Whole Health Source: Grains and Human Evolution

Whole Health Source: Grains and Human Evolution: [Update 8/2011: as I've learned more about human genetics and evolution, I've come to appreciate that many Europeans actually descen...

A little Lipstick never hurts: Lipsticks for Autumn/Winter 2014/15

This season bold lips are back! So put your nudes away and dig out your favourite bold lipsticks from last summer. Bold pinks, dark reds, vibrant oranges and metallic earth tones are all over the catwalks for autumn/winter 2014/15. I have picked out three lipsticks which would be great for this season. The first one of favourites is MAC Lustre, second is the classic Chanel Rouge Allure, last but not least is the bold Tom Ford Bitter Sweet.

MAC Lustre  is a lipstick that you may or not be able to tell from the picture that I have had for a while, it is one of my favourites to wear on a casual day but when I want subtle a bold lip, it is important to point out that this shade is not dark. It is very subtle and has quite sheen finish, it is a lot like a tinted balm. This is a great shade for those not brave enough to try something to bold just yet!

This lipstick costs £15.50 and you pick one up in any MAC store or order online through the MAC Website

Ahhhh Chanel Rouge Allure! A beautiful timeless classic from Chanel, this is actually a new one to my collection but one I think every girl needs in here collection. Application for this lipstick is very easy, it does not drag like some other lipsticks, it feels very moisturising and has a lovely finish. I absolutely adore Chanel packaging for lipsticks, as the pop out they do not tend to knock against the lid, which sometimes damage or just make you lipsticks look dirty.

This lipstick is £26 and you can pick one up from most Chanel stations in house of Fraser or Selfridges. 

Tom Ford Bitter Sweet is another one of my personal favourites, this is a great lipstick for the evening, weather it is dinner or going out. Bitter Sweet is my earthy/chocolate brown lipstick. This is definitely a must have for this season, the application is also very similar to the Chanel, very easy to apply and has a very nice smooth finish. Tom ford lipstick packaging is just like the rest of brand glamorous, loud and sexy! A great looking lipstick to have in your purse.

This lipstick is £36 and you can get it from any Tom Ford station in Selfridges or house of Fraser, you can also order it online via the House of Fraser website.

What I am Listening to this week!!

The much anticipated debut album from Jhene Aiko was released  in the UK on 8th September, and it lived up to every expectation. I became a fan of Jhene Aiko after her album sail out and I could not wait for this album to release.

 Her vocals are like sweet angels singing in my ears with her intimate songs about her brother, broken hearts, to falling in love and even the struggles of being an artist and a mother and also the pressures of life in general. Her album is an inspiration.

Track list

1. Limbo Limbo Limbo
2. W.A.Y.S
3. To love & die (feat cocaine 80s)
4. Spotless mind
5. Its cool
6. Lyin King
7. Wading
8. The Pressure
9. Brave
10. Eternal sunshine
11. Blue dream
12. Promises (Namiko & Mayagi)
13. Remember
14. Pretty Bird (freestyle)

It is so hard to pick a favourite song from the album, I am just absolutely in love with her and her music. But if I had to pick a few tracks it would be W.A.Y.S, I love that I feel so much strength and motivation in her voice to keep going and never give up. Promises Is also one of favourites, featuring her daughter and late brother, a personal favourite I just love it. Lyin King is also one of my favourites. I could go on forever the whole album is great!

Her first single from the album is The pressure, I have put the video below, have a listen...enjoy!!!

Prime Time

With so many primers on the market to buy, it can be difficult to distinguish which one to get and why you should get it. But first why is it important to use a primer? A face primer is a product which should be applied to your skin after you have moisturised and before you apply your foundation. 

The first purpose of using a primer is to make your foundation easier to apply. Whatever you use to apply your foundation weather it is a foundation brush, a beauty blender or your finger! There is nothing more annoying than streaky foundation and gravy lines, so initially using a primer before your foundation should prevent this from happening. 

The second purpose of a primer is to help your make up last for longer, so hopefully you leave work with the same face you arrived with.

Some primers can also help conceal fine lines, wrinkles and pores. Some primers can also help to dull the appearance of oily or combination skin types. Your chosen primer should also help to eliminate small defects on the skin given your skin a more radiant appearance.

My favourite three primers at the moment is:

1. Max factor face infinity primer 
2. MAC prep + prime face protect
3. Benefit the POREfessional

The Max factor face infinity primer is cream base primer, it leaves a nice sheen on the surface of the skin given your skin a radiant appearance. Although it is a cream based primer I do still use a moisturiser before applying this primer, do give your moisturiser a couple of minutes to absorb into your skin before applying your primer. I have tried using it without a moisturiser and my skin did not feel hydrated enough through out the day. This is a great primer for combination skin types as it contains micro correctors for excess oil. It will also be suitable for normal skin types as it is quite light. This primer has a SPF 20 so it is protecting your skin through out the day, therefore it would be a great primer to introduce to your routine if your face moisturiser does not contain a SPF. The Max factor primer is great value for money, one of the cheapest at £10.99 and it is also a generous size of 30ml. You can pick up one of these primers from Boots or Superdrug.

