I Heart Cosmetics

I have had the most awful day

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:55:00 +0000

I won't bore you with all of the finer details but there is no beauty post today. I found out my granddad has cancer of the blood and had an awful appraisal at work, you know one of those chats you have with someone and they start saying things and you think - is this really happening, are you actually saying these things? Am I in a parralel universe?

Well it was a day like that. If I drank much I think I would be drowning in a bucket of wine right now, unfortunately I have no wine so I just feel like shit :(

Current Obsessions

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:36:00 +0000

I have been so busy lately that makeup pics have been lacking for which I apologise. Proper reviews and swatches are to follow but here are some new things I have been obsessed with this month.

First up is one of the new YSL Voile de Blush's in shade no 2. This blush is the ultimate sheer wash of gorgeous coral colour for a bit of colour in your cheeks. This works well with all olive skin tones or if you love fake tan like me! The consistency is a gel and it is totally non sticky and so sheer and gorgeously easy to apply. Pricey but I love it soooo much! I want the other colours asap.

Clinique - Age Defence BB Cream SPF 30

I was sent this BB cream to test out and have it in shade 1 which is great for when I am not fake tanning. I have to wear a high SPF at the moment due to the laser treatments making the skin very sensitive to sunlight.

I have very dry skin and find this perfect. It gives a natural tinted moisturiser coverage that is sheer but evens out the skintone.

It has a very natural coverage

Shade 1

Please note it is a chemical sunscreen so check that the ingredients don't break you out at the counter before buying, try a little on the jawline. I love the coverage and I don't find it as greasy as other Clinique foundations although I don't think this will be that good on oily skins as it is meant as an age defense product and is therefore quite a moisturising feeling cream. I would definitely repurchase this and I prefer it to the Mac BB Cream. This BB cream has a thicker k consistency,and more coverage than a bog standard tinted moisturiser. I only neded a touch of concealer but my dark circles are huge. The finish is matte but there are optical diffusers in the product apparently which does give a more natural finish.
You can get it here on the Clinique website and it costs £25

Finding a perfect pump dispenser for liquid facial products

I really hate mess and wastage with facial products like liquid eye makeup remover and toner etc. So I decided to test out my Mac eye makeup remover in one of my pump bottles I use for my nail tech liquids...obviously I washed it in the dishwasher first to remove any chemicals. It works perfectly! Just pop your cotton wool circle onto the top of the pump, push down and the pad is saturated with the liquid but not too much so it is sopping wet. I love this!

You can get them on ebay or I get mine here > Pump Bottles I hope this is handy for you, you can use them for all sorts of things, even nail varnish remover just make sure to label it different to your cleanser bottle!

My teeth!

Holy cow these are some damn white teeth, obsessed! Have had so many people tell me they are going to go to smile studio in London to get them done too, are you going to get it done while it's £200 discount? Let me know! I'd love to post your before and after pics with mine.

I still have a few more sessions of the whitening at home kit to do too! Wy10 is such an amazing system and am so chuffed and grateful to Dr Chan and http://smilestudiolondon.co.uk/

So what have you been obsessed with???

Philips ReAura-skin rejuvenation laser session 3

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:48:00 +0000

If you read my blogs about my first and second sessions using this device then you may have wondered if I had yet managed to use the laser properly with one full time slot on each cheek AND my forehead. Well I am please to say that yes, I have finally managed to do it! I'll take a bow now!

It took approximately 6/7 minutes per section and my skin went just as red as before and I had the usual amount of stinging and pain. I do find it funny that the amount of people who have said to me 'ooh you shouldn't do it any more' or 'oooh it can't be good for you'. To be honest I just carry on as I was kindly sent this device and I agreed to review it and review it I shall as that is what I feel that my blog is about, trying products that I think people will be interested in buying to see if they are worth the money.

Since I have been using the laser, as the manual says, my skin has got quite dry and peely for the days after using it, not peeling as so that someone looking at me can tell, but when I put my makeup in the morning my BB cream looks smooth (I'm using Clinique BB cream as you have to use a high SPF) but a few hours later it has started to look slightly 'bitty' on close inspection and it's bits of skin starting to peel.

Now obviously I can't really comment on the effectiveness of this device after only 3 treatments but I personally think that I can see a difference in my skin and that my freckles seem much less visible. I am interested to see if they disappear completely. The annoying thing is that this treatment does make my face feel quite itchy, I have found myself rubbing at my face and had to stop myself but grr I just want to scratch! I shall continue to update each time I do a treatment. Next one is due on Sunday. Let me know if you have any questions.

Minx Nails for Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 10:03:00 +0000

If anyone is interested in buying these they are £9 each inc uk postage (£3 for overseas postage) or £30 for all four inc Uk postage (£4 for overseas postage). Usually only available to nail techs but I realised that my collection was a bit tooooo big!

PayPal or bank transfer pls first come first served.

They are gold lightening, burgundy chrome orange chrome and pink and purple swirl. The one in the clear packaging is the older style packaging the black is the newer style.

Lynx Attract For Her

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 10:31:00 +0000

If you click on this link > Lynx Girls you can see a can of Lynx for girls/women which appears to have been released.

I wonder if the advert is going to be some girl covered with guys? Or in a supermarket with guy's clothes just magically dissapearing and oops they're in their underwear? I'm putting myself and Ryan Reynolds forward for THAT advert #justsaying ;P

What do you think it's going to smell like?

Slendertone System Male Arms

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:27:00 +0000

After I had such great success with the slendertone abs system that I was sent I wanted to have a look on their website and see if they had anything for arms because despite working out at the gym and using the machines, free weights and doing press ups my arms were still not as toned as I wanted when wearing strappy tops and dresses. I came across both the women's and men's versions of the system arms and decided to look into them as I wondered what the difference was.

