My Beauty Highlights 2010

After being stranded in Paris last week and being ill, all I wanted to do was eat, sleep and watch Christmas TV, hence the major backlog of blogging I have caused myself.

I'm going to kick off with my beauty highlights of 2010, these are all products I recommend as my 'Star Products' and have experienced noticeable results with. 

The first brand I highly commend is Liz Earle. I had heard a lot of talk about the Cleanse & Polish

product, but had never tried it until this year, it's a lovely cream cleanser which removes all traces of make up, dirt and oils with a muslin cloth. I am most impressed with the whole ethos of the brand, the natural ingredients, the extensive range of glorious products and the wonderful affordable price point. 

I also had the greatest pleasure in meeting Liz Earle at the launch of the long awaited (and amazing) Botanical Shine shampoo and conditioner range. I have been using the shampoo and conditioner since August, the shampoo makes my hair smell like lemons and feels squeaky clean. You can read more here.

Trish McEvoy has always been one of my favourite brands from my days as a MUA (Make Up Artist), there are a couple of products from Trish which will always sit in my day to day collection;  

Instant Eye Lift: a long wearing under-eye line filler and brightener, this does not budge at all! It makes such a noticeable difference.

24 hour Eyeshadow and liner in Topaz, I have never come across a cream eyeshadow which doesn't crease (without an eye base). This is my favourite eyeshadow for quality and colour.

Eye Base Essentials, this is a brilliant eye base which is nice worn alone or under eyeshadows to keep them in place all day, zero creasing! 100% true!

Finally, the Lash Enhancer, which I spent a few weeks monitoring the results, I need to stock up on some more because I have really noticed the difference since I have ran out. You can read more here.

This year, us gals went doolally for the new hybrid gel polish, yes, a manicure that REALLY does last for 2 weeks with no chipping and no smudging. I knew about gel polish way before Shellac launched due to the industry I work in and I can also tell you that Gel Polish will be BIG business next year too with other brands jumping on the bandwagon. Harrod's Urban Retreat is offering EzFlow Gel Polish called 'Gelez' manicures and Space.NK's Spa have chosen IBD's Gelac Gel Polish.

I am really happy to be a part of the beauty blogging world because the beauty bloggers I have come across are so lovely and helpful. I have made some great blogger friends, some I have met (the 6 inch stilettos, beautywowza, i heart cosmetics, hell candy) and some I would love to meet in 2011 (to many to mention, but you're all on Twitter). 

Beautywowza introduced me to the ultra glam eco body range 'Davina Peace'. This was one of my favourite launches of 2010 and I can't wait for the face range in 2011! I'm so excited! The Wowza also took me along to the launch of a beautful natural and halal cosmetic range, called 'Inika'. The Kabuki make up brush is magnificent, I wonder what Inika will bring out in 2011?

Boots launched the Nip + Fab range, my sisters and some friends have all went and bought the eye brightening concealer because they were so impressed. It's way better than YSL's Touche Eclat and half the price!

Friends and readers will know how much I LOVE Korres (I wish the store on King's Road was still open), this year I got to meet the beautiful Lena Korres, where she presented some new product launches. I can't wait for the perfumes to be launched in March, the plum/pear one smells just like my Creed Aqua Fiorentina. I'll be stocking up! I'm also predicting that the Quercetin Antiageing & Antiwrinkle range will be flying off the shelves of Liberty and Zuneta.com, this range is delectable. The primer (which has NO silicones like conventional primers) is a wonderful make up base.

This year, I finally got my paws on some OCC Lip Tars, thanks to beauty fulfilled, she sent me to www.geniecosmetics.co.uk! I didn't even know OCC was available in the UK until this little beauty sent me the link (she is wearing the bright pink lip tar on her home page, I also have it, he he, but it looks way better on her).

Other websites I discovered this year and love are; www.zuneta.com and www.thegreengrocery.co.uk.

I feel like I've rambled on a bit much now, there are many more products I could mention but these are definitely my top ones.

Thanks for reading.

x

Rimmel’s GlamEyes Liquid Liner Vs Mac’s LiquidLast

I have been using Mac’s LiquidLast liner for around 6 years now, I love it! It doesn’t flake, smudge, budge, it stays put all day/night long. You could sleep in this eyeliner and wake up with the same perfect black flicks created the day before.

