NIA 24 Sun Damage Protection SPF 30

I have a shocking confession to make. I don't wear sunscreen very often. The single most effective anti-aging product you can buy, and I just can't be bothered. Every single bottle I've tried, be it light or heavy, cheap or pricey, they all irritate my skin, burn my eyes, break me out or basically just get on my nerves. I'll deal with it when I have to, when I'm hiking or at the beach, but usually I just put on an enormous hat, and devil take the hindmost.

This is a supremely stupid attitude, and I've finally paid the price. Last summer I was in a Target dressing room, which may possibly have the most shockingly depressing and unflattering lighting known to man, trying on a sundress. It was too small, and got stuck on my head for ages. But that's not the point of the story - the point is that I noticed a dark smudge of dirt on my upper lip which I tried to nonchalantly rub off, only to find that it was a patch of darker pigment, just in the perfect spot to give the impression, in certain lights, of a somewhat dashing moustache.

So that was that. I (finally) got the dress off my head, and began the search for an SPF that I could stand. And now, just in time for summer and long days of sunshine, I think I've finally found it...

NIA 24 is a new, highly regarded skincare line that's based around Niacin, also known as Vitamin B3, which has proved extremely effective in healing and repairing damaged cells while renewing and strengthening skin. Hyperpigmentation and sun damage is faded and brightened, while skin feels plumper, younger and less fragile.

I've been using their Sun Damage Protection SPF 30 daily for the last month, and it's really quite something - not just light and weightless on skin, but I think it's actually improving the tone and texture of my skin. No breakouts, no greasiness, no unpleasant feeling of it sitting on top of my skin. Just glowing skin, and nary a moustache in sight. And no eye irritation. Everything irritates my eyes. WATER irritates my eyes. The fact that this doesn't is incredible, and enough to keep me in cases of it for life.

The first two days I used this, I was a bit disappointed by the fact that is seemed to leave my skin drier and dehydrated feeling - upon further research, this is apparently completely normal as the skin repairs itself and rebalances - the dryness was completely gone by day three. So give it a chance and don't judge right away. While the formula feels rich, it sinks in well after a few minutes, with no greasiness or residuge, though I find I still need a light moisturizer underneath for my dry skin. I'm currently using the mineral SPF, though there's also a broad-spectrum chemical version, which I intend to try next - a great range of choice for those sensitive to certain SPF ingredients. There's an extremely light, almost imperceptible fragrance, but it's perfectly pleasant. I think it smells of pineapple and fresh bread, but don't let that put you off - I may just be strange.

What I really, really love about this cream is that the high amounts of active Pro-Niacin in the formula mean that skin is not only protected from sun damage, but that previous damage is being reversed - it's not just protecting skin, it's actually improving it. Yet another incentive to be judicous about applying it consistently.

At $45 it's on the high end of daily sunscreens, but it's a very generous sized tube - it will easily last an entire summer - so I think its price is fair, and I'll be repurchasing consistently. I'm looking forward to trying out several of the other products in the line as well, so look for reviews of their serums and moisturizers to come.

I can hardly wait to try this out in summer, during long, blistering hikes and langurous hours in hot, poolside sun, feeling virtuous as I extol the neccessity of broad spectrum protection without feeling like a hypocrite. I hope to have nothing more than a faint smattering of charming freckles across the bridge of my nose - nothing more permanent than that.

Are you good about applying sunscreen? Do you have any sun damage or hyperpigmentation? Have you found the perfect formula yet, or are you still looking? Spring is here, so you better have a good one at the ready! I highly recommend this one - I expect 20 years from now that I'll be thankful I started using it when I did....

(Product was kindly provided by Dermstore for review)

Gorgeous Getaway - ACE Hotel, Palm Springs

We're staying in the desert for this week's Gorgeous Getaway, with a trip to the wonderful ACE Hotel in Palm Springs.

Just a few minutes walk from downtown, set against the backdrop of the barren San Jacinto mountains and the big, brilliantly blue desert sky, the ACE Hotel is the desert motel of your dreams. A tired old Howard Johnson's was stripped down and re-imagined as a casual and chic getaway - from the breezy, whitewashed rooms hung with canvas drapes, to the sunsoaked terraces, retro pool and bar area, laid-back natural spa and deconstructed, 60's style diner serving delicious locally grown delicacies. The whole feeling is very chilled out, sunwashed and effortlessly cool.