The difference appears to be that while the slendertone system male arms targets the triceps and the biceps (front and back of the arm) the women's version just targets the back of the arm. For a roughly similar price I decided to go for the men's version. As I had the controller from the abs system I only had to buy the arm garment which was a very reasonable £32.

To use the arm system, as with the ab system you apply the sticky gel patches to the garment, plug in the controller and then place the garment on each arm ensuring there is a sticky patch placed on each tricep and bicep in the correct place. Pick your programme out of 10/12/15 minutes then your level and then away you go.

With this system the pulses from the slendertone mean that you should sit with your arms bent and chill out while the machine does it's thing as your arms move involuntarily, no eating your dinner - you would end up wearing it!

Here is an arm picture after using it for 3 sessions. Will try and update once a week. I am currently up to level 36 out of 100. They say that you need to use it for 4 weeks to show results so am looking forward to next month!

Do you have to fight against bingo wings? Any tips?

Had my teeth whitened yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 11:45:00 +0000

Full info and proper pictures to come once I have finished the home kit but omfg how white are my teeth already??!!!!!!

I had them done with Dr Chan and his 2 lovely assistants at smile studio London http://smilestudiolondon.com

I love them already!

Slendertone 30 Day Ab Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:30:00 +0000

The Slendertone manual has the 30 day challenge outlined that you follow for noticeable results in a month. I had a slight problem with following the programme to the letter as first of all I wanted to use it every day as it was my new fun novelty product but then once Matt was in the car crash, the slendertone charger had been in the car so the belt wore out of battery and I had to then try and obtain a new one online but then had to ask the slendertone people if it was ok to send me another one as I couldn't find where to buy one online. That took just over a week to sort out so obviously I then missed that week of using the belt delaying the 30 days somewhat and obviously with Matt having had the accident the review wasn't the first thing on my mind.

After I received the new charger I continued and followed the programme to the letter and, as the programme suggested, increased the intensity as much as I could. I got the the intensity of 59-60 and this is where I seem to have hit my plateau. I am not sure why, as the intensity goes up to a whopping 100 levels, but any higher than that and I am actually in pain from the force of the muscle contraction. Prior to using the belt I did 100 situps around 3 times a week so I don't know if perhaps that means my abs weren't developed very much and that is why I am still struggling with the intensity.

The 30 day challenge programme is well designed, even for someone without stomach muscle definition to start with. My stomach before was flat but I never had those lines down the sides of my abs or even a tiny hint of them. I did attempt to try and put the resistance up to 60 the first time I used it and I felt how I would imagine one of those people twitching on the floor after being tazered by the police would feel. So remember to be sensible and stick to low levels to start with. I would usually use the slendertone belt just before bed as this is really the only time I get at home to do it, in the mornings I only have 1/2 an hour before I leave the house and I couldn't get away with it during work hours.

So after a month do I feel any different? The answer is definitely yes. Of course I don't have a six pack or even the amazing ab definition that the woman on the box does but it is nice to be able to look in the mirror and see the shadow of the two lines down the side of my abs without having had to kill myself doing thousands of boring situps. The Slendertone System Abs doesn't claim to be anything that it is not, it is for stomach toning and of course this sort of thing works best in conjunction with healthy eating and exercise. I wouldn't even bother with this product if you are needing to lose a few stone as you do need to have a low enough body fat percentage to actually be able to see muscle definition through any fat you have. That's not me being bitchy but you will honestly waste money using this if you are quite big so I don't want to mislead anyone. This ab belt definitely helps speed along your ab toning in a really noticable manner.

My recommendations

Read the manual thoroughly even if you hate reading manuals

Buy replacement pads when you buy the ab belt, if you accidentally drop this on the carpet where your cat has been sleeping you render the pads totally useless immediately..... this may have happened to me

Do not let other people share the ab belt, you need to keep the pads at the best spot for you personally (everyone tries to 'borrow' the slendertone once they see I have one).

I definitely recommend this product in conjunction with a diet and healthy living as a great aid in ab toning. I will continue to use it as soon as my new pads come in the post and have recommended it to many friends.

Sadly while I do often get compliments about my figure and waist I am quite body conscious so I don't really want to post a picture of my stomach online, from many comments I get on this blog (obviously that I delete)people are pretty bitchy so I don't really want to needlessly upset myself as i'm a sensitive little sausage!

You can buy this from

Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slendertone-System-Abs-Toning-Womens/dp/B000PARO2M

Argos http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9003905.htm

Or http://www.slendertone.com/

Guilty Pleasures

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:29:00 +0000

I don't really have any bad habits, I don't smoke, I only drink on a rare night out and my biggest vice are pink and white marshmallows. However I have an embarassing secret, I love reality television and the more ridiculous and trashy the better. Not really Big Brother or that sort of forced reality show, even the Kardashians, as much as I do love watching them, it is all a bit too staged. No what I like is some full on absolute trash tv. Like Jerseylicious, TOWIE, Amy Childs, Basketball wives, or, my absolute number one favourite of the moment

Love & Hip Hop

I just love the absolute bitchiness, fighting, weave pulling, oh it's ghetto fabulous. Really takes your mind off a hard day at the office! You just have to watch a clip below from season two. I nearly cried with laughter when I watched that fight it was mental, they even called the police!

Do you share my reality tv shame?

Philips Reaura Skin Rejuvenation - Session 2

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:39:00 +0000

If you read my blog about my first session using this device here session 1 then you may have wondered if I was still alive, or at least still had skin attached to my face. The answer is yes I am alive and up until about an hour ago my skin had gone back to it's usual white/pale/pasty self. It took approx 24 hours to do so.