I have been told by a number of friends that apparently Rimmel’s GlamEyes is exactly the same but a quarter of the price. Do NOT believe anyone who tells you this. I picked up a GlamEyes liner while I was at the Clothes Show because I had to try this out for myself.

I like Rimmel, it reminds me of when I was a little kid and I used to draw all over my face with my ma’s chunky double ended eyeshadow sticks (they were great). I also like Mac, not everything though, I have loads of Mac lipsticks because I love the colours but the quality is certainly not the best, they are drying and flakey. However, I do have my hero products from all make up brands and the LiquidLast eyeliner is without a doubt my Mac hero product.

Application

GlamEyes is easy to apply, the brush is nice and long and the formula is quite watery which is good for someone learning how to use eyeliner but not for me, it takes to long to dry. I have been doing eyeliner for over 10 years so I can sweep a flick on in one swoosh. Mac’s LiquidLast has a shorter and finer brush and the formula is slightly thicker, it’s also prone to thickening if you have it for too long (which is fine for me but my sister doesn’t like it for that one reason.)

Lasting power

Like I said before, LiquidLast literally lasts until you remove it with an oil based make up remover/cleanser. It’s great and I like how it dries black, unlike other eyeliners, which dry as a dark grey colour. I found that GlamEyes flaked and started to look grey throughout the day. I put both eyeliners on the back of my hand, after washing my hands once, the GlamEyes completely washed off.





Top: Mac LiquidLast Bottom: Rimmel GlamEyes

Only Macs' LiquidLast after washing hands once

And the Winner is…, definitely Mac’s LiquidLast. It’s worth spending that bit extra money on a superior quality product. You’ll have to make sure you’re confident if you decide to use LiquidLast because it does dry quick and if you make a mistake, you’ll have to use baby oil on a cotton bud to fix it.

Which is your favourite eyeliner?

Some gems from New CID Cosmetics

If you want to keep your make-up bag to a minimum, check out these five key must-haves from New CID;

i – prime (£26.50)

Containing pigments to blur imperfections on the skin, this must have primer will leave your skin looking radiant and flawless all day long. Wear alone for a simple and pure look or use as the perfect base for foundation.

i – smoulder (£18)

This eye pencil and shadow in Charcoal is the ultimate tool for creating the perfect smokey eye. At one end the twist-up eyeliner creates a thick, sultry line, while the other end with built in sponge and cream maximises colour and effect.

i – flutter (£18)

An award-winning mascara that is perfect for volumising and lengthening. The double brush wand delivers superior separation whilst flexible polymers work with the individual lashes to create the perfect plumped up look. Say hello to fabulous fluttery lashes.

i – glow (£23.50)

This marbleized glow powder in Sirocco can be used to give skin a radiant look or can be layered on for a beautiful bronzed finish.

i – groom (£15)

With strong eyebrows being a key look this year, this grooming pencil and brush in-one, will create brows with full on attitude.

All New CID make-up is available from House of Fraser.

Perfect Pout

Hello and Good Morning,

I was meant to update my neglected blog over the weekend but got sidetracked doing (also neglected) housework and watching the X Factor final (Rebecca should have won, her make-up was AMAAAAAZING! I think she is the only person I've ever seen who can pull of vamp lips.)

I have loads to blog about, such as my trip to Paris to meet the founder of Orly, Jeff Pink, The Clothes Show, some swatches and some Winter essentials.

I'm kicking off with an obessesion of mine - the perfect pout. Ever since I was a teenager, I always look at lips/pout when admiring pretty women. I have found the perfect pout in real life which belongs to a real women and these are her REAL lips!

These lips belong to Sarah, a beautiful beauty blogger (who is also wearing one of my fave YSL lipsticks). Check out her blog, i heart cosmetics.

I haven't been blessed with my dad's full lips, so I'm happy to 'enhance' mine with fillers, I just don't know where to go. I want to go to a nurse with experience who will enhance what I've already got rather than give me a trout pout or duck lips like Jordan and more recently  -Sarah Harding.

Can anyone recommend a decent injectables nurse in the West Midlands reasonably priced, who can create Sarah's pout for me? I've read about the 'Lip Queen' in Knightsbridge but I've also seen her Knighstbridge prices.

