Le Salon de Beaute

FOTD Smoky Warm Metallic Eyes

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000Z

I was looking through one of my books of clippings today and thought I'd mess around with some products I've not played with. This pic jumped out at me and I thought it would be perfect to try. This is what I came up with...

What did I use to come up with it?

• Liquid illuminator
• Airbase foundations in 00 & 02 mixed
• Laura Mercier Warm Ivory moisturising foundation
• MyFace concealer in Fair 01
• Loose setting powder
• Shiseido oil free bronzing powder
• Benefit Stiletto Creaseless Cream shadow
• Copper, Bronze & Metallic Plum shadows from Le Métier Beaute (I don't know the names of them I'm afraid)
• Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Zero
• Illamasqua Medium Pencil in Vow
• Revlon Custom Eyes mascara in Blackest Black
• Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash
• Bliss Problem Salved 20-in-1 Wonder Balm (combed through my brows)
• Neutral nude toned lip liner
• Metallic copper toned lip gloss

Let me know what you think!

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

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Hello Possums!!

2012-01-26T13:26:00.001Z

It's Australia Day!! Hooray! My lovely Mum sent me a box of goodies to celebrate. So, it's not going to make me look beautiful but I'll feel ace after having a Lamington Lunch! Yumm!!

Perhaps if I lay off the lamingtons I'd look like this... ?

Probably not. Anyhoo, if you fancy being an Aussie for the day, just make all your sentences into a question and try this lamington recipe below.

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

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Topshop Sisters Of The New Moon

2012-01-19T10:48:00.001Z

Yesterday I was at a few meetings looking at beautiful new things coming up in the world of makeup. I thought I'd show you some bits from Topshop that I thought were really cute.

In the pic above there are two new nail varnish shades and a nail tattoo from the new line hitting stores around mid February. The silver varnish is called Starlight and the warmer tone is Crystal Clouds. They're so shiny! I only needed one coat as well, which is ace.

The nail tattoos are really cute. I love the whole mystic theme coming up for SS/12 and went with a pretty swallow on one nail and some stars on another.

I also really liked this lip product! There are a few of these about but this is extra cute with the infused glitter. It's one of those lip colours that adapts to your own Ph levels. This is very, very sheer and, despite the pretty glitter, you won't end up with disco ball lips. *sad face* It's really fun, though so I couldn't resist sharing.

These should be in most Topshop stores around the UK mid February.

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

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Technical Failure

2012-01-10T10:56:00.001Z

I'm so sorry about the lack of blogging lately!! November/December was crazy busy! I had one day off over a five week stretch. A lot of those days involved 2am wake ups after three hours sleep and thirteen hours on set. There is very little glamour involved but I wouldn't have it any other way!

I figured my poor, neglected blog would get some love and attention now the new year is here and things are a little quiet. I was so wrong!! My laptop has now breathed its last and I am without technology. I'll do what I can from my phone but we all know it's not quite the same.

I can't pretend there isn't an upside to losing technology! It also wasn't completely unexpected. My house is the one that technology forgot. I don't even have an aerial socket for my tv!! Now I'm less distracted by the internet my needlepoint is going gangbusters (see latest project above) and I'm heavily involved in a wonderful book about witchfinders in the 1600's! It's not all bad!!

I do promise to be back sooner rather than later, though.

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

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Magnificent Eleven

2012-01-03T08:00:00.000Z

I thought you’d enjoy some behind the scenes shots of a film I did some work on recently. I was lucky enough to be part of a team headed up by Dominic Webb.

Here is the link to the pics, Magnificent Eleven. Enjoy!

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

MOR Body Butter – On SALE!!!

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000Z

If you haven’t already tried MOR body butter then this is the perfect time! It’s on sale at Space NK for half price!!! The fragrances of these creams are to die for. I’m using the pomegranate flavour at the moment. It was discontinued a while back but the smell is divine beyond words.

