What I loved wearing this Summer

Well sadly, I think Summer is packing it's bags & Autumn (or 'Fall' if you are overseas) is moving in, but before we say 'au revoir' to Summer, I thought I'd let you know what I loved wearing while we were all sweltering under the hot sun.  

I'm sure most of us Brits would never have imagined back at the beginning of the year when we were shivering in our boots & jumpers & wading through deep snow that we would ever see that big yellow round thing in the sky again, let alone enjoy such a long scorching heatwave in the summer months.  

Well, we did. And boy, was it hot!

Most of us, during that sweaty period, would gaze into our wardrobe wondering what would, A; be the most cooling & comfortable without feeling like you were going to 'combust' at any second & B; most flattering - I mean, you can't go parading down the high street in a bikini in an effort to keep cool, can you? (Well, I definitely can't!!)    

Now, fashion changes like the wind & it is sometimes an effort to keep up,  but when you have places like Primark with their bargain prices, you can just about do it & one piece of clothing I have found everywhere throughout Summer was the buttondown strappy dress.  And yep, Primark have plenty of them! 

Now, I'm fairly tall; around 5'7"-5'8", curvy (small waist, large bust, big hips!), mainly a size 12 & these buttondown dresses seem a winner with me!  To be honest, I think they would suit most figures.  And in hot weather, they were cool too!  Another win! 

Aside from Primark, my first buttondown dress was purchased at New Look.  I just adore tortoiseshell buttons (I am sadly old enough to remember the trend the first time around!) & there are plenty on this dress; as are my others too (& they seem to be on every other garment in shops right now!).  It is cream or off white with black fine stripes & skims over my hips perfectly.  A fairly loose fit as I bought this in a size 14 as my size wasn't in stock.  However, it has adjustable straps which helped it fit better.  Also, the great thing about these dresses is that they are below the knee. I love that as I've never been a fan of my knees! (Or my legs for that matter!) 

Onto my next purchase & it was of course, from Primark!  A lovely red dress which I have seen on literally every blogger & youtuber but I don't mind copying them because I absolutely love it!

My local Primark store sadly didn't have it, but when visiting my mum in Norfolk, I went to the Norwich store & there was only one left!  But, it was in a size 10.  I didn't think it would fit but it did!  A bit snug over my bust but a good enough flare on the skirt to fit my hips & it looks really flattering (has adjustable straps too).  And what is even better....IT HAS POCKETS!! So handy! I love it! 

My final tortoiseshell button dress was again from Primark & actually in my size 12.  A lovely muted colour stripe dress in cream, grey, pale pink & pale yellow.  Again I'm really happy with it.

Another reason I adore these dresses is they are so versatile as well as keeping you cool & comfortable.  They go well with a cardie or little jacket slung over or even a little tee underneath.  For footwear, I wear mine with either chunky heeled sandals or flipflops.  You can also wear with converse, trainers or little boots too. 

Such versatile & flattering dresses I'm sure we'll all be wearing them again next Summer.  

So, what has been your favourite pieces during the warmer summer months?  

I'd love to know! 

Bee x  

My New Favourite Bronzer by The Body Shop

Are you enjoying the heatwave we have been having in the UK lately?  I do feel that I should be making the most of it & sunbathing in my garden but I just can't.  I'm not going away on a summer holiday this year, so I should be getting a British tan but as I don't have a swimming pool nearby to stop myself combusting in the heat, I'm retreating inside & grabbing my Palmers Natural Bronze body lotion (see post here) & my new bronzing powder to give me a summer glow!

I've been very faithful to the Bourjois chocolate scented bronzer for a few years now, but I decided to branch out recently & I tried out the Body Shop's Honey Bronzing Powder.  Having heard good things about this bronzer, I was keen to try it out.

I went for the 01 light matte shade, as I'm naturally pretty fair.

On first glance the product looks great.  The packaging has a honeycomb pattern on the lid (a great mirror inside too!), with this pattern continuing on the actual bronzer.  The bronzer comes in 5 shades & contains community trade honey.  In fact, The Body Shop have a whole 'honey bronze' range.  Must check it out.

I was really pleased straight away with the colour payoff - the shade was perfect for me & gave a really nice matte glow.  Not at all glittery.  Perfect for either contouring or an all over bronze-y look! (Great if you are in a rush & want to look 'put together' quick!)

