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Charlottes Collection | Leeds UK Blog : Fashion | Beauty | Lifestyle

Although you are probably all very familiar with this brand, they've quite recently released a new line, in the UK at least, that I thought was worth a mention...

A few weeks ago I went into boots to make usual purchase of Neutrogena's Visibly Clear 2-in-1 face wash & mask.  This is an absolute staple in my skincare routine.  I don't actually use this product everyday, I have quite oily skin and even though this product is meant to be gentle enough to use everyday, I don't want to strip away too much of my natural oils incase I start producing even more!  However, I absolutely love using this as both a quick wash and a more intense mask for that really deep clean when I do have the odd break out.

Well anyway, whilst in boots I spotted for the first time Neutrogena's Multi-Defense range and was instantly intrigued.  I'm a massive fan of Clinique's Superdefence SPF25 Age Defence Moisturiser and even though I've not been on the look out for a replacement, when I saw the Multi-Defence Daily Moisturiser I immediately wondered how this would compare.  Both are marketed at defending against the sun, pollution, heat and cold, and let's face it, as great as most Clinique products are, it's even better if we can find a cheaper alternative!  So I made use of the 3 for 2 offer and also picked up the Gentle Purifying Scrub from the same range.

I've been trying out both the moisturiser and face scrub for a few weeks now and I'm really pleased with how they are both working for my skin.  The scrub leaves my skin feeling refreshed and silky smooth, and it really is gentle enough for every day use on oily skin. I've often found other face scrubs to be too harsh and that too much scrubbing causes my skin to produce even more oil.  I'm really enjoying the moisturiser too, it doesn't quite match the Clinique Superdefense as it seems slightly more water-based, and even though my skin has oily tendencies I hate it feeling remotely dry, which it often does straight after washing, so I love to pack on the moisture!  One great thing about this moisturiser is that it's a great base for make-up and I have to wait too long after applying to start on my make-up.  Also, I'm not sure if it's just my imagination but I really feel as though the moisturiser really puts a barrier between my skin and all the rubbish that could get absorbed into it!  Once I've used up the normal / combination version I think I'll definitely be re-purchasing, though I think I'm gonna go for the dry version just to see how it works for my skin.

Neutrogena is one of my favourite all time skincare brands.  If you're interested in other products from this brand I'd highly recommend the Visibly Clear Oil-Free Make-Up Remover.  Perfect for oily skin, this removes all traces of make-up and dirt, leaving the skin lovely and soft!

http://www.neutrogenauk.co.uk/
 I really had a hard time narrowing down my best dressed from this years Oscars!
So I decided actually to not narrow down my list any further and give all my top 9 a mention!

L-R: Michelle Williams, Cate Blanchett, Mandy Moore
Michelle Williams
Chanel
Michelle looked absolutely stunning in this chic and figure flattering Chanel gown.  With elegant beaded detailing, simply perfect make-up yet edgy pixie hair do and t-shirt style sleeves the her look was one of youth and freshness. 

Cate Blanchett
Givenchy
The love it or hate gown... and I love it!  I could have taken it without the yellow beads but this Spring 2011 Couture gown was one of the most on trend and fashion forward of the evening.  I absolutely adore the shape of the skirt and edginess of the capped sleeves.

Mandy Moore
Monique Lhuillier
Personally, Mandy Moore is someone that I generally passes me by as not particularly memorable, but she looked amazing in this nude 'spray on' sequinned dress.

L-R: Hilary Swank, Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson
Hilary Swank
Gucci
Hilary looked a million dollars in this gown that combined the oh-so popular metallics of the Grammys with a stunning feather train.

Halle Berry
Marchesa
It's very rare that you see Halle Berry looking anything short of stunning, and of course she did again at this years Oscars.  I'd have preferred a little less train, it remained me of a wedding veil - and come to think of it, added that small touch of big fat gypsy wedding to this otherwise stunning gown.  However, diamond detailing and nude colouring complemented Halle perfectly.