I had only used the laser for a matter of minutes but I did notice a couple of small side effects, my face looked a bit puffy and was quite itchy. It was 50/50 between readers/tweeters thinking I should give up using the machine or carry on and tell them the results. I did debate whether or not to give up but after speaking to some people who had used the device and hearing from the people who sent it to me I did come across one overall thought. What happened to me was completely normal for this machine. Now I really think that the manual that came with this device ridiculously understates the amount of side effects you can get, obviously some people will get hardly any side effects, but it doesn't seem to mention that white people have a thinner epidermis (which we do) so all I am thinking is that because I am so soo pale my epidermis is very thin and therefore it was much more painful. I also think they need to include some further information so I have included it here:

Extras to the kit you will need to get or do

A hairband - if any hair touches your face when it is red and raw it stings like a biatch
Put your gels and creams in the freezer
Buy some aloe vera gel and put that in the freezer
Get a packet of cheap flannels from the supermarket, wet them and put THEM in the freezer too - in a freezer bag obviously. You might have to take the food out you've got so much beauty stuff in there.
A water spritzer, NOT a toner - anything with alcohol sprayed onto you skin at this point and you will be on the ceiling in pain. Oh yea and put that in the fridge, a frozen spray bottle is no help at all.
Some super thick moisturiser and some serum OR what I am going to try and get tomorrow is some Chiroxy cream, this is an oxygenating cream they gave me to use after my dermaroller treatment and people use after cosmetic surgery and alpha beta peels etc. it is the bomb, you can probably even keep that in the fridge. You can buy it here on sale for just £15.99 so I might actually order some now and no I am not affiliated with them at all http://www.facethefuture.co.uk/shop/aestheticare/more-aestheticare/chiroxy-oxygenating-skin-cream/prod_83.html

In case you didn't catch my drift - keep stuff as cold as possible, your face will be on fire. If you have a walk in freezer, hell just get in there yourself.

How did the treatment go?

After today's treatment

After my first rather disastrous attempt I was advised to use level 1 for 2 weeks before moving on to level 2 therefore meaning I would have to do a 10 week programme rather than an 8 week programme. Now mulling this over in my head the only think I could possibly think of that would be worse than doing this for 8 weeks would be to do it for 10 weeks! So sod that I just decided to go for level 2 and do as much as I could. I am going to be going on holiday in 12 weeks so I am hoping that having 4 weeks after the final treatment it will be somewhat back to normal.

I managed to do a full session until the sound went on my forehead and then I did another session on both cheeks - it should be one session per cheek/side of face but as I say, I did the best I could. I spent about 20 minutes doing my face overall so a big improvement from last time. After I finished my forehead I applied a very cold (but not too wet so it didn't drip) flannel to my forehead while I did the cheeks, I think this helped me get through that bit and be able to finish as it was so nice and cooling. I would recommend doing this.

After I was done I used each cold flannel as a compress on my face until it was hot. Once I had used all 3 I rinsed my face under the cold tap so the gel came off and then applied a really thick layer of the aftercare cream from the freezer. Since then I have been spritzing myself with the super cold water spray.

So far my skin feels really numb and quite itchy. At the moment it isn't as painful by far as the first time although there is still pain and soreness. It feels like my face is grazed if that makes sense? It's very red.

I shall continue to update each time I do a treatment. Next one is due on Sunday. Let me know if you have any questions.

Philips Reaura Skin Rejuvenation Day 1

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 21:04:00 +0000

I was sent the brand new Philips Reaura Skin Rejuvenation device to review. You use it twice a week for 8 weeks to have rejuvenated, younger looking skin. It was created with the Fraxel laser technology which is a really advanced laser skin rejuvenation process used in the USA. I heard about it a few years ago when reading some US Vogue magazines on holiday. I have never heard about it in a UK magazine.

The problems with my skin are freckles (sun damage), fine lines around my mouth and the texture of my forehead. I will be 27 in a couple of months and was excited to try this out.

The Laser

Nails are Shellac Hot Pop Pink

First session - Sunday 8th January 2012

I read the manual, watched the dvd and worked out exactly how to use the device. It is a bit complicated to understand first of all so take your time to read all of the information. I was rather surprised to read that each section needs to be lasered for around 10 minutes (so that's 10 minutes per cheek then 10 minutes on the forehead if you're doing the face). You can also use this on your hands, arms, neck or decollete area.

You ensure your face is cleansed with a gentle cleanser then apply a pea sized amount of the gel to each cheek and to the forehead and smooth over the skin, ensuring there is a good coverage but it isn't too thick so it doesn't clog up the machine.

You turn the machine on press the button at the bottom to pick level 1, 2 or 3 (strength of laser). It said to try and use level 3 but level 2 was ok. Level 1 is the practice level so I figured I would try level two and if that was too much go to level 1.

Straight after the treatment

You hold the device at a 90 degree angle to your skin so the head is flat, once it is correctly applied it goes red, then slide the laser over the surface of the skin gently without dragging, the light will go green and a noise is emitted. This is when the agony started! The leaflet said I could expect redness, a warm sensation and some stinging. It said you 'might' feel these. I felt burning, stinging and I think I swore it was so painful. I stopped for a second then tried to carry on. You are meant to move vertically over the area then horizontally and then presumably once you have done this a few times the beeper will go to move onto the next section. Personally I went over the skin totally once vertically on section 1 which was my cheek/chin on one side of my face. My skin was so red and burning that I tried to go over horizontally and it stung like a mother.... so I waited a moment, tried again and holy **** absolute burning agony. So I quickly realised that there was no way I was going to make 10 minutes on that section, I had done approximately 2 minutes.

I moved onto section 2 and as you can imagine moved to level 1 and the exact same thing happened. Obviously I should have waited until I had finished the one section but it was too painful. I then did my forehead after I couldn't prevail with the second section until and again the buzzer did not go. My forehead was slightly less painful and I managed around 3.5 minutes on this before it was too red and the burning sensation too painful to continue. I had therefore done my entire face in less than 10 minutes with the charge that was needed to do 1 section, less even. So what I had done probably didn't do much at all.

I shut off the machine and turned the cold tap on, sticking my entire face directly under the tap. The cold water felt sooo good! After I had washed off the gel and my face stopped feeling like I had been dunked in acid I applied a thick layer of the cream you are given to use afterwards.

