Happy Birthday Big Ben!

Somewhere during all the hoopla of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, one of London’s oldest icons quietly turned 153-years-old on May 31st. I am talking about the Big Ben: The biggest four-faced, chiming clock in the world that’s one of the most recognizable structures in London and represents the city, just like the Eiffel Tower represents Paris.

But the beauty industry did not forget – and here are two gorgeous limited edition products that honour Big Ben’s marvellous legacy. Can you resist?

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SteamCream’s cult 3-in-1 moisturiser is available, for a limited time, in a Big Ben version. Price: £12.95 (Stay tuned for a larger post on what exactly is SteamCream!).

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Benefit’s limited edition version of their best-selling That Gal brightening primer comes repackaged in a patriotic box that features famous London landmarks, such as the London Eye and Big Ben. Price: £21.50

And now, here’s a run-down of some choice facts about everyone’s favourite bell. Bet you didn’t know all of this?

  • Big Ben is on twitter (unofficially). Follow @big_ben_clock for the latest bongs.
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  • Each of the four clock faces has a diameter of over 7 meters. They are cleaned once every 5 years by abseiling cleaners.
  • big ben, london, clock tower, beauty, diamond jubilee, souvenirs, icons, limited edition, steamcream, benefit, primerIt’s minute hands are as tall as a double decker bus and travel the equivalent of 190 km each year.
  • The great clock is wound by hand and is regulated by a stack of coins.
  • At the bottom of each clock face there are gold letters showing Latin text which translates “O Lord, keep safe our Queen Victoria the First”.
  • The first 61 meters of Clock Tower are made up of brickwork and stone cladding and the remainder of tower is made from cast iron.
  • The Tower leans slightly towards northwest, by 8.66 inches.
  • There are cells in the tower where Members of Parliament can be imprisoned for a breach of parliamentary privilege.
  • BBC Radio Four transmits the chimes of Big Ben live every night before the six o’clock news.