Monday 7 October 2013

Balance Me beauty box


The box includes 7 of the brand's most popular products;  rose otto body wash, super moisturising hand cream, cleanse and smooth face balm, moisture-rich face cream, facial expression filler, radiance face oil and wonder eye cream.

My personal favourites of the box are the radiance oil, rose otto wash and the eye cream. The radiance oil turns dull skin into radiant, moisturised, skin whilst the rose otto wash makes your body as soft as a baby's bottom and the eye cream hydrates the under eyes.

Also included is a £10 voucher for a full-size Balance Me product of your choice. Plus, one lucky box will include a golden ticket entitling the holder to £500 worth of Balance Me goodies.

The box is available for £19.95 just head over to 

Talisa x

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Interview with Vodafone London Fashion Weekend's Pandora Lennard


Pandora Lennard, the stylist for the entire Vodafone London Fashion Weekend trend catwalk, contributing editor for Tank magazine and an aspiring editorial goddess. As she walked on to the stage she had a certain aura about her, a young enthusiastic persona and a mind full of inspiration and ideas.

Pandora Lennard


Lennard was asked about her lead up to success and we were shocked to discover that she had in fact begun her career path with a degree in Psychology, however she admits that she had always been interested in fashion and styling and whilst undertaking her degree was partaking in as many work placements with various stylists and photographers.

She announced her idols in fashion management and the industry as a whole were Katie Grand and Claire Richardson. This is interesting, revealing a dream of managing her own magazine perhaps?

She then went on to explain the choices made in creating the looks for the trend catwalk show. The show included the most important four trends for this Autumn/Winter 2013- Pretty in Pink, Back to Nature, Shape Up and Victoriana. The most exciting of the four has to be PINK! Similar to myself, Pandora Lennard admits that she is a fan of the simple and safe black and monotone clothing. However, there is a certain intrigue that has crept up on the world of fashion- Can we make pink look as good as we made it look when we were eight? Or should it be left singing sweetly around those years?

Pandora Lennard is an interesting new fashion character to keep an eye on and her sense of style, judging by what emerged from those white doorways on the catwalk, is impeccable.

Emily xxx

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Red Valentino Reflections

Thought I'd share a yummy little crush of mine,
so for those who have already seen this show, you will understand why when I looked back at it today, I felt the need to publicise it on BEMSA. It is the cutest, most darling catwalk show from this year's A/W New York shows, in my opinion anyway.



I don't know whether it's the cute socks? Or the bows? Or the roses? Or the illustrated backdrops? Or even the bold choice of yellow?- something I am always too scared to venture into the realms of...
Maybe it's the combination of all those things, but whatever it is, I'm going thrifting and I will recreate these looks for a million times less, don't fear!

I'll post later on this year, perhaps when there weather is a little more promising, with my interpretations of these looks because I cannot get them out of my head and this seems to be the only way.

Hope you appreciate the sweetness of the show and it gives you some inspiration for the upcoming seasons.

Thanks, Emily X

PS remember to follow us on Bloglovin' at http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/4907527/bemsa xxx

Monday 15 April 2013

The perfect guacamole

I'm a bit of an avocado fiend... I love them. They're good for your skin and delicious.

I love guacamole but hate the store bought muck. So I put together a little recipe of how to make the best guacamole... ever. 

You will need:
-2 ripe avocados
-1 whole lemon
-Hot pepper sauce
-A potato masher
-A bowl

Take the skins off your avocados, pop them in a bowl and mash them up with a potato masher.

Once they are all mushed squeeze a whole lemon and put a heaped tbsp of hot sauce.

Voila! The perfect guac.

If you're tired of the store bought muck too, give this a try! It is healthier, tastier and really quick to do.

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Star by Julien Macdonald

Hey hey! So, basically I was given a load of handbag samples from the designers and buyers at Debenhams so I thought I'd write a few reviews on them to share. Most of them are next season's pieces, however some are in store right now. Bear in mind that these are samples and therefore have been developed further, so it is likely that they will not be exactly the same on purchasing the item.

JULIEN MACDONALD
To start with, Star by Julien Macdonald has been a truly successful range at Debenhams since 2003. The current range in stores at the moment is very striking and sophisticated. This snake curved tote is in store right now for the selling price of £55 and you can buy it (here) It can be told from the photographs that there are slight alterations to the design on the gold plates and also the lining which is not pictured below.
This bag was one of my favourites from those of which I received because it's not a boring black, which my bags tend to be, and the snake zip embellishment isn't something I'd normally go for either. Snake is a definite trend for this Spring/ Summer, so if you haven't invested in a Summer piece as of yet, I recommend this. You can never go wrong with handbags, they can last years and you'll never grow out of them, they're an investment- well, that's what I tell myself every time I buy something over £50 anyways...