It is also on offer in both stores at the moment. In Boots if you buy one then you get one for half price.

And also in Superdrug it has been reduced from £10.99 to £7.99.

MAC prep + prime face protect is also a cream based primer but it has a thicker consistency than the max factor primer, although it has a thicker consistency compared to the max factor it still is light on skin and easy to apply your foundation on top. As it comes out quite thick, so use this primer sparingly otherwise it leaves you with a slight white sheen on top the skin, similar to when you have used too much sunscreen. Again I would also use with a moisturiser underneath but you can get away without using a moisturisers as it quite hydrating. This primer is suitable for all skin types but it would be great for sensitive and fairer skin types as it has a high protection factor of a SPF 50. It is also an oil free primer so if you do have oily skin it would be fine  to use, especially if your skin is quite irritated from breakouts and you want something to protect your skin and act as barrier. MAC also claims that it "provides high-level broad spectrum sun protection. Worn daily helps guard the skin against discolouration, premature ageing, dryness and other effects of sun exposure".

It costs £24.00 and you can pick up this primer from a MAC store/counter or online via the MAC website.

The Benefit POREfessional has a totally different consistency, the texture feels quite sandy and it leaves your skin with an almost porcelain appearance. It also slightly tinted which should help to eliminate the appearance of pores, fine lines and small defects of the skin. According to Benefit you should  "Apply this silky, lightweight balm alone, under or over makeup. Translucent, oil-free formula complements all skin tones and helps makeup stay put". This is fantastic primer if you have oily skin and large pores, it really helps to minimise the appearance and keeps your make on too.

This primer costs £24.50 and you can pick it up from a Benefit store/counter or online via the Benefit website.

Overall my favourite out of the three is Max factor face infinity I love the texture and consistency, my make up lasts through out the day and it also gives me a bit of glow.

However I do have a combination skin type, but if I had sensitive or dry skin I would lean towards the MAC prep + prime face protect and if my skin was oily I would definitely go for The Benefit POREfessional.

Rums Kitchen

Rums Kitchen is a small little Caribbean inspired beach shack restaurant and cocktail bar. It is definitely my kind of place with a chilled out atmosphere and small bar downstairs, it is a perfect place to visit on a quiet weekend. They have two locations one in Carnaby street, just off of oxford street and the second located in Notting hill not to fare from Portobello market. I visited the notting hill branch, the food is full of flavour and delicious. The cocktails was laced with rum and definitely worth every penny. 

For our starter we had the plantain & chilli dip, which costs £4, and also sweet potato fries which was also £4. For our first cocktails we tried my favourite, which was the Mai Tai, this was very strong and not as sweet as some Mai Tai's I have tried, however it was still very nice.

For our main dish we tried the Jerk chicken supreme, which is grilled chicken breast with either sweet potato & yam mash or rice and peas, topped with sautéed callaloo & spinach and a jerk gravy. Our mains costs £13.50. 

The chicken was perfectly cooked it was moist and full of flavour, the mash was light and fluffy and not to heavy and went perfectly with the callaloo and spinach. I often don't finish my meal when I go out no matter how nice the food is, but there was nothing left on my plate but chicken bones by the time I had finished. 

The service was also very friendly at Rums kitchen, very helpful and quick enough. On arrival we was rather confused if we was at the right place as they have bouncers at the door,  but I think that is only because they have a little bar/night club downstairs which you can go to after your meal. Which of course we did!  and tried a few more cocktails as you do! The cocktails we tried was the rattle skull punch - house rum punch blending dark and light rums with our blend of juices and spices with a blue wray float for good measure, this had quite a Christmas taste due to the spices and came in a cute little tea cup. The Calypso cola was one my favourite cocktails but I will definitely recommend the Mai Tai. Cocktail prices varied from £7.50 - £12.50.

Tables do have to be booked before hand and this can be done through there website or by calling them, we did manage to get a table on the same day however the only table they had was 10pm, which we didn't mind but if your would like to visit at earlier time book in advance to be safe. 

Hair ✓, Nails ✓, Skin ✓

Organix argan oil Vs Macadamia oil

I have been hunting down the perfect hair oil to stop my hair from getting dry and brittle. Oraganix renewing argan oil of Morocco was suggested to me by the hair company which I order my hair from. I have tried a few different hair oils but this has been the best by far. After washing and conditioning my hair over night I used the Organix renewing argan oil of Morocco the following morning I could see I difference in my hair instantly, my hair was no longer frizzy and the ends was not so dry anymore. The texture is quite thick and over use will leave your hair greasy but after finishing the bottle and going back to get some more I discovered the Organix Macadamia oil for dry styling, this oil has just as good of a result as the argan oil, however the texture is a little bit lighter so it is better for a day to day use.