It is now around 3 hous after my treatment and my face feels weird, hot and numb. Still quite painful.and my face is really red. Red enough to make it impossible to go out of the house for example, I look like tomato face. Thank flip I didn't do the whole 30 minute treatment!

Thoughts...I am a bit scared to use this again. I am scared I look crazy for work in the morning. It was massively more painful than I was expecting. I will try again on Wednesday and if I can't manage that I will try and use it on my arms or hands instead.

Now I am not writing this to scare anyone or to complain about the product. But you know me, I am honest and this is what has happened. We shall see a) if I have the cojones to use this again and

b)if it does any good

(and c) whether I have to get the train to work looking like a fruitcake).

Pip implant debate - my thoughts

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 11:29:00 +0000

The Pip implant scandal is currently taking over the news and many woman all over the country are very scared. I for one have implants but they are not made by PIP. Thankfully, the Company through which I had mine done in 2008 did not offer these implants at all and I am sure that I remember people on forums in the US telling me to avoid them. That may have something to do with this

This is the Warning Letter that the FDA sent to Jean-CLaude Mas (PIP founder) in June of 2000 after an investigation in the company where they found that the saline pre-filled mammary implants "were adulterated" and didn't comply with Good Manufacturing Practices. After this PIP were forbidden in the US.

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/2000/UCM068539.pdf

So basically they have known for 11 years that this isn't right but it's only coming out now. This worries me.

My implants not being PIP does not mean of course that in 10 years or so my implants might not have a scandal attached to them, perhaps they will and when I had my surgery I was advised of all of the dangers, however not everyone is so lucky and I feel terribly sad for the women that did do their research and were let down by this company or by their surgeon for perhaps not suggesting a 'better' or more expensive implant as let's be honest, with surgical implants surely things are cheaper for a reason?

What has really made me extremely angry however is the constant judging and frankly vile words said by many people about these women who have had the implants, and all women with breast implants in general.

Below is an example of the venom people are spitting on popular UK news website Daily Mail.

As a 28-yr-old woman with a chest on the smaller end, I cannot for the life of me understand women who mutilate (yes, let's face it, might as well call a spade a spade) themselves to become more "attractive." Fake boobs do not feel natural, look painful, and eventually cause all sorts of medical maladies. Also, what's the real message that a boob job send to other people (men and women alike)? "I can't accept myself the way I am!" So many women say they had a boob job to gain confidence, but sadly it conveys anything but. And last but certainly not least, any man who prefers fake over real is likely the kind of man you're best staying far, far away from.

- Nony, Alaska, 08/1/2012 08:50

Well Nony, and all the other hate filled public with feelings just like you, here is MY opinion.

Get of your fucking high horse. Not everyone has confidence in themself and not everyone has confidence in their body. If we're using your ridiculous rationale nobody would have any cosmetic surgery as it is mutilation.. Really? What a childish and overly simplistic view of the world you have. Fake breasts actually can feel natural, and since you are such a nasty piece of work I can't for the life of me imagine who exactly is letting you grope their breasts Nony? Because if you haven't felt them then how the fuck do you know?

The real message that a boob job sends to people? I had no idea my tits could talk let alone converse with people and send them messages, personally they stay pretty hidden behind my clothes, nobody has ever asked me outright if I even have fake breasts. So how are they conveying any message more than any other breasts real or fake? And Nony, any man who shuns a woman because she has a boob job is just as much a tithead as you. A judgemental fool is not really the kind of man that woman want.

This is just my opinion and as you can see I am absolutely livid at the absolutely mindless and idiotic people slagging off women including myself but especially these poor women with PIP implants. Do you not think they have enough worries on their mind at the moment anyway.

Do you have implants and are worried if they are PIP or not?

Firstly try and look for any paperwork or emails you have regarding your surgery. If you have none then call the clinic that you had your surgery with. If this is to no avail call the secretary of the surgeon directly and ask for their assistance.

You can have a breast scan like a mammogram to see if you have any ruptures or problems.

You could also join this facebook group for support http://www.facebook.com/groups/121178307922642/

I hope that ladies with PIP implants are able to get help from their clinics I really do. xx

Clinique’s new age defense BB cream SPF30

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:38:00 +0000

I was excited to read about Clinique's new age defense BB cream as so far I have only tried a BB cream from the brand Colour Couture and that was like goop. The Garnier one everyone raves about isn't really my thing, Garnier test on animals so I try and avoid their products.

Clinique's new multi-tasking BB Cream helps prevent the premature signs of ageing with UVA/UVB and environmental protection while immediately concealing imperfections. Skin is soothed and hydrated for a more youthful look. Additionally, this cream helps balance skin and provides oil and shine control to extend the life of foundation.

The Look and Feel

Appropriate for all skin types, including delicate skins, this lightweight formula contains multi-polarised pigments to enhance skin’s complexion. It provides medium to full coverage to blur imperfections without being too heavy for a naturally flawless look. Skin looks more perfected and even-toned. Skin texture feels smoother and softer.

NEW Age Defense BB Cream SPF30 is available in two shades for pink or golden undertones and appropriate for all skin types. Available exclusively at Harrods from the 1^st January 2012 and Clinique.co.uk then to be nationwide at selected Clinique counters from the 2^nd March 2012

I'm going to see if one of the two shades suits me and i'll give it a go if one does.

Do you like BB creams? Which is your favourite?

Celeb Boutique - My Favourite Online Shop of 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:12:00 +0000

I want to share with you a little gem of an online shop that I found in 2011.

www.celebboutique.com

They are hands down my go-to shop for a dress for a night out and from the amount of pictures of girls wearing the dresses I see on Facebook and Twitter I am definitely not alone. The dresses are predominately in the bandage style like Herve Leger dresses but at a fraction of the price. The dresses are all around £80-100 which is obviously a lot of money compared to say newlook or missguided but for me, at just over 5'10 without shoes and not the best legs in the world I need a dress that is suitable for a tall person with a modest enough hemline not to flash anything including any cellulite (rank) that deffo needs to stay hidden away!

