Walton Street Cafe Is My Favourite Relaxed Breakfast Lunch Early Dinner Spot In London

This Cafe Is Quiet Luxury Frequented By Stylish People In The Know

Carmen Pascal

2026-04-02T08:26:00.0000000 2026-04-02T09:36:43.5630000

I hope by writing this, my favourite quiet luxury spot doesn’t get overrun with bloggers and influencers interfering with the smooth slow graceful service that combines a relaxed neighbourhood spot with everything simply done superbly.

I write in appreciation and gratitude not promotion or PR. And I certainly didn’t tell them. So if you choose to visit please move into the space and experience it quietly so the equilibrium here doesn’t get displaced or disrupted as so many other fantastic more well known spots have in this influencer age, when people are more interested in taking pictures than paying to enjoy the experience. (Which doesn’t help the business)

We don’t want it to change. When in Rome and all that.

You know the summer is on it’s way when the terrace opens at my favourite and if not my absolute favourite certainly the place I choose more often than not for a quick lunch, or Expresso in the morning either alone or with friends. The Walton Street Cafe.

It is a fast pace street cafe, a thriving community hub with a loyal international clientele, the kind the staff remember and treat like friends sharing local innocuous gossip, asking about upcoming and returning from holidays, children, house moves, the kind of things that make it feel warm and local. And yet the food and service feels like a very expensive boutique hotel where that’s just is what expected and delivered, nothing fake or performative just the kind of excellence that keeps the customers coming back.

They get the simple things right, freshly ground coffee you can smell from the street, freshly squeezed juices every day so sweet you imagine the chef hand picking and smelling every orange and grapefruit before agreeing with his green grocer.

The same goes for the salads and the fish which changes depending on the chef. You hear people saying what’s the fish today, and then pondering and curious, excited to see what comes. I am not a big drinker but my friends assure me whilst not an extensive list, the wine is excellent and the Walton St Cafe has a full bar with exotic tonics and mixers to compliment their spirit list.

Nothing is rushed, but the service is warm and efficient. The staff make you feel valued and important to them a very rare experience these days even in Paris the world’s hospitality and tourism capital.

I must mention the frites. For the lover of excellent pommes frites, these are possibly the best in London. Crispy on the outside, salty, a generous portion, delivered in their own basket. Whatever I order I always have a portion of these, even at breakfast. The perfect accompaniment. Breakfast will cost you around £60 for two. Lunch with dessert around £80 for two. No tipping required as service is included.

The opening hours are Monday - Saturday 9.00am to 10.00pm and Sunday 9.00am to 9.00pm. The patio closes at 6.30pm local regulations so only possible to have early dinner outside. But there’s no better spot to sit and watch the world go by, regard stylish customers come and go, eat delicious food, be looked after by the best staff than the Walton Street Cafe. Heaters and blankets provided.

Merci to everyone who makes this so special day after day for us all to enjoy the simple daily pleasures of life.

MAC Skin finish Lightstruck Liquid Highlighter High Lighter Glow Up Product For Women In their Eighties

Write the name down at this age you’ll never remember it - of course that’s my little joke

Carmen Pascal

2026-03-20T15:12:00.0000000 2026-03-20T16:40:17.3970000

A cross between a primer, a glow serum and a highlighter. This product has proved to be one of the most versatile and couldn’t be without make up items in my make up arsenal. £32.00 well spent if you ask me.

Even in my 8th decade now I love to try a new beauty product. I have a routine and putting on my make up everyday is just something I do. I never miss. I have been admitted to hospital only once in my life and when my surgeon visited me the next day after surgery she was very surprised to see me sitting up in full make up. “Good lord” she said “you look better than me”

It wasn’t true, she was only in her thirties at the time but I appreciated the compliment all the same.

I wear a very good coverage foundation, these days I like Chanel Ultra Le Teint or Ester Lauder Double Wear, old favourites that give me great coverage on older skin. Chanel have also introduced a foundation with skincare in it for more mature skin, I am eager to try. It’s called No. 1 Le Chanel revitalising foundation. I’ll let you know how it goes on.

Now on to the Skin Finish Light struck liquid high lighter. That’s a mouthful of a name but what a product.

The reason I was sold on it in store was two fold. I tried a bit on my hand and it went on beautifully and I’ve seen a highlighter product reflect the light and make my old hand look so much better at the same time.

If you’ve read my previous snoops you’ll know I am a great advocate of using a primer, I’ve tried many over the years and have settled on a Mrs Rodial product in an orange tube after the Instaglam primer was discontinued.

Hate it when make brands do that.

The thing about the Instaglam primer from Mrs Rodial it had a light reflector in it that shone through your foundation.

So when the consultant helping me told me she combined a little of the Mac High lighter with her foundation and applied them together I thought yes, I can see that working. Then she said use it afterwards on the areas you want more glow like the bridge of the nose and across the cheek bones.

I’ve even rubbed a little across my clavicle to give a bit of cover and glow up on truly ancient skin.

These days my make up routine is all for me. I saw a monologue recently with Helen Mirren sharing she’s got better gags than talk show hosts and at 80 she’s still sexy. I couldn’t agree more.

I believe I am funnier than most people on TV too. When I saw a recent picture of the beautiful Michelle Pfieffer at 70 I thought yep, women don’t get less beautiful. Beauty is about confidence and we don’t get truly confident until we learn to truly not give a FUCK.

Try the skin finish light struck liquid. It costs £32 which is not expensive for a beauty product and comes in 10 or 12 lovely shades depending on your skin tone and the shade of foundation you wear. It’s a wonderful product for older skin from a brand I usually think of for younger women. Well done MAC.

I advise you to go into store and try a few on your hand. I picked a pinky nude shade. The white ones were too light for me, some were too brown or too dark. It was a little like the Goldilocks experience. I needed to try 4 or 5 until I found the one that was just right for me.

Delfinos In Mayfair Is My Favourite Scene For Breakfast These Days And It’s Not For the Good Service

Try The Brioche with eggs and pancetta for Italian home comfort eating, think about the old...

Carmen Pascal

2026-02-16T12:39:00.0000000 2026-02-16T16:45:30.9100000

When I saw Sophia Loren in the comedy yesterday today and tomorrow 1963 I was about 17, it’s a very funny movie and remember thinking Sophia Loren was who I would model myself on. She was so alluring yet unavailable it was a lethal combination that has worked well for me too throughout my life and career why I like to return to Delfino to see the image in the bathroom and be reminded.

