My 12 Finds in 12 Pandemic Months

To say the last 12 months have been surreal would be an understatement, I wonder if in 20 years from now when someone mentions 2020 if our stomachs will turn or hearts skip a beat?

However the downtime has allowed me to get back to reading, make adjustments to my routine and try a handful of new products; so I thought what a better time to share my 12 discoveries over the last 12 months than now.

In no particular order of favourites

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
deciem.com
This is a concentrated Serum for Hair to help it look Thicker, Denser, Fuller, and Healthier. I began using this when I first put in my Keratin bonds the ensure my hairline did not thin out. I then tested the serum on my brows and I can say it has helped both hairline and brows with density and health. I highly recommend!
Dermalogica pure light spf 50
dermalogica.co.uk
A brilliant day moisturiser with an SPF that does not clog pours and still feels great when layered with an spf.
Dermalogica pure night
dermalogica.co.uk
A nourishing overnight treatment cream helps restore skin luminosity. The best night cream, no breakouts, no grease, just soft glowing skin. I tried out a few other night creams however I have come running back to pure night and will not sway again.
Fenty PRO FILT'R INSTANT RETOUCH SETTING POWDER Hazelnut & Banana
harveynichols.com
It is a must and it does what it says on the box and no flash back!
Fenty PRO FILT'R SOFT MATTE LONGWEAR FOUNDATION
harveynichols.com
If you are an oily face girl like myself and desire a matte look this is the foundation for you.
I have tried three shades throughout the seasons as my tone changes slightly and I love them all.
I kid you not Tescos Vitamin E capsules for the skin
tesco.com
My skin had a moment or two throughout the year and these capsules have brought it back to life. It has helped with hyperpigmentation & moisture; however I have not taken them orally. I actually burst a capsule and then massage it into my face. I only use this in the evening and I rotate between Vitamin E, Pure Night and Primrose Oil.
Tescos Evening Primrose Oil capsules for the skin too
Like the above I have been using primrose oil in the same way, however as primrose oil is alot lighter than vitamin e I usually combine this with pure night or a zinc serum.
Derma-planning Facial
Beauty by Jasmine & Beauty Rehab
I am a facial junkie, however I was a little scared to try this just before holiday because I did not want to irritate my skin and trigger a breakout. Well the opposite happened it allowed my skin to breath and I do not know if this is facts or my imagination but I felt like my tan was glowier.
Skin Gourmet Tea Tree Black Soap
skingourmetgh.com
This has been the best face cleanser and overall body wash I have tried to date. I actually have stopped using my toner and I feel like the tea tree in the soap tones my skin. I also have tried their shea butter which feels lovely on the skin too.
30 Days to Understanding the Bible, 30th Anniversary
amazon.co.uk/Days-Understanding-Bible-30th-Anniversary/
An amazing easy read and a brilliant intro to understanding the bible.
Body by Ciara Squad
Find them on IG @bodybyciarasquad
An amazing platform offering 50 workouts a week for only £15 a month.
The squad really helped me focus through the first lockdown and I highly recommend it for those who are looking for an online platform for home workouts. The energy is unmatchable!
Maison francis kurkdjian rouge 540
www.franciskurkdjian.com/
I will never give up Chanel Mademoiselle or JPG Body however Rouge 540 has defiantly become my summer evening scent. When ever I am wearing it complements fly in!

I hope this was a nice easy read and you try out a few of the above. Throughout this year we will be sharing more guides and recommendations on our Instagram platform however be sure to visit SL Blog for your easy reads and snippets of gems.

xo

Don't eat the yellow snow!

Ok so snowy or cold destinations are not something I usually write or post on IG about, although I plan on snowboarding somewhere this year God-willing!

However with lockdown in the UK still going strong the snow days for many have brought it’s usual ‘‘WHYYYY’’ moan initially shortly followed by an element of adventure or excitement.

Maybe because many are yearning for a change of scenery and it has given us that or maybe it has allowed us to feel nostalgic and be children again not worrying about C-19.

Whatever it is I am and always will be sun chaser and it’s not that I don’t find the snow pretty I just dislike the inconvenience it causes to getting around town here in London & the delay it causes to flights as I have experienced in the past.
Even as a child I hated being off school for more than a day because of the snow, I would have preferred to be in school with friends playing cards by the drama corridor lifts!

However its 2021 and I am so here for seeing the spirits of adults and children lifted. I have even enjoyed walking in it wrapped with a coffee and found sitting in the garden for a little down time away from the TV, Phones & Internet refreshing & relaxing. The first time it snowed this year I did discovered that I really do need to start shopping for the country I live in and not the countries I plan on visiting. My saviours have been my M&S thermals, Zara’s Boots and Coats and Essentials jumpers. I know I am not the only one surviving in jumpers and leggings at the moment either.

To wrap this up, it may not be Chamonix and we may not be able to attend the best Apres Ski Party of the season, however taking 10-15 minutes outside in this fresh cold air wrapped up can do the mind wonders.

Be safe and enjoy while it lasts because I am praying for spring to spring asap, which in my mind we will be a little closer to restaurants opening and events making its grand return!

S x

Who is doing it best... Emirates, BA or Delta?

So over the last three weeks I happen to travel on a number of airlines and I was surprised with how each airline operated differently.

Emirates were still allowing online check in which made it super easy at the airport however their plane was full, there was no spacing between travellers not travelling together. They did operate a row by row exist which was incredibly long on a full plane. However Emirates offered the best hygiene package on arrival of the aircraft which included multiple anti bacterial wipes and gel, gloves and masks.

BA did not allow a full online check in which caused a little delay at the airport however they had every middle seat empty on a full plane & on my return flight home there were only 40 people on board so they had allocated everyone their own row. They also distributed a hygiene pack but only consisted of anti-bacterial products.

Delta allowed online check in & left every middle seat empty also, although they allowed passengers in the same party to move and sit next to each other if they wished too. An odd sighting on the journey was a little pup occupying the lap of the lady in front of me. I guess covid has had no impact on pets travelling!

During this unusual time I can honestly say flying hasn’t been as painful as it has been previously. I do have to say I felt most comfortable on BA & I do hope the aviation industry keep up some of their cleaning & service changes they have made during this time. Small things like hygiene packs they give out on boarding and the most important being the way they now all clean the air on the aircraft. During all flights all airlines have had repeated announcements explaining how they now ensure the air is cleaned which rings alarm bells to what was taking place before covid 👀?! But lets not get into that.

For anyone that has to travel soon and has not yet, do not worry! I have enjoyed travelling through quieter airports and on cleaner planes. Little things you must remember like changing your mask every 4 hours is key, if you are in a long-haul flight.
An air stewardess on BA informed me of this and it makes complete sense. They are no good if we are breathing in our own bacteria our body naturally gets rid of!
Also check if your airports stores are open before travelling, like me you may leave a few things to purchase in the airport... don’t!
Finally if the airline does not allow you to complete your check in online I would add an extra 20 minutes to your usual or preferred airport arrival time!

Hope this helps anyone having to travel soon and unsure with who to fly with.

Xx