It’s not just the smell that’s nice. The texture is really spongy and fun to apply whilst it also leaves you super moisturised. I don’t know that I’d apply this in the mornings when you want to get dressed straight away. It’s more the type of cream you’d put on with pyjamas and get into a warm bed.

Definitely check it out while it’s on sale!!!

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Givenchy Pastel Eyeshadow Quad No 73

2011-12-21T09:30:00.001Z

How PRETTY is this??? I'm DYING to use it on someone!! It has just the right amount of shimmer shot through it to make the colours ethereal and gorgeous rather than chalky and flat. The consistency of Givenchy shadows is divine as well. So creamy and easy to work with.

Watch this space for when I can blog about a model I've used it on! I don't think I can keep it in this pristine condition for too much longer!!

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

PS, I was given this product free of charge as part of a job I worked on recently.

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Natio Wellness Body Butter

2011-12-13T07:42:00.001Z

Nom nom nom. I love products that are good enough to eat. I'm also partial to an Aussie brand that makes it over to the UK. Natio Wellness Body Butter ticks all those boxes and it works as well!

The texture is quite rich but it's not super greasy or difficult to work into the skin. There is loads of shea butter in the lotion so it's super moisturising and calming on the skin. A little will go a long way as well.

The body butter has a lovely fragrance to it. It's very relaxing and nurturing. I think that's got something to do with the pomegranate. This has great anti ageing properties for your skin that will leave it looking a lot more even and firm.

You can currently get yours on special at Debenhams.com for £10.80.

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

PS, I received my product free of charge for review purposes. X

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Harpers Bazaar: Ultimate Supergroup

2011-12-12T07:22:00.001Z

Swoon alert!!!! Oh how I adore the great supers of the 90's!!!! You really must get your hands on December's Harpers Bazaar. It's just too great for words!!!

I would give you a favourite and I always thought it was Cindy. But then I started to recall all the other amazing fashion moments the other girls had as well and now I really can't choose!!

Kisses,

Rebecca xx

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Dr Lewinn at Debenham Oxford St

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000Z

I’m a long time fan of Dr Lewinn. I used to love it when I still lived in Australia and it warms my heart to see it becoming readily available here in the UK. I just had to share this event with you when I heard about it.

If you get yourself down to Debenhams on Oxford Street this Saturday, 10th December you’ll be able to have an amazing introduction to the brand! They’ll have experts on hand to answer all of your questions as well as give you a tailored skin prescription that will be amazing for your complexion.

Here is the extra exciting bit, if you purchase two full size products you’ll receive a very special gift (see photo above). You’re going to be hooked!!! There is more, though! They’ve recruited some rather delicious looking boys to make sure you get some very delicious tasting chocolates while you’re there as well!

If you ask me, this sounds like the perfect way to do your Christmas shopping!!!!

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Medik8 Blue AOX

2011-12-06T19:43:00.003Z

I'm all about serums. They're amazing, brilliant and I think everyone should use one after they hit 25. Discovering serum was a bit of a turning point for how I look after my skin.

Serums are designed to get down into the second layer of your skin and look after it so that when it becomes the top layer of skin, it's in better condition than it would be otherwise. There is only so much a moisturiser can do to that top layer of skin. Serums help to ensure the skin is as great as possible from the outset.

What I've been loving about this serum is its unique consistency. It's very liquid and needs to be dispensed using a dropper. It's perfect for combination or oily skin as it's completely oil free but still packed with powerful anti oxidants so you can keep the ageing process at bay.

This is a product that would be perfect for men. It gets right into skin instantly without any residue left on the surface of the skin at all. It also doesn't have any fragrance to speak of. It's not something that has a particularly luxurious feeling to it but does the trick brilliantly.

I've been spending a lot of time on locations lately. In the middle of windy fields for ten hours at a time and that kind of thing. It's really been taking its toll on my skin but I feel like the Blue AOX has been helping to keep it smooth and plump despite the beating it's been taking.

