According to my calendar it’s Valentine’s day tomorrow! Now didn’t that come around quickly? Not that I’m expecting anything from Mr Mummylicious of course, I’m still waiting for him to conjure up a Christmas present so expecting a bouquet of roses is probably pushing it!

But, I’ve already decided that I will be treating myself to these delightfully cute nail polishes from the SS13 collection at Barbara Daly in Tesco’s. While I might always complain that I struggle to have the time to paint my nails, these candy colours are only £5 a pop, which means I can justify splurging on a few next time I’m doing my weekly shop with a mischievous toddler in tow.

With eight shades to choose from and a gel-like finish which resembles a Shellac manicure, they’re super affordable and look almost too pretty to use! Lolly Bliss and Violet Cream are at the top of my wish list.  Are you going to join me?!

Multi-tasking mums need multi-tasking beauty products right? If you’re looking for a winter rescue remedy for your hands and face you’ll want to know all about Selexir’s Peace Balm, the latest wonder product to go on sale at the Urban Retreat in Harrods. Designed by Elena Herdieckahoff after she suffered from such severe eczema on her face she was told it was incurable, Elena decided to become a guinea pig by developing her own personal cream which could restore both her skin and confidence to its former glory.

After years of looking at natural remedies and speaking to skin experts and healers about the different ways she could tackle her eczema, Elena came up with a list of 60 ingredients which were thought to help and alleviate the symptoms. After two years of blending, mixing and massaging these ingredients onto her face (all stored rather neatly in her fridge at home), Elena finally stumbled across a blend with 21 ingredients which worked, although the balm didn’t just work, it got rid of her eczema completely.

Ecstatic that she’d found a way to cure her eczema, Elena didn’t have any plans to develop her miracle cream into a product which she could sell. After years of feeling self-conscious about the way she looked, she wanted to enjoy her new skincare confidence and forget about the journey she’d taken to get there. Although this still meant that every few weeks she would be back in her kitchen whipping up another batch of Peace Balm for herself, or for her friends who had all quickly realised Elena’s Peace Balm didn’t just cure eczema, it could also be used on sunburn, cuts and grazes, inflamed spots, nappy rash, chapped lips, dry elbows, cracked hands and even as a face mask.

Eventually Elena bowed down to social pressure (plus the fact she needed a suitcase filled with 21 ingredients whenever she went on holiday!), and decided to look at how she could manufacture her Peace Balm into something she could retail. With the main ingredient being black currant oil (known to be rather pricey, although in Japan they think of it as a natural cortisone which is why it’s so good for eczema) it was never going to be cheap. But, after lots of searching she finally found a way to cram 21 natural products into a teeny-tiny tube which didn’t compromise on the quality or what it did to the skin.

Although the price may be a stumbling block for some (£39 for 30ml, or £99 for a 75ml tube) it seems like the Selixir Peace Balm is quickly gathering  hero status. Over the last few weeks I’ve been using it as a nappy cream on my toddler and now rely on it daily to sort out my dry, winter hands and chapped lips. I can also confirm it’s brilliant at reducing any spots! While it would definitely be too heavy to use on my combination skin as a face cream, I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it to calm eczema or to soothe irritated skin.

If you want to know more, click here and don’t forget it’s exclusively available to buy at Harrods’ Urban Retreat. It could well turn out to be your best beauty investment yet!

I love nothing more than sitting down with a hot cappuccino and flicking through a glossy magazine. For those brief 30 minutes it gives me the chance to forget about being a mummy and lets me pretend that I can afford to spend £99 on a face cream, or even better splurge hundreds of pounds on a handbag which wouldn’t have enough room to cram in a few nappies let alone the wipes, Sudocrem, change of outfit and toddler snacks which seem to be compulsory these days whenever I leave the house.