The dresses are those sort of suck it in push it up ones which are great, especially around Christmas when you need a bit of sucking in! The dresses are so comfortable too as the fabric is so thick and soft and stretchy and the zip is good quality too. I have been so fed up recently of dresses from Warehouse and similar being washed once then being totally ruined with holes appearing or seams coming undone, buttons falling off and zips ripping or coming away so I am happy to pay a bit more and ensure that I get a really good quality dress that will last a long time.

The dresses come in so many beautiful colours, I was given a purple one with a black halter-neck as my Christmas present from my mum which I love. Hopefully I will get to wear it soon on a night out - maybe Valentines or something.

Here are some of my favourites from their website hopefully I can add to my collection in 2012 ooh and they also do gorgeous shoes and bags.

Do you have any favourite online shops?

Happy New Year - Resolutions and All

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 17:45:00 +0000

I think resolution numero uno should be to get my fringe trimmed, its gone all funny!

I hope you all had a lovely New Year however you celebrate it. I had planned to go out but I had such a bad hangover from the night before that it was literally all I could do to stay awake to eat some pizza then I fell asleep! I woke up for the fireworks on TV and was really impressed with the show that was put on around the millennium wheel. They probably spent more money than usual as it's the olympics but I am glad they did a great routine, I know a lot of people on twitter were moaning about the music but I think they just tried to get as many types of music in there so there was something for everyone's taste.

My resolutions for January are to:

Lose my Christmas 5lbs with the Dukan diet and aforementioned fringe trim

Resolutions for the whole of 2012 are to:

Finish my NVQ in beauty and then follow it up with an advanced course in waxing and eyebrow design

Decide whether to switch from Organics to Vita Liberata spray tan (I'm keeping Fake Bake as it's so popular but want to use an Organic brand too).

Find a new place to live

Have an amazing holiday in Vegas with Matt

Hopefully manage another short holiday near the end of the year

What are your plans or resolutions for 2012? They say that people who make resolutions are much more likely to achieve their goals, which is the only reason I make them really!

Sale Shopping, it's just too tempting

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:27:00 +0000

Dress on the left - £22.50 from Asos (Lipsy) Dress on the right - £29 from Asos (Aqua)

Goodies from Lookfantastic

£14.40 Caudalie premieres vendanges moisturising cream

£15.20 Aveda madder root colour conditioner

I also managed to get one of the massive Neom candles in the sale with a £12 discount but unfortunately they have all sold out. Sorry!

I also managed to nab a lovely new camera in one of the just before Xmas sales which arrived yesterday however, clever old me, I forgot to buy one of the SD cards for it thinking that my old one would fit, but it doesn't so I will have to go and get another one tomorrow it's one of those flipping tiny ones - how annoying!

I am hoping that with the flip up option I will be able to take better pictures of makeup and stuff so I can post more pics like that, because I want to but I find it so difficult to take pics of my face.

Do you have this camera? Is it good?

What have you picked up in the sales?

Christmas Wishes

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Just a quick note from me to say I hope you've had a lovely Christmas. I have been really ill which has been seriously annoying! Poor old Matt had to make the entire Christmas dinner himself and that was after he had to go and buy all of the food by himself too so I think he did a really amazing job.

I hope you've all had a good Christmas however you celebrate. Remember as lovely as being spoilt and getting lots of presents is, it isn't really about that. Even if you aren't religious it should be a time for showing how much you love your friends and family. This year I didn't get much so no point doing any sort of present post although I do love reading them so please do give me your links if you have posted about the pressies you have got. This was my main present, from my mum and I love it

It's called 'Bow' and from www.celebboutique.com and actually there's £10 off in the sale if you like it.

So my plans for the next couple of days are to get better, drink lots of hot toddies and find out if Beechams Ultra actually do work or not. I hope that they do!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas xx

Universal Contour Wrap Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:44:00 +0000

My gym is useless. It's really old and while they always profess to be 'doing it up' it's always pretty crap. And what better time to refurbish the gym than the 2 weeks before Christmas! Just when everyone wants to tone up for their nights out.

Chrysalis Machine

In desperation at lack of gym and lack of time I booked in for a Universal Contour Wrap at my local salon called Indulgence in Bexleyheath as I had noticed that Universal offer a guarantee whereby anyone having their first Classic wrap is entitled to the following: That you should lose a minimum of 6” or you will not be charged and that you should maintain a loss of at least 6” for a period of 30 days or we will wrap you again free of charge. Now you do need to follow the aftercare which involves not eating rubbish and not drinking tea or coffee, so that went out the window as soon as I got home as I love tea too much however I did find that I felt lighter and my skin felt very smooth and toned, and also very moisturised. I did lose some inches particularly from my hips and thighs which are my problem areas being a definite pear shape.

What I also liked about the treatment at Indulgence was they had the rather fancy Chrysalis machine that you lay in while your bandages are on and the treatment is called Classic Elite. This is the new, advanced and completely unique treatment from Universal Contour Wrap and it combines the inch loss wrap with muscle toning and shaping in just one simple treatment. It's somewhat like a giant slendertone machine effect. It offers the same guarantees as UCW Classic, with extra benefits as the Chrysalis machine combines electrical muscle stimulation and thermal heat, so the treatment allows for improved inch loss in faster time, while also offering a more pleasurable, relaxing treatment than the original Classic treatment alone.

You are measured before and after and I was marked with a pen so they ensured that the measuring was fair and I was measured at exactly the same point before and after.

HOW IT WORKS...

Before you are wrapped in the Classic clay soaked bandages, the electro-stimulation straps from Chrysalis are wrapped around your waist, stomach & thighs. You are then wrapped in the clay soaked bandages which are quite tight, you find it difficult to walk and do a sort of waddling motion, you are then helped into the Chrysalis thermal blanket for a 35 minute session.