Help our endangered wildlife friends this Christmas

Remember when we you were a kid (depending on your age) and there were adverts saying ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas’? Well, I think that advert should be brought back along with a new one educating children and adults about endangered wildlife too.

So, instead of wasting money on a load of unwanted or unappreciated presents, go for an ethical fair trade gift like these adorable cuddly toys from Save Our Friends. This is a fantastic way to show your support for endangered animals across the world by raising awareness and funds for the plight of our much loved yet critically endangered species.

With twenty adorable, super cuddly toys across four environments to choose from, every ‘toy with a conscience’ sold makes a contribution to one of our wildlife charities – Born Free Foundation, Marine Conservation Society and World Land Trust.

Furry, feathery or finned, many of our beloved species are struggling to survive in today’s troubled eco system.

Every Save Our Friend Cuddy Toy arrives in beautiful recycled packaging designed to educate and comes complete with a set of five colourful endangered animal postcards. The box provides information on the conservation status of the animal, information about the charity and statistics, all providing food for thought in an imaginative way. Family and friends can purchase the toys from http://www.saveourfriends.co.uk/ and choose from 20 toys in four environments – African, Ocean, Polar and Rainforest Friends.

The Save Our Friends Cuddy Toys retail from £23.95 exc

VAT and delivery and are available from http://www.saveourfriends.co.uk./

Help us Save Our Friends, the animals we all love and would hate to lose. By buying one of our toys, you will also be making a contribution to endangered animals in the wild and the world we live in.

For anyone who wishes to treat me, I’ll have the Chimpanzee, the African lion and the cheetah. Haha.

NIP & FAB-ULOUS

I love finding new products, especially new products which actually work.

Boots have recently launched a new product range called NIP & FAB from beauty expert and creator of Rodial, Maria Hatzistefanis.

NIP & FAB is a clinically tested range for face and body with 11 targeted treatments from eye brightening to skin plumping. When I was at the Selfridges Celebrity garage sale, everyone was going crazy to buy goodie bags which were full of these products. I really like the packaging, which looks like it belongs in the beauty hall of Harvey Nichols.

I have been using the Eye Fix, which is a brightening concealer. I can’t tell you how many compliments I had at work during the first week of using this product. I love the way it gives that Jennifer Lopez really fresh eyed look.

It gives the skin around eyes a softer, fresher and more radiant appearance, it’s actually a dual purpose product which I love, it’s an eye cream and concealer in one. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid (my bff), softening glycerine and soothing cucumber extract to reduce puffiness.

The smallest amount goes a very long way, so don’t twist to much, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. I have used this under my eyes and on eyelids and the girls at work all asked what eye shadow I was wearing and why do I look so ‘fresh’ – the secret is NIP & FAB’s Eye Fix.

It’s such a steal at only £9.95, move over YSL Touche Eclat! I never did like YSL’s touché Eclat and never understood why everyone raved on about it, I find it watery and greyish looking). This product has completely concealed the heavy luggage under my eyes. Love it!

Other products in the NIP & FAB range include;

Multi-fix Oil (the next product I’m going to try)

Cellulite Fix

Bust Fix

Tummy Fix

Lip + Nip Fix (and this one)

Available from Boots!

The Healing Powers of Peace

Around two weeks ago I stupidly burnt my arm on a hot-as-hell oven tray. I was left with a 7cm burn mark, which was fine, I have lots of other burn mark scars. However, I accidentally discovered that the Davina Peace Body Oil has been healing the burn scars on my arm.

Due the cold weather lately, I have guiltily indulged in having a bath at night and after my bath, I have been using the Davina Peace Body Oil because it sinks into my skin right away and I don’t have to worry about having time to moisturise in the morning after my shower, because my skin still feels silky smooth.

Anyway, around two days after I first burnt my arm, I noticed the burn mark had started to scab over and heal; my skin usually takes a week to get to this stage of healing. I couldn’t work out at first why it was healing so quickly, and then I remembered I had used the Davina Peace Body Oil for the first time.

This skin elixir contains the finest organic repairing oils such as, Organic Jojoba Oil to enhance skin’s supplenmess and elasticity, Organic Borage Oil, a rich source of Gamma Linolenic Acid) to relive and heal dry skin and Organic Saflower which replenishes moisture. The anti-ageing Crambe Maritima sea plant extract revitalises, smoothes and helps maintain youthful skin.

