Fine Feathers Make Fine Birds

Every girl loves to get her hair did, don't they? Whether it's a glossy bouncy blow dry, sleek slick back or a fun up doo. I started admiring Duck&Dry last summer when their salon caught my eye when I walked past it on Chelsea's famous King's Road. 

With it's beautiful pale mint sign and rich looking decor, when I had a look inside it definitely didn't disappoint, it's luxurious while being tranquil but still the height of fashion.

I was lucky enough to have the chance to be invited to review their famous salon, I obviously jumped at the chance. 

 It's a really popular salon with the likes of Made in Chelsea's      Binky, Rosie and even Millie Mack being fan's of the luxurious yet easy service.

When you arrive expect to be greeted by a smiling face on reception and shown to the bar while you wait where you can chose from a range of tea's, coffee's and even a Prosecco if your feeling naughty. I was given what looked like a posh restaurant menu leather style book and inside was all the choices of hair I could chose to have, they will adapt them to your wants and needs girls so don't worry, plus at £25 - £35 pounds for a great hair experience I think that so reasonable for London prices.

I decided again a blow dry as I was heading out that evening and wanted something a little different, so after discussing it with the lovely stylist we decided on the Brazen Braid... which is very in at the moment with the likes of Mary Kate Olsen, Suki Waterhouse and even Kourtney K opting for the cute plaited up do!

Before

After

It literally took about 10 minutes and I loved every second. I would recommend it if you fancy a chilled hair experience on your own or having a girls afternoon/evening out with drinks. The atmosphere is lovely and you really feel like your being pampered by the best.

I love everything about this salon they even do an amazing skin care range called Aurelia which smells and feels beautiful on the skin, as well as offering Hen doo's packages, pamper parties and they even provide a pop up makeup artist from time to time, aren;t you just dying to try them out?

 I can't wait to go back again!

Thank you to Duck&Dry for having me, I'll look forward to my next invite.

Check out their website for more info here:

http://www.duckanddry.com

I'll keep you posted :)

justjessica

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Just Jessica's Dupes: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Primers are fast becoming every girls god send for the look of perfect skin... it's not a secret these days, that if you want a great looking complexion, a primer will most likely get you most of the way. They leave a fine layer on your skin and smooth out the appearance of fine lines and bumps, making the application of foundation a dream - who doesn't want that?

When I'm working on set or on a shoot I find it's a must to use a primer as well as bridal work, after all, every bride wants to look their best on their wedding day!

My go to primer has been Smashbox Photo Finish for the last few months and I ust can't get enough, it leaves my skin feeling silky smooth and is so light.

At £25 pounds a tube, Photo Finish is a little pricey if your not going to get the use out of the product, so I have been having a little test out to see I could find any high street products that do the same job - I was lucky and found the L'Oreal Infallible Primer available at Boot's for £7.99, and thought I would give it a go for a week to see what I thought...

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer - £25.00

L'Oreal Infallible Primer - £7.99

The overall verdict is that the L'Oreal primer is great, it really does do the job, it would be great for day to day or the odd night out as it really does help smooth out the skin, however if you've got a big event to go to that you just need to look your best I would go for the Smashbox as it has a lot longer staying powder and the effect is more intense proving that sometimes money does buy you a better quality product, I shall continue to use the L'Oreal primer day to day and save the Smashbox for shoots, events and beautiful brides big days! 

Primers are a great help if you want that gorgeous soft skin look girls, if you don't already try one out!

I'll keep you posted :)

justjessica

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Zara Reversible Metallic Shopper

 Every year, about this time Zara bring out their signature very affordable Zara Basic Collection huge shopper bag, and every year I look forward to what updated colour and design will come out. Last year I bought an electric blue version that looked amazing for spring/summer to wear as a statement with monochrome outfits. The size was so handy and I love that these bags come with a removable pouch inside, the perfect bag for when you need to carry loads on a day you want a cute bag too! 

This year I have been keeping my eyes peeled for the new colours and I couldn't find any on the website last month, but when I was in London a few weeks back I spotted them just casually hanging in a Zara in Oxford Street. I was instantly excited, Rose gold... amazing!! 

I investigated the new addictions to the yearly classic, I noticed it was it was more curved which I loved and have a cute tie up detail on the top, as I was at the counter waiting to pay I was even more excited when I realised it was also reversible! The beige/gold metallic on the inside is just a pretty and I can definitely see this being my Spring/Summer go to bag. It's the perfect size for beach trips and last year in Morocco my blue one made the best plane/pool bag!

 Zara Reversible Metallic Shopper - £29.99

Perfect for Spring/Summer right? I have been using it non stop since I bought it, I just love the rose gold colour it adds a touch of glamour to a drab outfit.

You can also buy it in a Silver/Orange, just in case golds aren't for you.

I'm SO excited for summer now, I'm already looking at cute sandals, two pieces and sunnies!

I'll keep you posted :)

justjessica

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DIY: Pro Lipstick Pallet

I've been on a few jobs recently that have required me to have a set bag, for those of you that are unsure what that is it's a bag in which you put all your essentials in while on set, for example Hairspray, comb, powder, brushes, lipsticks ECT. That way you don't have to drag around suitcases of stuff and it's easy just to have it on your shoulder for checks and touch ups between scenes or shots.

I was finding myself digging through lots of different lipsticks trying to find the right colour which is a bit of pain when everyone is starring at you waiting to shoot again, so I had a little idea... compact all the lipstick shades I love into a pallet so when I'm on set I can just grab for the pallet knowing that what I'm after will definitely be there.