There is a special offer at the moment in super drug, buy these oils for £4.66 instead of £6.99 click the link to get yours 

Argan oil

Macadamia oil

Garnier body, Intensive 7 days 

The smell of the mango seed oil in this body moisturiser is so beautiful and refreshing, I use this every morning after showering. It also contains L-BIFDUS which was " inspired by probiotics found in yogurt, studies have revealed its capability to reinforce the skins protective layer" claims Garnier (2014)

 The consistency is light and is easy to spread, it isn't very greasy so when you leave the house you would not attract every particle of dust in the air which I sometimes find with heavier creams. It also leaves a nice shimmer on the surface of the skin, leaving you with a glow.

This is on special offer at the moment in superdrug for £2.32 instead of £3.49.

Bio Oil 

All hail Bio Oil, this is good for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, ageing skin and dehydrated skin. I use this head to toe every night from my face to body. Bio Oil contains:

1.  Calendula oil, this is not only soothing for the skin but it is also helps to protect and restore damaged skin.
2. Lavender is an essential oil which does not get enough credit, when someone thinks of lavender they are automatically thinking relaxing and old ladies, but lavender is a multifunctional oil, it is also great for acne, insect bites and scarring. 
3. Rosemary oil is probably the most stimulating of the essential oils in there, rosemary is also a great essential oil for acne and skin irritations. 
4. chamomile is very healing and calming to skin.

Bio oil also contain Vitamin A and E. Vitamin E is in just about everything on the high street, vitamin E is good for the skin and can help prevent signs on ageing. Vitamin E is not synthesised by the body so using it directly onto the skin could prove to be beneficial.
Vitamin A is all over the beauty industry, in Bio oil they have used Retinyl palmitate which is a skin conditioning agent.

Bio oil is also on offer at the moment in boots.

Masters Colors - Nomad Pen

Last but definitely not lest is  for a part of the body which we all forget to take of, are nails. This Cuticle pen from Masters colors, is easy to carry around in your handbag. It softens you cuticles and encourages nail growth. it contains sweet almond oil which protects the skin from loss of hydration and it also is extremely nourishing. It also contains Shea butter which is a rich emollient and it absorbs easily into the skin leaving your cuticles soft. 

Get your nails summertime ready!!

I love all this sunshine in London at the moment! and with all this sunshine it has definitely got me feeling like it is time to get ready for the summer. After what seems like the longest winter ever, I have a feeling we are going to have a good summer, hopefully!! it could be raining by Wednesday, you never know with this British weather.

So here are my Summer nail polish favourites.

Kicking it off is the OPI - Amazon...Amazoff  this is such a cool summer colour from the OPI Brazil Collection, it reminds me of mermaids. The picture does make it look darker than what it actually is, it is a tropical green hence the name amazon. This is definitely one of my favourite polishes for SS14 and with the World Cup being hosted in Brazil why not get in the Brazilian spirit.
You can get yours on amazon For only £6.95.

The Nails INC -  special effects - Gloucester walk polish is a gold tone with little hints of gold sparkle, it leaves a sandy texture on your finger and it is a beautiful colour. It is great if you love sparkle, it would also look great on a pedicure. This polish come as a set of 8 colours from QVC, it is quite a good deal.
The collection is still available at QVC for only £22.85.

If you love sparkle then the OPI - which is witch is for you! It is full of sparkle and it also looks good on top of other colours, especially on top of pinks and reds. This is also a great cover up polish, when your nails have chipped but you don't have time to take it off and do them again, just grab this bottle and put it over your existing colour and you have another day or two. It is also a great polish if you are going out but your nails are done already, you can add a bit fun to your nails with this colour, again just put it over your existing colour.
You can get OPI - which is witch at beauty bay for only£6.67

Pink will always make the boys the wink! so why not with esseie - Wife goes on,  I love the name Essie!! This is a nice bright pink for the summer, it is a very happy colour I will never get bored of pink nail polishes you have to have a pink in every collection. It just isn't a nail polish collection without a pink, simple!
Essie nail polishes are always easy to apply, with some nail polishes it so easy flood your cuticle or put to much polish on your finger nails. Essie is a good polish to invest in, especially if you don't feel confident in painting your own nails.
You can get this polish at Liberty for £10.95.

I love love love this colour OPI - Need sunglasses  it is just so bright and colourful, it is just a all round happy colour, it looks beautiful on toes and gorgeous on fingers. It is bright obviously and it is the sort of colour that always has ladies uhmming and ahrrring in the nail shop, they will be saying "should I go for it it?? looks nice but it so bright" YES!!!! go for it, it is fun!
 If you are adventures enough try it , I double dare you!! get it from polyvore for only £4.65.

More sparkle but this time it is Nails INC - Galaxy - Chester mews  this isn't my favourite of the group but I thought I would add it in for those of you who love a bit of sparkle. It is multi coloured with hints of purple, blue silver and even a touch of green....
This also comes in the nails inc set on QVC, you can get set at QVC for £22.85.

Last but not least is one of my all time favourites OPI - big apple red this is a classic and a must have for all seasons, if you can't decide on what polish to go for red never fails, it goes with everything and you can't of wrong with Big Apple Red . It has a nice and even finish and paints easily.
Get this at beauty bay for £6.93.