Primed and ready: perfection in just 5 seconds.

Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur
Smoothing Perfecting Primer
£12.99 RRP

My skin is without a doubt starting to suffer from all this lack of sleep and ageing. Yes, a good moisturiser with SPF, exercise, plenty of water and a healthy diet is probably the answer. But when I heard of Garnier's 5 second perfecting primer, I thought this sounded like an easier option - I'll get to the exercise later.

I found this product to be a fantastic base that covers flaws and fills in fine lines and pores. It's optical light reflecting technology works a treat, diffusing light in all directions and therefore reducing signs of any imperfections.

I felt this product was good in a hurry when there was no time to apply a full face of make up. Just apply to moisturised skin and then add a bit of blusher and mascara for a quick fresh look. It's scent is gorgeous, like a sweet floral musk that isn't overpowering. Its texture is a little lumpy when squirted out the tube but it applies so quickly and smoothly it feels as if it evaporates as soon as it touches your face.

Downside for me was the matte finish. Although it left my skin feeling gorgeously velvet and smooth, I actually prefer my skin when it has a dewy, healthy glow and a bit of shine. I also found that my foundation did not stay on for long when applied over the primer. I use Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour foundation to avoid this very problem!

How to apply: Takes just five seconds, apply after your daily moisturiser in the morning.

Verdict: 7/10
Perfect for filling in pores, fine lines and covering imperfections. A fabulous product for thirty somethings on the go. Recommended for those who prefer a matte finish. Points off for not holding my make up in place for long.

(Image source www.boots.com)

Spa Review: Ocean Rooms, Glasgow Hilton

Where:
Ocean Rooms Spa, Hilton Hotel
William Street, Glasgow
www.theocreanroomsglasgow.com

Treatments we had:
Ocean Bliss Massage
30 minute facial

Facilities: Pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. Hair and beauty salon. Bar. Parking.

Cost: Special offer via itison.com - £35 pp for massage, facial and two hours use of spa facilities. Hire of robes and slippers extra. Champagne £7.50 by glass.

My visit to the Oceans Room Spa in Glasgow with my fabulous friend Nicola was a great little treat after having my baby boy five months ago. This was also a birthday present Nicola got me for my 30th birthday last year (a brilliant 30th gift idea!).

My masseuse made sure she worked according to my needs. The back massage was the perfect pressure, rolling out those knots using a soothing rolling technique that felt wonderful.

The facial was bliss too. It was really gentil, even the exfoliation part was applied very smoothly. My skin felt amazing after. It was visibly glowing and looked hydrated and healthy.

We had a shared room for our treatments, this is a good idea for friends or couples. We both quietly enjoyed our treatments listening to the relaxing 'pling plong' music. Or at least tried too, the only down side was the noisy reception area outside our door.

Before our treatments, we had a good catch up whilst we shrivelled away in the jacuzzi and swimming pool. We didn't make it to the steam room or sauna, the time flew in.

We finished off our afternoon relaxing in the hotel bar with a glass of champagne. The trendy bar, complete with modern but cosy lit fireplace, is very laid back and comfortable. Baby friendly too with baby changing facilities and a good spot for Breastfeeding. (My poshest breastfeed yet!).

Verdict: 7/10 - points off for an error with our booking and for noise outside treatment room but all in all, excellent value for money. This is a good city spa to visit for some quick R&R with your girlfriends.

(For Breastfeeders, I gave baby to my husband for three and a half hours and sent him off to Mothercare and John Lewis! I fed baby in the bar before and after and this worked out fine. Hubby had a bottle and carton of formula milk just in case.)

Eye cream for the truly knackered

Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Eye Contour Cream
20ml
£39
Buy here

They say that 30 is the new 20. True, but at the same time, with a four month old baby and sleepless nights, I can't ignore the wrinkles and bags that have developed around my eyes.  I definitely never had these at 20.

Clarins Advanced Extra Firming Eye Contour Cream came recommended to me by a Clarins beauty consultant in preparation for motherhood. The product claims to 'lift, firm and tone' those wrinkles around eyes and 'reduce signs of fatigue'. I've found that this product noticeably does what it says on the tin. Even after just three hours of sleep (on a good night!), my eyes are not saggy or puffy and wrinkles are tighter and firmer. I find my eye contours look hydrated in the morning. Its lightweight texture doesn't drag the skin or leave my eyes feeling heavy. It took a bit of time before I started to notice any difference but all it needs is a little patience. It's expensive, but just a small amount is needed every night before bed so it lasts for a long time.

Just dab some on gently around eye contours, the 'dabbing' action also helps reduce bags under the eyes.

Remember to be realistic though - it won't take your wrinkles away but for me it really helps lessen my tired look. I team this product with drinking plenty of water throughout the day and a good night cream for a refreshed look in the morning.