After 2 days of using Davina Peace Body Oil

After 4 days



My arm yesterday

I used this oil seven times in total, at night and my burn mark is fully healed, there is the slightest redness if you really look hard but it’s like it never happened. I highly recommend this product, I wish it was available in a super size so I don’t have to use it so sparingly. It’s absolutely amazing.

Davina Peace Body products are available online or in Harrods.

100ml bottle costs £45.00.

My precious...from Orly



L - R: Sapphire Silk, Fancy Fuschia, Gilded Coral, Royal Velvet, Pure Porcelain, Ancient Jade



For centuries, people around the globe have been enamored with lush fabrics, rare stones and extravagant finishes. Create your very own French Revolution with Pure Porcelain complexions, voluminous Royal Velvet gowns, lavish Gilded Coral corsets and hints of Fancy Fuchsia. ORLY’s new Precious Collection oozes the real essence of French fashion, with a touch of ORLY opulence, a renewed appreciation for exotic workmanship and sumptuous fabrics known to accompany the luxe life.

Precious lends a sense of romance and richness to every spring ensemble, and perfectly complements the variety of looks seen in the Spring/Summer 2011 catwalk collections – from the high voltage retro look at Burberry Prorsum, to the floral fancy colours at Loewe, finishing with the sheer luxe and glamour at Marc Jacobs.

Be sought after in Sapphire Silk

Wear Gilded Coral corsets

Be belle of the ball in Fancy Fuchsia

Explore the party in Ancient Jade

Get a Pure Porcelain complexion

Experience Royal Velvet gowns

The      Precious Lacquers will be available from February 2011.   Price: £8.95

To find your local stockist go to www.orlybeauty.co.uk

All I want for Christmas is...all of these Korres Gift Sets!

For the most indulging stocking fillers, check out the limited edition holiday-inspired gift sets by Korres. The Greek skincare brand’s ALL I WANT packs together a mini hair & body beauty regime, while HOLIDAY TREATS is a tribute to Korres’ best-selling body scent, Guava – my FAVOURITE!

ALL I WANT 50ml RRP: £12.00

Japanese Rose Showergel /Creamy-foam showergel with long-lasting moisturising effect. Wheat proteins form a protective film on the skin, maintaining its natural moisture level. Active Aloe®, rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and antioxidant enzymes, enhances the skin’s immune system

Japanese Rose Body butter / Smoothing and moisturising body cream, ideal for dry elbows, heels and knees. Shea butter and Quince extract have softening, moisturising and restructuring properties. Sunflower, Almond and

Avocado oils nourish the skin, thus restoring its elasticity and smoothness

Rice & Proteins Shampoo / The multimineral combination of Calcium, Magnesium, Manganese and Zinc restores energy to scalp cells, thus regenerating fragile hair. Provitamin B5 hydrates and reduces the rate of splitting. Rice and Wheat proteins remarkably enhance elasticity and protect hair from breaking

Achillea Conditioner / Conditioning milk, which untangles the hair without any build-up effect. Rich in Achillea extract that revitalises and softens the hair. Provitamin B5 penetrates easily into the hair shaft, reducing the rate of splitting and providing long-lasting hydration.

HOLIDAY TREATS 50ml RRP: £12.00

Guava Showergel / Creamy-foam showergel with a long- lasting moisturising effect. Wheat proteins form a protective film on the skin, maintaining its natural moisture level. Active Aloe®, rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and antioxidant enzymes, enhances the immune system of the skin

Guava Body butter / Smoothing and moisturising body cream, ideal for dry elbows, heels and knees. Guava is an important source of vitamin C, which stimulates collagen synthesis. Shea butter and Quince extract have softening, moisturising and restructuring properties. Sunflower, Almond and Avocado oils nourish the skin, thus restoring its elasticity and smoothnes.

FULL-SIZED FLOWER POUCHES

JAPANESE ROSE COLLECTION RRP: £18.50

Velvet sweet essence of rose buds.

A body collection warmed by the scent of elegant Eastern rose petals, featuring a showergel and a bodybutter packed with antioxidant enzymes as well as softening and moisturising natural ingredients.