Blue AOX is £60.50 for a 30ml bottle. You only need four drops per application so it's an investment that's going to last you a very long time. You can get yours at www.skinbrands.co.uk.

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

PS, this was provided to me free of charge for review purposes. X

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NOTD: Nars

2011-12-01T08:00:00.000Z

Please excuse the sloppy paint job but these colours are so pretty! The sparkly nails are in Night Breed and the accent nails are in Galion. I LOVE this combo!!!

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

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Darphin

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000Z

I’m a long time fan of Darphin. I’m surprised I’ve never talked about it on this blog before. There were many years before I left Australia where I solely used Darphin products. I was recently given some samples and I remembered how much I loved it.

Darphin is based on botanical ingredients whilst having a luxurious, French feel to it at the same time. The reason I love it so much i because it really does work. If you get the right products you’ll find yourself with a stunning complexion. The key here is to select the right things for you. Your skin will always be changing and you need to make sure you’re updating your products along with it. If you keep using the same cleanser and toner from when your skin was behaving at one time, it will actually be detrimental. I’ve experienced it first hand! Not pretty! These products are pretty potent – in a good way.

My favourite of all the products is the Jasmine Aromatic Care oil. One of the days I spent with a Darphin expert many years ago gave me one of my best ever skin care tips. It was explained to me that your sense of smell is very important to your skin care routine. Apparently the things that we like the smell of are the things that we should be using on our skin! If we like the smell then our skin will like it as well! I LOVE that theory! I LOVE the smell of jasmine and jasmine based products seem to work really well on my skin. Yay! The Aromatic Oils actually get right into your blood stream so carry vital nutrients directly to the deepest layers of your skin. The jasmine oil is tagged as an anti ageing oil. I have extremely dry skin so it works really well for me.

I also love the Hydraskin Serum. Again, it’s something I initially picked up because I like the smell. However, it’s a brilliant hrydration delivery system for those of us that find it hard to keep moisture in our skin. Especially at this time of year! The serum is great because it gets to a deeper level than a moisturiser can and replenishes the glow that we all want our skin to have.

You can find a great selection of Darphin products at Space NK.

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Sedu Revolution 1 Flat Iron

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000Z

Holy Moses! These are the best hair straighteners I have ever used in my life!!! They're seriously amazing!

Sedu certainly isn't a brand that's really been on my radar but after using these they're front and centre now! The smoothest glide I've ever had from a flat iron, super hot and generally amazing. I straightened a thick, waist long head of hair amazingly quickly today. The results were astounding and the hair looked so shiny and healthy! You would never have known it was naturally curly! With my regular straighteners I would usually have to go over the head twice to get such poker straight results. I also hadn't had time to give it a nice blow dry first. I went straight in with the flat irons.

The plates are completely ceramic rather than just ceramic coated like most irons. I think that's what gives it the amazing glide. It was like a dream!

What else can I tell you about them? They heat up to 230C in 25 seconds, they have a 9ft cord, adjustable heat settings and they're generally the best iron I've ever tried. I really want to try the rest of their appliances now!

You can get yours from Space NK for £130. A little more than a lot of straighteners out there but well worth the extra £30.

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

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Pai Serenity Gift Set

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000Z

Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive this as a gift at Christmas? It’s beautiful!!! The greatest thing is that it’s a joy to give coming in at under £20 as well!!!!! Yayyyyyy!!!!!

The kit contains two deluxe sized pieces, Comfrey and Calendula Calming Body Lotion along with Himalayan & Dead Sea Therapeutic Bath Salts. What can I say? Wow!!! These quickly became two of the greatest bath and body products I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying. It’s using these types of products that makes me yearn for an entirely organic lifestyle.

These ooze quality and luxury whilst being incredibly results driven at the same time. I’ve had a skin condition that has been flummoxing my GP for months. She recently gave up and I’ve been on a waiting list to see a specialist. With just a few soaks in this salt bath and using this body lotion, the irritation is almost cleared up!!!! I never want to not have these two gems in my bathroom ever again.