The heat relaxes the body and opens the skins pores allowing the clay to draw out the toxins more rapidly and boost the blood flow. The effects allow for more oxygenation of tissues and lymphatic exchange, increasing the detoxification process.

This heat source combined with electrical muscle stimulation can speed up the treatment process to nearly half the time, allowing inch loss to be achieved quicker. You may feel a sort of zapping or pins and needles feeling when the muscle toning part is working, which was not unpleasant but did feel a bit weird.

Overall I would definitely get this done for a big event like a holiday, wedding, prom etc. especially if you have cellulite as I found it really did improve the look of mine. It's pricey and I wouldn't have one very often due to the price, but if you want to know if it works or not then yes it did work for me, even though I don't even have many inches that need losing so I would imagine if you are bigger you would find it easier to lose even more.

This treatment is absolutely not a good idea for anyone scared of being left alone or claustrophobic as you are wrapped up like a jacket potato for half and hour in the Chrysalis machine so don't book in for this if you are likely to have a panic attack! I was fine in case you wondered!

You can find out more information at Universal Contour Wrap Website

Have you ever had a body wrap? What did you think?

Products launching in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 +0000

Finally getting a few minutes at my laptop this week to bash out a few posts, if in the middle of the night, makes me feel back to normal again. I feel odd when I don't get to spend much time blogging, sort of like when I miss the gym for a week and I feel just generally wrong.

So I had a scout about about what's the happs for 2012 and have found some new and interesting products which will be launching soon starting with something not really beauty related but the one I am most excited about, I find Davina a bit annoying but her workout dvd's are fantabulastic and she's far less annoying than that smug faced shredding woman who I would like to stab with my remote control for 30 days, I like to call her Jilliam Mc-paininthearse.

Launching Spring 2012, Davina For www.Next.co.uk provides the ultimate workout and post work-out clothing along with a range of innovative everyday shoes which feature dual density mid-sole technology to reduce stress on joints. From aerobics to running, power-lifting to pilates – all in great modern shapes, fabulous colours and outstanding fabrics, there’s something for every activity.

Davina says: “My approach was to concentrate on what I would wear, thinking very carefully about the details that matter to me, like a place for an MP3 player, or reflective strips on the bottoms – essential when you’re jogging in the early morning or at dusk. And I’ve ensured the workout tops are extremely solid and secure so your boobs won’t be bobbing around while you’re working out!”

How excited? Finally someone who actually works out designing the clothes, wow there's an idea! Very excited to get some new bits when this is released.

For Ojon haircare lovers there are two new products out in Jan. The new Ati Rejuvenating Styling Cream (£25 for 125ml) and Ati Rejuvenating Hair and Scalp Treatment (£32 for 110ml) are specifically for thin and limp hair. The styling cream boosts volume while visibly restoring vitality and healthy gloss to hair and the liquid hair and scalp treatment absorbs instantly to help minimise hair loss while simultaneously fortifying hair to reveal fuller, thicker strands. Both products are available available exclusively on QVC from January 2012 www.ojon.com

Not that I am the biggest fan of Rimmel but they will be bringing out a new Long Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Tint (£6.99) and new Wake Me Up Foundation (£8.99) in 2012. The new lip tint collection is available in six shades and uses a non-transfer formula that they say does not smudge or rub off. Wake Me Up contains SFP 15 and minimises signs of premature skin ageing. Both products are launching nationwide on 25 January 2012.

www.rimmellondon.com

In partnership with Disney and inspired by the character Tinker Bell, Pixi has created its new PixiGlow collection. The range took shape as Petra Strand, make-up artist and Pixi creator, worked with Disney character artist, John Quinn, to re-imagine Tinker Bell into a vintage-inspired beauty. Products in the range will include the Fairy Face Palette (£32), Catching Shadows Crayon (£12), Magic Tink Tint (£12), Fairy Dust for eyes (£10) and the Straight On Till Morning Liner (£9.50). The new PixiGlow collection will available exclusively via ASOS for one month from February 2012, before launching at Boots nationwide and Boots website from March. There will also be a flagship Pixi store opening in London around the same time. www.pixibeauty.com

This sounds too cute for words! I do love a bit of Tinkerbell.

Korres has put together three limited edition Skincare Kits, each catering for different skin types and specific needs. The kits, priced individually at £19.50, contain mini-size products packaged in a tin ‘wallet’, ideal for travel use. The collection includes: Wild Rose for Hydration & Brightness (normal to dry skin); Pomegranate for Cleansing & Hydration (oily to combination skin); Quercetin & Oak for Anti-Ageing Protection (normal to combination). These will launch into selected Korres stockists in January 2012. www.korres.com

Avon is introducing the Ideal Flawless Liquid Foundation next year. Unlike regular liquid foundations, this new formula uses InvisiBlend Technology which contains OptiLuxe Pigments. This is a new patent-pending blend of multi-shaped pigments that allows light to pass through, reflecting natural skin tone to provide a flawless, natural-looking base. The new Ideal Flawless Foundation SPF 15 will be available in 16 shades from the Avon website, each priced £12, and is set to launch in February 2012. www.avonshop.co.uk

Cosmetic brand MeMeMe is launching a new eye colour collection,Dew Pots Dragonfly for Spring 2012. Available in eight shades from blues to purples and greens to corals, they will be available from 4 January 2012 at Superdrug stores nationwide or online www.mememecosmetics.co.uk

So I hope some of these items have been of interest! And got you geared up for shopping in 2012.

UK Beauty Awards 2011 and tiny mention in the Telegraph

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 23:14:00 +0000

The UK Beauty Awards was judged by a panel of beauty insiders - editors, professionals and bloggers - and one of the bloggers was me! The finalists and winners were announced on Friday 2nd December at The Clothes Show Live at the NEC which I was very lucky to be given a ticket too and went with two lovely friends Danielle and Mary. Staged in association with Diary Directory, the awards are given to brands considered at the top of their game in in performance and innovation.