I’ve read a few reviews about this love it or hate it place. It does have the same unavailable almost stand off ish charm I like. I am French we are like this too.

You don’t go to Delfino for the food, which can be hit and miss, you go for the atmosphere, the somewhat rude service, like Sophia Loren they are consistently rude which makes the restaurant alluring, a little bit sexy.

Last summer 2025 Delfino started serving breakfast and this is a reason to visit. I love the Brioche with scrambled eggs and pancetta, truffle folded eggs on sourdough, caramelised French toast with cream Anglaise, and fluffy pancakes with creamy ricotta combination, Italian comfort food and Delfino Mayfair on Mount Street serves their new quite inspired breakfast menu (Mon through Sat, 7:30am–11am), featuring other highlights too; options which include avocado toast, their take on Shakshuka and fresh pastries. 

If you love savoury try Truffle Folded Eggs on Sourdough, Shakshuka "Their Style," or my favourite Brioche Bun with Egg & Pancetta, The Avocado Toast is good too (with options of salmon/poached eggs).

If you have a sweet tooth Caramelised French Toast with Cream Anglaise & Berries is a great looking plate of food, the pancakes are fluffy with Sweet Italian Ricotta & Berry Coulis. I don’t usually order pancakes unless I’m in the US as they are usually too thick and heavy but these are good.

For the health conscious, on a diet; they’ve got Organic Granola & Greek Yogurt Bowls, and then for those who like breakfast continental, Freshly Baked Croissants & Italian Pastries.

The Handcrafted espresso drinks are good, the fresh juices are expensive, the only thing missing for me is a great smoothie although they do offer a very berry juice, a mix of seasonal berries for £7.00.

For breakfast expect to pay £60 for two including gratuity if you feel so inclined. I tip even though the service is brusk, it ensures I get a table in the summer when the mornings, after 9.00am get very busy.

A side note for anyone who ever went to the Gasworks at 87 Waterford Road, in Fulham in the 1980s Delfinos reminds me a little bit of this. Except for the crazy interior design. If you’ve been yourself you’ll know what I mean. In the day you’d bump into the Rolling Stones and Princess Margaret and don’t be surprised if you spot a celebrity or two being low key in a baseball cap on the next table to you.

Sometimes when things are bad they are good. If you get this then go to Delfinos and see for yourself.

The Best Croissant I’ve tasted outside of France at Gail’s Bakery

Positives super tasty food, negatives no cash and expensive

Carmen Pascal

2026-02-06T14:55:00.0000000 2026-02-26T15:41:27.1700000

I have been surprised by the exceptional croissants at Gail’s Bakery to I will share. I don’t normally go into Gail’s bakery. I always have cash on me and they don’t take it so I end up shopping somewhere else for my bread like Sourdough Sophia or I can recommend Brioche Bloom, delicious food from Chef James Ford except the other day I fancied a croissant and it was the only bakery close by in Queens Park.

It cost me almost £15 for a loaf and 3 croissants, a lot I know but I won’t be buying my croissants anywhere else after tasting a Gail’s croissant. I only hope it is not just the baker At Queens Park as my local Gail’s are in Hampstead and St John’s Wood where I sometimes shop.

First of all they are massive, cooked well until the outside is flakey and crumbly, the inside light and buttery. You think you need jam or Nutella on your croissant, not these, I ate the first one straight out of the bag on the way back home, in the street, no cafe, no jam just as it was and it was, I have to say especially good, better than any croissant I have tried outside France.

The experience in store wasn’t great, as I mention I don’t like you cannot pay cash, urgh, this time I have my phone with me so this is not a problem but the server speaking to me, I could not understand her English, English is my second language too so I am patient but I have to ask three times for her to repeat to me and in the end I had to say I am sorry I don’t understand you.

I don’t know if Gail’s have a loyalty program but I thought maybe she was asking me about membership.

I have since discovered Gail’s do have a loyalty discount program on their app, which I may be signing up for as I will be back for more croissants without a doubt.

I also bought a brown sourdough loaf of bread whilst I was there which was also delicious, and the croissants survived until the next day also, not quite so good as day one but a couple of minutes in the oven (not microwave) and they were so very very delicious.

Get the app and get down to Gail’s for a croissant.

Fortnum and Mason Gives The King Free Delivery On His Shopping I Wonder

When clever marketing backfires for a fabulous brand with a Royal Seal of Approval

Carmen Pascal

2026-01-25T10:45:00.0000000 2026-01-25T11:44:58.6670000

One of the first stores I fell in love with when I arrived in London as a young model was Fortnum and Mason. I was used to good food, I am French so the shop combined French chic with English tradition, the eggshell blue wrapping adopted also by the NYC jeweller Tiffany and Co spelled elegance for me.

I have been a customer for over 40 years. it doesn’t matter where you are in the world Fortums will get one of their famous hampers to you.

I think it’s important our favourite brands get to find out when things don’t go as well as they’d hope when it comes to customer service and relations.

Luxury Brands like Fortum and Mason spend a fortune on their visual merchandising and e commerce set up so when it back fires on the customer, their cost of acquisition skyrockets

As a loyal customer I had a big shop with Fortums over the holidays and when the last box arrived sitting on the top was a red envelope with a gift inside just for me.

I eagerly opened the invitation to enjoy free delivery on my next order in excess of £75. You don’t know that initially, the “gift from Fortnum” is presented in a much more exciting and intriguing way to get you to scan the QR code on the invitation.

I know spend £75 to save £6 isn’t that much of an incentive but I did fancy trying some of the Blackpool Rock they offer at £2.50 a stick and the tins of sweets something that’s new. I’d also spied musical biscuit tins which sounded really fun for Easter, I love a music box or a snow globe and a tin with musical mechanics inside playing “La Traviata” for £30 did inspire me to shop.

Except when I followed the intricate procedure to save my £6, not just a coupon code to fill in at checkout but a email sent to receive a link to shop from, I guess for security to stop a code being shared amongst friends and neighbours, the bloody thing didn’t work.

It said free delivery applied and then charged me for delivery. What a marketing palaver. I spoke to an AI bot first then had to wait for a human, the first one took so long I gave up in the end.

A little later in the day I tried again as I’d taken the trouble to compile the order, went through the same AI bot to reach a human who then took 10 minutes to read the conversation which was one short message before speaking. This time I was ready with the screenshot showing clearly the free shipping applied message and then the shipping charged. Except she didn’t get it, asking for the order number on an order I was unable to place. MERDE et Sacre Bleu.

