GIRLS' NIGHT IN
I bloody love a girls night in, particularly if it’s at my house. I mean come on, who doesn’t love an event where you don’t have to go anywhere!?! Put on your PJ’s, pop open the Prosecco, turn on a film that you won’t end up watching due to all the catching up you have to do, cook a Camembert (essential), and get ready for a much needed girls night in. I like to make sure all my friends get a well deserved, head to toe pamper session when they are round mine. Here’s how.
SET THE SCENE
We all have hectic lives. So creating a relaxing atmosphere is a must. This is easily doable with candles. 30 mins before they arrive, light a couple in the room you’re going to be spending the most time in. I love Neom’s scent to de-stess candle. It combines 24 essential oils including lavender, rosewood and jasmine. All known to help you unwind. Jo Malone’s Lavender and Lovage is another favourite of mine. It’s smells incredible and is instantly calming and aromatic.
And No22's Centre piece is the the one that everyone always compliments. It smells like fat peonies and roses with the stems and leaves crushed in. Devine.
KEEP THE DRINKS TOPPED UP
I've already mentioned the 2 magic words, Prosecco and Camembert. But I thought it would be rude not to mention my fave versions.
Firstly, Prosecco. I don't drink normal wine, too many drunk Uni nights drinking luke warm Pinot Grigio has ruined that for me. However, the bubbly stuff, (not champagne, I don't like that either #cheapdate), is my fave. And after much testing, (you're welcome)! I have discovered a gem. Aldi's organic p-sec is the one. It's won awards don't you know! It's also very easy to drink and, because its organic, you don't get a headache the next day. TRUE STORY! It's also only £7.99 a bottle. Bargain.
Cheese is pretty much my favourite food in the World. I'd much prefer a slice of Cremmet smothered in truffle honey over. slice of chocolate cake, any day. Camembert is always a crowd pleaser. I had to share my goof friend, Sophie Beresiner's tear and share recipe as its probably the most photographed cheese in South London. So now you can make your own 'internet-breaking' version.
INGREDIENTS
.Polenta
.Pre-made pizza dough, I buy a gluten free version.
.2 x Boxed Camembert
.Beaten eggs
.Seasame seeds
.Poppy seeds
.Fresh Rosemary
.Garlic
THE HOW TO
1. Line a very big, high-sided baking tray with greaseproof paper and scatter polenta in it.
2. Tear and roll your pizza dough into walnut-sized balls and put aside.
3. Place boxed camembert in the middle of the tray.
4. Dip the dough balls into beaten egg, then dip into the seeds, alternating between the poppy and sesame. Place around the cheese, leaving a little space in-between.
5. Set aside for an hour to prove, everything should join up.
6. Take the camembert out of the box, cut a disc from the top and stab rosemary and garlic slices randomly into the cheese.
7. Remove the box from the dough ball tray, and put the cheese back in its place.
8. Drizzle with olive oil and bake at 180c/350F/gas mark 4 for 25 minutes.
9. Tear and share. Although the share part is optional ;)
FACE
I’m sure we all do some sort of daily skincare routine, but this is the perfect opportunity to give your skin some TLC. I always tell my girls to come with no make up on, although there’s always a couple who can’t face the 285 bus without a bit of mascara, so start with a good cleanse. This is a ‘take it in turn’ to cleanse at the sink scenario, but it’s a must. As is double cleansing. The first cleanse removes the dirt on top of your skin, the second cleanse removes the dirt from your pores. I adore Elemis’s Pro collagen cleanser and Super Facilist skin renew cleansing oil. I tend to use the Elemis first, and the SF second. You don’t have to mix and match but it works for me.
Next up comes the old classic, the face mask. An absolute must at every girls night in, as is the selfie of you all with it on. I’m obsessed with face masks and could list 20 favourites. But for now, here are 3 of my favourites
Seoulista Super Hydration Instant facial sheet mask
This is one of my all time favourite masks. It is SO hydrating and has 25ml of serum in it! That is a huge amount so make sure you use any excess on your neck and chest.
Gel mask-Fresh Rose deep hydration face mask
This smells amazing (priorities)!! It also calms, soothes and restores your skin.
Clay mask-Loreal Pure clay detox mask
Made of 3 pure clays combined with charcoal to draw out impurities. This mask is a great one for a deep cleanse.
HAIR
Now I’m not suggesting for a second that you take it in turns to jump in the shower and wash your hair. That would be pretty extra! However, there are loads of hair masks that you can use on dry hair and wash off in the morning. The added bonus is that this continues the pampering to the next day.
Morrocan oil. I have been using this for years. Usually I apply a small amount before styling. However, it’s also brilliant to leave on overnight. Apply double what you normally would, focusing on the ends, and see how shiny and soft your hair is the next day once washed.
Living proof Restore mask. This is an intense treatment that works wonders. Perfect for anyone who colours their hair. I use this weekly to help repair any damage.
FEET
Not the most glamorous of body parts, but these babies work hard for us, so it’s important to look after them.
Masks aren’t just for your face, there are brilliant feet versions out there which seriously work wonders. You put them on like a pair of socks and leave them for 20 minutes. When removed, your feet will look and feel pampered. The Seoulista Rosy toes instant pedicure is my favourite. It’s super nourishing and mess free.
Follow your foot mask with a Foot lotion The hydrating intensive foot lotion by award winning foot doctor, Margaret Dabbs is a must. It’s silky and light, it prevents hard skin and recreates the walking on air experience that you get from having pedicure. What’s not to love?
Chipped toe nails are not a vibe. Especially when you’ve just paid all that attention to your feet. Ask everyone to bring a nail varnish with them, pick a colour and paint away. My choice at the moment would be OPI’s Orange you a rock star as I love bright colours on my toes.
You are all now well and truly pampered. A night like this is good for the soul. Try and fit it in every 3 months. Who’s coming to my next one?!
Love & Lipstick,
Lisa xx