effectiveness of our formulations. You won’t find what they call the “Suspicious 6” in their products (heads up, these are; Essential Oils, Drying Alcohols, Silicones, Chemical Screens, Fragrance/Dyes and SLS,) making them, in their opinion, appropriate for all skin.

However, it’s not been exactly easy to get your hands on their products unless you live in the US (I've been smuggling it back from Sephora for a while), my first experience with DE products was when I visited Sephora on a trip to the US at the beginning of the year. Yes, the price point of the products is on the high side, but I promise, they’re totally worth it, and with it being the fastest-growing skincare brand in Sephora’s history, and remains its best-selling skincare line, you know it’s got to be good, right?

I’m definitely not the first to preach about the brand, and as I’ve been lucky enough to road test some of their products over the last few months, I thought I’d share my Favourite Drunk Elephant products on here.

In the past when I’ve tried a number of products from the same beauty brand, there are usually some real winners that have me recommending them to anyone that will listen, and some that didn’t have me jumping for joy. With Drunk Elephant I can honestly say that all the products I’ve tried so far have all been winners…
Drunk Elephant UK Launch
T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum
12% AHA/BHA 
This night serum helps refine and resurface skin to reveal a smoother and more radiant looking complexion. I use this serum every other night before bed, mixed in with my Protini Peptide Lotion. 

C-Firma™ Day Serum.
(15% l-ascorbic acid a.k.a. vitamin C, 0.5 ferulic acid and 1% vitamin E)
Packed with vitamin C, this will brighten and firm skin instantly. It’s got the power to shield skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution. This is in my everyday skincare routine, and I honestly can say I can’t live without it now! Plus, the airtight packaging ensures that the ingredients stay effective for longer. Super clever, right?

Virgin Marula Facial Oil
I use this twice a week, usually when I’m having an at-home facial. This oil in its purest form is rich in omegas 6 and 9. It’s high in antioxidants, which help moisturise, nourish and rejuvenate skin. A total cult product from the brand, and worth the price. 
Drunk Elephant UK Launch
Protini™ Polypeptide Cream.
This moisturiser is brilliant. It’s loaded with skin firming and hydrating amino acids, alongside antioxidant plant extracts and emollient, non-irritating plant oils — It’s a shot of protein for your face. The high level of peptides and amino acids help to improve the skin’s tone, texture and firmness, too.

I use this morning and night, mixing it in with either my C-Firma Day Serum or another serum I may be using.

Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream
A whipped moisturiser containing a blend of six African oils to lock in moisture and brighten skin. It’s an all-purpose rescue cream. I find this quite heavy on my skin, so I save it for when I need some super moisture added — usually when I’m travelling. I think this will come in handy even more in the super cold months as well. 
Drunk Elephant UK Launch
B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum
Think of this as a cool glass of water for your thirsty skin. This product is ultra-hydrating, replenishing nutrients, visibly brightening and improving the appearance of skin texture and tone, whilst delivering intense skin hydration throughout the day. I use this when my skin needs a super dose of moisture — mainly when I’m flying! The travel sized product of this is perfect for taking on flights with me, and mixed with the LaLa Retro Whipped Cream they are the super couple of moisture for your skin. 

D-Bronzi™ Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops
I LOVE this product! Fairly new to the DE family and to my skincare stash, this gives you a lovely bronzy colour and natural glow. Think of it as a suntan in a bottle, but without the sun damage, or even the fake tan smell. I put one pump of this into my moisturiser, and I don’t wear foundation or a tinted moisturiser on top. I’ll definitely be using this a lot in the cold winter months when my skin is pale and I’m craving some holiday sun. 

PSA: "D-Bronzi™ is a mixer and is way too concentrated to be used alone, Add a drop or more to any of your serums, moisturisers, sunscreens or the DE Virgin Marula Oil for an all-over sunshiny glow on face and body.”
Drunk Elephant UK Launch
There you have it; the low-down, the 411, the in-the-know. 

I’m totally drunk in love (couldn’t resist)

Sign up here for DE updates at Space NK, and here for Cult Beauty.

Launches 3rd October. 

A little skincare update for Autumn

25 September 2018

A little skincare update for Autumn

The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping and the air is becoming drier. Autumn has well and truly arrived! 