It costs £14, which is more than my Bourjois bronzer but I must say....I think I slightly prefer this Body Shop one!  Sorry Bourjois! It's very close.  I love both!  

So, I definitely think that once I come to the end of this product, I will be repurchasing.  

A great glow without having to sweat it out in the sun!  

(Although, if anyone does want me to come on holiday with them, I won't say no!!)

Bee x 

The Perfect Afternoon Tea at The Old Dairy Tearoom in Longhope, Gloucestershire

Recently, my lovely best friend Laura (www.bloggingbylittlel.blogspot.co.uk) decided to treat me to an afternoon tea - lucky me!

Now, as readers of this blog will know, I'm gluten & dairy (cow's milk) intolerant & it can be sometimes awkward to find a restaurant, café or tearoom to accommodate me. Especially both intolerances anyway!

We've both been to our local tearoom in Longhope - 'The Old Dairy Tearoom' at Harts Barn - several times & they are always so helpful & accommodating!   And of course,  that was the place to go for our afternoon tea & they once again didn't disappoint. 

We always make sure we ring first to book a table because they are often busy - & if you've ever been, there's no surprise!  Their food is amazing!

So, once we arrived at the Old Dairy Tearoom we were seated in a perfect spot by the window overlooking the beautiful Gloucestershire countryside & once looking through their very tempting menu, we ordered the traditional afternoon tea.

Here's what we ordered....

To drink, my friend Laura ordered her favourite hot drink of choice; a creamy hot chocolate & I went for a coffee with warm soya milk.  (We could have had a pot of tea but Laura preferred hot choc & I adore coffee!)

To eat, our afternoon tea consisted of sandwiches -  brie & chutney for Laura; turkey & cranberry (on gluten free bread) for me & scones - fresh cream & jam for Laura; & for me, gluten free scones with dairy free spread & jam.

For me, living with a gluten intolerance, you get to know what is gluten free & what is not.  It just doesn't look quite right & tastes different.  Well, not at the Old Dairy Tearoom!   Their bread is amazing & their scones are so thick & chunky with a great rise  & so delicious, that you start to question if they are truly gluten free!  The baker definitely has a talent there!

And, not only do you get your lovely scones, you also get a choice of cake!  We were so stuffed that we both took our cake home!  Laura went for the vegan chocolate cake & I went for the gluten & dairy free St Clements cake.  And of course, they were delicious!  

You really can't fault The Old Dairy Tearoom.  Whether you have an intolerance like me, or can eat everything & anything, the quality of the food is fabulous & their service is outstanding.  Nothing is too much trouble.  The atmosphere is great, the layout is lovely & homely & set in beautiful rolling countryside....just what a tearoom should be.

Right, I think I need to book a table soon.  Feeling a bit peckish!

Do you know of other cafes or restaurants that accommodate food intolerances in Gloucestershire or Herefordshire that is as good as The Old Dairy Tearoom?  I'd love to know! 

Bee x  

Getting a Tan Without Going on Holiday by Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula

The sun is actually shining here in the UK at the moment & that means showing a bit more skin!  I can't cover up anymore but I don't really want to expose my milky white legs! 

By day, I'm a mobile beauty therapist & sometimes that requires applying fake tan to my clients.  Now, despite the fact that my clients absolutely love fake tan, I don't really!  I really can't be bothered (or have the time!) with the faff of it all!  So, if I can get a bit of a glow without all that, I will do!

Here's where Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula comes in...

Their natural bronze body lotion is just perfect for me. It's a gradual tanning moisturiser & contains of course, pure cocoa butter with vitamin E (great for your skin).

It comes in a handy pump bottle so you aren't constantly having to take a top off when applying it. 

It suits all skintones & builds up a gradual natural looking tan in no time & without streaking - just be careful around the toe area!

I'm really pleased with it & it smells amazing!  Just like chocolate!

So, if you want to get your 'glow on' without that fake tan 'faff', grab the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze Lotion & you will be ready to face the summer!

Bee x   

The Contents of my Face: My Everyday Makeup Routine

I thought I would share with you from 'The Contents of my Face' series an everyday makeup look.  Very similar to a post here but a bit more updated with a few different products...

Primer...