Japanese Rose Showergel 250ml/Creamy-foam showergel with a long-lasting moisturising effect. Wheat proteins form a protective film on the skin, maintaining its natural moisture level. Active Aloe®, rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and antioxidant enzymes, enhances the skin’s immune system

Japanese Rose Body butter 150ml/ Smoothing and moisturising body cream, ideal for dry elbows, heels and knees. Shea butter and Quince extract have softening, moisturising and restructuring properties. Sunflower, Almond and Avocado oils nourish the skin, thus restoring its elasticity and smoothness

JASMINE SET RRP: £22.50

A captivating aroma of newly opened Jasmine buds.

The JASMINE SET collection - Jasmine Showergel, Body Butter and Toning Body Mist - brings a fresh-flowery breeze into the winter-holiday season, while toning and hydrating the skin.

JASMINE Showergel/ Creamy-foam showergel with a long- lasting moisturising effect. Wheat proteins form a protective film on the skin, thus maintaining its natural moisture level. Active Aloe®, rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc and antioxidant enzymes, enhances the skin’s immune system.

JASMINE Body Butter/ Smoothing and moisturising body cream, ideal for dry elbows, heels and knees. The Shea butter in combination with Sunflower, Almond and Avocado oils nourishes the skin, thus restoring its elasticity and smoothness.

JASMINE Toning Body Mist/ Toning body mist, rich in Sodium, Magnesium, Zinc and Manganese, a multimineral complex that works to restore energy to skin cells.

Which set is on your Christmas wish list? I want Holiday Treats and Jasmine.

Tis the Season for bright lips and metallic eyes

Lived-in liner with smokey eyes and fuschia lips is as hot as a Winter log fire this Christmas. I've always loved lived-in smokey eyes, I tend to always do this look on myself - subtly smudged and rather sexual!

Get party-pretty with Korres stunning colours which are all formulated with herbs and natural ingredients.

The Korres products I'm loving are;

EYELINER (BLACK)– Formulated with Macadamia Nut Oil and Vitamin E to nourish the skin, these 100% Cedar Wood pencils come in an array of colours. RRP: £7.00

EYESHADOW (SILVER 51S) – Bright, glowing shade with Sunflower and Evening Primrose Oil, which creates a gentle natural-ingredients-based formula that does not burden the skin. RRP: £11.00

EYESHADOW (METALLIC GREY 55) – Created with Sunflower and Evening Primrose Oil, it cares for the delicate eye area while offering a shimmering effect for an intense metallic look. RRP: £11.00

MANGO BUTTER LIPSTICK (FUCHSIA 54) - Moisturising lipstick with Mango butter for a brilliant high-shine wet look. RRP: £15.50

GUAVA LIPSTICK [PINK 17]- this extended-wear lipstick with a smooth, moisturising texture cares for the lips due to the Guava extract, a rich source of vitamin C, that offers antioxidant protection. RRP: £15.00

CHERRY OIL LIP GLOSS (LIGHT PINK 11) – This is just like Nars' Turkish Delight Gloss. Brush on pure, intense colour that lasts with this formula, rich in Cherry and Jojoba Oils that keep lips hydrated and soft. Vitamins C and E for antioxidant protection. RRP: £11.00

On Twitter, MissJulesBerlin and I have decided that as we are such massive Korres fans, we may start an Offical Korres fan club! Who wants to join? Sarah at iheartcosmetics?

Selfridges Celebrity Garage Sale

I have never ever been to a car boot or garage sale before but when I heard that the Selfridges garage sale is 'a really really great garage sale' and all in the name of charity, I just had to stop by.

Celebs and PR darlings cleared out their designer wardrobes on Sunday (14th Nov) to raise money for Mothers4Children. the stunning Yasmin Le Bon (I couldn't stop staring, absolutely beautiful) and her daughters were there, the lovely Louise Redknapp, Trinny and Susannah, former All Saints Mel Blatt, swimwear designer Melissa Odabash (one of my fave brands) and fashion and beauty PR guru - Jenny Halpern.

It was such a lovely day, I went with the intention of only staying for an hour. I stayed until the end at 4pm, when the celebs were dropping prices down to £1! There was a delicious cake stand where I scoffed a huge muffin and whoopie pie.

It was sort of weird going through Pearl Lowe's and Louise Redknapp's clothes, but to be fair, a lot of the stuff was unworn with the original tags. I almost collapsed with excitement when I saw Melissa Odabash, I LOVE her bikinis, which retail at around £300, here she was selling some gems with all the original tags, for charity. I really like her, she said she was happy I was buying her bikinis because I was "hot"! Made my day!