However, I’ve recently stumbled across an exciting beauty website which has made me realise I can still get my beauty fix – plus lots more – without having to subscribe to Vogue. Set up by beauty journalist Karena Callen, My Beauty Emporium is the new ‘one stop beauty shop’ which has all your pampering needs covered. Think of it as an online glossy magazine which mixes the latest trends, beauty tutorials, natural beauty recommendations with an online beauty boutique and you’re almost there! It’s quickly become my guilty pleasure and is a great way to find out about new, niche brands which have loads of natural ingredients.

I was very fortunate to recently be sent a few of the products which are stocked on the website, and even with my knowledge of the beauty industry lots of the brands (like Apple & Pears, Love and Toast and Cupcake Organics) were new and exciting. So much so that I couldn’t wait to put a few of them through their beauty paces! Here’s what I’ve given the Mummylicious stamp of approval…

1. After a new face cream?

Sophyto Balancing Daily Moisturizer, £18.95

Try the Sophyto Balancing Daily Moisturizer, £18.95. As well as being loaded with specialised herbs to wipe away stress, it’s also got a built-in primer to help your make-up look flawless around the clock. Definitely a mummy winner and not too pricey either!

2. Want an organic baby bubble soak?

Naturally Cool Kids Lavender + Mandarin Hair + Body Wash, £9.95

Anya and I have been having lots of splashing fun with the Naturally Cool Kids Lavender and Mandarin Hair + Body Wash, £9.95. It smells delicious and foams up a treat. The handy pump applicator also means I don’t go OTT with bubbles, but she still gets lots of bath-time fun. Love it.

3. Fancy scrubbing away the January blues?

Mitchell & Peach Cobnut Body Scrub, £36.

Mitchell & Peach Kentish Cobnut Scrub, £36, has made its way onto my lust-list. I might be layered up in more jumpers than Topshop, but my skin has never felt softer and it makes me feel like I’ve had a spa treatment at home. This yummy scrub also gives the skin a big kiss of moisture which is what we all need when it feels like the North Pole outside.

4. Need to protect your hands from the winter chill?

Love & Toast Mandarin Tea Hand cream, £10.96

The snow might look pretty, but all that sledging can leave your mitts feeling chapped and sore. Thankfully, I’m loving the Love & Toast Mandarin Tea Hand cream which I’m keeping firmly in my handbag until the chilly weather has passed. If the packaging wasn’t enough to say ‘buy now’ the silky texture will be. A mama essential which will see you through winter and well into spring.

Got you intrigued? Log onto www.mybeautyemporium.com for more details or to buy a little beauty treat…now!

Oh my word. I’ve just been reading about a new product launch from Clarins which has triggered a buzz of excitement that I haven’t felt for a while. I’m sure other beauty addicts will sympathise when I say I’ll probably obsess about my new beauty lust until I finally get my hands on a sample when it goes on sale next month!

The Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate, £55 for 30ml, sounds like the secret weapon to anti-ageing I’ve been waiting for. Now I’m in my early 30′s I’m well aware that I have a few fine lines sprouting around my eyes, and coupled with the exhausting task of being a mum to a toddler, it’s fair to say that I feel like I look tired ALL the time. As much as anyone will try to reassure me that I’m doing a pretty good job of hiding my dark circles, I do miss being a fresh-faced 20 something who could just get by with a pack of Neutrogena face wipes.

But I’m starting to think the new wonder serum from Clarins could be the answer to feeling like the old (and younger) me. Targeting all my skin woes, the Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate claims to minimise wrinkles, firm skin, increase elasticity and make pores less visible.  Plus, it does all this by using 20 potent plant ingredients which mix water and oil soluble ingredients together. The result is a fruity scented amber serum which aims to wipe away stress and beat ageing all at once. And for a multi-tasking mum with no free time this sounds like the skincare pick-me-up I need right now!

Clarins Double Serum Age Control Concentrate – a secret weapon for any busy mama! Launching in February.