Thanks, Emily X

Saturday 6 April 2013

Fashion Fix #3

hey hey, hope you're all having a nice weekend! Some interesting things been going on this week and I've been plonked in the middle of it all on a work placement so yes, insightful week...

CHRISTIAN DIOR hosted a Spring/Summer Couture show in Shanghai last Saturday as subtle push at gaining a wider Chinese audience economically. There was a range of dresses and outfits in the show with a wide variety of colours and a particular emphasis on floral embellishment, however the two dresses that stood out the most to be were these two white- based pieces. The detail is beautiful and I can even accept the thing on that girls head as I love the dress so much!


THE QUEEN - this has to be mentioned as she is one of the most darling women I have ever seen, you will understand when you see the photograph- has been presented with a BAFTA for her support over the years to the British Film Industry with special appreciation for her volunteered participation in the Olympic Opening Ceremony alongside Daniel Craig. 
LOOK HOW HAPPY SHE LOOKS!! *wells up*
VANESSA PARADIS' advertisements for H&M's new Conscious Collection are everywhere; all up the escalators and down the passages at Oxford Circus Tube Station, there are mahuusive moving short video images of her in the windows of the H&M stores. It's crazy! The floral patterns are beautiful and the collection is surprisingly cheap for such high end quality. H&M were one of the first high street brands to begin collaborating with high end designers such as Sonia Rykiel and Versace, now followed by other high street brands such as River Island teaming up with Rihanna. However, despite there growing strength, there prices are remaining cheap and cheerful, just how H&M should be!


PRADA released a new fashion film- Sweet Candy, made of three short films with an oddly humorous effect. Not quite sure what else can be said about it.. It's fun? You'll understand once you've watched it.


PATRICK GRANT has confirmed that he is joining the ranks at Debenhams, where I have been working at this week, alongside Jasper Conran, John Rocha, Henry Holland and other designers. The Saville Row tailor is actually an acquaintance of my boyfriend's who he saw earlier this week and apparently a very classy, lovely man. His collection for Debenhams will be resurrecting the Hammond & Co. label, a favourite of the royal family's.


Yep so there's your little fashion summary for this week, I'm going to be reviewing a few handbag samples that I received at Debenhams on Tuesday so make sure you have a look! Plus I know that Talisa's got a delicious avocado recipe (She obsessed) for you lined up for Monday!

Thanks, Emily X

Monday 1 April 2013

RMK cleansing balm


One of the biggest beauty hypes last year was around Emma hardie's cleansing balm (Buy here) which i never got around to trying. So when this balm came in my Birchbox i couldn't wait to try it.

RMK's cleansing balm has a light rose scent that begins to melt as soon as your finger touches the balm.  Not only does it scrub off every last bit of makeup but it doesn't sting at all. You can use it all over your face and it is perfect for those with sensitive skin.

I wear a lot of mascara and eyeliner so when it comes to removal i tend to use 3+ wipes which is time consuming and over time extremely pricy. I only needed the smallest blob to get a whole face of makeup off in under 2 minutes. As it's a balm it's also extremely hydrating.

Compared to Emma Hardie's balm which costs £34 this comes a little cheaper at £29. Plus, this is pink. Do you need any more of an excuse to buy this? Buy (here).


Sunday 31 March 2013

Fashion Fix #2

Happy Easter guys!

Hope you're all having a lovely day and hope you enjoy this week's fashion fix!

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO is to release his Florence inspired exhibition The Amazing Shoemaker- Fairy Tales and Legends about Shoes and Shoemakers to open April 19th. The shoes are individually designed to explore the ways in which shoes are and have always been a key element in fairy tales, legends and myths. The image below is a previewed image of an item from the collection. B-e-a-utiful. 

STELLA MCCARTNEY has been presented with her OBE this week with a special congratulations from
the Queen in respect to her designs for the GB Olympic kit! She wore a navy blue suit from her own
collection and insists modestly that she is nowhere near as busy as the Queen herself.


ALBER ELBAZ for Lanvin makes an appearance at the end of this week's Disney catwalk show. The show was humorously fabulous with a range of Disney inspired couture pieces. Following the Disney fashion film for Barney's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtBGVeA6Ayc, it was an interestingly dramatic show.