Here are the list of the winners and runners up. I've put a little star* against the products I like the best.

Best New Beauty Product

• Winner - L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Scrub

• Silver - Melvita Argan Oil *

Best New Female Fragrance

• Winner - Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh

• Silver - Agent Provocateur L'Agent*

Best New Male Fragrance

• Winner - Marc Jacobs Bang

• Silver - BOSS Bottled. Night. Eau de Toilette

Best New Beauty Appliance

• Winner - Clarisonic Plus Sonic Skin Cleanser

• Silver - Reminton Style Professional Pearl Wand

Best New Bodycare Product (luxury)

• Winner - Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare Energising Body Lotion

• Silver - NEOM Organics Organic Body Scrub*

Best New Bodycare Product (mass)

• Winner - Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Ultra-Softening Lotion

• Silver - Gillette Venus Spa Breeze*

Best New Skincare Product (luxury)

• Winner - Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Elixir

• Silver - Elizabeth Arden Prevage Eye Ultra Protection Anti-Ageing Moisturizer SPF15

Best New Skincare Product (mass)

• Winner - Dr Nick Lowe Dermatologist - The Secret Is Out Lifting Super Serum

• Silver - Eau Thermale Avéne TriAcnéal Skin Care

Best New Cosmetic

• Winner - NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil

• Silver - bareMinerals Matte SPF15 Foundation

Best New Hair Product

• Batiste Dry Shampoo With A Hint Of Colour*

• Liz Earle Naturally Active Haircare - Botanical Shine Conditioner*

Best New Men's Grooming Product

• Winner - Garnier Caffeine Eye Roll-on

• Silver - L'Occitane Verdon® Energy Moisturizer

Best New Organic Beauty Product

• Winner - Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Concentrate

• Silver - UNE Natural Beauty Breezy Cheeks Blush*

Best Classic Beauty Product

• Winner - Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser*

• Silver - Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant

I know it's only a tiny mention above but OMG just to have my name on the Telegraph website was so cool! the full article by Kate Shapland

On another note this is my friends press pass, needless to say they spelled her surname very very wrong haha!

Have you ever been to the Clothes Show? I was a bit surprised as it wasn't really what I thought it would be like to be honest! I did have a lovely day though.

YSL Shocking Mascara Review

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:34:00 +0000

YSL is my favourite brand of mascara so when a new one came out, the 'Shocking' mascara, it went straight on the list of ones to try out (yes never mind that I already have about 10). I love that YSL mascaras smell gorgeous, come in lovely gold packaging which looks so much better than black or neon pink and the mascaras have always worked amazingly for me.

They say "The UK's No.1 Luxury Black Mascara in new shocking formula. New immediate and shocking volume overdose. Exclusive helix-cut brush for maximum load on the brush and immediate and extreme volume on the lashes from the roots."

This was my new mascara love after it's first use. I love that the Faux Cils mascara really ramps up the volume and length of my lashes and this does that and more. Your lashes are the blackest of black and look much more glamorous.

As you can see without mascara my eyelashes are almost invisible, so if you had longer lashes this will no doubt make them look amazing.

The brush

You do need to ensure that you wiggle the mascara wand from side to side as you are apply, or just blot the brush on a tissue before using so there are no clumps, as nobody wants clumpy eyelashes!

This mascara gets a 10/10. I bought this myself in case you wondered. It costs around £22 but there is currently some money off if you buy from Debenhams here> ysl shocking

Mandara Spa Exfoliating Scrub VS Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:25:00 +0000

I noticed that on Timetospa, where I buy my Elemis, that they also sell a brand called Madara Spa. The Madara Spa seemed to have a version of my favourite product by Elemis, the Lime and Ginger Salt Glow so I thought I would buy it and compare them to save you doing the same!

1 - Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow

First up is my all time fave, the Elemis Lime and Ginger Salt Glow which costs £35.00 for 410g. It comes in a gorgeous red glass jar which looks very expensive and glam on your bathroom shelf. Your skin is so super duper smooth after using this but it doesn't feel abrasive or scratchy at all. It isn't as oily as The Sanctuary's salt scrub but it does contain Kukui oil, Japanese Camellia Oil and Jojoba oil so it's very nourishing.

It contains lime peel and ginger which stimulate the skin and smell amazing. To apply you just take a small handful and rub onto damp skin in circular motions. I love how my skin feels after using this, and I haven't found any lower end dupes that compare in terms of scent, packaging and the effects on my skin.

2 - Mandara Spa Citrus Spice Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

The Madara Spa scrub is scented with lime and ginger but also bitter orange and spicy nutmeg. The scent is lovely but I much prefer the Elemis scent which is fresher and more zingy.

This a totally different consistency to the Elemis scrub and I found it a bit difficult to use. The scrub is quite sticky and the skin needs to be slightly damp but not too wet and not too dry for you to be able to massage it in as too wet and it doesn't scrub enough and too dry and it just goes into sticky clumps. You can see the difference in the packaging but to be honest this doesn't bother me at all, if anything I prefer a plastic pot as you can imagine how painful that red glass Elemis jar when you drop it on your toe in the shower!

Your skin is left nice and smooth after using this scrub but again, I can't say it was as good as after using the Elemis scrub. So overall the verdict is - so far I have found no replacement for my beloved Elemis lime and ginger scrub, so if you want a beautiful and lovely present for someone at Christmas then definitely get it for them. But on the plus side - at least I tested it out!

Quantity: 350g RRP £10.50

You can buy both products from http://www.timetospa.co.uk/ but I got the Mandara scrub for £4 on special offer at Sainsburys! Woo get my and my bargain-basement money saving.

Do you ever try to find lower priced dupes of your favourite products? Any recommendations of good ones?