The other beauty buy which has made my January is the new Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, £28, which literally works as you sleep. In years gone by I’ve occasionally over looked Clinique products thinking that a beauty company could only ever really excel in either make-up or skincare, when in fact Clinque seem to come up trumps in anything they launch. The reason why Clinique have nailed it this time is because they’ve masterminded a hydrating mask which plumps, hydrates and soothes your skin while you doze. Once upon a time this would have been my sneaky way of hiding a hangover, but these days it might just help me battle my way through another date with a teething toddler. Just apply the Moisture Surge Overnight Mask before bed and hey presto – beautiful skin will await you come the morning. Well that’s my plan anyway, I’ll let you know how my debut as a sleeping beauty goes!

Need a quick fix? The Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask is one to invest in right now!

Happy New Year and welcome back to Mummylicious beauty! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your little ones and you’re able to see the floor again after the truck load of presents and toys Father Christmas dropped down the chimney on Christmas Eve. I can’t believe it’s the beginning of January already, but after seeing the New Year in with a big bang and plenty of glasses of champagne it’s time to start thinking how you can make 2013 your best beauty year yet.

The Dior Cherie Bow Collection – so pretty it’s almost too good to be true!

Resolution 1: If you’ve got any pennies left over after the New Year sales, why not  treat yourself to Christian Dior’s new Cherie Bow Collection which is due to hit Selfridges any day now. They’ve got a beautiful selection of palettes to choose from, but I’ll be making a bee-line for the Dior Nail Glow, £18, and Lip Glow, £24.50. I’ve heard the varnish gives nails a chic French manicured look and the lip gloss adds just the right amount of sheer pink. Also make sure you check out their Dior Skin Nude BB Crème, £30. For anyone who  wants to conquer tiredness and pretend your little one always sleeps through the night – this is the answer!

Take inspiration from the SS13 catwalk with fresh alabaster eyes. Easy mummy make-up sorted.

Resolution 2: Hello new beauty trends! You’ll be pleased to hear this year’s spring make-up looks are going to be a corker with neon lips, aquatic eyes, micro braids and textured hair. And surely just because you’ve got a toddler hanging off your arm there’s no reason why you can’t join in the fun too?! Soft white eyeliner under your lower lashes is set to be huge and it’s also a great way to brighten your eyes and make lashes appear longer. I’m going to add an icy twist by using Rimmel’s new Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Pencil in Silver, £3.99, and knowing it will only take five seconds to apply in the morning means I won’t be fighting against the toddler clock either.

Ward off the January blues with the new Stila Skin Renewal Scrub. 

Resolution 3. Let’s make fresh skin achievable this year with the right product know-how. Spots and a washed out complexion… that’s so 2012! I’m very pleased to report that Stila have made a welcomed return to the UK and they’ll be kicking off by launching a brand new skincare line in January. I’ll be placing my faith in their brand new Glowing Reviews Gentle Skin Renewal Scrub, £16, which uses alpine rose to get skin glowing and I can’t wait to add it to my bathroom shelf. If you want to talk about skincare classics, I’ve also stocked up on my faithful Clinique Clarifying Lotion, £16, because it always sorts out dry skin and waves a magic wand over spots too. I’m sure it’ll see me through until spring with a smile on my face.

Make bath time a whole lot easier with the Tangle Teezer Aqua Splash Brush. A genius idea!

Resolution 4: Even though ‘time’ is never my friend in the morning, I have become a little bit addicted to Percy & Reed Volumising No Oil Oil, £14, and I think it’s going to remain an essential for 2013. It’s the first oil I’ve found specifically for fine hair which also protects against heat damage and makes weak hair feel stronger. But, I’ll also be relying on the new Tangle Teezer Aqua Splash, £12.99, which as you’ve probably guessed is designed to use in the bath or shower. It’s a non-slip version of the now iconic Tangle Teezer Brush and for anyone with a child who hates having their wet hair combed – this is going to be a lifesaver for you and your water baby. Make it your resolution to order now!