But while cosy jumpers, central heating, pumpkin spiced everything and hot chocolates might be on the horizon, the cooler climes don’t necessarily mean good news for our skin. Autumn is the best time to refresh and repair your skin by correcting any summer damage and preparing your complexion for winter with the help of your skin care

Getting the hydration your skin needs is even more important when the weather cools down, and the central heating goes on. I always find that going out in the cold, and then being indoors with the heating on, can really zap the moisture out of my skin. Luckily, there are a whole host of skincare products specially designed for this purpose.
A little skincare update for Autumn

Below are a few little Autumn skincare tips for ensuring your skin is in tip top condition ready for the months ahead. If you travel a lot like I do, then take a peek at my in-flight beauty skincare regime post for tips on what to use and do when traveling

Cleanse
I never change up my cleansing - no matter what time of year it is. This step, and the products I use rarely change, with me taking my makeup off with Micellar water, and then going in with a double cleanse.

Exfoliate
After hours in the sun your complexion can begin to look dehydrated and sallow, so it’s important to get rid of the dead damaged cells. This way, your skin will be prepped to absorb more moisture and improve the effectiveness of nourishing products.

Moisturise
The heatwave we had this Summer (it feels so long ago now!) can cause serious dehydration so the moisture needs to be strengthened before the dreaded winter rears its head. If you have dry skin already you really need to knuckle down that hydration to stop your skin from getting flaky, so opt for a cream specifically designed to prevent moisture loss. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid are perfect for locking in extra hydration, so look out for products with this in. 

For those with oily skin, applying a heavy cream can feel a little too much. But that doesn’t mean you should skip this step in your skincare routine. Try a light moisturiser instead, with an oil-free formula. This means your skin will still benefit from additional moisturising come winter. 

Lips
The effects of the sun's rays combined with the onset of biting cold weather (adding in office / shop aircon and heating systems to this as well) can leave you with dry, chapped lips so investing in the right lip balm is key. 

As lips lack the waterproofing outer layer that skin has they’re so much more sensitive to moisture loss. When purchasing a lip balm, look for ingredients like Beeswax and shea butter which will prevent and repair chapping.


There you have it - a little skincare update for Autumn, and I think I've just planned the perfect night in for you- I'm thinking sofa, blankets, a cosy jumper, candles and all the skincare for the best at-home pamper evening. 

I have a couple of other skincare posts coming to the blog VERY soon, so look out for them!

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC

21 September 2018

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis


Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC by Laura Lewis

Heavenly Bodies at The Met, NYC

“Heavenly Bodies” is the largest exhibition ever offered by the Met’s Costume Institute and was organized by its curator, Andrew Bolton. It runs from its dedicated downstairs hall to the Byzantine and medieval galleries and into the Lehman Wing; it then continues at the Cloisters, the museum’s serene home for religious art in Upper Manhattan. Most of the designers here were or are Catholics, including historical figures like Elsa Schiaparelli, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Christian Lacroix and Yves Saint Laurent, and active designers like Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri.

“Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination," is on until October 8th at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Cloisters.

New York Street Art

19 September 2018

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

New York Street Art

One of my favourite things to do in NYC is walk the streets. Every corner is full of colour and talent. 

Island Oyster, NYC

3 September 2018

Island Oyster Governors Island
If you fancy getting out of Manhattan for a little while, but aren’t up for a long subway ride, I have just the place. 

Now, I’m not a HUGE fan of boats, but the promise of good food, cocktails and insane views of Lower Manhattan had me climbing aboard, and heading to Governors Island.

Governors Island, a five-minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan (everyday) or Brooklyn (Saturday and Sunday only) is home to various events during the spring, summer and fall, but Island Oyster is its only stand-alone restaurant. Essentially it’s just one big, long bar, serving up oysters, lobster rolls, fish tacos, burgers and cocktails.Island Oyster Governors Island
Island Oyster Governors Island
 Settle at the bar and order up some cocktails whilst checking out the menu. 
Island Oyster Governors Island
 We ordered some local oysters, washed down with more drinks
Island Oyster Governors Island
 and sat back and enjoyed the gorgeous views across the river
Island Oyster Governors Island
Island Oyster Governors Island
 The perfect little escape out of Manhattan
Island Oyster Governors Island
 and the ferry ride back was made all the more easier with this sunset
Island Oyster Governors Island
Island Oyster will be closing for the season soon! So, if you're in the city this week, get over there. If not, you'll have to wait until Summer 2019 (it will be worth it though!)

146 Carder Road
Governors Island
New York, NY 11231