It didn’t matter. I ended up giving up completely. It was so much time and effort to save £6. I was frustrated. It made me feel like if I cannot pay for the shipping, what am I doing shopping at one of the most luxurious stores in London?

And a reminder for me why I don’t like coupons and discounts. They are not exclusivity, they are the masses.

If the price is the price then we the customer can decide if we want to buy something or not. I appreciate brands have to come up with clever ways to get customers back on their sites shopping (and expensive shopping charges are a factor) but if they don’t work the story even loyal longterm customers who love you are telling are not the ones you hope for.

The feeling of exclusivity in the red envelope, a special privilege turned into someone, me trying too hard to save £6, which at Fortnums is let’s be honest, less than a packet of biscuits.

Interestingly for me I took to images blown away and feeling really valued as a long and loyal customer for sharing with a friend. I never imagined they’d come in handy to accompany this tale. And just to be clear this marketing mishap won’t stop me shopping with Fortnum and Mason, they sell too many things I love but I will be less eager to jump down the rabbit hole the next time they try to entice me with an offer or shopping incentive. I don’t love wasting time at my age. It’s more precious than money.

Easter and Easter Egg Guide, Fortnums, Charbonnel and Walker Or Marchesi 1824 And Best Tips To Make The Best Chocolate More Affordable

Once you’ve tried these three specialty Easter Eggs From Fortnums, Charbonnel and Marchesi...

Carmen Pascal

2026-01-08T11:15:00.0000000 2026-03-26T11:02:15.6070000

I walked into my local petrol station this week to be astonished to find starting me in the face a bumper display of Cabury’s mini eggs, Cabury’s creme eggs, Kinder Eggs and Galaxy Eggs and then in the local Marks and Spencer’s where the retailer has shifted from marketing Christmas to marketing Easter in the blink of an eye, the flick of a switch, a whole array of yellow fluffy chicks and hot cross buns.

The bulbs are out, the spring flowers, the tulips, the daffodils, the hyacinths and narcissus, the crocus and snowdrops. And the cycle of healthy foods, lose weight and feel great is a bit of a joke really considering two weeks ago it was all you can eat, pigs in blankets, turkey, stuffing and massive pots of double cream.

I don’t get dragged along with the herd, when it comes to the holidays I enjoy a treat or three but I don’t overindulgence weeks and months before the event so by the time it comes around there’s no celebration to be had.

There are three Easter eggs I love and can easily recommend, for me it’s a challenge which to buy as they are all incredible.

The first is the Charbonnel and Walker Pink and White Marc De Champagne Truffle Easter Egg in white or milk chocolate. You don’t need a three month build up for this beauty, I like to be really good for January, February and March knowing this chocolate extravaganza is on its way at the end of it. As you can see the packaging is absolutely beautiful and worth saving long after the egg and the truffles contained within have been devoured.

The second are the handcrafted eggs from Marchesi the Italian tea rooms on Mount Street in Mayfair, these are an absolute work of art. They are the most expensive of my choices; you won’t get much change out of £100 but whether it’s for you or a gift for someone else these are magnificent eggs delicately made from the finest chocolate and wrapped to resemble something jewelled and precious, reminiscent of a faberge egg. Available to buy online as the holiday approaches but I would recommend taking a trip to the gorgeous one of a kind tea rooms where you’ll experience a shopping experience with Italian style, sophistication and a little whimsy on the side. The patisserie is worth visiting for too to buy your Easter treats.

The third choice but by no means inferior, although less stress to the wallet is the Fortnums Easter Egg. To be fair from a pure chocolate enjoyment this is probably my favourite. They do one with half the shell milk chocolate and half dark chocolate which makes me feel slightly less over indulgent, filled with extra chocolate animal shells to get your teeth into and great for sharing. The quality of the chocolate is truly unbeatable and it’s thick, the kind that snaps cleanly in chunks and takes ages to melt in the mouth. If I remember correctly these are decent value for the size and what you get, under £50.

I love an Easter egg, and I love an Easter Egg made locally too. Fortnums and Charbonnel Easter Eggs are made in UK. I will indulge closer to the time in a creme egg or two, but instead of starting in January when the shops want me to, I put a few quid away each week, my chocolate money and when it comes to dropping a the big bucks on something really special in April I am already with stash.

This snoop does come with a warning, when you’ve travelled up to the highest of chocolate heights there’ll be no coming back down. On the up side though, you’ll have no problems ignoring the lure of the hot cross buns and Cabury’s in cardboard in January, it just won’t appeal anymore.

I’ve included the link to Marchesci and more information about their artisanal chocolate eggs as they are truly spectacular, a work of art and the egg I am choosing to have this year, I will be sharing it of course. Fortnums and Charbonnel et walker, I will be purchasing for my friends and family.

Rodial Online Discount And Email Data Collection Policy Bait and Switch

Nothing more annoying than signing up for a discount that’s not a discount

Carmen Pascal

2025-12-24T10:28:00.0000000 2025-12-24T13:42:43.2670000

I snooped about two Rodial products my daughter recommended for older skin several months ago. The instant filler primer and the glass primer. Since then I have settled on the one I prefer. It really is a magnificent product. The Mrs Rodial instant filler Primer at £35 is on the pricey side for 30ml but it doesn’t the job and at the moment it’s only £15 online which is a significant saving, £18.50 including shipping.

So here’s my Brand Rant; I should have just purchased, got my saving and been delighted. Instead I got caught up in a Mrs Rodial Savings Offer that isn’t an offer. The crazy part is when I went on the Rodial website I was over the moon to see the £35 product on a special deal for £15. Who wouldn’t have been? I would have purchased happily immediately, delighted for the savings. And then I was bombarded with additional discount pop ups online which confused the whole process and by the time I was finished I was so frustrated to have been led through additional steps that didn’t lead anywhere I ended up not buying anything.

Arghhh who doesn’t like an offer and we know brands incentivise us to hand over our emails in exchange for a discount, in this case at Rodial it was an additional 15% off. Only £1.50 in the case of the primer but I was already thinking bigger, deciding to take advantage an pick up a few additional things me and my daughters like, like the snake oil drops and the dragons blood sculpting gel, the serum and hyaluronic velvet cream and spf moisturiser where the savings would have been quite significant.

I was only really in need of a refill for my Rodial Instant Filler, 30ml which is a magnificent product for 40 plus skin. I put it on under my foundation, as a primer, it’s light and doesn’t sit in the pores or clog the skin, and every time I wear it I invariably get a compliment so it’s become a staple in my makeup up bag.