I love the perfect little touches, like the soft, fluffy white beds and louver panelling in the rooms, the outdoor fireplaces scattered around the pool area for cool nights, the fleet of retro bikes for touring the area, and of course the fact that you can bring your dog - one of my top priorities. Reclining on a sun lounger with a good book and tiny bikini is so much nicer with your best friend draped across your feet.

If there's one (tiny) downside to all this cool, clever style, it's that the crowd can sometimes run into the trust-fund hipster vein, so be warned if you have a short fuse when it comes to ironic headwear. One morning at breakfast in the fabulous diner, a twenty-something fellow shuffled in wearing a grotty, artfully disheveled caftan,  morose-looking model in tow. Reclining languidly at his corner table, he perused the stocks page of the Wall Street Journal and sipped coffee in silence across from the bored and hungry-looking girlfriend. Most days, it would have been a struggle for me to keep from throwing a bread roll at the back of his head and shouting "Get a job!" Yet my french toast was so delicious, the coffee so divine, everything bathed in such a bright, clear desert light, that even I looked on the world of slumming hipsters with a more tolerant slant on that glorious weekend....

Have you ever seen a desert sunset? What's your favorite, easy, weekend getaway where you can relax and recharge? Are you allergic to hipsters? Share your thoughts below!

Boscia BB Cream

As pale winter skin transitions into the spring sunshine, I've needed a little bit of help to add some glow to my dull complexion. I don't do foundation, and have yet to find a tinted moisturizer I like - so thank goodness for Boscia BB Cream - it's like a soft-focus, invisible veil for those days when just a few dabs of concealer aren't quite enough.

The color won't be for everyone - there's only one shade, and though it warms up my pale, warm skin nicely, but probably will turn orange on anyone fairer, and won't suit anyone with much darker skin. It's definitely a product that I recommend sampling first - it's unique and won't suit all skins or types - but if you're looking for light, dewy coverage that feels weightless and natural on skin, and the color is a good match, it may be your holy grail. I apply a few dots of it on moisturized skin and blend out with my fingertips - within a few minutes it really settles in and leaves skin looking sunkissed and glowy. Thicker and chalkier than a tinted moisturizer, it's a bit harder to blend at first, but seems to plump and smooth skin - the formula is silicone-heavy, but doesn't feel overly slick and doesn't irritate my sensitive skin. Dark shadows are lessened, redness is neutralized, and skin looks soft and natural. It lasts well throughout the day and leaves a dewy, radiant finish - there is a hint of shimmer, but it's subtle once applied and adds to the luminous finish.

I like this simply because every other similar product tends to feel like it's not doing much good for my skin - covering it up or irritating it - even my skin is claustrophobic. This feels almost weightless - I love that it has mineral-based SPF 27, gentle, natural ingredients, and actually seems to soothe and settle my complexion if anything - I like to keep it in my arsenal for days when skin is looking dull or sallow and needs a little bit of extra help. I also have to say I love the pretty tube with its Japanese wave pattern - it's allowed onto my strictly policed dressing table with other attractively packaged items, not relegated to a dreaded drawer.

You can buy Boscia's BB Cream at Sephora and Dermstore - I recommend popping into your local Sephora and getting a generous sample to take home and test out - you may find it's your summer skin must-have.

Have you tried any of the new slew of BB creams on the market? Do you have a favorite Tinted Moisturizer or light coverage foundation for the warmer months? Tell us about it below!

(product kindly supplied for consideration by Boscia)

Friday Frock - Coachella Edition

Now that we've got our Coachella beauty must-haves sorted out, let's move onto a festival edition of this week's Friday Frock. Except of course it's not really a frock, is it? You'll definitely need a pair of denim shorts underneath that, unless you're about 5 ft and short waisted, so let's call it a tunic. Moniker aside, I think it's perfect - casual and flowy, but the beautifully intricate beadwork adds a bit of glamour as the day turns into night. I always wholeheartedly suggest always wearing shorts/skorts/massive frilly knickers to any outdoor music event you attend, due to my last, rather memorable encounter with the main stage at Coachella.

