On the Nail

Like all decently groomed girls, I enjoy sporting a pretty pedicure, especially in summer, when my toes are on daily display.  Chanel often receive accolades, as superstars, in the varnish stakes - their colours are spot-on and regular trend-setters - triggering a waiting list for their small-run, limited edition releases.

This summer, I succumbed and let myself be lured-in by their tantalising seasonal shades of Particuliere and Nouvelle Vague.  I especially love the warm-hued elegance of no. 505 (particuliere) which perfectly partners my bronze Electra Fit-flops.  Sadly, its duration has been short-lived, as the staying power of the lacquer is a let-down.  Their Nouvelle Vague (527) also behaved in the same disappointing manner, once applied.  None of this prevents these sought-after limited-run beauty icons from changing hands, on auction websites, for vastly elevated sums.

So, my mini indulgences have been usurped by a bolder bargain - from Marks & Spencer... Their Electric Purple (centre of pic) is super-shiny, statement-chic and, so far, has refrained from disappearing before I want it to.  I guess there's a lesson and a moral in there, somehwere...

A Natural Beauty

A favourite wonder, in my world, is the joy I take-in from the beauty of sunsets. I can rarely resist taking a photo when the opportunity arises. Last night featured a magnificent display of horizontal pink-and-blue layers - too bad I didn't have my camera on me to capture it!

However, this was another striking example that impressed its beauty upon me when I returned home at an opportune moment, recently... Where have you spotted your most impressive sunset?

Grey Beauty aka Winter Inspiration

I just rediscovered my photo, taken a couple of years ago in Bella Venezia, in January. Grey - yes; a thing of beauty and inspiration, definitely!

Beauty Find of the Week...

If you enjoy the pursuit for the perfect mascara, your search might be at an end.  I acquired a generous sample of Chanel's latest Exceptionnel, a few days ago and feel obliged to pass on the news...it's a pleasure to use, with impressive results. The brush is fat and multi-faceted, the distribution efficient - just enough and not too much. It's easy to apply: one coat gives you effective curl and attractively voluminous, upswept lashes.  If you hurry, your local beauty counter might still have a sample for you to experiment with. Try it for yourself, I doubt you'll be disappointed!

Coming-up roses

If you're a fan of glorious, full-blown traditional English roses and a natural beauty advocate too, it's possible to combine your two loves.  Once your favoured blooms are past their best, don't mourn them or throw them out, instead take action to extend their blessing.   Why not make your own rosewater?  (You're best to use pink or dark-hued blooms that come from your own or a friend's garden, that you know have been grown without extensive use of pesticide). It's easier than you might think...

Peel-off the petals and place them in a clean bowl.  Leave them to dry-out in natural sunlight. Once dry, transfer them to a steel saucepan, add water to cover (plus one to two inches).  Bring to the boil, then reduce to a slow simmer for 15 minutes.  Allow to cool, then strain through a sieve, into a funnel that you have placed over a sterile bottle (dark glass, preferably).  To use as a refreshing spritz for your skin, choose a bottle with a spray top.

For a lighter version, simply half-fill the bottle and top-up with distilled, or fresh, bottled water.  Unless you plan on using your floral water within a week or ten days, it's advisable to extend its life by adding one or two (no more) drops of essential oil, such as lavender (or even rose) which will help to preserve it.  Keep it in the fridge (and always out of direct sunlight); enjoy using it to refresh your complexion in the mornings,  as a soothing toner at night, after cleansing.  Brilliant for dry, mature or slightly sensitive skin types.

The Birthday Boy and Universal Hero...

Happy, happy 90th Birthday to one of the greatest heroes of our time: Nelson Mandela. What a magnificent example to mankind he is. If there were more of his ilk, in our world, it would truly be a better place to live.

For almost as long as I can remember, he has held a special place in my affections and been a great hero and inspiration of mine.  Who can fail to admire his extraordinary strength, determination and incredible forgiveness towards those who held him prisoner and the people who perpetrated such inhumane deeds in his homeland.  The benevolence of the man remains apparent today in his beautiful countenance.  

I was pleased that he recently spoke out - at last! - about evil M in Zimbabwe (I won't even credit the monster by mentioning his name in full) but I don't yet feel reassured - sadly - that it will be enough to radically change the horrendous situation that has gone from bad to beyond mentionable there.  I hope Mandela's universal words, actions and dignity will continue to inspire people positively for generations to come.

Pic credit: www.anc.org.za