Except the brand put me off purchasing today, not because I won’t buy a replacement in the future I will, but because I jumped through hoops handing over the email, connecting via my mobile, giving over all my details and then being disappointed no discount for me.

I honestly don’t know why brands do it, well I do, they want our data, our details but to renege after the fact just made me feel a bit arghh and stopped me purchasing. It wasn’t about the money it was about the expectation setting. I immediately stopped the text messages, they have my number and email now so it’ll be interesting to see how much marketing I start to receive.

My 1970s Love Affair With Jigsaw Through The 90’s Noughties And Today

When I had no money I wanted everything now I can afford to shop not quite the same story:...

Carmen Pascal

2025-12-08T18:04:00.0000000 2025-12-08T19:25:26.4900000

I first encountered the jigsaw brand in the 1970’s on the Kings Road in Chelsea. I was a young woman juggling working as a temporary anything and trying to break into a modelling career, a Chelsea girl, always with a date always in

in need of a new look and like the men, shopping out of my price range, I was always in there. I remember the merchandising just a few co ordinated pieces on a rail and I remember thinking how exclusive it felt. When other retailers rails were packed with product. I bought in for sure. The pieces looked and felt expensive. Too expensive for me and yet I saved up. I bought one piece. I still have a belt I wear, a brown leather waist belt with a big square croc buckle I spent a fortune at the time on, probably £50. I actually remember standing in the shop purchasing it. I cannot think of another high st brand back then able to deliver that feeling of exclusivity and style, maybe Benetton a little bit or Stefanel I loved too. I used to make special trips to the Jigsaw store on Long Acre in Covent Garden at the weekend, I don’t even know what happened, when it closed exactly or what is there now, but I would go there just to browse and dream of one day being able to afford everything.

Today I am definitely more flush but whenever I pass the window I feel a bit like Jigsaw is a boyfriend I out grew. You know that feeling when you look back and can’t believe you were so gaga. You have no clue really what you ever saw in him, her, they.

Even the Christmas seasonal decorations give me a Marks and Spencer vibe just with much higher price tags.

A few seasons back I did notice a canvas boiler suit in a cream colour I quite liked and remember being absolutely staggered by the price for a lead simple item like this over £200.

It could have been even closer to £300. Whichever I tried it on but didn’t buy it. A couple of years later you can pick up the same item, I’ve seen it more than once online and then in a charity shop in Notting Hill Gate, on a secondhand website for around £10. There are literally loads of them knocking about.

Even Roksander a fabulous brand from Serbia you only used to be able to find in Selfridges and Harrods in the UK the eponymous label of designer Roksander Illinsic launched in 2005 at London Fashion week to critical acclaim has slit their own throat to gain expose like H&M did with so many brands to their detriment and eventual demise British designer Stella McCartney included with a Jigsaw collaboration. I went to the Carnegie Hall Flagship opening almost a decade ago now and by then my two Jigsaw hangouts had closed, I don’t recall exactly when but for me the brand was never the same after that. It went from being a small super stylish boutique feel for the masses but not really in feeling to a here we are bold and big and light and bright and I felt back then it was no longer for me.

I browsed the Jigsaw website before writing this to see if my less than positive opinion of the brand today was unjustified and I felt like I was browsing a mishmash of pieces not a cohesive collection. Much of which looked frumpy and flowery amongst a glut of Christmas Day sparkle or T length church dresses (Princess of Wales esq.) not the minimalistic high quality co ordinated accessories and staples Jigsaw built their brand on.

How many wide leg trousers in strange colours and pussy cat bow blouses does any wardrobe need?

I think like Calvin Klein, Jigsaw have lost sight of who they once were and become Marks and Spencer’s, Phase Eight and Mint Velvet all rolled into one, just with a higher Middle Age woman price tag.

It reminds me of the brand Harpenne launched a few years back by River Island targeted at 40 Plus modern women with means. It got loads of press, then disappeared into obscurity. Jigsaw has a much stronger brand name and more longevity in the market. They started out magnificently and I am sure still have some loyal customers but if they don’t wake up and go back to a more exclusive capsule approach (making less, higher quality and better value for the customer) unless they are expanding into homewares and underwear like Calvin Klein they will fizzle out completely.

In the end I think all women want to fall in love with clothes as part of a story they can immerse themselves in and become part of. That way they wear clothes and accessories for life not just for a season. I wore my belt a few weeks ago teamed with a Guy Laroche coat and Carel Paris shoes. My coat was older, 1960s my shoes newer 2020. My belt somewhere in the middle but all things that I love and tell my style story.

Black Friday Rant Black Friday at Me and Em and The White Company

Who Else thinks Black Friday marketing is a load of hot air??

Carmen Pascal

2025-11-29T12:29:00.0000000 2025-11-29T13:07:28.6300000

Black Friday at Me and Em and The White Company, I spent about two hours online trying to shop and find a deal.

The items I want never ever go on sale.

I don’t buy very much when it comes to consuming new fashion and home wares. I shop once a year. I get what I like. I have to spend a fair amount but the things I buy last me all year. I like what I like and stick with the brands I love but even these brands never really seem to reward my years of loyalty with a discount on the things I love and repeat buy.

I was lucky this year, by persistently unsubscribing to email lists, being militant about never disclosing my email to anyone and very selective about the apps I download and what I subscribe to, this year I was only contacted by two brands, two of my favourites to be fair, The White Company and Me and Em.

The White company sheets I sleep on every night and what would be described as a raving fan and Me and Em the same, I wear a vest or T shirt of theirs most days without fail. Some might say I’m boring, others she just knows what she likes. When In the movie

Something’s Gotta Give (the hilarious Nancy Meyer) Jack Nicholson's character, Harry Sanborn, asks Diane Keaton's character, Erica Barry, "What's with the turtlenecks?" because it was the middle of summer. Erica's iconic response is, "I like them. I've always liked them and I'm just a turtleneck kind of gal". 

I like many women chuckled to myself That’s me, not turtlenecks specifically but you know where I am driving.

So the two companies that emailed me got my attention for a split. I was excited to receive 50% off at the White Company and up to 70% off at Me and Em except the things I wanted to buy, the things I always buy, the things I love, the basics I live in and use and want to replace, rotate, have a new one of aren’t in the sale at all. The things I like are all still full price. Not Black Friday exclusives, Black Friday exclusions.

The sale items all appeared to me to be mistakes, things no one bought or wanted, things the brands wanted to get rid of. Strange colours and designs, not the gorgeous quality staple items like the simple white fitted flat sheets and pillow cases they are known for at the White Company or the M

tanks and long sleeve T shirts in black and white, I like the fabrics that are NEVER included in the sale.