It was such a great day, can't wait for the next one!

Check out some the beauties I bagged!

DVF Maxi Dress

Gucci Top



Diesel Black Label Dress

One of my Melissa Odabash bikinis

Wake up your skin with Evian!

After a rather heavy long weekend, I was feeling a little worse for wear. Fortunately, I remembered I had a can of Evian Facial Spray. A must-have product which I never fail to pack for holiday and long plane journeys.

I was desperate to awaken my skin (and myself), so I blasted my face with a super extended spray of Evian mist, which is 100% natural, mineral balanced and PH neutral (with identical purifying properties to the Evian Natural Mineral Water).

It felt like a splash from the French Alps (well, more like how I imagine what a splash from the French Alps feels like). It’s a glorious product, leaving my skin feeling hydrated and refreshed. I am actually going to buy another can to have in my desk at work. I really need it in the office environment, especially during winter when the heating is turned up to the max.

I also noticed that my moisturiser and make-up glided on with extra ease afterwards, so I’ll be using this as a part of my daily routine now. Magnifique!

The millions of micro-droplets instantly moisturise skin, increasing skin hydration by 16%! Can even be used on babies and children.

LOVE it! A make-up IT girl must-have!

RRP: 50ml £3.50

150ml £8.95

300ml £8.95

Another post-party pick me up

When I was around 20, I discovered Caudalie’s beautiful product ‘Eau de Beaute’. I used this on myself after partying hard until the early hours of the morning and also on models/shoots after they had also been partying hard.

It’s a Beauty Elixir which revives skin and smells heavenly! Like the Evian Face Mist, it awakens skin and is a great base for make-up, as well as to freshen up skin throughout the day. I don’t have this product right now, but the smell will remain with me forever, which evokes so many memories! I can smell it right now as I think about it. Ahhhhhh!

Eid Murbarak

I must apologise for the delay in this post. I was meant to do this over the weekend but got caught up in the celeb car boot sale at Selfridges (separate post coming once I've snapped my gems for you to see).

Tomorrow is a special day for Muslims - Eid. To celebrate, I would like to share some goodies with four of you.

I have an amie skincare gift set which contains a purifying face wash, matte-finish moisturiser, eye make-up remover and a cooling clay mask (which smells like refresher sweets, yum - actually, are they still around?).

Eid giveaway

I also have two goodies from my favourite toothpaste brand - Yotuel, my everyday toothpaste - the all-in-one whitening toothpaste and a tooth whitening pen, which I haven't tried yet.

Finally, I have a Badger sleep balm and a Rose & Co rose petal salve (an all-round salve and must-have for all handbags.)

All you have to do is, post 'Happy Eid' or 'Eid Murbarak'.

I'll pick names out at random, depending on the number of comments.

Happy Eid!

x

Chocolate Wax at the STRIP club

Fellow beauty bloggers and friends know how much I love my chocolate and also how I am STRIP's number one fan. Last month, I visited STRIP in Soho after reading about it in the Harper's Bazaar Top 100 Beauty List. Since that visit, I haven't stopped singing from the hilltops about it to all my girlfriends. I was eager to book in for my next appointment, this time I just had to try out the chocolate room.

Yesterday I booked in for my usual wax at the flagship branch of STRIP in Chelsea. The gorgeous shop assistant welcomed me into the store as I was trying hard to not check out the beautiful underwear on display (my other weakness after chocolate and make-up).

I was taken up to the delicous 'Chocolate' room for my treatment by the lovely friendly Carleigh. As we approached the chocolate room I could smell the chocolate, if my eyes were closed I could have been fooled into thinking I was in a chocolate factory. The wax smells and scarily looks like real, warm milk chocolate, I think Carleigh was worried I might actually eat it while she left me to get ready for my treatment (as I was greedily eyeing it up).

The Chocolate room looks like the boudoir of a Parisian it-girl, with a chaise lounge and crystal chandelier. Carleigh put a music channel on for me while she waxed away, she is very interesting, like Chelsea who waxed me last time. She was explaining the benefits of hot wax and why it's better to use on your va-jay-jay rather than strip wax. It's less painful for a start (I didn't flinch once, barely even realised I was getting waxed until I had to move my legs up here and there) and it's better for gals like me who are prone to ingrowing hairs (urgh, so annoying).