The last few weeks have given me something new to smile about – and it’s all been thanks to my super flash toothbrush!

Now that I’m not entitled to free dental care any more (that was a nice perk while preggars wasn’t it?!) I’m back to worrying that my next check up at the dentist may be a costly one. Fortunately, Colgate have helped me up my game with their new ProClinical A1500 toothbrush, £169.99, which as well as making my teeth feel smoother and cleaner, has also improved the health of my gums which I was worried about after hearing about the symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis.

We all know that having the time to put on some make-up in the morning is tricky when you’re a mum on the run, but now that Anya has got over her fear of using a toothbrush cleaning our teeth together has become a little ritual after she’s smeared Weetabix around her chubby chops. Not that I’m letting her anywhere near my state-of-the art electric toothbrush of course!

So what makes the Colage ProClinical A1500 toothbrush any different? Well, it’s the first toothbrush which automatically adjusts in your mouth depending on the angle and position you’re holding the brush to help it get into every nook and cranny. Plus, while it’s giving your pearly whites the once over it’s also using 32,500 strokes per minute which means it can reduce plaque by up to five times. I found the 30 second pacer really helpful too as I knew when to move onto another part of my mouth, and the two minute timer meant that Anya and I both gave our teeth a good clean in the morning while we pulled silly faces in the mirror.

If you’ve been thinking about investing in your smile, it pays to think about the basics like having a good toothbrush to make your teeth look whiter and fresher. And with all those Christmas photo opportunities coming up you want to look your best for the camera!

Log onto www.colgateproclinical.co.uk or head to your nearest Boots store to see exactly what Mummylicious beauty is talking about. All together now – SMILE!

Colgate ProClinical A1500 – love it!

It’s a conversation I’ve had many a time with other mums with young children – how do you find the time to have your hair cut, pop out for a quick bikini wax or even think about booking a manicure with a toddler to occupy?! If you’re like me you’re probably trying to juggle work with being a full-time mum, and in between all the boring household chores that come with having a family there usually isn’t more than five minutes in the day when you can sit down and think about yourself.

But last week I was reminded what ‘me’ time feels like when I visited the Independent mindbodysoul (IMBS) salon in Balham to have a cut, colour and glossy manicure.  As you’ll know from reading this blog I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy writing many salon reviews, but finding such a lovely baby-friendly salon on my doorstep in south London was a treat in itself!

Now before I go onto explain about their Mummy & Baby Spa (I know it just gets better doesn’t it!), let me start by telling you about the hair and beauty services available in their Urban Spa on Balham High Road which uses Aveda products to pamper you from top-to-toe. I had a great colour and cut with my stylist Kristal who freshened up my highlights and gave my hair a much needed makeover. There’s a nice intimate feel to the salon and as a fan of Aveda products it was great to get my hair done in a setting which felt like a spa.  While my colour developed I sat downstairs in the relaxation room and even had a very nice hand and arm massage while I flicked through a huge stack of glossy magazines! During November they’re doing a half-price sale on all hair and beauty treatments which means if you book in the next few weeks you’ll be able to have fabulous hair for Christmas and still have a little bit of extra cash to treat yourself to a new party dress. In fact it’s such a good deal by my calculations you can have a full head of colour for just £22.50 – which when you’re used to paying London prices is amazing! As I mentioned earlier the salon is very baby friendly, so if you manage to arrange a haircut during your bambino’s nap time the staff there have no problem letting your baby snooze in their buggy while you’re pampered.

Independent Mindbodysoul – Hair Salon & Urban Spa in SW London.