Loads of hype around Black Friday savings but I’d be very interested to hear about if anyone actually shopped and if they did, what they bought and how much they saved.

I’m going to have to bite the bullet and pay RRP for the things I want after browsing the Black Friday offering from a couple of my favourite brands.

I think I’d prefer some kind of discount that can be used on anything at Black Friday, not just the reductions on stuff the brands are struggling to sell.

Not sure that’s going to happen anytime soon though but if marketing teams or even Clare Hornby herself are reading this, what you do dilutes the love I have for you for sure and doesn’t keep me brand loyal. I am on the search now for alternatives.

Scalinis an Italian favourite for over 4 decades

The best spaghetti carbonara in London

Carmen Pascal

2025-09-11T09:25:00.0000000 2025-09-12T09:35:05.5530000

“you’ll find them at Maxine’s, where all the girls dreams” This is my equivalent in London.

There are a few amazing Italian restaurants we used to go to all the time in the 1980’s when the wine bar was a new concept, people enjoyed a bottle of pop (champagne) most nights, money was abundant in London and dining out was all the time not the once a week treat it has become.

A few amazing haunts have survived and still provide the great food and great service they have always been known for but can offer a little nostalgia on the side, and Scalini’s on Walton street is one such place where the spaghetti carbonara tastes exactly the same as it did 35 or 40 years ago.

For me these are the best Italian restaurants in London, the ones that have endured. The ones where the kids of the parents and grandparents have got hooked on the food, the love, the energy and have continued to support. At a time when hospitality has been hit harder than possibly any business it is these loved by many places that have survived but still need support and new customers.

I went to Scalinis recently to enjoy my favourite carbonara and although the food was mouth wateringly good, as usual it was a Thursday lunchtime and I was sad to see what was once a packed to gills eatery where getting a table was often tricky and everyone wanted to be pushed to the front of the line by the maitre D’ so supported regularly, had been reduced to 50% capacity.

We had a great time and the waiters had the same energy, speed and fun, it would just have been better had it been packed.

When we mentioned where was everyone, they told us it still gets very busy in the evening so to make sure you have a reservation.

Other places with old heritage you might want to pop on your radar are Daphne’s down the road from Scalinis open since the 1980’s and Da Mario’s in South Kensington where the atmosphere is always fantastic and the food even better, particularly the pizza.

San Lorenzo in Knightsbridge was another favourite now sadly closed permanently, the building occupied by squatters since June 2024 according to the Independent.

For anyone who got to go it was an absolutely fantastic and memorable experience.

I would be so sad if Scalinis, with it’s iconic white brick interiors, amazing photographs, dark blue chairs and crisper than crisp heavy white table cloths ever ever closed it’s doors, so if you are in the Brompton Cross neighbourhood, not Chelsea, not Knightsbridge, take a stroll up Walton Street and settle into a taste of classic nostalgia in London.

For me Scalinis is as iconic as Brasserie Lipp, Boulevard St Germain in Paris where movie stars have flocked for 4 decades to experience that Je ne said quoi.

Scalinis on Walton St, SW3 is open for lunch and dinner every day except Monday.

Champneys Nail File set of three covers all the bases from natural to artificial acrylic nails

So kill me for shopping at Boots I like a good nail file with me at all times

Carmen Pascal

2025-08-28T08:00:00.0000000 2025-08-28T09:26:54.0800000

I have always had a decent nail file close at hand. Everyone knows anyone can ask me for a pair of tweezers, a magnifying mirror (to see those pesky whiskers when they sprout) and a nail file at any given

moment.

I’ve tried acrylic nails they were not for me so even though I like to keep my natural nails neat and quite short they do break, snag and crack from time to time and I cannot stand it when they are not smoothed around, why I always like a nail file or emery board to hand.

The old fashioned brown small ones don’t last and so many of the big grey ones are way to too course for natural nails, why this professional set that covers fine to medium, medium and medium to coarse has got everyone covered.

I bought these at Boots chemist somewhere I’ll be honest I am not excited about giving my business because of reports over the years of UK tax dodging. Tax avoidance is legal and they do it by debt loading and profit shifting but as someone who has enjoyed the benefits of the NHS health care system in the UK and something I am extremely grateful for I don’t agree with a company like boots that relies heavily on NHS contracts for revenue to harm the public finances in this way. I am French so when we need a revolution I believe the people must stand up for what is right.

Rant over. The nail files are available at Champneys spa resorts and you can find them on other sites online if you want to avoid shopping with Boots altogether.

I was in boots for the one thing I do buy from there, codeine and paracetamol painkillers, I have a dodgy shoulder that can be quite painful and even my daily yoga exercises don’t always manage to keep the pain at bay so I like to have these 500mg pain killers on hand if and when I need them for a good nights sleep.

The nail files I’ve had for about 6 months, the two I have on the go are still going strong and little if any signs of use so far. The course one is great for old thick toenails between pedicures.

Hope that’s not too much information.

Chanel CC Cream complete correction SPF 50 I thought I’d tried everything for pores that clog

This little tinted gem of a cream is perfect for old skin easy and very quick and doesn’t clog

Carmen Pascal

2025-08-26T07:10:00.0000000 2025-08-26T15:12:59.1330000

You clearly can teach an old dog new tricks. This is a little gem of a product especially for older skin. CC cream complete correction spf 50 from Chanel has been added to my must have beauty products.

Who does not want a beauty product foundation that does three jobs in one, a tinted foundation moisturiser with spf 50 that has great coverage for older skin and yet doesn’t clog pores around the nose and chin.

As I have aged this clogging of product in the enlarged pores on my nose especially has become a real problem. And I’ve tried a lot of tinted moisturisers, beauty products and foundations to sort it out.

The CC cream from Chanel at £55 comes in 7 shades, I have the beige No 20, only one lighter B10 and it’s a warm tone perfect in the summer when I have a bit of a tan.

I have quite pale with rose colour in my skin and I’d suggest this tinted moisturising cream is a solution for anyone over 50, I am in my 70’s and although I have taken care of my skin I have a few broken capillaries I like to disguise and wrinkles of course.

This product is very easy to apply and offers really good coverage for older skin except I don’t feel the need to add blush and eye make up if I want a make up free look. It just covers up all the imperfections in one very easy slap in on which I love; no streaks and best of all doesn’t all collect in the pores on my nose and chin.