VICTORIA BECKHAM launches victoriabeckham.com  this week joining the successful hype of online designer stores following the high success of Zara's sales this year so far. 
Victoria Beckham ICON dress

Thanks for reading, Emily X

Wednesday 27 March 2013

Skin care at its best

In my hunt for a brand that would remove my make up equally as well as it smothered it on I came across Clinique's 
"Take the day off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips" 
followed by their
"Liquid Facial Soap"
the oily skin formula.
My skin is often greasy and despite the take the day off remover being oil based it doesn't leave my skin feeling bogged down and ugly as it's unique two way formula loosens the grip, then speedens the removal of make up. And the liquid facial wash comes in three skin type combinations, so those for sensitive and mild skin types, theres one for you too. My mum swears by Clinique and I have to say I am with her on that one, a brand usually overlooked by younger customers as its packaging is less glamerous than brands such as Benefit, Clarins and Lancome. But honestly its care for skin rather than glamour is what makes it brilliant.




I've been using the face wash and make-up remover everyday for around 5 weeks now, and honestly at first I couldn't tell the difference. But after a weekend break at my Gandmothers, forgetting the face wash and remover and having a breakout of spots. Well you now see why I rate them so highly. My skin can be at times disasterous, it goes from constantly feeling greasy to moments of nasty dryness. And I feel like I can
never win, especially with the make-up I can be using. Caring for your skin is vital, especially during the last few months Londons had of horrid, bitter weather. The facial wash and remover left my face feeling simply clean, fresh and comfortable.

The next clinique product I therefore rave about is their
  "moisture surge extended thirst relief gel-creme"
Which I cake on my face usually after the wash and remover to preserve the feeling of cleanness. It's beautifully fragrance free meaning no evil chemicals are being exposed to your skin and is wonderfully hydrating. Under make-up, over make-up, before bed, when you wake up, there is never a wrong time for moisture surge to be used. And it's gel like texture soaks right up leaving behind a soft complexion no greasy remnants. I love this creme. (Could only find my freebie tube to photo, the creme comes in a simple twist pot otherwise)




Top of my list for skin survival. Give it a go. And if you have any other skin care products you think may beat these three please let me know!

Love a clean faced Becky x

Monday 25 March 2013

Sweet Trees by Rivera

I stumbled upon Sweet Trees by Rivera and thought i'd share it with you. The site sells what the title says, trees made of sweets.

Some of my favourites:

buy (here)

Buy (here)

buy (here)

The last option would be a great alternative for a typical easter egg and the rest could be given as presents or used for decoration/snacks at events.


Saturday 23 March 2013

Fashion fix #1

Got a bit of an odd mix for your fix this week, enjoy!

PHILIP TREACY designs new line of hats for children...

DAISY LOWE fronting the latest WWF (World Wildlife Funds) Earth Hour- TONIGHT 8.30PM!
Photographed by Rankin. (loveeee)

"Daisy said: "If we enjoy our planet then I believe we need to take care of it. 

"I hope that people across the UK and the world will take a moment this Earth Hour to appreciate both the beauty and the fragility of the natural world that we reply on so much." "

HENRY HOLLAND created the World's longest dress to launch the new store opening in Leeds



OSCAR DE LA RENTA cuties at the first ever Kids London Fashion Week! How adorable are they?!


KARL LAGERFELD 's recent collaboration with shoewear designer Melissa had to include the beautiful Cara Delevingne... Obviously.


DAVID BOWIE exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum is now open! I will write a review on this soon, planning on visiting ASAP so keep tuned!


Thanks, Emily X

Thursday 21 March 2013

Spring Candles

Spring is fresh. Why does mother nature seem to think that spring is snow?! Who knows... but to get in the spring mood i've picked out a selection of my favourite spring candles.

Lily Flame party time candle:
 Perfect girlie candle. Pink packaging and the smell. Lily flame says: "A beautiful sensual candle with top notes of Indian rose and Belle de Nuit blossoms, the heart consists of orange, white tree and apricot notes. While the base, sensual and soft, brings waves of vanilla, amber and musk notes." If you've smelt Taylor Swift's Wonderstruck perfume, this is the candle equivalent. It's love. Buy for £8.50 (here)

Lemon Lavender Yankee candle:
Fresh. It reminds me of summer breezes. Imagine a lavender field and a citrus garden having a baby and that is the smell. Absolutely divine. Buy (here)








Monday 18 March 2013

Laura Geller Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner


I've always been a liquid liner kinda girl. Gel liner's have always looked too fiddly and dry so i've avoided purchasing them in the past. When my Birchbox arrived i noticed a gel liner in it and decided to give it a whirl and was pleasantly surprised.