First up, after my morning skincare routine, I apply a primer.  I'm currently using Laura Mercier's radiance primer (an apparent favourite of the new Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle & I can see why!).  It really gives you a glowy radiant base.  You could possibly wear it on it's own.
I always feel you need a primer if you want your makeup to last all day & with this one it definitely does.

Base...

Next up, I apply a bit of peach colour corrector under my eyes from the Revolution colour corrector palette with a small concealer brush & blend with a mini real techniques eraser sponge.
Then it's foundation time!  I'm currently using L'Oreal's True Match foundation in the shade Linen. (My shades tend to vary throughout the year)  I use a Real Technique's expert face brush to buff this in.
After this, I pop some concealer under my eyes, around my nose & anywhere that needs a bit of concealing!   I tend to use my favourite Maybelline eraser eye concealer in either 'light' or 'brightener'.  I then of course blend this all in with my Real Technique's blending sponge.
Once my concealer is done, I set it with my Rimmel Insta Fix & Matte powder with a small Real Techniques setting brush.

Adding a bit of colour...

Now my base is set, it's time to brighten up my face a bit more with some bronzer, blush & highlighter. 
My current bronzer to contour my face is by Bourjois which I apply with a bronzing blusher brush by, of course, Real Techniques.
For blusher & highlighter I use a variety but my current fave is from Sleek.  It's their Face Form Contouring & Blush palette in the shade Fair.  I use a Spectrum brush for my blusher & a small Real Techniques brush for my highlighter.
I pop my highlighter on the high points of my cheekbones, a little bit on my nose, chin & cupids bow.

Brows...

For my brows, I use my favourite Hi-Impact Brows brow powder & set them with any brow gel.  My current one is by Browcote.

For everyday I tend to not use eyeshadow.  Just some black eyeliner on my waterline (I really look odd without it!).  I really love the Smokey Eye pencil by Rodial.
Then a few coats of mascara.  A real fave is by Givenchy in the colour Black Taffeta (I also love Roller Lash by Benefit!).  It is brilliant for giving both volume & length.

Lips...

Finally, a bit of lippie!  So many to choose from, but a current newbie I've been reaching for is Half n' Half by MAC.  A lovely nude.


So, that's my everyday makeup routine.  What's yours?

Bee x 

Healthy & Natural Lips with Burt's Bees

I've always been a fan of Burt's Bees lip balms.  They are just fabulous & really help my ultra dry lips.

Well, when I heard they did actual lipsticks too, I was pretty keen to try them! 

So I did! 

More on that later....

Now, a little bit about Burt's Bees.  They have been around for about 30 years when Burt the beekeeper met a lovely lady named Roxanne.  And the rest as they say is....history!  Their products are 99% natural - in fact, it says on their website that over half of their products are actually 100% natural!

They are also proud to sponsor the British Beekeepers Association.  You can find out more about the scheme here - www.burtsbees.co.uk

So, as I said before, I love their balms; I have a lot of different flavours! And, my blog is called 'Mabel's Beauty Bee' & my name is Debbie which means Bee, so it makes sense to try some Burt's Bees products, right?! (Any excuse!!)

Ok, first up....

The lipsticks....

I have two - 

First shade - number 501 Blush Basin.

And what a beautiful colour!  My kind of natural pinky corally shade - your lips but better! 

Second shade - number 523 Sunset Cruise.  

Another beautiful colour.  Very similar to the previous colour but slightly deeper.

Both colours are so easy to wear & will go with most makeup as they are so natural.  These are both said to be a satin finish with 100% natural ingredients.  Both are so comfortable to wear, leaving my lips feeling really hydrated.

I love the packaging too with the 'hive' detailing on the sides of the lid & its interesting to know that it is made with 60% recycled materials.

Finally.... 

The lip gloss....

Shade number 239 Spring Splendor.

Such a gorgeous pink shade which looks fairly dark & a sparkly mauve colour in the bottle but on application is not as intense & looks really natural on your lips.  Again, so comfortable (the gloss is enriched with nourishing oils) & easy to wear, with a high shine finish.  And of course, made with 100% natural ingredients.

I'm really impressed with these products.  I'd be really interested to know what their other lipsticks & lip products are like.  I may just try them!

Do you like Burt's Bees?  What products by them have you tried?  I'd love to know!

Bee x 

Putting a bit of (Gin)Zing back into my life with Origins!