Blanx Advanced Whitening Toothpaste

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 22:27:00 +0000

Sorry for the dodgy picture, the lovely background of mum's bathroom

carpet (at least you can see it's clean)!

If you are a regular reader you'll know that I love tooth whitening, whitening toothpastes and anything tooth related (and if you didn't know you do now). So I was excited to be sent Blanx advanced whitening toothpaste to review. Blanx say " The first whitening toothpaste to be based on ingredients derived from natural Arctic Lichen. Its non-abrasive formula cleans deeply and gently without damaging enamel, killing bacteria and plaque and protecting the teeth".

If you want to know more about Arctic Lichen and how exactly it works as a tooth whitener you can find out more here http://www.blanxuk.com/how-blanx-works/

It's a bit pricier than my usual toothpaste which is probably why I haven't bought it before when i've been in Superdrug. I have been pleasantly surprised since I have tested this out and do actually think it's worth the money, perhaps you could alternate it with a cheaper brand now and again to save money.

This makes your teeth feel nice and smooth and your breath really fresh which lasts for ages. The toothpaste hasn't got that super harsh minty taste that some other cheaper toothpastes have which I think must be due to the natural ingredients, it also has the same taste as other toothpastes with silica so I recognise the taste.

This toothpaste is only £5.99 from Dental Shop! So if you want to save some cash get it from there. To be honest I prefer the Beverly Hills whitening toothpastes still, they just seem to work better for me, just my opinion though.

Am I the only one obsessed with whitening? I might be getting my teeth whitened again next year - have you had your teeth whitened?

Green People No Scent Cleanser Review, Orly Sweet Peacock

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:04:00 +0000

Firstly I just wanted to say thank you to all that left comments on my post about Matt's accident, he is doing better and was very grateful to everyone that wished him well.

If you have skin allergies, issues or acne you may well be looking for a pure, organic, fragrance free makeup remover and cleanser that is similar to a Liz Earle or Eve Lom type of thing. It's taken a long while to find such a product but I finally have and it comes in the shape of the Green People No Scent Cleanser which is sold at around £15 depending on the shop, for a large 200ml pump bottle.

The Green People No Scent Cleanser is an ultra-gentle, fragrance free two in one cleanser and make-up remover. It is safe and gentle for your skin whether it is young or old. It is so gentle it can even be used to remove your eye make-up.

I've used it to remove my makeup every night for a week now and the way I get the best results is to apply in circular motions directly onto my made up face, and massage in using my ring finger to massage the cleanser into my eyelashes gently to remove the mascara. Sometimes I use the Eve Taylor rubber facial brush which is the blue bobbly thing pictured above if I really have a lot of makeup to shift. I then use hot water and a nice clean flannel to wipe off my makeup, I prefer white so I can see when all of the makeup is removed. I prefer flannels to muslin cloths as they are cheaper, easier to get hold of and I find them softer on my face which is very sensitive. I just buy the packs of 2 for 75p from Sainsburys or Asda, much more cost conscious than muslin cloths and better for the environment than cotton wool although you can use cotton wool to remove the cleanser, but I just wouldn't recommend doing it like that.

I use two pumps of cleanser and due to the large size I would say you wouldn't need to buy a bottle more than once a month, probably once every six weeks.

The Green People Organic Base formulations are free from sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate, irritating emulsifiers, ethyl alcohol, parabens, synthetic colours and fragrances and all other unnecessary synthetic ingredients. The Organic Base "No Scent" range is also formulated without essential oils. *Preservatives used are phenoxyethanol, benzoic acid and dehydroacetic acid

Overall I like the consistency and the makeup removing properties of this cleanser, it doesn't irritate my skin or my eczema, it has no scent and handy, clean pump bottle packaging and it's organic. It removes my current mascara which is YSL shocking, easily and with no black panda eyes the next day. The price is reasonable in my opinion and this could be used by the whole family men and women due to it having no scent.

I give this product a 9/10 and would definitely repurchase. I think this is a great alternative to Liz Earle cleanse and polish hot cloth cleanser for those whose skin can't tolerate that.

You can buy their products on many online natural health shops or natural skincare shops or here http://www.greenpeople.co.uk/?gclid=CP7sj5je_awCFUhrfAod_iuQTA

On another note I did my mums nails the other day in the shade Sweet Peacock by Orly, I even did mine to match! The colour is so pretty, I just wish my nails were as long and pretty as my mums!

Do you like muslin cloths or flannels?

St Tropez Perfect Legs Spray Tan

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 17:14:00 +0000

St. Tropez, the experts in self-tan, have launched a fantastic new quick-fix product just in time for Christmas parties and New Year’s Eve. Now I tried St Tropez first quite a long time ago, when I was a teenager and I thought the colour was pretty orange, however times change and products get updated and I think that the shade must have changed somewhat as it certainly doesn't look orange like it did previously.

I was interested in trying the perfect legs spray as it is an instant tan, but also a lasting colour so you can spray it on to give a flawless finish before a night out and then the colour will last as well. The spray is easy to use and you just need to ensure you shake it well before applying and exfoliate the legs as you would before using any other fake tan product.

Now the instructions on the can say to use a mitt and blend over the leg but literally I just used the spray and go method! I also even sprayed a bit over my face and neck and it worked perfectly as it gave a nice even mist of colour.

You need to wait until it is dry before you get dressed and then wait 4-8 hours before getting wet. And that's it! So if you don't have time to book in for a spray tan before your Christmas parties then I would definitely give this a buy, it does say it's for legs but I tested it out on my face too and saw no difference or reason why you couldn't use it everywhere.

This is a great handy product to keep in the drawer, it would be good to share with your flatmate, mum or sister or even your other half if they like a bit of fake tan!

St Tropez perfect legs spray is £10 and available from Superdrug and

http://www.st-tropez.com/perfect-legs

Disclaimer: provided free for review

Disclaimer - item provided for free for review