The fragrances are refreshing and relaxing all at once. And you could proudly display the simple but stylish packaging on even the most luxurious bath tub.

To get yours just pop over here to Being Content where you can pick up a set for just £15.99. I’m hoping that by the time I see the specialist I can tell them that they don’t need to see me anymore! Yay for organic amazingness!!!

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

PS, I was generously given these products free of charge for review. x

NOTD: Party Nails

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000Z

I wanted to get into the Christmas spirit a little so I decided to go for a bit of a party manicure. I used Eyeko Posh Polish for a neutral base and Nails Inc Buckingham Street as an accent. Rather than my usual two nail block accent, I went for a graduated colour on each tip.

I’ve loved having this manicure!

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Tigi Bed Head Superstar Volumising Leave In Conditioner

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000Z

I thought I’d finish the week off with a third note about hair products I’ve been loving lately. It seems to have become an accidental series of sorts! I started out on Wednesday talking about the Queen For A Day Thickening Spray then followed up on Thursday with the Foxy Curls spray. So why not top it off with the other item I’ve found myself reaching for over and over of late?

Again, if a client says they want really big hair then this is a perfect layering product. Especially if you’re going to be using heat. It’s packed with vitamin E and proteins to help strengthen hair whilst also giving it shine and gloss. You won’t get any frizz here either.

So for me, I’d start with the Queen For A Day followed with the Foxy Curls and then spray the Leave In Conditioner before going in with rollers, tongs, GHD’s or any of that business. It’s all about light layering to get the perfect effect. These products are nice because they don’t give you icky build up or anything like that. Oh, and this smells like strawberry bubblegum! Yum!

You can get yours here for around £6.50.

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Tigi Bed Head Foxy Curls Hi-Def Curl Spray

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000Z

As an add on to yesterday’s post about Tigi Superstar Queen For A Day, I thought I’d mention this one to you as well. Tigi Foxy Curls goes amazingly well with the volumising spray. If you lightly layer the products together then take your heated styling products you’ll come out with fabulously big, gorgeous curls. You could do it with tongs, straighteners or however you like. I’ve found the combination perfect for when I need to quickly create big, curly hair. It works a treat.

You can get yours here for around £6.

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Tigi Superstar Queen For A Day

2011-11-16T08:00:00.000Z

Whenever people ask me to do their hair, they usually want to get loads of volume in it. I’ve been finding recently that I go to Tigi’s Queen For A Day more and more. It’s a thickening spray that seriously reacts to heat styling to create amazing volume. I don’t tend to work with freshly washed hair but I’ve heard you get even bigger results if you spray it into damp hair. You’ll also notice your hair is shinier as well.

The can is pretty big so it’s going to last you a long time if it’s just for personal use and it smells amazing. In fact, all of the Tigi Bed Head products smell really good.

You can get yours here for £9.49.

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Getting My Beauty Fix in Richmond Park

2011-11-15T08:00:00.000Z

Every now and then I like to throw in a post that's a little different. Looking gorgeous isn't always about layering on expensive creams and serums. Nor is it about how much makeup we wear or how we've done our hair. Often, the best way to look gorgeous is to feel gorgeous and that means looking after ourselves.

When I say that, I mean in more ways than just eating fresh food and going to gruelling gym classes. I was that girl for years. I worked out for hours a day and was on a diet for the better part of fifteen years! Yet, I think I'm healthier now than I have been in years. Sometimes all we need to do is put some trainers on and get out into the fresh air. It's amazing for your skin, gets your circulation going and you'll burn a few calories while you're at it.

I'm a nut for nature. I love the countryside and wildlife and I get so much joy out of getting up close and personal with it. Richmond Park isn't quite the countryside but I did nearly pass out from happiness when I was a matter of feet away from a thundering herd of deer. I saw a playful rut between two young bucks and the views in the park were to die for. You'll get an overwhelming sense of peace out on a lovely, long walk away from the streets and car fumes.