Fortunately, it doesn’t just stop there. As well as having a Salon & Urban Spa, Independent Mindbodysoul also have a very special Mummy & Baby Spa which is located just a short walk away. Designed for mums and their little ones, the spa is kitted out for you to have a treatment with your baby or toddler in tow. Complete with bottle warmers, travel cots, toys, chalk boards and two treatment rooms big enough to wheel your buggy into, they’ve literally thought of everything. Appointment times last up to 30 minutes so you know if you do want a quick wax, manicure, pregnancy massage or Aveda facial you’ll be in and out before your little one gets restless. Once again the Mummy & Baby Spa is really intimate so if you book with another mummy friend there’s also a high chance you’ll have the place to yourself! If I haven’t convinced you yet, the good news is that during November there’s also 50% off beauty treatments. I left with a fantastic gel manicure which only cost £16 and eight days on it’s still as perfect as when I walked out of the door. I’m already planning on going back for a spa day in the summer when you can have treatments in the decked garden. I can’t wait!

Enter our Mummy & Baby Spa competition:  

If you want to try out the delights of the Mummy & Baby Spa for yourself then why not take advantage of this Mummylicious competition to win a free luxury gel manicure worth £51! To enter all you need to do is go over to the Independent mindbodysoul Facebook page and press like, then leave a comment below this post to let me know you’ve entered! The competition will close on Friday the 23rd of November 2012. Good luck!

Independent Mindbodysoul Mummy & Baby Spa – we’re hooked!

I’m pleased to say this post is the perfect anecdote for any stressed out mum who is after some TLC.

Last week I was introduced to a new(ish) range of skincare that’s designed to wipe away stress like magic. Skyn Iceland has been around for a while but it’s one of the few brands which I would really recommend for any mummy who needs her skincare regime to step up a gear in time for winter.

From the name you’ve probably guessed that many of the ingredients are sourced from Iceland, with the thermal water and botanical ingredients being imported to the US where the range is manufactured. The whole philosophy of the brand looks at how stress can impact our skin and it’s this theory which makes it perfect for any multi-tasking mummy.

Skyn Iceland – my new skincare find!

Skyn Iceland has recently gone into 28 M&S stores (it does seem like Marks & Spencer has turned into a beauty mecca these days) and after using the products religiously for the last week I’ve really fallen for them…

The Arctic Hydrating Balm is a favourite of mine which helps to calm and cool the skin, plus it seems to be particularly good at sorting out dry patches. It contains loads of arctic oils and gooseberry extract which would be great for anyone looking for a solution to sensitive skin as the range is free from parabens. As we go into winter the Pure Cloud Cream, £41, is also another beauty winner; I found it plumped up my skin a treat and apparently it even contains endorphins to make your skin feel happy (not sure about that part though!). Lastly, I also couldn’t finish without mentioning the Hydra Cool Firming Eye Gels, £25, which have been getting loads of media hype with models and celebrities  going crazy for them. If you need a 10 minute trick to wake up your eyes after a night of no sleep and toddler tantrums this is certainly the answer!

If you fancy trying the range it’s definitely got the thumbs up from me and I can see it becoming my rescue remedy over the next few months. I’ve just seen the M&S website is also doing a 10% promotion between the 11th to the 24th of October which means you’ve got even more of a reason to check Skyn Iceland out.

Afternoon Mummylicious fans! Today’s blog post has a natural ‘celebrity’ twist. Lots of you always email me with questions about what products you can use during pregnancy and anything which is organic, or even better vegan, seems to be always be a hit. So if you’re after a new range of fabulous haircare products to give you a salon swishy ‘do – Tara Smith has come to your rescue!

Last week I was invited to a very exciting event which meant I could have swapped my mum uniform for some heels and glamour, but it clashed with Anya’s bath time so I had to make do with some bubbly fun with her rubber ducks instead of a glass (or two) of champers. Fortunately a thoughtful PR sent me a selection of hair products a few days later and I’ve got to say – I’m in love!

Sex and the City stylist Tara Smith is one of Hollywood’s favourite hairdressers and she counts Anna Friel and Natalie Imbruglia amongst her close friends. The tag line of these vegan products is ‘tested on film stars not on animals’ and the range includes four great shampoo and conditioning duo’s (Gorgeously Gentle, Shine On, Working Curls and Feed The Root) plus some gorgeous styling products to add mummy shine and long-lasting hold.

