A week or so ago, I was invited by the lovely ladies at Cardinal Place, in London Victoria to spend a morning exploring everything their shopping centre had to offer in terms of beauty and pampering. Splitting my time between Molton Brown and Space NK, I spent the time in absolute beauty blogger heaven – surrounded by my favourite brands and sniffing a million different summer-inspired fragrances.
If you haven’t been to Cardinal Place before (I hadn’t previously), it’s a beautiful, glass fronted, open air shopping centre in the hub of London. Although it’s surrounded by West End musicals, office blocks and restaurants galore, once you arrive – it’s actually relatively calm and peaceful, with outdoor seating areas, tiled floors and huge glass panels displaying each stores’ tempting contents.
Upon arrival, I was greeted by shop assistants at Space NK and treated to a tour of their new (and old) wares. As a sort of luxury drugstore, they stock an assortment of well-known and lesser-known skincare, make-up and haircare brands – with a couple of my favourites including the Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée & Honey Bath (amazing) and Space NK’s very own range. With vast white counters – and something to stick your nose into round every corner, I could have spent much longer deciding what to treat myself to – however I talked myself out of the Honey Bath, since it occurred to me that the last time I actually had a bath was 2 years ago (I’m much more of a shower girl!).
I was very kindly given a little goody bag upon leaving, containing the most beautiful NARSissist Blush, Contour & Lip Palette – which hasn’t left my side ever since. In a handy little compact case, with a mirror on the top – it’s probably the most chic make-up item I’ve ever owned and it took me several days to pluck up the courage to stick the brush in and get trying – as it looked too pretty to touch! Inside is the Istria Lip Gloss, a gorgeous shimmery pink which lasts far longer than the average gloss (and far less sticky), the Albatross Blush Powder, the Laguna Bronzing Powder and the Enrapture, Enthralled and Roman Holiday blush shades. I don’t usually treat myself to expensive make-up (unless I have a special occasion and the funds to allow it) – so I was absolutely delighted to be able to take it home as mine!
Following my trip to Space NK, I then skipped (literally – after seeing what Space NK had given me) to the next stop – Molton Brown. Another gorgeous store – dripping head to toe in amazing body washes, candles and fragrances, I was talked through the range by the shop assistant (whose names I wish I could remember as they were so lovely) – highlighting their new honeysuckle & white tea launch, which looks (and smells) incredible! They allowed me to choose one of my favourite fragrances – Pink Pepperpod – to take home (in the form of a Body Exfoliator) and even treated me to a hand scrub and massage!
Overall, I had a really lovely morning at Cardinal Place – I could have quite happily spent far longer browsing their shops and wandering around in a glassy daze however I had meetings to attend later that afternoon. Just a five minute walk from Victoria station, it’s super easy to get to – and so if you’re looking for a girly morning shopping (without spending your time in a stuffy air conditioned mall) I’d definitely recommend a visit. I really enjoyed the bright, open air areas and can’t wait to return – with my mum and sister in tow!
Cardinal Place, Victoria | link
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