TheMiniPost

Stop-You-in-The-Street Skincare / MVO Marie Veronique Organics

Yesterday ‘THE’ most unlikely thing happened to me. A gorgeous young blond walked up to me in the street and said “Excuse me, but your skin looks amazing.”

I was speechless. I wouldnt have believed it even happend, only for my friend heard it too! They said ‘wow that doesnt happen everyday’. 

I dont have that beautiful dewy perfect skin we all lust after. I dont even have a ‘proper’ beauty routine. My crazy busy lifestyle doesnt help either, long hours in front of a screen, on and off planes, a busy toddler, a Nespresso habit,  the ‘occasional’ martini or two ;) I dont drink (have time) for 2ltrs of water daily. In fact nothing I do helps my skin.

So all I can put it down to is MV Organics All the credit must go to this miracle working skincare range. I discovered MV Organics at the Spa in the Solage Napa and I’ve been pretty much using it since.

I’ve been using the ‘Everyday Essentials’ Steps 1 - 4 and loving it. Especially the ‘Exfoliating Cleanser’ it just feels wonderful to use and my skin feels soft and lush. By Step 4 my skin feels so well looked after and  nourished and all those lovely things you feel after you’ve had a facial.

The ‘Pacific Treatment’ range is a future beauty classic. Its jam-packed with ”Everything you need to hit the reset button on aging and regain your youthful glow.”  The Pacific Topical Marine Treatment won Elle’s ‘Beauty Genius Award 2013’ Next on my list to try!

California is renowned for its dewy skinned beauties and I’m beginning to think that MVO have managed to bottle that Californian magic. Hell if I get stopped in the street and told my skin looks good, there must be some magic in there.

Jo Malone / The Ultimate Gift whatever the occasion

I have been a fan of Jo Malone since it first hit the market in ‘94. The packaging instantly struck a chord with me - beautifully understated and indulgent. My eye is like a ‘heat-seeking *luxury* missile - I can scan the Selfridges  beauty hall like WonderWoman, selecting and dismissing in Formula1 split-seconds. 

Its exactly the gift I want to give and ‘be’ given. The beautiful packaging, grosgrain ribbon is everything you need to walk straight from store to birthday, bridal/baby shower, Christmas…and of course Mother’s Day.

I religiously buy it as a gift, but have never bought it for myself. Yes I am one of those you see spritzing generously and lashing it on at the JoMalone counter.  When TheMiniOne was born, a friend, a fabulous friend bestowed upon me me a big beautiful gift box full of Jo Malone goodies.

I was totally blown away with excitement! I defy anyone not to be when presented with a box over-flowing with Jo Malone products. She had chosen my favourite scent; the signature Jo Malone ‘Lime, Basil, Mandarin’ Sophisticatedly masculine yet modernly feminine.

The Body Creme in whatever scent you prefer is the ultimate in personal indulgence. Totally luscious and luxurious.

Gentlemen! Take note: it really is a wonderful gift to receive.

I recently experienced the Jo Malone ‘Birthday Treat’ - champagne and a luxurious arm and hand massage. You can also bring a friend so I brought my Mum along. We had a wonderful time with the girls in the Canary Wharf boutique. TheMiniOne was along for the ride too, and they treated her like a Queen. Bestowing upon her miniature carrier bags with little samples inside. Which, she proceeded to parade around the store like a pro-luxury carrier bag shopper on Bond Street.

Its the little things in life that make people happy, so if these can be injected with a little luxury then you have magic fairy gold dust. So for Mothers Day all I want is simple: to soak in a bath filled with Jo Malone Bath Oil. Happy Momma.

9 London by Emily Evans

9 London has been described as ‘the most fashionable maternity shop in London’ (Maggie Davies, Evening Standard) and this still rings true loud and clear. It has been featured in everything from Vogue to The New York Post to Hello, with a host of celebrity clients from Kate Moss, Gwen Stefani, Danni Minogue, Laura Bailey, Elle Macpherson….what a role call!