Don't worry you don't have to be a makeup artist to find this handy, it's also great for holidays and travelling! It's small enough to fit in a reasonable size make up bag and if you can't make up your mind you have 12 different colours ready for your decision making, plus its sleek and compact so is great just to chuck in your handbag with out having to dig around the bottom for that one lipstick.

Another upside to creating your own is being able to choose the shades you want, you can pick your fav 12 and know they are always with you. Every girls dream right?

I brought the pallet from MUJI costing just £1.50

It's actually supposed to be a pill case, you can buy it here...

http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?Sec=18&Sub=78&PID=2310

Then I went into look for some reasonable priced but good quality lipsticks, my best friend and I were literally hunting in Superdrug for half an hour for the brand and shade and I finally settled on Makeup Revolution. Their lipsticks are each just £1, which is a bargain as the quality is so good!

You can also buy them online here...

http://www.makeuprevolutionstore.com/index.php/lips/lipstick.html

The shades I chose are from left to right:

Nude

The One

Bliss

Devinne

Luscious

Depraved

Sweetheart

Chic

Twist

Lady

Magnificent 

Make me tonight

£12 for 12 lipsticks 

I picked all of these are they are very varied in shade and some are shine and others are matte, so I have lots of chose.

Even though making the pallet was very easy and pretty self explanatory, I have given you a little step by step in pictures if you get stuck.

You will need a knife to remove the lipsticks and cut and spread them into each section. 

Easy right? I love having my very own customised pallet, I may even make another with more shade and textures! For only £13.50 you really can't go wrong! 

Enjoy getting creative guys!

I'll keep you posted :)

justjessica

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February Favourites

It's that time of the month again... Favourites time! And of course I have a few to share with you, I'm always finding new things I love and swear by! 

I've been really busy in London this week so I didn't quite managed the end of Feb, but I thought the 1st of March is perfectly acceptable right? So I'll get straight to it...

Fashion

Statement Monochrome

Shaggy Knit - Very £29.00

When I saw this on the website I almost didn't buy it, I was worried that the quality wouldn't be that great, but because I loved the style so much I went for it, and I'm So pleased I did, it's the perfect statement for a edgy fashionable look, I have been wearing it so much and it's so so warm, perfect for this miserable, unpredictable weather at the moment!!

Zara Heels

Black - £49.99

Blue - £39.99

Yes, it's shoe porn at it's finest! I love them both equally, and for very different reasons, the black are so couture and chic while the electric blue are so fun. They are surprisingly comfy swell, Zara for me is always a winner, they just keep coming up with the goods!

Leather Trousers 

Topshop - £19.99

I've always been quite wary of leather or fake leather trousers as I didn't think they would be very comfortable and likely to split as soon as I bent down or danced or whatever, but I have found the perfect pair, they don't fall down, they are skinny around the ankles, they aren't to shiny, they actually look like leather plus they are such a bargain! I haven't taken these off, one of my fav purchases of the month!

Gold jewels

Rings - Primark - £1.50

You can't really go wrong with these rings, I'm always losing midi's or they turn a funny colour but at £1.50 a pop who cares, I used to pay £10 in Topshop, not anymore. The designs are so cute and pretty and have lasted really well all through the month! Go grab yourself a bargain!

Beauty 

Mascara 

Benefit - Roller Lash - £19.50

I never thought I would say this after using YSL Shocking for so long but I have found even better, this is amazing. I curls, lengthens, thickens and holds perfectly, I was lucky enough to grab two mini's with this months ELLE magazine but I am without doubt going to be purchasing the full size as soon as these run out! Oh and also it doesn't smudge...Perfecto!

Lush Lips

Charlotte Tilbury - £24.00

Oh Sexy Sienna... my first product of Charlotte Tilbury, and it definitely will not be my last, this lipstick is matte, but it doesn't dry out my lips like most and is the most gorgeous nude/peach colour with is stunning for everyday. I have only had this lippy for a week but I'm already in love with it! If all her products are this great quality I can't wait to try more!

Bronze Shadow 

Maxfactor - £7.99

This is another great dupe for MAC's Bronze eyeshadow, I love using these shades on my eyes, it makes them pop and is very easy to wear. The moose/gel formula is very light and doesn't crease. The shimmer in this product is so pretty, they have 5 other colours that's I can't wait to also try out!

Lush Body Conditioner

Ro's Argan - £16.50

You know I couldn't possibly do a favourites without a LUSH feature, if you want soft, silky gorgeous smelling skin this little beauty is for you. I know it's a little pricey but it a very big tub and it's full of organic goodness for your skin! I'm addicted.

Food

Bill is my love...

My Restaurant of the month, year or decade is Bill's, this month I've dined in Eastbourne, Lewis and Several London branches and they all just taste delicious. I've been being good and changing it up a bit and ordering different meals from the menu. If you haven't gone yet, please do... you will also fall in love, I don't know anyone that hasn't.

Check out the Menu here:

http://bills-website.co.uk

Pineapple

Yum, this months fruit of choice has definitely been pineapple! I've been buying one and chopping it into chunks and leaving it in the fridge, it's just soooo tasty! Eating it makes me SO excited for summer... not long now!

Books

Bloggers Books

WH Smith - £12.99 now £6.49

WH Smith - £14.99 now £7.50

Of course being a blogger myself I was very intrigued to read these. They are both pretty similar but cover different point! If you interested in fashion, beauty and hair these are perfect little coffee table books. They look very pretty on my bedside table and I've read them both already and I'll probably read them again! I think it's SO amazing how far they have both come with a little luck, lots of self believe and even more hard work, I'd LOVE to write my own one day, always a dreamer me, but why the hell not!

That's it guys, I hope you enjoyed and got lots of payday inspo! 

I'll keep you posted :)

justjessica

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