In brief, it involved the beginning of The Killers' show, where the close proximity to Brandon Flowers and/or a sudden onset of acute anemia and dehydration caused me to suddenly drop like a stone as the curtain raised. I particularly like to hear about how I was hauled over the stage barricades, limp, unconcious and twitching, by my sister's superhuman sibling survival instincts and crowd-parting death stare. I'm sure she was hoping the divine Mr Flowers would notice her in the crowd that night, but seeing her hike up her miniskirt and launch over the metal fencing, polka dot knickers in full HD glory on the jumbotrons, was probably not what she had in mind. I just thank god I was wearing shorts, and wasn't trampled to death by hipsters.

So wear something underneath, okay? And if you have a good concert story, share it and make me feel a little less ridiculous. Or if you're in Indio this weekend, tell us what you're wearing and how it's going. And for goodness sakes drink plenty of water.

Coachella Beauty....

It's Coachella time here in the States, and I love everything about it – perfect weather, beautiful setting, dry, soft grass underfoot and a fun, relaxed area for a weekend away. The music isn't bad either. Sadly, I'm not going this year, so by rights I should be sulking and vindictive, especially with Pulp and Arctic Monkeys on the same day. Be still my Britpop-beating heart... Instead, I'm going to try to be helpful, and share my list of beauty essentials, the music festival edition of what's in my handbag?

It's a long day (or days) under hot sun - so keep makeup simple, with a hint of cool, easy edge, and bring along pint-sized products for minimum fuss and maximum glam. Here's my top ten - all of which will fit very nicely into a tiny, across the body purse or wristlet, so as not to hinder your ace dance moves - just make sure it zips or fastens up – you don’t want things spilling everywhere when you pass out in the front row. Not that I’d know anything about that…

1) Super by Perricone Sun Kissed SPF 25 - start with this light sun protection with a hint of tint, for natural, glowing skin.

2) Caudalie Beauty Elixir - to refresh and invigorate tired skin with rosemary and mint. Heaven on a hot, dusty day.

3) Josie Maran Bear Naked Facial Wipes - gentle and mild for quick touch ups. Also, there's polar bears on the packaging, which will always get points from me.

4) Laura Mercer Kohl in Antique Jade - because black is very rock, but oh so dull - this creamy stick lines eyes with a rich, warm shade that has a hint of green depth and will look so much prettier in the outdoor light.

5) Laura Mercier Caviar Shadow Stick in Khaki -smudge your liner with this fabulous cream shadow/liner - for undone but glam eyes that will look magic in the desert sunset. Follow rock rules when it smudges/fades - just add more over top.

6) Eyeko Skinny Mascara – for long, fluttery lashes that last and last, with none of the dry, prickly feeling of a waterproof mascara. You should probably bring along the included guitar pick - someone's sure to need it, and you just might save the day.

7) Burt's Bees Grapefruit Lip Balm - don't mess with fancy new glosses or balms on a day in the desert - play it safe with what you know works. Refreshing citrus smell and super hydrating formula leaves lips plump and natural, and you can tuck it in your bra when you dance. That's what I do anyway.

8) Klorane Gentle Oat Milk Dry Shampoo - freshen up roots and add some cool texture to your locks in between sets.

9) Tocca Stella Scented SPF 30 Wipes - touch up shoulders, arms and chest throughout the day with these heavenly, blood-orange scented SPF towelettes. Don't forget your feet - gladiator sandal tan is never attractive.

10) NARS Paradise Brush/Bronzer/Highlighter Trio - the perfect festival compact - in a genius padded, zip package, with universally flattering hues for defined, sunkissed cheeks and temples.

Who’s your favorite in the Coachella line-up this year? Do you have a must-have item for long days in the sun? Share your tips below!

Cheap and Cheerful - e.l.f. Nail Polish

You may have gathered from reading so far that I don't like cheap things in general. It's the packaging - it depresses me. But in fairness, I do absolutely adore when I find something that's both a quality product, affordable , and housed in casing that doesn't make me feel ill - something like e.l.f. nail polishes.

Yes, the formula is very thin and runny. You might not like it. I do, because my method of painting nails is to just aim broad, haphazard strokes at my fingertips, and remover all the excess with from my fingers afterwards. I hate formulas that feel thick and gloopy, because I'm sure to end up with a mess. e.l.f's polish is foolproof, dirt cheap, has a nice array of charming colors, and while not exactly natural, is lacking some of the more unpleasant chemical additives of it's drugstore cousins.