My biggest problem with liquid eyeliner is that it jumps so you're left with blank patches. This gel liner glided on with ease, very quickly, and didn't jump at all. It lasts for about 6 hours without fading and needing a touch up. It smudges quite easily so it's easy to create a smokey eye effect. The colour is solid and needs about 2-3 minutes to set fully.

It retails for £24.50 and comes in a duo pack, i haven't tried the purple liner but if it's anything like the black liner it'll be great. Buy (here)


Saturday 16 March 2013

Your weekly fashion fix from BEMSA

Right, I don't know whether many of you, our followers, are interested in the fashion, food, beauty or lifestyle aspects of our blog..  But no one minds having a few interesting fashion facts to hand in an awkward moment, do they?
Plus if you hate the news like me, getting a fashion fix regularly helps to keep me in the know about at least SOMETHING going on in the world... My English teacher once told me to go live in a cave because I had no interest in politics and all that... So if you are like me and a fashion fix is all you can handle from the news then follow us and keep up to date as Saturday's will be my weekly fashion fix posts where I will condense the week's fashion happenings into easy- to- read articles! 
Hope you follow and enjoy! 
Emily X

Wednesday 13 March 2013

How to make a normal bath fabulous

It is understandable that everybody has their own set routine when it comes to putting an hour aside every so often for a little bit of luxury. In this case, the luxury is bathtime.
I don't have baths reguarly but when I do I use bath bombs, esscences, bubbles and anything else worth putting in a hot tub of water, galore. 
The list of products I have tried are endless, and fair enough if your own peronal bath routine is too good to even pass up, but just this once i'd very much appreciate your co-operation because i've put together a few bits, which I certainly reccomend as a few of the best to buy from highstreet stores; to use during bathtime to make your hour alone that little bit more special.
Product number 1, The Little Bubble Co, Strawberry Sundae buy (here)
Honestly, the choice of Bubble Baths on the market is insane. I usually opt for one by Soap and Glory. But the sweetness of The Little Bubble Co's Strawberry Sundae, and it's ability to create a room (yes room) full of bubbles in minutes pushed it.. into the bath for my choice. It's pink, sorry boys and foamy, what more could you ask. A bit too sugary to represent that of a real strawberry, but nethertheless just as delicious. 


Product number 2, Sanctaury Spa, Hot Sugar Scrub buy (here)
I bought this product for my mum at Christmas, thinking "yeah right, like it's hot, I bet it's just the bath temperature fooling everyone.. but mum likes the Sanctuary and its on 3 for 2 so.." And i was surprised. Never before have I been so cynical and never before was I proved so badly, wrong. It actually heats up, and for people who are easily entertained like myself it amused greatly. Not only that but the sugar in it exfoliated my skin like no other product before, mixed with the heat between my palm and leg (as demonstarted) the feeling was heavenly. I felt it opened my pores and deeply cleansed. It's a mixture of detoxifying kaolin clay and fine organic sugar to draw out any nastyness and buff your skin as though youre having a mani-pedi on your body. And the mixture of the thermaly-ness and sugary-ness left my skin lovely and soft. 
Product number 3, Umberto Giannini, Moisture Replenishing Hair Mask
So everyone enjoys experimenting with various hair products, shampoos and conditioners fill up my bathroom cupboards. But is a bit of conditioner really enough? I don't spend enough time reading reviews so these products are solely based on my own opinion, meaning i'm not overly knowledgeable. But i've tried a herbal essence hair mask before and enjoyed it as the smell was gorgeous. But when it came to my hair there didn't seem to be much difference. However after loving other Umberto Giannini hair products, (such as their Backcomb in a bottle- omg TRY) I picked up their Moisture Replenishing Hair Mask, plopped a dollop on, left it on for the duration of the bath- after shampooing and condiitioning of course, and the results were surprising. My hair was fragile but afterwards it was silky smooth, and glamorous. The smell lasted a good 24hours plus and as the mask contains florentine orris milk and shea butters which smelt too good to be true, it was almost like lemon and rose turkish delight. Tasty. 


Product number 4, Lush, Ro's Argan Body Conditioner
My final and most favourite product was the Lush Body Conditioner. To sum it up in a nutshell it's basically a body, hair conditioner with the after affects of a body butter/moisturiser/cream which you put on after exfoliating, and yes, you put it on in the bath.
After exfoliating my skin needed moisture. You rub the conditioner on all over, be generous. And when you wash it off (just with hands and water) the conditioner has already sunk in and left your body feeling delicately smooth and replenished. The almond oils mean water runs straight off, so there is no need of heavy drying with a towel, just lightley dab away any water. Leaving your skin smelling of cocoa and brazil nut. I adore this product and will be buying it again that is for sure. 


Hope you try these all out seriously, love Becky! X