This is definitely one to hunt down. It’s £55 for 30ml I know, a bit pricey more in fact than I pay for my foundation but the high spf adds value for me and a little does go a long way.

It’s clearly popular as I had to try a few outlets before finding it but also sold out on the Chanel website. Seems to be sold out in all shades in quite a few online outlets so good luck finding one.

Trust me on older skin you’ll love it.

Estée Lauder Resilience Multi Effect Tri Peptide Face and Neck Cream

You win some you lose some at the beauty counter

Carmen Pascal

2025-07-17T07:32:00.0000000 2025-07-17T08:39:06.4500000

The Estée Lauder eyelash primer is the best one I have found over the years. I don’t wear mascara much these days preferring to preserve my lashes more than coat them in mascara which does cause them to fall out. The primer from Estée Lauder intended as a pre coat to thicken, lengthen and condition the lashes is now my instead of mascara product I opt for.

It improves the look of my eyelashes combined with an eyelash curler without the damaging effects of mascara at my age.

Lash primer plus full treatment formula was the original in a blue tube you might have difficulty finding it goes in clear and this is the product I love. They have since brought out Estée Lauder little black primer £25 which I ended up with not concentrating at the counter with an over zealous sales assistant, they say online Think of it as the little black dress for lashes. Unlike traditional lash primers that are white, this primer is tinted black, so you can use it on its own. All true but to my mind whilst good still an inferior product to the original full treatment formula in the blue tube which for me nourished my lashes more. Not sure if the full treatment formula has now been discontinued, more research required.

However my purchased at the counter meant I got this quite decent sized Tri peptide face and neck cream to try which is really good. Regular price £89 for 50ml currently on sale at Boots for £71.20 quite a saving so I plan to go and pick one up. Not sure how long the significant price reduction will last, why I wanted to share this snoop. The cream is good, thick, nourishing, soaks in well, no fragrance, no residue and does leave my older skin feeling that little bit more youthful and plump. As a mature woman working on prelonging a more youthful appearance as long as possible but with a lot of experience of lotions and potions that come with a good deal of hype this Estée Lauder formula has worked well on my skin.

The little bottle next to it is an Ester Lauder face primer the lady on the counter was so insistent I buy, very very pushy/passionate difficult to decide, which I got out of purchasing, I do use face primer and have a Mrs Rodial one I like recommend by my daughter. I suggested she give me a small amount to take home and try for myself, she didn’t have a tester size.

After using for three days under my foundation I am very glad I didn’t purchase as it is too heavy for me, polyfiller comes to mind. The sales lady maybe took one look at me and thought at her age she needs some heavy duty help, I don’t actually mind my wrinkles too much, they show I have laughter in my life a blessing but I do have an issue with foundation clogging in the pores around my nose and chin. For me the Double wear primer smooth and blur product was way too heavy, it set quite firm, felt a bit like a face mask I needed to wash off which is not a sensation I like all day. That said it may work well for some women who prefer a heavy make up coverage feeling and appearance.

The double wear smooth blur primer costs £45. It’s all-day oil-control primer that instantly blurs the look of pores, even though I am mature my pores aren’t my problem, to a smooth, matte finish. The Breathable gel-cream texture I disagree with. And the suggestion it Leaves skin feeling comfortable. Is questionable. Had I been pressured into purchasing it would have been a mistake for me so I suggest you definitely try this one before you buy.

One thing I do love about Estée Lauder as a company is the gift with purchase ethos. It’s a great way to try lots of different products you’d never purchase individually to see if you like them. It was in a gift with purchase I discovered the primer I love and continued to use for over twenty years. lash primer plus full treatment formula in a blue tube. Take my advice. If you see one snap it up.

FYI The Estée Lauder brand falls into The Estée Lauder Companies is still owned by the Lauder family, who are six billionaire members that hold stakes in the publicly traded company. It’s a company that has lasted over time with products like primer plus full treatment formula that have maintained loyal followers over many decades.

I understand selling in a tough economy with loads of competition is tough but a less aggressive approach with long standing customers would serve the brand well in my humble opinion.

I have also just discovered Estée Lauder Lash Primer Plus Full Treatment Formula was discontinued sometime before August 2021. I bought my last one around 18 months ago which explains why I ended up with the new little black primer in my latest Estée Lauder shopping haul. I have since discovered you can still find a few on EBay if you are happy to pay a bit of a premium.

Vogue House is the saddest building in London

I’ve been inside many time, these days I just walk by with a note of nostalgia

Carmen Pascal

2025-06-01T10:12:00.0000000 2025-06-01T11:16:25.6100000

I snapped this picture the other day as I walked by a building in London I have been inside many times. For a long time, 65 years it was the central hub for publishing giant Conde Nast and its juggernaut suite of glossy media publications that included high society rag Tatler and fashion’s bastion Vogue.

Since the sale in 2024 it shows me you need a lot more than money to transform such a valuable property and bring it back life. Like this beautiful building now left forlorn and discarded despite its mega price tag of £75 million, £5 million more than the asking price paid over a year ago now. I’d love to ask the new owner Eyal if he loves the building, if it brings him £75 million worth of pleasure?

Personally I’d love to see it being used not just commercially but providing creativity and opportunity once more, attracting not detracting. I remember walking through the doors for the very first time as a young inexperienced model and thinking actually believing in this building I could never be unhappy.

I have an interest in the building I visited many times throughout my career. I used to go through the revolving door always with a spring in my step, people made an effort. It was a thriving publishing and creative hub buzzing and alive and you could guarantee if you parked yourself and sat and watched that door even as someone excluded from that high octane world you’d be sure to catch a glimpse of someone you recognised jumping off the glossy pages of the unattainable for most, straight into real life, absolute magic, a glamour and lifestyle that was actually in touching distance. A place full up with people and brimming with hopefulness.

Conde Nast were and still are in many ways the master manipulators selling the ultimate dream whether it be travel, fashion or lifestyle.

The staff have relocated to a location on the Strand, Adelphia House which for me doesn’t hold the same charisma or aplomb.

The energy chain, the history of the walls, the bricks and mortar, when the walls actually do talk, has been lost to a property portfolio. And this esoteric value, built over 65 years can only be sold once. It’s the thing most don’t see, lost only in the price tag, but that’s just a number on a balance sheet, a perceived value that is not even real. The value for the whole neighbourhood was stolen in one expensive transaction. All the people the building attracted and all the surrounding businesses that benefited from the long standing history and reputation, lost.

I think this has happened all over London, a city I love and now call home after my first Love Paris.

When you take away the purpose and diversity, you sell off more than just a building you sell off the story and the energy.