Tara Smith Feed The Root Shampoo and Conditioner, both £10 each for 250ml.

As you can see each and every product is colourfully packaged with images of exotic birds, which ties in with the theme of using natural non-toxic ingredients and adhering to vegan standards. Always on the quest for glossy-esque hair, I’ve been testing the Shine On shampoo and conditioner (both £10), plus the Shining Moment Glossier, £12, which has definitely been creating some hair mojo in the mornings. Because my hair is highlighted I always struggle to achieve a glossy blow-dry in between colour appointments, but these shine boosters seem to have done trick. And do you want the good news? They’re exclusively available from M&S stores, plus you can buy online. Get in!!

Tara Smith Shine On Shampoo and Conditioner, both £10 each for 250ml.

Denise Van Outen loves Trilogy products

How to cheat a natural A-list glow:

She’s due to hit our screens next week when the glitz and sparkle of Strictly Come Dancing starts again (yay!), but Denise Van Outen (also Mummy to two year old Betsy) has now revealed a skincare secret I wanted to share with you. To help keep her celeb beauty regime in check, she’s an avid fan of Trilogy’s AGE PROOF Daily Defence Moisturiser, £28.50, which has always been a favourite of mine. It’s got an SPF of 15 (thank you!) and it’s over flowing with plant oils making it a must-have botanical face cream. Denise is also now working as the ambassador for Tesco’s Mum of the Year Awards 2013 and she recently admitted she couldn’t be a working mummy without lots of help from her own mum. I’m pleased to hear I’m not the only one who’s on speed dial to grandma when the duty of work calls!

As much as I never want summer to end, the beginning of autumn gives every mummy the perfect opportunity to be experimental with their make-up. Luckily for us, the fabulous Lucy from It’s a Mummy Look has returned to Mummylicious beauty today to share some mummy-friendly new-season fashion tips (go on, forget tidying the toys for a minute, and just indulge yourself).  So, here’s how to recreate three catwalk beauty looks to go with your outfit – without spending more than five minutes in front of the mirror. Let’s play style and beauty snap!

Trend 1: Red

Your outfit inspiration

Your make-up match: The statement red lip

Red is a huge colour this season, but when it comes to beauty, it’s all about the matte red lip, rather than anything glossy. Once you’ve applied your first coat, blot it, then seal with another coat. Mummylicious Beauty loves MAC Lipstick in Tanarama, £14, but if pillar-box red is too strong, try a more wearable cherry lip stain. Benefit Benetint, £22, is great for colour on the go.

Trend 2: Military

Your outfit inspiration

Your make-up match: The strong, military eye

A strong, ‘graphic’ eye was a popular look on the catwalk. Whether you prefer it thin and flicked out or worn neat along the lash line, once you’ve mastered the art of  liquid liner, it’s the quickest way to a defined, finished look. Try using the new Bourjois Intuitive Liner, £6.99,which has a triple-pointed end to help you dot your way to liner precision. Finish with black mascara and a lick of clear lipgloss.

Trend 3: Country classics

Your outfit inspiration

Your make-up match: The equestrian pony 

The humble ponytail is one of autumn’s most coveted looks, and ties in perfectly with the country/heritage look. Quick and easy when pushed for time and, done right, it can make even the most harrassed mummy appear sleek, groomed and classy. The trick is to keep it low down in the nape of your neck, and to secure any flyaway strands with serum. Percy & Reed Flawless Finishing Polish, £4, will help create super-groomed catwalk mummy hair. For further trend points, work your pony with a side parting.

Model shots, top to bottom: Clinique, Alexander Wang, Christian Dior

Thanks again to lovely Lucy from It’s A Mummy Look. For more fashion tips, tricks and giveaways and all the latest fashion trends and launches, visit www.itsamummylook.com.