Once again, I didn't want to leave. How could I leave my beloved Chocolate room? Carleigh finished me off by applying some glorious chocolate oil, yummy! I totally understand why some of STRIP's clients buy this oil by the truck-load, it's divine!

Before I forced myself to leave, I had a sneek of the 'Magnifico' room, this room is exclusively for male waxing only. The boys even have a special man wax, called Magnifico. The 007 poster is sure to distract and relax the first-timers. Back, sack and crack boys?

I keep saying it, but waxing definitely doesn't get any better than this! Waxing for me is now a treat rather than a chore.

Thank you STRIP.

Your number 1 fan.

x

Emma Hardie: The Midas Touch

My lovely generous friend Laura gave me an Emma Hardie ‘Natural  Lift and Scuplt Facial Starter Kit’ to try out. I recommended Eve Lom to Laura a while ago, she loved the way the product worked but couldn’t bear the smell (which I personally like), she came to me saying how she has found an ‘Eve Lom’ type of product that she loves.

Moringa Cleansing Balm and Rosehip Exfoliating Seeds

I know exactly who Emma Hardie is (all passionate beauty bloggers do) and have even seen her range of products in Space.NK. I know this will sound strange but I felt so guilty trying the Emma Hardie products, like an affair in the beauty world (the two cleansers were even kept away from each other in my bathroom). 

‘Cheating’ on Eve Lom was actually worth it. The Moringa Cleansing Balm melts into skin like butter, Laura is also right about the divine smell which is a combination of Orange Neroli and Sweet Almond Oil. The Cleansing Balm is so silky and hydrating, it even doubles up as a soothing, softening mask.

The Moringa Seeds, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E balance, purify and has minimised the appearance of my open pores. The Orange Neroli and Mandarin extracts combined with Jasmine and Rose revive dull, dry and dehydrated skin (which is mine lately due to turning up the heating full blast at home, work and in the car). Like Eve Lom, it removed my entire make up including my MAC Liquidlast eyeliner.

Directions: Mix a few drops of warm water with the Moringa Cleansing Balm in the palm of your hand to create a milk. Apply to face and neck using circular motions and massage thoroughly (can implement the facial exercises at this point), to melt away make-up excess oils and grime. To remove, soak the cleansing cloth in warm water and squeeze out excess, gently wipe over face and neck, taking extra care around the eye area. Use the gently abrasive muslin side of the cloth to exfoliate dry, lined, thickened and congested areas and the smoother micro fibre side for more delicate and sensitive areas.

I absolutely love the Aromatherapy infused Rosehip Exfoliating Seeds. They are 100% natural, botanical seeds which I combined with the Moringa Cleansing Balm once a week to thoroughly exfoliate my skin. All you need is a little sprinkle which goes a long way. Amazing product!

Benefits of the Moringa Cleansing Balm;


- Thoroughly cleanses and tones skin.

- Helps to purify and minimises the appearance of open pores.

- Calming for sensitive skin

- Revitalising for dull and mature skins.

- Can be used as a rescue balm on dry elbows or knees, or as a lip balm.

- Doubles as a soothing mask if left on the skin for ten minutes

Step by step instructions to perform your own facial at home

The Starter Kit also contains step by step instructions on facial massage. Emma Hardie’s philosophy is about applying great products correctly, she has researched the science behind facial massage to understand its role in skin rejuvenation. I am just dying for a Natural Lift and Sculpting Facial with the lady herself, but for now, I’ll keep up with my DIY facial massage using the Moringa Cleansing Balm. I am super impressed!

Check it out at Space.NK or www.emmahardie.com. 

Loving Linziclips!

This is a rather unusual post for me but I have to share these unusual claw clips with you. Linziclips are flat-backed hair clips which don’t dig into the back of your head like a standard claw clip. There are loads of different colours in different sizes (mini, midi and maxi).

I like them because they are pretty claw clips, they are the best looking a claw clip can ever look. My friend likes them because they don’t kink her perfectly straight hair.

You can find them in most local pharmacies, if not, they are available from Fenwick and Daniel Galvin Salon.

Have you tried them out yet?