The health benefits don't stop there! We saw loads of edible mushrooms while we were out last weekend. You can't get much fresher and healthier than picking your own! Yummm! How good would this monster be with some eggs on toast??? Very few mushrooms are actually poisonous. However, many don't exactly taste great. The BBC Autumn Watch website has a great guide to picking your own mushrooms on it.

After our lovely walk my skin is glowing and I'm feeling refreshed and ready to take on a busy week. Check out your local Ramblers group or look at notice boards in your local area. There are loads of groups that like to go exploring in every community. Getting away from the bustle and taking a wonderful nature walk will really bring your gorgeousness to the surface!!

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

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Dior by Patrick Demachelier

2011-11-14T08:00:00.000Z

If you’re looking for a perfect Christmas gift or if you just want a lovely treat then check this out! It’s full of seriously divine images of Dior dresses shot by Patrick Demachelier for various publications over the years.

You can pick a copy up at any bookstore or here from Amazon.

Kisses

Rebecca xxx

NOTD: Nails Inc Glamour Freebie

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000Z

Everyone loves a bargain and everyone loves a freebie even more! This month’s Glamour magazine includes a Nails Inc nail varnish. I went for the vampy dark colour called Victoria. At first glance it looks black but it’s actually a dark, blood red. I love it. It would look super festive at this time of year with some gold shimmer or glitter accents. I spied a lovely one in Illamasqua today that I quite fancy.

Get your hands on Glamour! Fabulous freebies and it’s always full of gorgeous stuff as well.

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Lush Snow Fairy Magic Wand

2011-11-10T08:00:00.000Z

I have a weakness. Lush’s Christmas goodies get me every year! I can’t help myself. It all starts with me needing a big bottle of Snow Fairy shower gel. I mean, who wouldn’t want to smell like fairy floss? It’s the best fragrance ever!

Can you imagine how much I struggled against making this purchase?

It’s a Snow Fairy flavoured Magic Wand!!!!! Eeeeee!!!!! It even has a BELL!!!! How could I NOT purchase it? I’m trying to stop myself from ordering a bulk box. After my super pummel massage earlier in the day I needed a hot bath when I got home. I thought I’d “pop in” just to get my annual bottle of Snow Fairy and something bubbly for the bath.

Instead, I got the Magic Wand. You stir it into the bath and stop once you reach the desired level of milkiness. It’s not a bubble bath like one of the usual Bubble Bars. It’s going to last for ages! The wand is totally reusable. I’m not sure how most people would store it, though. I have a pot full of pebbles in my bathroom that I use to burn my incense sticks. That’s where I’ve propped up my Magic Wand while I’m not using it.

Clearly I was happier than a five year old at Disneyland whilst kicking back in my pink, fairy floss flavoured tub. Best bath ever!!!!!

Kisses,

Rebecca xxx

Tresemme Instant Fresh

2011-11-09T09:12:00.001Z

Dry shampoo is a tricky thing to get right. I've tried several and, so far, there are only three I'd repurchase. Tresemme Instant Refresh is one of them.

There isn't loads to say about it other than it works! It gives my hair an extra day or two and is great for fringe emergencies. It has a lovely lemongrass fragrance and the can is big so it lasts for ages. It doesn't come in colours but as long as you don't use too much and brush it out you'll be fine using it on dark hair.

Get yours for £4.38 at any Boots, Superdrug or supermarket.

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

PS, I received my Instant Refresh free of charge for review purposes.

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NOTD: Role Reversal

2011-11-08T07:22:00.001Z

I'm finding the Bourjois varnish chips and peels really quickly.
I've already had to take it off and re-do my manicure. Obviously I just switched up the colours. That was only a couple days ago and I look scrappy already. It's supposed to be a 7 day, chip resistant varnish. So far, not so great. Drats. I really love the colour.

Kisses,
Rebecca xxx

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