We’ve seen Shepherds Market close by, cobbled streets once a thriving bustling hub of family run restaurants and small independents transform into expensive properties taken over by chains and conglomerates all for top dollar and in doing so the appeal for the commoners, the many not the few, and I include myself in this description is completely lost.

I fear if our lively vibrant cities continue down this road of seeing only cash wealth in these iconic buildings instead of places put to good use for the benefit of jobs and prosperity for everyone we’ll end up only looking in: all of us being excluded like “fortress like” gated guarded mansions so affluent and separate a revolution will tear them all down.

I find myself asking what is the point of owning a gorgeous building like this unless it’s alive, open, light and airy full of people doing amazing things just like it once was.

Hotel La Villa Cannes Affordable For Cannes Film Festival

Simply the best most glamourous place to stay for luxury, location and value

Carmen Pascal

2025-05-23T07:32:00.0000000 2025-05-23T12:26:18.4330000

I don’t often give my secrets away when it comes to what to do and where to stay during the Cannes films festival, which happens in May every year, the stars descend on this idyllic stretch of Cote D’Azur coastline, people, fans, press, flock in, in their thousands to hopefully catch a glimpse of their favourite movie star, The Bar at The Martinez is the very best celebrity spotting spot by the way and the prices treble for everything allowing the town and the locals to cash in.

It an exciting place during these 10 days if you can stand the hustle and bustle and have someone in the know to guide you and advise you.

There is no better hotel or location if you are looking for the magic of Cannes, in absolute prime location without the price tag of the Carlton International, The Martinez or the Majestic, where in the past you’d always find infamous movie producer Harvey Weinstein.

The place I always stay is La Villa Cannes Croisette. It’s an absolutely gorgeous beautifully refurbished stylish haven steps from the famed croisette.

This lovely off the beaten track boasts only 38 rooms so it really gives that intimate boutique feel without the eye watering price tag and it’s the kind of place you’ll meet very interesting people.

All the room have been refurbished with artistic interior touches, individually hand picked, it feels more like you are staying in a wealthy friends home than in a hotel.

Enjoy breakfast out on the terrace by the pool that is perfect for an early or late evening swim and everytime I have stayed it has never been packed. The beach is a few steps away so you are not permanently bumping into other guests.

I cannot rave enough about this gorgeous spot. Step out the front door and it’s a couple of minutes walk and you are on La Croisette and everything it has to offer. Sit and enjoy a cafe at the corner tabac or pick up baguettes and jambon for your picnic lunch at the market on the opposite corner.

You can even stumble home on foot from the famous Palms Night club on the Pointe, just by following the stand boardwalk all the way home.

I don’t do this anymore.

There are also a couple of magnificent Pied a terre apartments (very hush hush) for rent if you ask politely and want extra privacy and freedom.

The big hotels are definitely a scene with their exorbitant very French beach restaurants where the service is well French and the wine lists are extensive. This experience should definitely be experienced at least once if your can get a reservatio

But when it comes time to rest there’s nowhere I’d rather be than at Hotel La Villa Cannes.

Dr. Lewinns Skin Perfect Concealer the less expensive alternative

Good to try something new

Carmen Pascal

2025-05-17T08:06:00.0000000 2025-05-17T10:26:01.4270000

Did you know Dr. Lewinns is the No.1 Australian Cosmeceutical Facial Skincare Brand

I use an under eye concealer every day. It’s probably one of my three must have beauty products, closely followed by a lip balm and a cream blush.

I have an an Actinic keratosis on one side of my face caused by ageing and exposure to the sun which I like to cover up.

For quite a few years now over 20 I have used YSL touché Eclat shade 01 I have light skin with blue undertones and this suits me and tones down the pink flush I have in my skin. You can find out your skin undertone by looking at the colour of the veins in your arms.

I also like the banana concealer from Mrs Rodial which combines a cover concealer with a brightening product.

Both these make up concealer products cost around €30 euros.

Enter stage left the Dr. Lewinns skin perfect convealer product which only comes in two shades, mine pink beige 15ml and a darker version honey beige.

It goes on very smoothly, no clog or build up. I’d say it’s light coverage which I like but completely covers everything I need to cover; dark circles, a bit of puffiness especially around the under eye.

It comes just product in a tube so you have to use your fingers or a sponge where as the YSL touché Eclat comes with a built in brush and the Mrs Rodial banana concealer has it’s own sponge applicator but this is really the only difference.

The Dr. Lewinns Perfect skin concealer is much less expensive retailing at around €18 euros and I have seen it available online for as little as €6 or €7 euros.

Make up is expensive especially as we age, I go through a lot more make now than I did when I was younger so I was super excited to come across this much less expensive alternative to my regular choices for everyday use.

It’s going to save me money for sure.

Have An ESPA Spa Experience Body Therapy

And feel rejuvenated

Carmen Pascal

2025-04-03T07:39:00.0000000 2025-04-03T10:51:12.1770000

ESPA health beauty and skin care can be found across 700 spa locations in 55 countries so it’s not difficult to find ESPA treatments usually in a posh 5 star hotel setting. I was first introduced to ESPA in Mougins in Provence, Le Mas Candille Spa and then at the ESPA Spa at the Corinthia Hotel in London.

The company was formed over 30 years in Spain by Sue Harnsworth who wanted to offer a more holistic approach to wellness.

She has since grown ESPA into a leading global spa brand. And if you are fortunate enough to be a globetrotter you’ll come across ESPA spas in places like the Penninsula Hotel in Beverley Hills which depending on the time of year you might find yourself sharing the jacuzzi with former beauty queen and Miss World runner up Shakira Caine.

The body products are an absolute treat and I usually like to try something from the vast array of products on offer, all of which have amazing therapeutic properties and sustainability and cruelty free credentials.

This time I picked the Body Therapy, deeply nourishing body cream.

Everyone is different when it comes to body cream and what they like and I am particularly fussy about this as I don’t like to feel wet after application if you know what I mean. I also don’t like anything greasy that leaves any kind of film on the skin and I don’t like anything heavily perfumed or with any lingering scent.

This body therapy cream, is a luxurious thick mask with a light botanical fragrance smells like a cross between a pine tree forest and a remote castaway island, fresh and herbal. I am a mature woman so I wasn’t expecting elephant skin to transform into a baby’s bottom over night but after a few applications the dry rough appearance particularly on my legs did improve quite significantly.

The masque is quick thick to apply but disappears instantly, I’ve never seen something soak in so quickly and leaving absolutely no residue on the skin to come off on clothes or give you the slippery shivers.