Quite a while ago now I had a little sample of eye cream by Origins in a beauty box & let me tell you from the first time I used it, I was hooked! (In fact, I did mention it in a blog post here)  Ever since that sample ran out I have been meaning to purchase a pot.  It was from their Ginzing range.  

Promising to refresh, brighten & de-puff - it definitely did all these things! 

Now, as I say, I had been meaning to repurchase it....Little did I know that my amazing best friend Laura (www.lashingsoflittlel.blogspot.co.uk) would surprise me; not just with the eye cream but a whole set of Origins goodies wrapped up in a gorgeous red gift box! (Thank you!!)

Inside the box were 4 different Origins products, along with a little sample & a lovely purple makeup/toiletry pouch.

So, first up, a pot of the Ginzing energy-boosting gel moisturizer. 

 

As with the amazing Ginzing refreshing eye cream, this cream felt wonderful as soon as I rubbed it into my skin.  It really does awaken your skin & feels so refreshing with a lovely clean feeling.  It smells fabulous too!  A lovely orange-y scent!  I will definitely be repurchasing.  I love it as much as the eye cream! 

Next up, & not from their Ginzing range, their Original Skin renewal serum.  

It contains Willowherb to de-stress, smooth & renew your skin.  Again, it smells fresh & does the job well.  But, I must say I've not noticed as much of a difference in my skin as I do with the Ginzing moisturizer.  I apply this serum underneath the moisturizer, however sometimes I do feel my moisturizer is all that I need!

And finally from Origins & again from their Ginzing range, a refreshing scrub cleanser.  

Now this stuff does smell just like freshly squeezed oranges & reminds me of summer (we need the sun back!).  You massage just a small amount onto wet skin & rinse it off & it leaves your skin squeaky clean & SO smooth! 

Can you tell I love the Origins Ginzing range?  I think so! 

Origins - you have yourself a new customer! 

Bee x 

What I Bought In New York - Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Sephora & more!

Back in 2016, I wrote a blog post about what I had bought in New York (post here) - well, guess what? I've been again & so of course, dear readers, I thought I must let you all know what I spent my hard earned dollars on!

First up, Victoria's Secret...
They had a big sale on & so I thought I would treat myself to their lovely scented papers in the fragrance Bombshell for my chest of drawers in my bedroom.  

Great for keeping your clothes smelling fresh while they are folded away.  I also purchased two gorgeous fragrance mists in the scents 'Love Spell unwrapped' & 'Dark Flora'.

Onto Bath & Body Works...
I bought a fair few things!  I purchased three shower gels -
Tahiti Island Dream
Magic in the Air

& from their aromatherapy range - Comfort (vanilla & patchouli)

Lovely!
They also had a range of sheet facemasks, so I thought I'd grab a couple of those -
Totally Tea-riffic (Teatree oil & licorice root extract)
Sea You Soon (Sea minerals & Hyaloronic acid)

I can't wait to try them out!
Finally, you can't go to Bath & Body Works without grabbing their 'pocketbacs' hand gels & of course, I got quite a few!

Obviously a trip to Sephora was definitely on the cards while I was in NY, so I stopped by there & got their own brand face masks which I loved when I bought them on my last trip.  I got the orchid eye mask, the green tea eye mask & a new red clay mask to try.

I also purchased a NARS blusher which I adore!

Onto New York's famous MACY's store & I purchased a big red apron with the famous Macy's star logo (I fancy baking a cake now!).

 I also went to their MAC counter & bought a lovely new lippie in the shade Half 'n Half - it's an amplified finish & another great nude to add to my collection! 

I also bought another lipstick from Milani, while in a Walgreens store (love that shop - you can buy everything there!), in the shade 86 Tropical Nude.  Now I know I've just said I had just purchased a nude but this was more of a peachy coral tone.  Perfect for this summer (hurry up sun!).

Lastly, a bit of fashion...
I went in Old Navy in Times Square & bought some lovely silver studs, a NY tee & two pairs of I think the best jeans I have ever bought!   They are from the curvy range, both in slightly different shades & one in the straight style & another in skinny.  Both so comfortable, look great & a bargain price too! Couldn't ask for more!

Other than a few souvenirs, I think that's about it & I'm really pleased with my purchases!

I had such a lovely time in New York.  Not just for the retail therapy, but it's such a wonderful & interesting place to visit.

I can't wait to go again one day!

Bee x