Boob lift spray

I have been using the LIERAC bust lift spray for around three weeks now. It's become a part of my morning routine after moisturising, I just spray my bust area and it sinks in right away - don't even have to rub it in.

I must warn you, the picture you're about to see was NOT planned..my sister Zorra was being a paparazzi pervert, snapping away at boobs and butts. When I saw the picture on facebook, I noticed the skin on my decolette was looking rather radiant and then it hit me, this is clearly the result of using the LIERAC bust spray everyday.

I'll be using this all year round now to prevent the 'wrinkly chest' look I really dislike. Check out the original post to learn more about LIERAC here.

I have to add that I LOVE the Marlies Dekkers bra above, from Apartment C.

What are your thoughts?

Scrub everyday to keep the cellulite away

After seeing Liz Earle’s Energising Body Scrub in the Harper’s Top 100 Beauty Products, I just had to try it.

The Energising Body Scrub (which smells divine) cleanses and exfoliates skin on thighs, butt, hips and upper arms. I particularly like the ground olive stones, which feel like they’re really sloughing away the dead skin cells without scratching the skin. A 50p sized dollop is enough for both thighs, but I love the smell and the way it feels so I have been using a 50p sized amount for each thigh and hip. It feels more like a gel, which I love. I’m not a fan of oily body scrubs, not only because they leave a mess and residue in the shower but also because I can’t shave my legs properly after. This is a must-have product for me and all year round one at that. I don’t believe in just using cellulite treatment products 6 weeks before a holiday, I think if you use them all year round you’ll see better and more long-term results. I wish it came in super size, I’m running out quick!

Energising Body Scrub

 

Ingredients;

Ground Olive Stones, Damask Rose Flower water and 9 pure essential oils (sweet orange, grapefruit, geranium, peppermint, eucalyptus, rosemary, pine, patchouli and petitgrain).

Price for a 200ml tube costs £12.50

After using the Energising Body Scrub, I have recently started using the follow-on product , the Energising Hip and Thigh Gel. It’s a really light and deliciously scented gel which sinks into skin immediately.

Energising Hip and Thigh Gel

 

Ingredients;

Damask Rose Water and pure essential oils (grapefruit, sweet orange, rosemary, cajuput, eucalyptus, geranium, patchouli, pine, peppermint and petitgrain).

Price for a 200ml bottle costs £10.75.

Available from John Lewis, QVC or online at http://www.lizearle.com./

Is it a bird, is it a plane? No, it's Superskin!

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate

No wonder argan oil in known as the ‘gold of Morocco’. It’s a golden oil rich in natural vitamin E. I am using it on my hair, my body and now my face. My hair is shiny and my skin feels nourished and looks radiant. I wanted to wait for a few weeks before I posted this review. I have been using the Superskin Concentrate by Liz Earle for a month now and it’s a truly wonderful product. I use it every night after washing my face and I noticed a difference within the first few days of using it.

Superskin Concentrate is an aromatic, intensive nourisher for the face, neck and décolletage. Specially formulated with 100% pure plant oils, such as organic rosehip oil to help repair, rich argan oil to nourish, neroli to calm and soothe, and essential oils of lavender, chamomile and natural source vitamin E, to nourish and protect skin.

I massage it into my skin each night (the smell helps me fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow) and when I wake up, my skin feels smooth and looks plump and radiant, which is a great base for my make up. There was one night where I was so tired, I didn’t use it. I regretted that the next day, I could really notice the difference. This is now my night time must-have treatment. It’s so rich and sinks into skin effortlessly, you only need two pumps for the whole, face, neck and décolleté.

Use oil as a night time nourisher to help plump, rebalance and smoothe skin.

How to use:

For optimal results follow the specific facial massage techniques below to help clear toxins, reduce puffiness, boost circulation, encourage cell renewal and aid lymphatic drainage:

Step 1: Warm a small amount of Superskin Concentrate in your hands and breathe in the aromatic aroma. Then massage onto the skin with up upward and outward movements using firm pressure.

Step 2: With your fingertips, lightly smooth in an outward circular direction along the

cheekbones to above the eyebrows.

Step 3: Finish by gently sweeping your hands up the neck and over the décolletage.

Can also be used to prevent dehydration on long-haul flights, to rescue sun parched skin, nourish dry skin and can also be used to rebalance combination and oily skin.

28ml glass bottle costs £37.00