Scarlett Johansson
Dolce & Gabbana
I'm absolutely in love with lace at the moment and though I can see why this D&G gown could be a bit over-kill on that front for some people, I think that Scarlett looks great!  The plum colouring contrasts perfectly against her ivory skin-tone and the cut across the neckline and shoulders is incredibly classic and elegant.

L-R: Rhea Durham, Amy Adams, Annette Bening
Rhea Durham
Naeen Khan
This Naeem Khan is one of my absolute favourites from the Oscars.  It really wouldn't have been out of place at last weeks London Fashion Week.  The red wrap round maxi skirt is very much on trend and contrasting amazingly with the nude off the shoulder top.  Love it!!

Amy Adams
L'Wren Scott
From what I've read Amy hasn't much love in this gown, other than acknowledging her amazing figure post-baby.  Again were are seeing the capped sleeves that were incredibly popular on the evening and the colour is stunning.  I just think the dress would have shone  a lot brighter on it's own rather than layered with a rather fussy necklace.

Annette Bening
Naeen Khan
I was so happy to see an 'older' women look as stunning as Annette Bening did in this second Naeen Khan gown featured in my best dressed list!  The sparkling gun-metal dress showed off Annette's fabulous figure, no wonder she's absolutely beaming in this picture!

Who was your best dressed from the Oscars?  Let me know in the comments below!


All images are either AP Photo or Getty Images from here
My sister is due a baby girl in a weeks time and we are all so excited!!

All the family and close friends have been going absolutely crazy hoarding lot's of gorgeous gifts and outfits for baby, she's a very lucky little girl!  Baby has a crazy amount of clothes already - I honestly can't even begin to describe how many, but I'm sure it's WAY more than I've ever had in my life!  All the clothes are absolutely gorgeous but she seriously does not need any more, so recently I've instead concentrated on collecting other bit's and bobs for when she arrives.

Here are a few of the more recent things I've found...

The Very Silly Sheep by Jack Tickle - The Book People (a company that delives to my work)
Cute Jungle Animal - TK Maxx
Amazing Baby: Noisy Day book - TK Maxx
Paul Frank, Small Paul Shoes - TK Maxx
Petal & Friends Play Gym - Amazon.co.uk

My sister and her partner live in Malta so it's gonna be a while before I get to see the new addition.  I've booked to fly over in April over the bank holiday period and can't wait!  ...You never know, after seeing baby on skype I may feel the need to get a last minute deal and visit earlier!!

As the baby could arrive any time now, I just want to wish my sister luck and send her lot's of hugs and kisses.  She's going to be an absolutely amazing mummy!

xxx
This is a slightly different post to my previous ones but I thought it'd be quite nice to share with you all!

A couple of friends and I fancied changing it up this weekend, we decided to make use of our proximity to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales and head up there for a good old walk.  So we got in the car and set off to Bolton Castle in Wensleydale.

We chose a gentle 7 mile walk that took us on a circuit west from the castle, then south to the small village of Carperby where we then headed north-west back to Bolton Castle.  En route we walked through alternating sunny blue skies and very chilly wind and rain!  We ran for our lives away from sheep, scaled walls and fences, leaped over becks and streams and generally had lot's of fun, a laugh and good gossip!  Suffice to say, at the end of the walk we were ready to hit the warmth of the stunning tea room inside Bolton Castle.  I'm gutted that I didn't take any pictures inside the stunning castle, or tea room, where the fire was roaring within a grand medieval fireplace.  We all ordered a hearty leak and potato soup that came with the most amazing warm soda bread!  All the cakes served in the tea room also looked amazing, but we decided not to reverse all the good work from the walk too much and just shared a slice of yummy victoria sponge cake ... we needed to save ourselves for the drinks we had planned in Leeds that evening!

I hope you enjoy these pictures from the day...

A beautiful rainbow, one of many we saw on the walk!
The rolling hills of Wensleydale
Attempting to cross a stream
Nearly there, Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle beautifully framed by a rainbow
A colourful little guy



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