It’s a big pot for £70, 180ml and you don’t need very much for each application.

I’d say a luxury item I’ll treat myself to once a year, a great reminder of the spa day we enjoyed too.

You can find all the ESpa spa locations on their website and shopping for products can be done online too.

And as I go to the website to give you the link for the body therapy deeply nourishing body cream I discover it’s £20 cheaper than in the spa setting store. They got me in the moment.

House of Balenciaga is it going bust?

The future after Gustav Demna

Carmen Pascal

2025-03-22T14:26:00.0000000 2025-03-23T10:08:44.6470000

Over the last couple of weeks the fashion press has been full of the news creative director Demna Gvasalia is taking over from Sabato De Sarno as creative director of Gucci. Both house fall under the Kering fashion umbrella headed up by King of Fashion Francois Henri Pinault.

The Spanish house has been in a state of flux I feel after the more than a faux pas a deux, the child exploitation case text from a US supreme court that appeared in a handbag image that surfaced in 2022 as part of an advertising campaign Balenciaga said was a mistake following a similar mistake prior showing children cuddling teddy bears in what appeared to be bondage garb which led to high profile ambassadors and friends of Gvasalia Demna like Kim Kardashian to say she was re-evaluating her relationship with the brand. Brand Ambassador and Hollywood A lister Nicole Kidman stayed quiet, choosing to make no statement amid the controversy, despite being slammed by the global media for staying quiet on the issue whilst the photographer who shot the pictures, Gabriele Galimberti took most of the blame.

Following this at the end of 2023, December, the stars rallied around Demna for a street show in a Los Angeles neighbourhood close to downtown, the streets of Windsor Boulevard and Hancock park were cordoned off for the Balenciaga Fall 24 show like nothing had happened and the stars rocked up with Erewhon raffia totes and smoothies wearing leggings and sneakers.

The roll call sent a message to the doubters and the haters with the Hollywood sign as the back drop the stars studded line up on parade with Nicole Kidman flanked by Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, mom and Beverley housewife Lisa Rinna with daughters Amelia Gray, and Delilah Belle, Sexxy Red, Eva Longoria, Luka Sabbat, Fai Khadra, Ken Carson, and Rachel Sennot, Nicole leading the charge, dressed all in black with a new super sleek hair do every was talking about.

Even Salma Hayek, wife of Kering boss showed up to support.

But it wasn't enough and Demna is going to Gucci with no announcement yet who is talking over the top job at Balenciaga. Kering say he starts his new role with Gucci in July 2025 and he will not be crossing over, I am not so sure what will happen to the House of Balenciaga.

For me the lines have blurred for fashion and the loss of creativity is the price, designers being pushed to deliver multiple collections every year by big machines, big business with the eye very firmly on the bottom line. I think pushing too hard, pushed Balenciaga over cliff, helped along by photographers, journalists and commentators wading in on the "child abuse" discussion because it is explosive and gave lesser well known voices something to pontificate over, not always accurately.

I am tall and lanky like Nicole Kidman so the Balenciaga silhouette, cropped jackets, wide leg pants, masculine tailoring does suit my frame. I don't believe the darker suggestion that the creative process was in some way evil and I hope this hiatus for the house will allow the new person taking the reins not to yield to the pressure from big bosses in shiny towers but to retain the down to earth modern direction Demna was going.

There were mistakes for sure but in my mind not in the design, The last 5 or 6 years have been an inadvertent PR disaster for Balenciaga. The sales at both Gucci and Balenciaga have been dropping since 2023. Gucci lost 24% of its sales in fourth quarter 2024 where Balenciaga numbers continued to fall after losing 7% of value the previous year.

It's clearly time for a reset. I am not sure moving the talent that is Gvasalia Demna to a failing House of Gucci. Why not give him his own eponymous label and start again with Gucci and Balenciaga

Trinny London Lip to Cheek Lady J

Stacker pots of blush and lip for older skin

Carmen Pascal

2025-03-03T10:28:00.0000000 2025-03-03T11:21:49.3430000

I know take one look at Trinny Woodall’s over botoxed face and you ask yourself would I trust a woman with my beauty regime who has done that to their face. The fillers, in my opinion are way too much and have the reverse effect if you want to look youthful.

That said I do like her Lady J stacker blush and lip products.

I was a powder blush girl for years, Mac and then Chanel but when they discontinued my Chanel blush colour after almost 2 decades I was forced to try something new.

I got the first Trinny London pot as a present, it was split cheek and lip. I used the Lady J cheek blush until it was over. The lip gloss I didn’t use.

I found the size and how the two compartments are split difficult to deal with as it wasn’t big enough to get my finger in.

When I purchased again I just bought a pot of the Lady J blush for about £20.

It goes on really well, doesn’t clog, blends easily and is very subtle on old skin.

Definitely gives me the glow I need without looking like Aunt Sally and easy, you don’t need to worry about spectacles or a mirror for application.

Kinda reminds me of watching my Victorian grandmother dab a bit if rouge from her single precious red lipstick.

Mrs Rodial Primer Experiment

My daughter told me to try both

Carmen Pascal

2025-03-02T10:22:00.0000000 2025-03-03T10:28:18.8030000

I have a lot of things experience with make up and beauty. I was am in the industry. My problem as I have gotten older is the quality of my skin isn’t good enough for foundation and the finish isn’t smooth. I tend to end up with the foundation congealing in the pores of the skin. Not a good look but too old and vain to go without make up so I’ve been in search of the perfect primer for under a light foundation.

I’ve tried both of these provided by Sophy. First off I don’t like the smell of either when you first apply glad to say by the time I’ve got my scent free foundation over I cannot smell either.

The Glass primer you definitely feel like you have tighter skin. Almost the feeling when you put on a peel off face pack before it cracks. It cost about €20. And I think the foundation looked better. it’s clear in colour.

The Mrs Rodial instant filler says it can be worn with or without makeup and this has more of a putty feeling when applied and it does have a bit of pigment. It sort of glides on so you feel there is something there and the effect is definitely smoothing.

I again put my foundation over and I’d say this was a more flawless appearance, more a finished look for evening.

If you asked me which does more, I’d say the instant filler but at €30 it is a bit more expensive.

If you are over 50 and want a more even skin tone without using Botox or fillers both these two products might work for you.

Aside from the smell which I quickly got over I will definitely use both of these products to solve my problem.

Went to the website and the instant filler is currently out of stock but you can find it on other sites like EBay.