Emily has very kindly selected key pieces from the current AW collection for us.

First up is a wardrobe staple The Black Skinny 9London Jeans £150 We cant argue with designer Melissa Odabash who says they are ‘the best maternity jeans’ And we can see why as they offer a fantastic fit, double up as black trousers and dont fall down!!

Vintage Maternity: My personal favourite is Emily’s meticulously selected collection of Vintage Maternity, handpicked and in immaculate condition. Every piece is so unique. Major crush! Prices start from £50 - £350 

The Kimono Dress: these are a 9London signature. The Kimono sleeve dress are “a hit for weddings and parties” says Emily. They have been worn by actresses, models, singers, celebrities. We particularly like how Gwen Stefani rocks hers. Price £399

And last, but by no means least, Emily’s now infamous Mother beauty products. We have been raving about these for months now,no maternity wardrobe would be complete with them. Our love affair started with the brilliantly names ‘Super Stretch Mark Cream’ £38 300ml and continues with ‘Brilliant Bust Cream’ £34 250ml

Available from the shop and Harrods. Read more about Super Stretch: http://theminipost.tumblr.com/post/27148441320/super-streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch-mark-magic-by-emily

http://9london.com/

Smashin’ ‘n Bangin’ all the way from L.A. • Smashbox has finally hit our shores. With a smashin’ launch party last night in Mayfair by Inca Productions.

Smashbox is already very popular Stateside, so its going to be one to watch here. One of my go-to US beauty and fashion experts Refinery29 gave its BB cream an excellent review when they ‘tried+tested’ it against the biggies Garnier & Clinique http://www.refinery29.com/best-bb-cream-review?page=3

All round great evening merging beauty, music, photography and social media in one very fashionable mix. If you havent already heard Aluna George, check her out - great sound http://alunageorge.com/live  DJ set by the very lovely Gemma Cairney. Loved all the social media hook ups: a very clever Instagram wall and tweeting Photo Booth. Read more about the evening and Smashbox over with my partner in crime the smokin’ Chic Fantastique http://chicfantastique.wordpress.com/2012/09/21/smashing-the-smashbox-london-look/

Smashbox is available exclusively from Boots.com http://www.boots.com/en/Smashbox/

Great events from http://www.incaproductions.co.uk/

My dip-dyed hair is by the very talented & lovely Felicia at Pimps & Pin Ups, Spitalfields http://www.pimpsandpinups.com/

Make Up by Smashbox.

Attire: Jacket & Ankle Boots: Zara / Dress: Whistles / Necklace: All Saints / Clutch: Prada

Super Streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch Mark Magic by Emily Evans

This cream is not called ‘Super’ for no reason. I have been using it for two months now and it really works. I’ve seen remarkable results on what I thought were unshiftable stretch marks. This cream which is beautifully packaged in a Russian Doll box may look sweet and delicate but it packs a beauty punch.

It has become part of my nightly ritual. No matter how rushed or tired I am. I make the time to use it. Not just because it works, but because I’m addicited to the luscious cream and its uplifting delicate smell. It leaves me feeling renewed after crazy days in teething hell. And that is saying something.

Every night I’d wonder to myself “why on earth is Emily not doing every other kind of cream as this one is so good” Well she must have heard me, cause she is about to launch *Brilliant Bust Cream* And I bet my bottom dollar it isnt called ‘Brilliant’ for no reason ;)

We will report back on it as soon as we know more. In the meantime, dont hesitate and get some Super Stretch Mark cream.

Buy it online from Harrods http://www.harrods.com/product/emily-evans/mother-super-stretch-mark-cream/000000000002714831?icid=search-result

PS I’m also hoping Emily heard my other thought “When is she going to start doing non-pregnancy versions of her fantastic range of dresses….”  Lucky pregnant ladies check ‘em out here

http://9london.com/