Lately I've been wearing lilac - a perfect creamy, pale Amy Pond-esque lavender shade - like a little hint of easter egg to cheer up my nails. I'm eyeing the beautiful pale mint and the shiny, posh grey-nude next - for $2 it's hard to go wrong. I've even managed to stop biting my nails for a bit. Praise indeed.

What's your favorite color for nails this spring?

Friday Frock

You're probably thinking this week's frock is pleasant but boring, aren't you? I did too. Until.......

BAM. I go crazy for anything with back cutouts. They're second only to pockets on my frock rating system. And suddenly everything about this dress is just gorgeous. The buttton sides. The cross-over layers. The pleated details. The intricate jaquard fabric with a bit of heft and weight to it. I'm in love. Doesn't it just shout "evening stroll through a sunbaked Italian hill town"? Sashaying down cobbled streets as the setting sun turns everything golden? Perhaps a pale green cone of pistachio gelato in one hand and a pair of vintage 1950s sunglasses dangling in the other?

Yes, I need this dress. You probably do too. And of course now you're craving gelato, so I'm sorry.

Penhaligon's Bluebell

Since we were on the topic of bluebells anyway...

I've worn Penhaligon's Bluebell since I was seventeen, and I hope the day never comes that I tire of it. I live in fear that it will be discontinued, and don't feel really comfortable unless I have at least two bottles in the house as back ups. I practically bathe in it - on my pillows, in my hair, it's spritzed liberally and extravagantly as I try to capture its ethereal beauty for a little longer. Come to think of it, I probably I reek of bluebells most of the time, and maybe everyone is just too polite to say anything.

I wear it with such abandon because I don't see how would it be possible to reek of something so delicate and fleeting and light. I have trouble breaking down its notes at all, because I know it so very well, and because part of its magic is that through layering it's created almost a very basic soliflore - the simple scent of a spring bluebell. There's tiny blue bell-like blooms - fragrant and a little sharp, like a slightly shyer, more demure hyacinth - then the dew-laden, green stem, icy and crisp, pulled from cold, damp, dark soil with the tiniest hint of earthy spice at the roots. The beauty of it is, none of this smells like a synthetic blend of notes - nothing about it shouts "perfume" - it's just pure, quiet, peaceful English woodland, a beautiful captured moment from a perfect day. Its lasting power isn't terribly strong, but the tiny whisper of scent it does leave behind is exquisite, understated and charming, just like the flower itself.

I know it's not for everyone - people tend to feel quite polarized about its charms - but I'm perfectly happy with that - it's mine, and I don't want everyone splashing it about carelessly anyway- and I'm sure those of us who love it will be quite content to go in living in our bluebell-scented haze forever.

Gorgeous Getaway - The Bluebell Wood, Gloucestershire

With all this talk of spring flowers, how about a getaway that has you sleeping in a bluebell wood in full bloom?

Bluebells are an obsession of mine - I think there's nothing as magical as a beech wood speckled with gentle spring light, and carpeted with the fragrant blue carpet of delicate blooms. So one day, sometime in April, I want to spend a weekend at The Bluebell Wood, where a vintage shepherd's hut has been beautifully renovated and set in a sun-dappled clearing in a Gloucestershire forest, whose floor erupts into a bluebell wonderland every spring.

I'm not usually one for rustic camping and such, but I think it might just be worth it in this case - toasting marshmallows on a smokey campfire at night, while badgers and deer wander peacefully about the bracken, then crawling into comfy, fluffy bed, and waking from a wonderful night's sleep to nothing but the sound of birdsong and the heavenly scent of bluebells. Yes, I think I could just about manage...

The Scent of Spring

Happy April! No, that's not snow falling outside, shh. Ignore it and it may go away. Instead, why not come on over and visit me at She Said Beauty, where I've rounded up five of the prettiest, freshest, greenest scents for spring?

Do you have favorite spring fragrance - is it the smell of a cool rain, green grass, apple blossoms, hyacinths, the damp earth, or the potted flowers on your front step? And have you found a perfume that captures that feeling yet? I'd love to hear about it below.....