spring body prepping

With the past few days being absolutely gloriously sunny and with the world feeling like it's come back to life once again after winter, I've decided that spring is most definitely my favourite season. Once the weather starts to get warmer, dresses start getting shorter and it's time to start showing your body off once again. Which means it's time to make sure it's looking in top condition too. 

I always find that around this time of year I'm looking especially pale and pasty and in need of a good tan which is why it's even more important to be sure that my skin is looking healthy and moisturised. I'm a big fan of the Soap & Glory Butter Yourself Moisture Lotion (£10) as I find it's easy to apply, smells wonderful and doesn't feel at all thick or heavy. For a touch of radiance I go for Girligo Moisturising Mist (£6.50), also by Soap and Glory, which adds a subtle shimmer to my skin and looks especially nice on the legs and arms. 

In the shower, I've been opting for Anatomicals Rose Body Cleanser (£3), not just because of the fabulous packaging but because it also smells like a fresh spring morning. To buff away any dry winter skin and leave my skin feeling baby soft, the Elle Macpherson Dry Body Brush (£21) does wonders. It switches on to whizz round and be used head to toe on dry skin, meaning there's no effort involved in using it whatsoever. If there's one thing you buy to leave your skin feeling great in the transition between cooler and warmer weather, make it this. That and a good helping of fake tan. 

chanel spring 2014 collection

Nothing says 'bring on the spring' like a newly launched Chanel make-up collection. We might all still be stuck in the gloominess of February but by no means is that an excuse to be stuck with dull shades of make-up too.

The creme blush in '67 chamade' (£27) may look daunting at first but used lightly it creates the most beautiful natural looking pop of colour on the cheekbones that lasts all day long. I'm in love with nude nails at the moment and have found the ballerina nail colour (£18) to be the ultimate nude-pink nail polish shade, it's very sheer so needs a good three/four coats to build up a good coverage depending on if you want just a delicate light pink shade or a more milky nude colour. I used the illusion d'ombre shadow  in '93 impulsion (£24) to create a super sparkly glittery effect all over my lid, it's a cream shadow so is super easy to blend and apply but get rid of the brush as it's useless. I'd never have normally picked up a pink eyeshadow but I'm so pleased with how well the colour goes with my green eyes, and I'm a huge fan of glitter on the eyes so it gets a big thumbs up from me. Last but not least, the lipgloss in '179 murmere' (£21), this simply creates a beautiful peach sheen on the lips without feeling too sticky. 

The shades all come to together to create a glowing, natural everyday look, as much as I love a bright lip and bold eyes these products have completely converted me to using my cheeks for colour and leaving the rest of my make-up looking as natural as possible.

CHANEL COLLECTION NOTES DE PRINTEMPS SPRING 2014

scents for spring

ANNA SUI FAIRY DANCE EAU DE TOILETTE - This is a really lovely light scent with a twist of sweetness and warmth. It's a combination of Rose and Vanilla that come together to achieve a fresh and radiant balance.

MISS DIOR EAU FRAICHE - Pretty much the freshest and uplifting perfume that I've ever smelt, this couldn't be more suited to Spring time. It's beautifully delicate and reminds me of a bright and breezy Summer's day.

THIERRY MUGLER ALIEN AQUA CHIC - I have been in love with the original Alien perfume for as long as I can remember which is why I love this lighter more toned down version just as much. Review here.

CHANEL CHANCE EAU TENDRE - One of my favourites scents to reach for is this fresher version of Chance by Chanel, it has a hint of White Musk which settles the Grapefruit notes down really nicely.

What are you favourite scents for Spring?

chanel spring 2013 collection

LONG-LASTING EYELINER IN SANTAL - £19 | PRECISION LIP LINER IN RUBELLITE - £17.50 | INTENSE LIP COLOUR IN PRECIEUSE - £25

Recently I got my hands on a few products from the new Spring 2013 collection by Chanel, and for obvious reasons couldn't wait to share everything with you all. It's not secret by now that I'm a massive fan of the brand, I've not once been disappointed with anything that I've bought. Yes, the price points are high but everyone needs a treat on the rare occasion. For the picture above I used the eyeliner and lip liner to create the look, I've never used lip liner before but I liked how it gave my lips definition and as I used it to fill my lips in too the colour lasted all day. It is a little drying so be sure to use a lip balm (hello Nuxe) and your lips should look perfect all day. I particularly like this shade as it comes across as a grown up chic raspberry pink which is bright yet not too 'in your face' and garish. I've also been really enjoying the eyeliner, I usually opt for a black flick of liquid liner but it's very time consuming so I've found smudging this brown liner by Chanel on my lower and upper lash line a great alternative, plus it looks much more natural. Last but not least is the beige lipstick, I'm saving this one for Summer as at the moment it's too orange toned for my pale complexion, I can imagine it would look wonderful on a darker skin tone though. I'm currently lusting over the nail polishes and illuminating powder from the collection, though I doubt my bank balance would be too pleased about that.